Switzerland
Switzerland is a mountainous country in the middle of Europe. The country is home to approx.. 8.5 million People. It shares borders with France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein and Germany. There are lots of lakes, villages and high Alpine peaks. The capital of Switzerland is Berne and the most populous city is Zurich with approx. 410,000 inhabitants. Switzerland has a strong recycling culture and is a Champion in waste management. The longest train tunnel, the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, is 57 kilometers long. Travelers which will visit Switzerland will find a highly sophisticated public transportation system, gorgeous nature and green meadows, incredibly well preserved historical buildings, cleans lakes and unpolluted mountain air.
We recommend traveling by train, as riding the public transportation system is an attraction of its own. Trains are safe, clean and efficient, and offer absolute freedom and flexibility of travel. Trains connect all of Switzerland and are combined with tramways, boats or postal buses to get you where you need to go. World famous scenic trains such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express are a unique experience and connect east to west and nord to south.
Famous mountain peaks including Mt. Jungfrau and Mt. Schilthorn can be found throughout the Bernese Oberland. Lovely rolling hills up to higher elevation mountain peaks make this a favorite vacation region for the Swiss too. Interlaken is the gateway and other destinations of interest are Murren, Wengen and Grindelwald.
The most famous of all mountains, the Matterhorn is located in Zermatt. It is an active destination and offers extensive scenic hikes in summer and lots of skiing and snowboarding in winter. Zermatt is car free and you will see a few electro vehicles and lots of bikes and people on foot. The village offers hotels for every taste and budget and many fun restaurants too.
Lucerne hosts a charming Old Town which straddles the River Reuss on the western edge of Lake Lucerne. It is famous for its wooden lake bridge and the proximity to popular mountain rides of Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis and Mt. Stanserhorn. It is very centrally located and recommend for visitors which prefer to base themselves in one or two destinations.
Lugano in the south is Switzerland's southernmost canton, Italian-speaking and feels a world apart from the rest of the country. The mild climate with its Mediterranean Riviera like atmosphere makes it attractive even in winter. It is situated less than 1 hour from Milan, Italy.
The most populous city in Switzerland is Zurich. It is a lake side city and famous for its financial institutions and shops on Bahnhofstrasse. The city is definitely the liveliest city of Switzerland, and also has an interesting history and Old Town. Lake Zurich offers endless opportunities for water sports, swimming, sunbathing and pick-nicking.
In the east you will find Graubunden. It is a mountainous canton which is home to many spectacular peaks and valleys. The Engadin includes top destinations such as Pontresina and St. Moritz. It is also an active area of Switzerland, with many hiking path and ski slopes. Travelers will find panoramas of great, deep valleys, fiercely blue mountain lakes and endless rows of White Mountains.
Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux are the famous destination is the south west of Switzerland. Situated on Lake Geneva and surrounded by rolling hills covered with woods and vineyards this area makes up the bulk of French-speaking Switzerland. From Montreux travelers are quick to the Water Castle at Chillon and the medieval town of Gruyere with its hilltop fortress, Cheese and a Chocolate Factory.
