Switzerland - the gold standard
General information
Switzerland is a small country in the heart of Europe, famous for the Alps, its lakes, precision watches and towns where medieval architecture coexists with modern culture. The country is landlocked, but it has some of the most impressive mountain scenery in Europe.
Switzerland borders Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Its location also explains its great cultural diversity - the country has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
The capital is Bern, but the best-known tourist centres include Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt and Lugano. Different parts of the country have their own character - from the French feel around Lake Geneva to the Italian atmosphere of Ticino.
Climate
The climate varies considerably with altitude and region. In the lowlands summer is pleasant and green, while in the Alps the weather is cooler and more changeable. Winter brings snow to the mountains and makes Switzerland one of Europe's classic winter sports destinations.
June to September is ideal for mountain hiking, city sightseeing and trips around the lakes. December to March is the preferred period for the ski resorts, although conditions depend on altitude.
Spring and autumn are quieter seasons, especially good for city breaks and train journeys, when nature also offers beautiful views.
Culture and history
Switzerland has an unusual political history. The country is a federation of cantons that gradually united into a confederation over the centuries. The modern federal state was founded in 1848.
Bern is the federal city and one of the most interesting historic capitals in Europe. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its arcades, medieval streets, the Zytglogge clock tower and the Federal Parliament building.
One of Bern's most beautiful features is its covered arcades, which stretch for kilometres. They make a walk around the centre pleasant even in bad weather.
Zurich is the largest city in the country and its main financial and economic centre. The city lies on Lake Zurich and combines a historic centre, museums, galleries, shops and a modern urban culture.
Geneva has a different character. Set on Lake Geneva and close to the French border, it is an international city and home to many international organisations. One of its symbols is the huge Jet d'Eau fountain, which rises above the lake.
Geneva is also linked to the history of international diplomacy. The city is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and many other international institutions.
Lucerne is one of the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. Set on the lake of the same name and surrounded by mountains, it is known for the wooden Chapel Bridge, one of the most recognisable historic structures in the country.
From Lucerne you can take trips to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. Mountain railways and cable cars make the area easily accessible even for visitors with no hiking experience.
One of Switzerland's great advantages is its rail transport. Trains link the cities with the mountain regions, and some routes are a tourist experience in themselves.
Among the best known is the Glacier Express, which connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. The journey passes through Alpine valleys, over bridges and through tunnels and is one of the classic experiences for visitors.
Zermatt is among the most famous mountain resorts. The town sits at the foot of the Matterhorn - one of the most recognisable mountains in the world. The Matterhorn is 4,478 metres high, and its distinctive silhouette has become a symbol of the Swiss Alps.
Zermatt is known both for winter sports and for mountain hiking in summer. The centre of the resort is free of combustion-engine cars, which adds to its peaceful atmosphere.
Interlaken is another important base for travelling around the Alps. Set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the town is surrounded by high mountains and is popular with adventure seekers.
From the area you can reach the Jungfraujoch - a high mountain saddle known as the "Top of Europe". The railway line reaches a station at more than 3,400 metres above sea level.
Switzerland is known not only for its mountains but also for its lakes. Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne and Lake Maggiore are among the most visited. Lake Maggiore is partly in Italy, and around it the Italian influence is strongly felt.
Lugano is the main town of the Swiss canton of Ticino. Palm trees, the lake and the architecture create an atmosphere that at times recalls northern Italy. It is one of the best examples of how different the various parts of Switzerland can be.
The country also has strong cultural traditions. Zurich, Geneva and Basel are important centres for art and museums. Basel is also known for Art Basel - one of the most important international events for contemporary art.
Swiss cuisine is as recognisable as its mountains. Fondue and raclette are among the best-known local specialities, and chocolate and cheese have become part of the country's international image.
The cuisine, however, changes from region to region. French, German and Italian traditions have each left their mark, making food another way to experience the country's cultural diversity.
Why and when to visit?
Switzerland can be visited in any season, but the experience is different each time. Summer is excellent for mountain hiking, lakes and scenic train journeys. Winter is the season of skiing and snowy resorts, and spring and autumn offer a calmer atmosphere.
For a first visit, a good option is a route that includes Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken, and with more time Zermatt or Lake Geneva. This lets you combine cities, lakes and high mountains.
Switzerland is also suitable for travellers who do not want an active mountain experience. Many of the most impressive places can be reached by train, cable car or mountain railway, without long hikes.
The country is known for its precision and high standard of living, but its tourist charm is much older than its modern image. It lies in the small towns, wooden houses, lakes, mountain railways and views that change after every bend.
And perhaps that is what is most characteristic of Switzerland - here the journey itself is often part of the goal. The train passes a lake, then enters a mountain valley, and a few minutes later snow-capped peaks appear outside the window. A small country, but with landscapes that hardly fit into a single trip.
