Switzerland


Other names:Switzerland, Suisse, Schweiz, Suiza, Zwitserland, Svizzera
Capital:Berne
Area: 41284km2
Population: 7261200
Language: French, Swiss-German, Italian, Rhaeto-Romanic
Currency: Swiss Franc

What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? Is it the dramatic landscapes and quaint country settings? Or is it the unique French, German and Italian cultural influences? Maybe it’s the historic castles and heritage?




Navigate Switzerland’s regions:



Basel Region : The fascinating city. Encounter the best of modern art and architecture at every step. Savour cherries fresh from nearby orchards and asparagus from the Alsace.




Summer
Swimming - in the Rhine!
The Rhine is both a vital waterway and a local place for recreation. The Rhine is not only a major trade artery. As a large body of water, the Rhine makes an important environmental and personal impact, contributing greatly to the high quality of life that Basel can offer its guests and residents. Consider the exceptionally mild climate, especially glorious on sunny days, with which the city is blessed. The Rhine offers valuable space to relax, to indulge in sports or just simply to enjoy life.
Mediterranean Basel
Discovering Basel is a feast for all the senses. Living where they do at the meeting point of three countries, its people have a great deal of savoir-vivre. Good food and drink are as important to them as art and culture. When the museums and shops close their doors, Basel shows its more exuberant side. Young and old plunge headlong into the lively nightlife of the city. There is something for everybody to enjoy.
Hikes and rambles
The undulating green hills of the Jura, the broad plateaux with their magnificent views, and also the Laufental valley to the south of Basel, are delightful walking areas far away from any hustle and bustle. Here you can enjoy the rural idyll on well-signposted paths. On your way you can take a rest in one of the small farming villages that come into view on the horizon.
Christmas in Basel - a Heavenly Gift
With its many glittering shop windows, facades and pine trees, Basel glows in the light of Christmas. Not only the lively Old Town is lit up by the magnificent illuminations, the decorations of shops and the facades of many buildings are also radiant with light. In the heart of the city is the attractive Basel Christmas market with a special atmosphere of its city with more than 100 gaily illuminated stands and wooden booths.
Basel Fasnacht - or when a city goes wild
The famous Basel Fasnacht carnival, which lasts for only three days but for which the city prepares for 362 days with a great deal of passion and creativity, is a truly unforgettable experience.
Basel - The Heart of Europe
Make Basel the starting point for your tour of Europe and Switzerland. In less than an hour you can reach not only Zurich, Lucerne and Berne but also Strasbourg, Colmar and Freiburg im Breisgau. The Black Forest and Alsace are only a short hop from Basel. In little more than an hour you can also reach the main skiing areas. For Basel is at the heart of Europe.
Bernese Oberland Where nature and holidays come together. Waterfalls crash down sheer cliff sides. Glacier-fed creeks force their way through th narrow Rosenlaui and Aare canyons.

Summer

Where nature and holidays come together. Waterfalls crash down sheer cliff sides. Glacier-fed creeks force their way through th narrow Rosenlaui and Aare canyons.
Sail boats roll and excursion steamers leave their wakes on the turquoise waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz. And on the shores, in tributary valleys and on sunny ledges, you’ll discover picturesque villages of richly decorated chalets and guest houses in what surely is the embodiment of Swiss-style comfort and serenity. Delight in the best local art, in castles that are silent witnesses to wealth gone by, and in lovingly restored hotel palaces from the early days of tourism. Deep, dark forests end at the foot of rocky peaks, while cows graze under the ancient Alpine maple trees. Mountain lakes like jewels reflect towering white peaks, and above it all reigns the majestic chain of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Welcome to the Bernese Oberland.
Winter

Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau - famous and resounding names all. Kleine Scheidegg, Schilthorn, Lauberhorn and Männlichen have skiing on top-flight downhill runs in the higher reaches of the Alps.

