In the mood for quaint country settings against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes? How about a fascinating cornucopia of unique cultures - French, German, and Italian? Or perhaps, you just want to hike along trails with breathtaking vistas? Or pamper yourself in the lap of luxury?
When you are in Switzerland, you can take your pick from among any of these wonderful offerings.
Geography
Bordered to the north by Germany, to the west by France, to the south by Italy, and to the east by Austria and Liechtenstein, Switzerland is a country with a strong tradition of political and military neutrality. However, don’t let Switzerland’s neutrality fool you. The country is by no means flavorless.
As a landlocked country, Switzerland is particularly known for its mountains. In the south are the spectacular snow-capped Alps and in the northwest is the magnificent Jura. But besides mountains, Switzerland also has a central plateau, composed of plains, large lakes, and rolling hills.
Language
Switzerland has four official languages - German, French, Italian, and the little known “Romansh,” which is a close relative of Latin. So no, there is no such thing as a “Swiss language.” You can do better with English as most Swiss people speak it. However, it always best to learn at least one of the languages that the locals speak. In this case, German is your best bet. There are many schools and institutions that offer courses in the German language as well as other languages of the world.
Getting There
There are three major airports that service international flights. These are found in Geneva, Zurich and Basel. You can also get in the country through any of the smaller airports in Bern and Lugano. Switzerland’s Flagcarrier is called SWISS, a member of Star Alliance and successor of the famous Swissair.
Another mode of entry to Switzerland is by railway. Trains are extremely common and they arrive from everywhere in Europe. As one of the two most central-lying countries in Europe (Germany being the other one), Switzerland proves to be a hub of railways and highways to the rest of Europe.
Getting Around
Switzerland has one of the best transportations in the world. Their trains are swift and always prompt. Their buses are clean. And they have nearly half a dozen different kinds of transport systems that go through the mountains.
Note that while many of the bus routes go through the scenic Alps, there is actually no intercity bus network. Moreover, you are also given a multitude of discount options, such as half fare cards, multi-use tickets, and multi-day cards.
Generally, there is at least one train or bus on every route every hour. In fact, there are routes where buses and trains are running every 30 minutes. So you will truly have no problem getting around Switzerland.
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Switzerland Tours
... are the best way to get to know what's going on down in the Land of the Alps. However, many people balk at the idea of signing up for Switzerland tours, thinking that the expenses involved make it also the quickest way to drain your cash reserves. Well, that's just wrong. There are many Switzerland tours that offer all the ins and outs without necessarily burning a hole in your pocket. Here are a few websites that offer Switzerland tours well within budget: SwitzerlandTours.net Switzerland Tours Net offers three kinds of tours: by tourist destinations, by tour packages, by adventure sports, and by hotels in Switzerland. Visit places like Geneva, Zurich, Lugano, Locarno, Lucerne, Switzerland and St. Moritz if you choose the Switzerland tour by destination. If you already have an idea exactly what you want from your Switzerland vacation, perhaps you can find what you're looking for in their Switzerland Tour Packages, which include Honeymoon in Switzerland, Peaks of...
Map Of Switzerland
... the corresponding boxes provided in the website's search tool. LonelyPlanet.com Whenever you need travel information about a particular destination, one of the first places to visit is always Lonely Planet. As a travel website, Lonely Planet is a premier website that offers reliable information about the places you want to visit with tips from other "lonely planeteers" out there, including lists of top places to check out, sights to see, activities to enjoy, foods, and other miscellaneous stuff that travel magazines and brochures wouldn't normally cover. Now, being one of the must-go-to online sites to visit when planning a vacation, Lonely Planet has everything you need to map out your dream vacation. If they have lists of things you can see and do in Switzerland, they also have informative resources, such as a map of Switzerland which you can download and print out. Lonely Planet's map of Switzerland is simple but detailed enough to give you an idea on the country's geography. In addition to Switzerland showing you some...
Travel Information In Switzerland
... Like Switzerland any other expensive place around the world, there are always some things a traveler can do to lighten up the load of the travel expenses. With the help of some important travel information in Switzerland, one may just be able to give the country a shot for their next European holiday. Here's some main travel information in Switzerland that may be helpful for that next trip: Switzerland Accommodations One of the important travel information in Switzerland is its accommodations. Switzerland accommodations have a tendency to be expensive. Usually, hotels located near train stations are not as many as those in most other countries. It is advisable that one checks the hotel before agreeing to it. Switzerland hotel rooms also tend to be smaller but there are normally more available services. Hotel rates include taxes, services, and at times breakfast but make sure you ask if it is included. The majority of Switzerland hotels are members of the Swiss...
