|
|
Don't forget that our pictures will
show captions when you "mouse" them in Internet Explorer or Firefox. |
|
Although you will likely never tire of seeing
the snow-capped Alps, you will eventually get the bug to explore the rest of
Switzerland. In the midst of these glorious "mountainscapes"
you will find a number of elegant cities and idyllic villages - but where to
go and what to see? It looks like a small country on the map, but once
you are on the ground in Switzerland, you will discover an endless variety
of places to visit. Now, if you just had an endless vacation to
explore them! Let us do the
legwork for you. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in
Switzerland and then book your reservations.
The Swiss excel at business
and enjoying life. Although the country has a rich history and
numerous enjoyable cultural attractions, the countryside is the magnet for most
tourists. Whether you travel to Switzerland for skiing, hiking,
mountain climbing or just looking, you will remember the scenic vistas for
the rest of your life. Saying that Switzerland is a beautiful
country is an understatement, but you will not understand how much of an
understatement until you visit. If you have a chance, take one
of the
Extraordinary Train Journeys mentioned below for the thrill of a lifetime.
Switzerland's cuisines
differ based on the region of the country you are visiting, but you will
normally find excellent restaurants featuring French, German and Italian
cuisines. We have found the Swiss preparation of German and French
dishes, to be heavenly. Of course, Italian food is now a worldwide
staple and you will find fine Italian dining throughout Switzerland.
Dinner, of course, is just the introduction as a variety of night
life will be available to you almost anywhere in the country.
Be sure to
see our new
road map
of Switzerland, based on Google Maps, that shows the locations of our
recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland. You can also route
between locations using the map.
Read our sections on Switzerland
Travel Information and Switzerland
Facts to complete your basic preparation
for vacationing in Switzerland.
|
|
|
|
Names in Teal are regions
of the country.
Places in Bold are unusually attractive destinations.
Places in plain text are of significant interest to many travelers.
If you are interested in Switzerland, its people, history, economy and geography, visit
our section Switzerland
Country Facts
|
Information on driving,
facts about health care in Switzerland and other Tourist Tips for traveling in
Switzerland can be found in our article Switzerland:
Travel Information
|
 |
-
The Swiss
Alps
 
Bern/Berne
-
In 1991, Bern celebrated its 800th
anniversary: the Old City of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and a wonderful place to wander. Bern is both attractive and interesting. See
the Münster Cathedral for an comely church featuring great views of Bern and
the countryside from the church's tower. The Bundeshhaus, the site of
the country's Parliament, is open to the public and its Square hosts markets
and an attractive series of fountains representing the Cantons of
Switzerland. In addition, Bern
offers some of the finest restaurants in Switzerland and some of the best breads in
Europe.
Zurich
-
Zurich blends the old and the new
in a manner that makes the combination seem natural. The city with its
narrow winding streets is a
delightful and compact place to tour. Use the the city's
efficient streetcars to make it easy to travel to most places of
interest. The Old Town is the city's most enjoyable spot,
but you may want to spend some time shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse or
exploring one of Zurich's fine museums. Be sure to see the Schipfe
(fine arts area), the Fraumünster Church, the Zurich Opera House and, of
course, Lake Zurich.
Lucerne
-
Many tourists consider Lucerne
and its mountainous setting one of Switzerland's most beautiful places to
visit. Its lakeside setting is among
the best in Switzerland and views of the lakes can be found from many
restaurants - so take advantage. The well-preserved Old Town is a treat to
explore and a great place to shop. Be sure to see the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. The Wagner
Museum, Picasso Museum and the Rosengart Collection are considered by many
to be the highlights of
the city's collection of fine museums.
Interlaken
-
The "city between the lakes"
offers great shopping, wonderful scenery, and a number of villages that are
worth a visit. Interlaken may be "tourist" Switzerland but it does it
so well that even the Swiss like the area. Surrounded by the Jungfrau,
Eiger, and Mönch, Interlaken is a great base for touring and one of the most
idyllic areas of Switzerland.
Lausanne
-
Situated on the northern edge of
Lake Geneva, Lausanne is considered the ideal base to tour the Lake
Geneva, Geneva, and Montreux.
Lugano
-
Lugano is a good town to base
your explorations of the Ticino, the
Italian speaking southern segment of Switzerland. This scenic town is
situated on the northern bank of Lake Lugano and the Lake is the real reason
to visit. In addition, be sure to see The Madonna degli Angioli Church
(and its magnificent fresco). Tour the city on the tourist tram the
Red Arrow (La Freccia Rossa), which runs from
March through October. The Parco Botanico San
Grato, about six miles from Lugano is an attractive place to visit,
especially in the Spring. Click for the
Official Lugano Tourism
website.
-
Also, you might be interested in
exploring our
Guide to the Italian Lakes with
particular emphasis on Lake Maggiori and Lake Lugano.
Basel
-
Located near the headwaters of
the Rhine, Basel is the point of disembarkation for many Rhine River
cruises. This well-preserved city offers a blend of the traits
of Germany and Switzerland. Basel offers several interesting museums
and is worth a visit, if you have just ended a holiday cruise.
Geneva
-
Geneva is the home base of many
international organizations and that role has given it a cosmopolitan
bearing mixed with a distinct international flavor. Its Old Town is worth a visit, but
Geneva's popularity is based more on its role in world affairs than its
attractiveness as a tourism destination.
-
The Glacier Express
-
Switzerland's Glacier Express
train between St. Moritz or Chur and the Zermatt (or the reverse) is an
unsurpassed rail ride through the Alps and some of Switzerland's most scenic
vistas. The ride takes 7 1/2 hours, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels
and is breathtaking.
-
Since the ride takes the
entire day, you will need reservations at your destination.
-
Only the first class cars are
"panoramic", featuring large windows and very comfortable seating.
First class is worth the extra cost.
-
Meals are available in the Dining
Car, but reservations must be made in advance of the trip (there are not
enough seats to accommodate all passengers).
-
Snack and drinks are available
from the Railbar.
-
For more detail visit the Glacier
Express
web site.
The Bernina Express
-
The Bernina Express runs between
Chur and Tirano, Italy. It is a shorter ride than the Glacier
Express, but the mountains are very beautiful and the line itself is
considered an engineering marvel.
In summer, a bus connects with Lake Lugano. For more information, see
this
web site.
If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web
|
|
