Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just seven million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from dangerously delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss army knife, another popular export from this clever little nation in the Alps.Switzerland's famed political neutrality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. These factors also gave rise to the coveted Swiss bank account, whose anonymity, along with tax relief and what may be the safest banks in the world, have made Zürich one of Europe's major financial hubs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences - Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers top ski resorts like Zermatt and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping, while nightlife can prove to be a lot of fun, too, since the Swiss like their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs.Switzerland’s political model is based on consensus-building, and considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Rumantsch, the country’s peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, there are signs that they are increasingly willing to get more deeply involved in world affairs and deploy on the international stage the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically. The most obvious sign is that Switzerland finally became a member of the United Nations in 2002 .
Lugano
Vals
When To Go
You can visit Switzerland any time throughout the year. Summer lasts roughly from June to September and offers the most pleasant climate for outdoor pursuits. Unfortunately, you won't be the only tourist during this period, so prices can be high, accommodation hard to find and the mainstream sights crowded. You'll find much better deals and fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons of April-May and late-September-October.
At any time, as you travel around the country you'll hit many different climatic conditions. The continental climate in the Alps tends to show the greatest extremes between summer and winter. Mid-August to late October generally has fairly settled weather, and is a good period for hiking trips.
If you're keen on winter sports, resorts in the Alps begin operating in early December, move into full swing around Christmas, and close down when the snow begins to melt in April.
Martigny by night
Night over the Limmat River,looking towards the Fraumunster
Some of the places you should see:
1.Geneva
Nope, Geneva is not Switzerland's capital, despite what many think. This chic, sleek, cosmopolitan lakeside city is, in fact, only Switzerland's third-largest city and has an overwhelmingly international feel: 43.4% of the population is from elsewhere.
The city is crowded with museums, has many excellent cultural events and is ideally placed for quick hops to the Swiss and French Alps. Basking in the sunshine of its peaceful setting on Lake Geneva's banks, this acclaimed neutral territory displays an obvious self-confidence. It is in pristine condition, clean, efficient and safe, yet spirited in its style and love of adventure.
2.Champex
An idyllic and tranquil retreat high up in the Swiss mountains, Champex Lac offers a picturesque village surrounded by woods. It is an ideal location to simply escape from the pressures of the modern world and wind down. It is also a wonderful place for families.During the summer the lake is the focal point of the village. Boats are available to hire and there is fishing too. Or you may simply want to sit in a local bar or café beside the lake and soak up some mountain sunshine. Other summer activities include tennis, swimming, cycling and of course walking.
3. Lucerne
'Lucerna' in Italian, 'Luzern' in Swiss-German, 'Lucerne' in French. 'Alpine splendour' in all languages. Lapped by scenic Lake Lucerne and surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains - a picture of this once small fishing village and its striking skyline epitomises the very essence of Switzerland.
Charming Lucerne has an 'Old Town' centre of 15th-century buildings with painted facades, towers, a 17th-century Renaissance town hall, old squares and postcard-perfect medieval bridges adorned with rooftop art. When tour guides in medieval costume appear, Lucerne is occasionally vaguely reminiscent of Venice, but it rarely gets too busy with tourists. There are also some fine art galleries and museums. Northeast of the city centre is the poignant Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss soldiers who died in the French Revolution.
4.Zurich
We know what you're thinking, but honestly this is not the boring banking capital it's reputed to be. In fact Zürich is - whisper it softly - surprisingly hip and trendy. Hundreds of new bars, restaurants and clubs have opened since planning laws were changed in the late 1990s and Zürich now hosts Europe's largest annual street party.
Admittedly, the first impression, of a small, clean and orderly metropolis with church steeples above a crystal-blue river and lake, is pleasant rather than exciting. But then you're struck by the happy noise of the cobbled Niederdorfstrasse, on the eastern riverbank, and won over by the hedonism around the lake.
5.Martigny
Martigny (German: Martinach) is the capital of the primarily French-speaking district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
It lies at an elevation of 475 meters. Its population is of approximately 15000 inhabitants (Martignerains or "Octoduriens"). Martigny is located at a crossroad between Italy, France and Switzerland, one road linking this town over the Great St. Bernard Pass to Aosta (Italy), and the other one, over the col du Trient to Chamonix (France). In winter, Martigny is appreciated for its nearby ski resorts like Verbier.
Flueli
Le Locle
Although Switzerland is a small country, travelling times are often longer than expected. Taking the shortest way is not always an option in mountainous regions. Particularly in the south, where the highest mountains are situated, you will often be dependant on tunnels and passes. In winter time, drivers should take into account that some passes are closed. Car trains can sometimes be used instead. In other cases, you will have to make a detour through a road which is still passable. Some car train services are available outside the winter season as well. A car train makes your trip more expensive but can be a time saver and will spare you from crossing a difficult pass. This form of transport is offered more and more, especially for freight traffic. The Swiss tend to choose for rail transportation instead of road transportation more often when building or improving major transit routes. Crossing a pass is a great experience. Often there is a magnificent view and the landscape above the timberline is rough and impressive. It is advisable to get some information about the quality of the road in advance. Many passes can easily be crossed in summer. Others are a bit more difficult due to small roads, narrow curves and steep slopes. For this reason, some passes are not accessible for home trailers. Switzerland has excellent expressways, but there are quite some areas without any expressways at all. This goes for many parts of Graubünden (among others). Gas stations offer diesel and unleaded fuel ("Bleifrei 95" and "Bleifrei 98"). LPG is only available from 57 gas stations (as of February 2005). In general, fuel is cheaper at gas stations that are not located along an expressway. Fuel is about CHF 0.40/liter cheaper in the tax-free enclave of Samnaun in Graubünden.
Champex
Emosson
Fionnay (above), Geneva (below)
Eisson-morning light
Some Annual Events in
Switzerland:
Event: La Tchaux Carnival
Venue: La Chaux-de-Fonds
Dates: March 31 - April 2, 2006
This carnival celebrates the end of winter and is characterized by many colorful parades accompanied by great music. Enjoyment and revelry become the order of the day as people celebrate this lively carnival.
Event: Salon des Inventions
Venue: Geneva
Dates: April 6 - 10, 2006
Hosted by the Palexpo Exhibition Centre in Geneva, this fair showcases new inventions and technologies. It also provides a good platform for inventors to market their products in a big way.
Event: Triftji Bump Bash
Venue: Zermatt
Dates: April 14 - 17, 2006
Enjoy being part of this grand event that is held every year on the slopes surrounding the 3000-meter high Triftji glacier. The event also sees some excellent skiing and snowboarding feats by a number of participants.
Event: Lausanne Carnival
Venue: Lausanne
Dates: April 16 - 24, 2006
Enjoy three full days of fun, food, street theatre, confetti fights, music and DJ nights. Besides, the carnival is also characterized by a number of colorful processions that are a sight to watch.
Event: Patrouille des Glaciers
Venue: Valais
Dates: April 26 - 30, 2006 (held every two years)
Be part of this exciting event that sees groups of highly experienced skiers make their way through the Haute Route along the Swiss-Italian border.
Event: Geneva Book Fair
Venue: Geneva
Dates: April 27 - May 1, 2006
Held at the famed Palexpo Exhibition Centre, this annual event brings together many international publishers and writers. A number of parallel events are also held at this fair that attracts around 125,000 visitors every year.
Oderhofen
Val des Dix
St Martin
Zermatt
Over the Alps
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