Skiing In Switzerland
... attractive hotels and friendly hosts. In addition to the 1,620-3,882 meters of skiing right at its doorstep, the Zermatt may also prove to be a great starting point for skiing in Italy with no less than 62 mountain trains providing you access across the border. Andermatt-Gotthard For the most reliable areas for snow cover in Switzerland, Andermatt in the Ursern Valley is the place to go. The Valley is surrounded by the magnificent mountain passes of Gotthard, Furka, and Oberalp, offering you a total of 74 km of descents and pistes. With so much ground to cover, you can rest assured that you will enjoy skiing in Switzerland, especially at Andermatt, whether you are a beginner, advanced or expert. The powder snow lasts until late in the spring, so you can actually book your vacation when the season is almost over to get a better deal. Adelboden At 1,350 m above sea level, the idyllic chalet...
Switzerland Flag
... of arms and on a flag as well as direct immediacy - that is, direct subordination to the emperor without going through the counts. In 1240, one of the founding members of the Old Swiss Confederacy, the region of Schwyz, was granted immediacy and was permitted to carry a red flag. Later in 1289, the region supported King Rudolf of Habsburg in a war against Burgundy. As recognition of their contribution, the emperor granted them the right to represent the crucifixion of Christ and the tools used to torture him. At first, these symbols were painted on parchment and fastened it on the Switzerland flag. Later on, the cross symbol was painted directly on the Switzerland flag itself. For a long time, the Switzerland flag was of this fashion. However, in 1798, the Swiss Revolution broke. Afterwards, much of the old structures of Swiss governance was abolished to be replaced with a centralistic democracy. Like all revolutionary governments, the newly formed Helvetic Republic adopted a tricolor...
Switzerland Chocolate
... chocolate factories appeared all over the western regions before the end of the century. Places like Vevey, Lausanne, Morges, and the Blenio Valley in canton Ticino were the first sites of Switzerland chocolate factories with the first chocolate shop opening in Bern in 1792. How Switzerland Switzerland Chocolate Goes From Tree to Sweet Switzerland chocolate comes from the beans of the pod-bearing cacao tree. After harvest and removing the beans from the pods, they are left to ferment for some days in order to remove some of the bitterness. Fermentation is followed by sun-drying, after which the beans are crushed, their husks removed. Then, the beans are roasted, grinded, and liquefied to produce a thick paste, known as "chocolate liquor." By the end of the whole process, the Switzerland chocolate mixer has three ingredients at hand: * Cocoa paste *...
Lugano Switzerland
... on the eastern side of Lake Lugano. A new roadway has been constructed along the hillside just above the village to connect Lugano to Italy's Lake Como, so what was previously only accessible by foot or by boat can now be accessed by car or even bicycle. Be sure to take the path around the foot of Bre where you will walk or ride past the lovely Path of Flowers and the Park of Olives. Cattedrale San Lorenzo Located below the main train station and right on the Via san Lorenzo, the Cattedrale San Lorenzo and its magnificent spire is one of the most distinctive sights in Lugano Switzerland. The cathedral is unique in Lugano Switzerland in that it has a long history, dating back to 818 A.D., in...
Brienz Switzerland
... touristy town of Interlaken, Brienz Switzerland is a small town nestled in one end of Lake Brienz. Set against the spectacular pastel green of the lake, the town is completely surrounded by misty mountains with white tops like icing on blueberry muffins and waterfalls gushing merrily down rocky crags. Getting There Switzerland has one of the best - if not the best - transit network in all of Europe so getting to the place and getting around is no trouble at all. Switzerland However, if you want the surest way to penetrate Switzerland's mountainous landscape, consider traveling by car. On the other hand, if you want to try the famous Swiss trains, a lot of them intersect with private excursion networks, thus allowing you a comfortable mode of transport as you enjoy the visually stimulating sights on your way to Brienz Switzerland. Another option you have is the yellow postbus. Sturdy and reliable, these buses follow its appointed rounds. If you...
Flag Of Switzerland
... were formally established: "The coat of arms of the federation is, within a red field, an upright white cross, whose arms of equal length are a sixth longer than their width." However, since the time of the Old Swiss Confederacy, the flag of Switzerland bore a white cross, albeit with much details than the plain white cross of today. So how did the flag of Switzerland develop into what it is now? To answer that, we need to take a look at the history of the Swiss people. The Forest Cantons The so-called forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden were the founding members of the Old Swiss Confederacy of 1291. According to history, Emperor Frederick II of the German Empire granted the canton of Schwyz the privilege of carrying a white cross, a holy sign, on its banner in 1240. Documents and Switzerland records reveal that the original white cross was asymmetrical and drawn in great detail with the body of Christ. The white...
