Switzerland

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Why visit Switzerland?

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Look past the silk-smooth chocolate and clocks, contemporary Switzerland, land of four languages, is all about epic journeys and sublime experiences. The perfect remedy to rural beauty is a surprise set of cities: capital Bern with its medieval old town and world-class modern art, deeply Germanic Basel and its bold architecture, shopping-chic Geneva astraddle Europe’s largest lake, tycoon-magnet Zug and super-cool Zürich with its rooftop bars and unusual Swiss street gravel. Beard cutting or stone throwing, Paul Klee art or hip club gig: what a euphoric journey indeed.

What does Switzerland bring in mind?

Mount Pilatus

In the Lake Lucerne region, Mount Pilatus is full of legends. The name of the mountain comes from a rumor that the famous biblical Roman governor Pontius Pilate may have been buried there. The 2100 meter peak offers views of the Swiss and French Alps, as well as Lake Lucerne below. The winter boasts a high-altitude Christmas market, and the summer offers hiking opportunities galore.

Jet d’Eau This giant water fountain is one of Geneva’s most famous landmarks. Shooting 140 meters into the air, the Jet d’Eau sits where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone river, and is so large that it can be seen from miles away. Two or three times a year it is illuminated pink, blue or another color to mark a humanitarian occasion. The local swimming area, known as the Bains de Paquis, is one of the best areas to view the fountain.

Grindelwald

The mountain town of Grindelwald is the largest ski resort town in the Jungfrau region. This lovely alpine town is both a summer and winter activity region. Tourists who visit in the summer can enjoy spectacular hiking trails and some of Europe’s most loved rock climbing locations. Winter tourists can ski or even try the local toboggan run. A number of locally accessible mountain peaks and passes make this a beautiful choice for photographers and nature lovers alike. Festival lovers will love the ice sculptures at the world snow festival.

Rhine falls Europe’s largest waterfall, there are viewing platforms that reach out over the falls and allow guests to feel like they’re hovering directly above. A children’s playground, historical museum region and adventure trail make the visitor’s center a wonderful way to cap off the trip.

Interlaken

Interlaken used to be known as a watch making center, its popularity only grew for its spectacular views of three famous Swiss mountains: the Eiger, the Jungfrau and the Monch, the city is also a popular base camp for outdoor activities in the surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps. Hungry tourists may want to try Raclette, a classic Swiss dish made from cheese.

The Bernina Express It is a brightly colored scarlet train that crosses the Alps beginning in the town of Chur and ends in Tirano, just across the border in northern Italy. Arguably the most scenic Swiss train ride, the route takes about 4 hours, and goes over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels. Views of glaciers and mountain peaks and towns, bridges spanning across 60 meter drops and many more breathtaking sights are speeding by outside of the train.

Zytglogge The clock tower gate in Bern is the oldest city gate in town and is a great historical site. The gate was built in the 1100s, and the clock that graces the tower is one of the most spectacular and oldest clocks that can be visited anywhere in the world. Built in 1530, this clock was the city’s master clock for centuries. The Baroque style with gold accents is a beautiful picture for both amateur and professional photographers. The tower boasts an astronomical clock, figurines, hour chimes, and two tower clocks that are all driven by a single central mechanism.

The Jungfraujoch Its highlights include views of spectacular mountain summits like the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, and views of the large Eiger Glacier that nestles below them. The Sphinx observatory, one of the highest astronomical sighting stations in the world, is located here as well. Views are endless and pristine, though amenities are small. There is no place to stay overnight, and just a handful of restaurants.

Matterhorn

The mountain derives its name from the German words Matte, meaning meadow, and Horn, which means peak. With its high summit, lying on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it is one of the highest peaks in the Alps. It is also one of the deadliest peaks in the Alps.

Château de Chillon

It is located on the shores of Lake Geneva. For over four centuries, the water castle was the main fortress that monitored water freight on the lake and guarded the land route to St Bernhard Pass. The castle boasts art from the 14th century, subterranean vaults, 25 separate buildings with three courtyards, and two circular walls. Hundreds of thousands of guests each year tour the castle.

The Chapel Bridge It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and one of main tourist attractions in Switzerland. The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century, depicting events from Luzerne’s history.