More gentle skiing can be found in the Simmental, Saanenland and Frutigland regions and on the sun terraces of Hasliberg, Axalp and Beatenberg. High peaks briefly disappear behind a feathering of snow. Mountain railways afford spectacular panoramic views that, in his day, impressed even James Bond. Ice climbing in glacier crevices gets you in touch with your inner self. Ski sailing lets you leave the ground now and then, without danger. Ski tours take you to the untouched world of mountain peaks. Dreamy villages show their homely, friendly faces along the way. Famous holiday resorts and traditional destinations such as Interlaken or Gstaad entice you with their top-level entertainment, and children are always king in Europe’s playground. The Bernese Oberland makes every one of your winter fairytales come true.
Central Switzerland Unlimited freedom. Switzerland was born when the good people of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance at the Rütli.

Centrally located, Lucerne is easy to reach. Once you’ve arrived, you may want to linger in the picturesque old town, which is car-free and small enough to be explored on foot.

Hotel Alpha in Lucerne, central Switzerland
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Hotel de la Paix in Lucerne, central Switzerland
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Pension Rösli in Lucerne, central Switzerland
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Geneva The world’s smallest metropolis. Cosmopolitan Geneva - a world of its own, a world for everyone, quite apart from the rest of Switzerland.

Geneva’s most famous monument, The Jet d’eau, is the world’s tallest water fountain and provides a constant landmark for exploring the city. Geneva’s ancient Old Town offers a living glimpse of the past while Geneva’s more than thirty museums and art galleries capture the rich and vibrant history of the city including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO). For a change of pace take a cruise on the lake or relax in one of Geneva’s man waterfront parks.
As well, be sure to check out Geneva’s famed Market Street to buy a Swiss watch or just window shop. Whatever your interest, Geneva has a wide range of hotel options to accommodate your stay offering renowned service and easy access to the city’s major sites.

Geneva is the perfect home base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Whether you enjoy boating, hiking, biking, wine tasting or are looking for the ultimate Switzerland ski vacation, Geneva offers easy access to paradise as well as numerous organized tours. Day trips to the nearby towns of Montreux, Chamonix and Lausanne are also popular.
Geneva walking tour

This comprehensive walking tour begins on the shores of Lake Leman along Geneva’s right bank with stunning views of the Alps beyond and the towering Jet d’Eau – the world’s tallest fountain. The tour continues along Geneva’s park-like promenades and on across the of the Rhone River into Geneva’s ritzy shopping and banking district. After that it’s on to Geneva’s Old Town, a gothic maze of cobblestone streets topped by historic Saint Pierre’s Cathedral and the Town Hall where the League of Nations and the Red Cross were founded. Finally wander down along the old city walls to Geneva’s theater district and center of culture at Place Neuve. We end the tour in beautiful Bastions Park for a glimpse of Reformation Wall containing the effigies of Geneva’s founding fathers. Download here: Walki-Talki : Geneva walking tour
Geneva’s Top Ten