Switzerland Travel
... of the Alps. For a country so small, Switzerland is a big name when it comes to enviable quality of life that ticks along like clockwork and its long tradition of political neutrality. Its central location in Europe works to its advantage. Out of all countries in Europe, Switzerland enjoys the distinction of being one of the favorite meeting places for conventions and international conferences. The United Nations has its headquarters in Geneva. Moreover, Zurich remains one of Europe's major financial hubs. However, Switzerland is a haven not just for professionals. Tourists will find that stylish Switzerland travel has a lot to offer from top ski resorts like the celebrity-studded St. Moritz and Zermatt to hiking up the white peaks of mountains set against a backdrop of azure skies. Places like Berne, the ancient capital, provides fascinating sights and elegant shopping on your Switzerland travel. Plus, the country is not without its nightlife that proves fun if you know where to look for the most...
Swiss Watches Switzerland
... kept the industry of Swiss watches Switzerland afloat is the Swiss penchant for good commerce, an ability that is greatly enhanced by their banking system. From the beginning, the making of Swiss watches Switzerland was export-oriented. The Swiss developed the idea of cutting down production costs. What they did was to relegate the making of the component parts to homeworkers or small workshops in villages. After they were done, the parts are then sent to the craftsmen of Geneva, who will then add their finishing touches to the Swiss watches Switzerland. An important thing to note about watches before the advent of wristwatches in the 20th century is that they were more decorative pieces than practical timekeepers. Watches during the early times were highly decorative and they could be worn on chains, looped through a belt, in the pocket, etc. The Swiss watches Switzerland used a technique of applying a layer of transparent enamel over...
Hiking Switzerland
Considered as the greatest hiking Switzerland region of all, Engadine in the canton of Graubunden is located in the southeastern portion of the country. It is a destination prized not only for the spectacular hiking it affords but also for the ambience, culture, and architecture it provides. Where to Stay Unlike in other hiking destinations in the world, backpacking or camping is not a practice in Switzerland. In fact, camping out is banned in most parts of Switzerland. So if you are planning a hiking Switzerland vacation, you'd be better off trying to book accommodation at the myriad of hotels, inns, and chalets available in most hiking spots. Another option available is the berghauses, which are mountain inns offering simple lodging in a remote setting. Berghauses can be charming, providing you with a rare glimpse of what it is like to live in the Swiss Alps...
History Of Switzerland
Europe was lost from the Frankish Carolingian. Consequently, much of Switzerland became a part of one of the great feudal states of the German Kingdom, the duchy of Alemannia. The rest was absorbed by the kingdom of Transjurane Burgundy, which in 1033, was acquired by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II. At this point of the history of Switzerland, the country was no more than a collection of petty states, ruled by either dukes or counts, and sometimes bishops and abbots. Struggle for Independence The turn of the 13th century proved to be a significant turning point in the history of Switzerland for it was in 1276 that the Swiss' traditional liberties were clearly threatened. The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf I of the Habsburg dynasty wanted to acquire the territory that is now Switzerland. To resist this aggression, the three cantons,...
Switzerland Cheap Air Travel
Continental, and US Airways. When searching for Switzerland cheap air travel, do it online as this is one way for you to stay up to date to any new promos or specials that airlines might offer. However, do not limit your search for Switzerland cheap air travel to the Internet alone. There are actually travel agencies that only offer a special deal at the last minute, and that you can only take advantage of through your agent. Switzerland Below are the top places to find Switzerland cheap air travel: JetBlue.com JetBlue airlines first took to the skies in 2000. When it did, few people expected that this airline would make much of an impact. However, the cheap fares, Airbus A320s, easy online ticket-buying technology, leather seats, egalitarian single...
Switzerland Info
... neutrality and liberty that has fashioned an intercontinental atmosphere enjoyed by its visitors, combined with its natural charm, has preserved the country's tourism and has placed it Switzerland continuously as one of the most famous travel destinations of the world. About twenty million tourists from all around the globe visit Switzerland every year for biking, trekking, skiing, mountain climbing, and shopping. Tourists can choose from over three-hundred-fifty villages to visit, hundreds of hiking tails, ski slopes, biking routes, hotels, restaurants, and museums all throughout the country. Some important general Switzerland info for travelers planning to visit the country may be helpful in giving a bird's eye view about the country that includes the following: Switzerland info #1 - Weather Switzerland enjoys an array of regional and local microclimates, mainly due to its mountainous landscape. In the south, Ticino has a warm, Mediterranean weather; however, the majority of the rest of country enjoys a central European weather. During summers, the temperatures are...