Travel Destination: Switzerland
About Switzerland
When you say Alpine peaks, precision time movement, chocolates, banks and long history of neutrality there is only one country that comes to mind—Switzerland, bordered by Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. It is a multicultural country that has four national languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh). It’s fair to say that Switzerland has cultural bits and pieces of the countries surrounding it.
Switzerland is gifted with a gentle hilly terrain, sparkling large lakes and partly forested lands. Its valleys are stunning usually accompanied by waterfalls and glaciers and climate that ranges from temperate to Mediterranean.
A major international gateway to Switzerland is the Zurich Airport followed by Geneva-Cointrin and Basel-Mulhouse Airport. You can go around the city using the metro, taxi and travelling through its waterways is also enjoyable. Switzerland’s capital is Bern (or Berne). The language in this city is German. The Old City of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a medieval part where the country’s tallest cathedral is found. It also houses the federal, municipal and cantonal government. Notable buildings and sites to explore are the Münster of Berne, a Protestant cathedral in Gothic style built in 1421; the Zytglogge tower (built around 1218) which served as prison, guard tower, clock tower and centre of urban life; the Federal Palace of Switzerland or the Parliament buildings; the city’s oldest bridge still in existence, the Untertorbrücke (originally built in 1256); the Nydegg Church built in 1190 and the 100 fountains around the city, eleven of which were built during the Renaissance.
Global cities Geneva, Basel and Zurich are Switzerland’s economic centres. The largest city is Zürich also known as the country’s cultural capital. The Kunsthaus museum of fine arts exhibits the city’s art heritage. Various activities await the zealous travellers, clubs are great this side of the country. You can also indulge in chocolate shopping or have a glorious tan by sunbathing along its serene lake.
On the northwest part is Basel, a modern art haven that houses significant modern buildings. The Old Town of Basel is a heritage site and there are many churches, monasteries, secular buildings, museums and archaeological sites to keep you busy. Basel residents are German-speaking.
Geneva is popularly known as the “Peace Capital” and the most compact metropolis in the world. It has impressive art galleries, modern city amenities and fabulous cuisine. The seat of United Nations European headquarters is right here.
Lucerne has timber bridges and old town vibe so feel free to stroll the city. Jive to the jazzy mood of Montreux in July or visit the Chateau de Chillon anytime of the year. The Jungfrau Region offers its peaks Monch and Eiger to anybody who wants to get close to nature. Rheinfall is Europe’s largest waterfall and it can be viewed while cruising along the Rhine. The cathedral complex by the St. Gallen is a stunning vista and provides a lovely yet quaint centre. The church of Kloster St. Johann in Mustair shows off Romanesque and Carolingian frescoes. The rich and famous spend quality R&R in St. Moritz, so why not give it a try? The Ticcio lakes of Valle Maggia spoil its visitors with grey stone villages, awesome waterfalls, brooks and gastronomic delights.
Switzerland stands for many things beautiful and when you get the chance, why not find out about it?