« SWITZERLAND • Discover Switzerland
Discover Magical Switzerland
Switzerland is a natural theme park showcasing three of Europe's most distinct cultures. To the north is the beer-drinking, sausage-eating stepchild of Germany; to the south-west the wine drinking and shopping spills effortlessly into France; in the south-east the sun warms cappuccino-sippers loitering in Italian-style plazas. And binding it all together is a distinct, and sometimes bizarre Swiss mentality.
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» Appenzell
The village of Appenzell is the capital of the canton Appenzell Innerrhoden in eastern Switzerland. It is situated in the valley of Sitter, surrounded by green hills and dominated by a rural character. Appenzell isn't a typical close-packed village and instead, is made up of free standing houses loosely grouped around the inner core. The parish church with the Gothic choir and massive tower rises over other stately homes such as the city hall, monasteries and other historical buildings …
» Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is THE shopping street in Zurich. Running from Bahnhofplatz outside the main train station all the way to the lake, it's full of luxury shops selling designer fashion, furs, porcelain, and, of course, chocolates, clocks and watches. Halfway along is Zurich's first, biggest and best department store Jelmoli. The basement food-hall is a must. Or if you want the best in Swiss chocolate, take a break at Cafe Sprungli, the epicenter of sweet Switzerland since 1836 …
» Carouge
Carouge is where Geneva goes to unwind. It was ever thus: what is now a suburb started life outside the then city walls in the mid 18th century as a parcel of land belonging to the King of Sardinia, who hoped it would provide refuge for Catholics and other minorities from puritanical Protestant Geneva. The area still bears the imprint of the Italian architects he drafted to design the area. This charming district has developed over the years into something of a bohemian center …
» Chamonix
A popular day trip from Geneva, the village of Chamonix, or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, lies on the French side of the France-Switzerland border at the foot of the imposing Mont Blanc - Western Europe's highest peak. The resort, one of the oldest and most famous in France, is not only a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders, with ski runs catering for all levels, but has earned itself a stellar reputation for winter sports and adventure activities …
» Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke)
The Chapel Bridge (or Kapellbrucke) in Lucerne is a 204 meter (670 foot) long bridge crossing the Reuss River located in the upper part of the Swiss city. It was originally constructed in 1333 as a fortification to help protect Lucerne from attacks and is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Inside the bridge are a collection of paintings from the 17th century, depicting various events and important saints from Lucerne's history …
» Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle)
Jutting out off the shore of Lake Geneva, close by the French border, Switzerland's most fairytale-like castle is a vision of Gothic grandeur, entirely encircled in water and reachable via the reconstructed remains of an ancient drawbridge. The medieval Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) features rounded turrets, sloping roofs and an impressive roman fortification system, as well as housing a fascinating network of passageways, rooms and outhouses behind its picturesque facade …
» Chinese Garden Zurich
Surrounded by a white wall topped with the golden East Asian roofs and interspersed with bright red gates, the Chinese Garden is about as far removed from the traditional Swiss houses neighboring it as possible. The garden is a quiet oasis of little ponds, lush vegetation and intricately decorated buildings with tiered roofs, red pillars and bright green railings, a place where strolls on perfectly planned paths and meditation sessions are possible …
» Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster)
The 13th-century Church of our Lady, or Fraumunster, has an elegant blue spire which soars above the Zurich skyline. Situated right next to the lake, it is one of Zurich's key sights. Founded in 853 as a Benedictine convent, around the 11th century it was responsible for minting coins and collecting tolls making the then Abbess a powerful women indeed. Inside the church are the famous stained-glass windows of 1967 by the famous artist Marc Chagall …
» Culture and Congress Centre
The Culture and Congress Center, often simply referred to as KKL by the locals, is the work of the French architect Jean Nouvel. It has an extraordinary presence among the more traditional buildings of Lucerne, especially due to the modern square shape and the enormous flat roof overhanging Europe Square. This floating roof, sometimes called the magic roof, soon became a symbol of the city and is definitely the building's most prominent feature …
» Dolderbahn