The Lake – Stroll the promenades around the lake and soak up the atmosphere. Take a dip at Bains de Paquis or just relax in one of the lakeside parks or cafes. For a unique perspective on the city, take a one or two hour boat cruise around the lake.
The Old Town – Stop into Saint Peter’s Cathedral and then just wander the maze of cobblestone streets and discover Geneva’s secrets for yourself. For more a more historical perspective, head to the Art and History Museum or the Maison Tavel – the oldest house in the city. Make sure to leave some time to check out wonderful antique boutiques located throughout the old town..
The United Nations Building and Red Cross Museum – Take a tour of the European Headquarters of the United Nations followed up by a visit to the Red Cross Museum across the street. Be sure to take note of the many sculptures as you wander the grounds in between including the “Broken Chair” monument to land mine victims at Place des Nations.
Carouge – Hop across the L’Arve River to the Bohemian burg of Carouge modeled after Nice, France and filled with quaint boutiques where you can actually observe the artisans at work in their studios. Relax in one of Carouge’s artsy cafes or hang around until after dark to party in one the neighborhood’s famous jazz clubs.
Bastions Park and Place Neuve – Enjoy the park and be sure to pay reverence to Reformation Wall on the east side along the old city wall. Test your skill at the life size chessboards or relax at the pavilion café before heading out the gates to Place Neuve, home to Geneva’s oldest and most beautiful performance and exhibition halls.
Window Shopping on Rue de Rive and Rue du Rhone – Gawk at the fashions and jewelry lining Geneva’s most extravagant streets, but try not to look at the price tags. Repose at one of the cafés at Place du Molard or Place de la Fusterie for some first class people watching.
Paquis and Les Grottes – Explore Geneva’s most international districts located just north and east of Gare Cornavin. Try one of the area’s many ethnic restaurants and don’t forget the shopping. The Schtrumpfs Building located at 23-29 Rue Louis-Favre in Les Grottes is a fantastical architectural icon that defies description.
Plainpalais Flea Market – Mingle with the locals at Geneva’s largest outdoor flea market open Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 08:00 to 17:00 rain or shine. Antiques, records, vintage clothing and other curios await savvy bargain hunters.
The Saleve – Ride the gondola up Geneva’s backyard mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps and the city below. Of course if you’re feeling fit, you can hike up along one of the Saleve’s many marked trails.
Get Out – Take a bike or boat ride to any of Lake Geneva’s other lakeside paradises or hop on an excursion bus at Gare Routiere to visit one of Switzerland’s famous mountain towns
Ticino / Tessin
The Ticino is Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking canton. It is easily accessible from Zurich, Lucerne, Berne, Geneva and Milano (Italy). The areas around its two lakes, Lago di Lugano and Lago Maggiore, enjoy a distinct Mediterranean climate where palms and citrus trees grow; figs, olives and vineyards are cultivated, and other tropical vegetation flourishes. The architecture throughout Ticino is Renaissance and Baroque, and the atmosphere is very Italian.


The Ticino is divided by Mount Ceneri: the area to the north is the Sopraceneri (Above Ceneri), that to the south is called Sottoceneri (Below Ceneri).

The main attractions are the lakeside resorts of Acona/Locarno and Lugano, where mountain scenery merges with the subtropical flora encouraged by the warm climate. The cantonal capital Bellinzona and the quiet valleys of Alto Ticino also hold a great deal of charm. Ticino is known for its ancient churches in hamlets and villages across the canton. Many of them are Romanesque and contain medieval frescoes, and most featuring huge external murals of St Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
Ticino means mild climate, unique natural contrasts and varied landscapes. The Ticino River, which gives its name to the Canton, begins in the Gotthard Region amid steep gorges and deeply carved valleys. Ticino is divided into four regions: Bellinzona, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and the Mendrisiotto in the very south. Each region offers different and special scenery, and deserves to be explored. Ticino’s flora is typified by the coexistence of plants of both Alpine and Mediterranean origin. It is the most interesting botanical region in Switzerland, for its subtropical climate. 2,300 hours of sunshine per year promote the growth of cypress, palm trees, camellias, mimosas and magnolias and chestnuts (just to list a few). Spring arrives earlier in Ticino and autumn lingers longer than in the rest of Switzerland. The Ticino lakes are the work of gigantic receding glaciers. Both the Lugano and Maggiore Lakes are shared with Italy. The sharp blue winter sky seems bigger through the lake’s reflection; the early morning mists of spring which swirl above the lake are chased by the summer breezes, and in the autumn evenings, the explosive red of the setting sun mixes in the water with its pastel reflection. Ticino’s mountains are characterized by steep ascents and sharp angles. Granite and, in some places, marble are quarried out of the cliffs. The alpine pastures are a special treat; mostly accessible only during the summer months. Water is an important element especially in the northern valleys where alpine springs and lakes are the source of great waterfalls and torrents.
Ticinese architects are internationally recognized and many contemporary objects can be seen in the urban as well as in the more rural areas. Some explain the high quality of many contemporary buildings in Ticino through the epic work of the migrant workers who, already in 643 AD, traveled all over Europe designing and constructing great buildings and whole cities. After World War II, the building boom enabled a new generations of Ticino architects to make a name for themselves. Ticino has made itself a recognized name for itself in the architectural world, lead by names as Mario Botta and Aurelio Galfetti. In 1996 the Academy of Architecture opened its doors in Mendrisio, as part of Ticino’s new university.