Lake Geneva One of the largest lakes in Europe, Lake Geneva lies on the course of the Rhone River on the frontier between France and Switzerland. The main attractions are the lake itself, the cities and towns around the lake and skiing and hiking in mountain ranges.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Switzerland

• Hike through Laufen

• Sip Pinot Noir in Schaffhausen

• Discover Switzerland’s Oldest Town Sion

• Go Hang Gliding at Mount Chasseral

• Watch the Rheinfall Waterfalls

• Marvel at the Alien Artwork at the HR Giger Museum

• Breathe Alpine Air at Oberried am Brienzersee

• Experience the Best Lucerne Attractions

• Listen to Jazz in Montreux

• Explore the Swiss Bernese Oberland

• Spoil yourself in the Roman-Irish baths of Bogn Engiadina, Scuol

• Show Off Your Adventurous Side While Skiing in Verbier

• Rock and Roll in St. Gallen

• Experience the Famous Holiday Region Zermatt

• Enjoy Ancient History and Modern City Simultaneously in Lugano

• Join Fellow Movie Fans at the International Film Festival in Locarno

• Make the most of Kandersteg and Its Stunning Lake Oeschinen

Top cities of Switzerland

Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, will appeal to travelers with an interest in culture since it boasts more than 50 museums and over 100 art galleries. When visitors get tired of shopping for internationally famous Swiss brand-name goods, they can take a boat ride on Lake Zurich or go hiking in the nearby mountains. The city also boasts an impressive number of clubs for travelers who enjoy going out at night.

Lausanne

Athletes with Olympic aspirations may enjoy a visit to Lausanne, a scenic city that is the second largest on Lake Geneva, as it is home to the International Olympic Committee. Lausanne also is the gateway to some of the world’s best ski slopes. A part of the Swiss Riviera, Lausanne has been popular with writers over the centuries, include Lord Byron, the Shelleys and Ernest Hemingway. Located in the French-speaking sector of Switzerland, Lausanne boasts an impressive cathedral and wonderful outdoor markets.

Geneva

Geneva is a city where international influences reign supreme. It is home to the International Red Cross Committee and the European headquarters of the United Nations, as well as 20 other international organizations. Environmental travelers will enjoy the fact that Geneva is a “green” city, with 20 percent of its land devoted to parks, earning it the nickname of “city of parks.” Top sights include the Cathedral of St. Pierre where John Calvin gave famous sermons, and the United Nations headquarters. Geneva also is a good city explore by bike or rest weary feet by taking a boat ride on Lake Geneva.

Lucerne

Lucerne, located in the German-speaking section of Switzerland, is a city that has it all: city life, a lake and mountains. Considered one of the world’s prettiest cities, Lucerne is most famous for its 14th century Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, which is said to be the most photographed monument in Switzerland. Another famous monument is the Dying Lion, which was carved out of rock to honor Swiss mercenaries who died in France in 1792. Hungry visitors may want to try Luzerner Chügelipastete, a local specialty made from puff pastry, veal and mushrooms doused in a cream sauce.

Bern

Bern is a picturesque medieval city with a history that dates back to the 12th century, though it did not become a part of the Swiss Confederacy until the 16th century. Its most famous attraction is the Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with moving puppets. Other popular sites include the Munster, a Gothic cathedral that rises from the old town, and its town hall. The bear is the symbol of Bern, with several being kept in an open-air pit. Shoppers will appreciate the old town that boasts four miles of arcades, making it one of the longest covered shopping areas in Europe.

Lugano

Lugano has been nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland,” because of its growing popularity with celebrities. The city is located on Lake Lugano, in the Italian speaking section of this alpine country. Lugano, which is blessed with warm summers, dates back to the 9th century. The city is home to a large number of Swiss heritage sites, including three cathedrals, two libraries and several museums. Home to numerous financial institutions, the city also hosts an annual classical music festival, the Lugano Festival, in the summer.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a small town that is famous for skiing and mountaineering due to its proximity to the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland’s highest mountains. Cable cars whisk skiers up surrounding mountains in the winter and hikers in the summer. Zermatt is a good town for walking to various sites, since gasoline-driven vehicles are not permitted; any vehicles within the city limits must be battery-operated.