Valais

The VALAIS (Wallis in German; Vallese in Italian) is Switzerland’s third-largest canton, a diverse swathe of country occupying the valley – hence the name – of the River Rhône, from its source in the glaciers of the central Alps all the way to its inflow to Lake Geneva. Fully twenty percent of the canton is covered by glaciers, and yet the region has the driest climate, with the lowest rainfall and the most sunshine, of the whole country.

The artificial irrigation system set in place by the valley dwellers in the Middle Ages – a vast network of channels, called bisses in French and Suonen in Swiss-German – still weaves a cat’s cradle over the foothills of the high mountains, supplemented these days by half-a-dozen of the tallest and highest-altitude dams in the world. For the Swiss, the Valais somehow represents a piece of common heritage all but lost elsewhere in the country: in the most unlikely corners of Geneva or Zürich, you can find restaurants done up as traditional Valaisian-style darkwood chalets, complete with windowboxes full of geraniums and farm tools as decoration on the walls, serving up the local speciality raclette under a nameboard “Chalet Valaisanne” or “Walliser Stube”. The dryness and sunshine of the valley are ideal vine-growing conditions, and the canton’s 22,000 vineyard owners are famous for producing some of the finest wine in the country.

Where mountains rise into the sky


Fantastic routes, breathtaking vistas: experiences that await the traveler on the Glacier-Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, and on the William Tell-Express from Lucerne to Lugano/Locarno, first by ship and then by train. Also unforgettable: The Bernina, the Palm and the Golden Pass Express.



The glow of the Alps at sunset
The world of the Swiss Alps is a world of wild beauty. Mountain peaks soar more than 4,000 meters into the sky. Awe-inspiring glaciers and gigantic rock-formations abound. Frothy streams rush down mountains, without premonition of the oceans into which they flow. Waterfalls thunder into valleys. The reflection of windswept pines and larch trees shimmer on the blue surface of mountain lakes. The vivid colors of mountain flowers dot Alpine meadows. Sun-blackened chalets beckon by the roadside and invite you to rest awhile. Cogwheel trains and airy gondolas effortlessly reach the top of the highest peaks. Come on board, wander back on foot on the mountain trails!
The delights of the Alpine lakes
Crystal-clear water glitters in the sunlight, pristine beaches entice you to go for a swim. Sailboats leave a trail in their wake on the water. Steam boats travel from shore to shore. Chalets and inns with shady gardens invite you to stay. Wherever you go, the next lake is waiting around the corner!

Southern ambience
South of the Alps Mediterranean style awaits you: Italian “Dolce Vita”, outdoor cafes on lively plazas, laughter, conversation, happiness. Clean beaches with palm trees. Promenades for leisurely walks. Romanesque churches. Houses with stone-dotted roofs in pristine side-valleys. The most modern architecture wherever you go.

Gently rolling hills and vast valleys
Forests, hills, rivers, fertile soil and grazing cows, vibrant cities full of hustle and bustle: this is the heart of Switzerland, between the Alps and the crescent of the Jura mountains. Huge farmhouses, adorned with window boxes full of colorful flowers, define this region just as much as the large urban centers of Zurich, Bern and Basel with their rich cultural offerings and modern industry. Medieval arcades preside over stores and boutiques aligned like pearls on a string and over the pulsating life of the cities. Modern architecture can be found next to original Old Town quarters: Botta and Le Corbusier are to be seen not far from Roman ruins, Mediaeval castles and Baroque cathedrals. Everything is close by and easily reached.
French Flair
Vineyards stretch in a wide arc downhill toward Lake Geneva. The shores of Lake Geneva are dotted with romantic villages, castles with mighty ramparts and elegant cities with an urbane culture. A whiff of Paris, a dash of France is in the air. Here alpine panorama and southern vegetation unite in unique harmony. And the pristine mountain world of the Waadtland Alps, or the quiet peaks of the Jura are just a short journey away.
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