The Dolderbahn is a proper mountain railway that, in just under six minutes, leads from the hustle and bustle of Zurich to the top of the Adlisberg, a forested hill on the eastern side of the city. Upon exiting the station at the Dolder Recreation Area next to the luxury Dolder Grand Hotel, one shouldn't be surprised to see an army of bikers and joggers, as the region is immensely popular due to the many leisure and sports facilities as well as the vast network of hiking trails …
» Eiger
One of a trio of famous peaks that dominate the Bernese Alps, the Eiger, along with the neighboring Jungfrau and Monch, is one of Switzerland's most recognizable mountains, towering 3,970 meters above the resort town of Grindelwald. Notorious among climbers, scaling the 1,800 meter near-vertical North Face of the Eiger is one of the country's most challenging feats, first accomplished in 1938 and claiming a number of lives over the years …
» Engelberg
Engelberg, literally meaning the Mountain of Angels, is a mountain valley and village in central Switzerland boasting one of the best action packed recreational programs in the country. The fun doesn't stop at skiing and snowboarding and from paragliding and bungee jumping to climbing, snow tubing and zorbing, the adventure possibilities are pretty much endless. A bit more traditional is the village's history. Engelberg was founded in 1120 by Benedictine monks and to this day …
» Engelberg Monastery
This Benedictine Monastery lies in the heart of Engelberg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels and, to this day, there are still roughly 30 monks living and working in the Engelberg monastery. Engelberg's culture dates back to the 12th Century when the monastery was founded by the Count of Seldenburen. Engelberg Monastery has been granted many rights and privileges by various emperors and popes and was once the center of power in the region …
» English Garden (Jardin Anglais)
Some 20 per cent of Geneva is covered in parks, of which the most popular is the Jardin Anglais, boasting a superb position on Lake Geneva. Since 1854 it has been a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, its grand established trees, stately fountains and sculptures of the city's noteworthy artists evoking the elegance of an unhurried age. A bandstand hosts concerts in the warmer months. Other highlights include a national monument commemorating Geneva joining the Swiss Confederation in 1814 …
» Felsenegg
A cable car takes nature lovers in five minutes from Adliswil to Felsenegg, a view point on the Albis mountain range. It is one of Zurich's most popular recreation areas and at 800 meters, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Zurich, the small towns lining the shores and the towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Numerous walking and hiking trails as well as a restaurant on the summit serve as an escape from the hectic everyday life. From Uetliberg for example, the Planetenweg …
» Geneva Flower Clock
A masterful marriage of horticulture and technology, the Geneva Flower Clock is one of Geneva's most striking landmarks, a gigantic clock face fashioned from over 6,500 plants and flowers. Located in the picturesque Jardin Anglais (English Garden), the iconic timepiece was built in 1955 in honor of the city's internationally renowned watchmaking industry and is now one of Geneva's most photographed sights. This is no mere monument - the Geneva Flower Clock is also a fully functioning clock …
» Geneva Old Town
Geneva's Old Town (Vieille Ville) contains some of the city's foremost attractions, including the Barbier-Mueller Museum, the Cathedrale St-Pierre and the Maison Tavel. It is also the site of the International Museum of the Reformation, which underlines Geneva's importance in the great religious upheavals of the 16th century, particularly through the work of French theologian John Calvin, who lived and preached here. But this historically significant district offers much more than just indoor pursuits …
» Gruyeres
Cheese lovers have likely already penciled Gruyeres at the top of their itinerary, but the pretty medieval town has more to offer than its long history of cheese making. Boasting an idyllic alpine setting in the Canton of Fribourg, Gruyeres is undeniably photogenic, with its sloping cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved medieval buildings. The car-free town lies in the shadows of the 13th century Chateau de Gruyeres, the one-time home of the Counts of Gruyeres …
» International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
The Red Cross is one of the numerous international bodies associated with Geneva. This museum pursues its progress from the mid-19th century, when local businessman Henry Dunant first conceived of a transnational group which would help the afflicted in times of need. The chronologically arranged exhibits follow this great humanitarian organization through the unparalleled destruction of the 20th century to the present day, where the Red Cross …
» Jungfrau Glacier
Jungfraujoch is a saddle in the Bernese Alps between the Monch and the Jungfrau and one of Switzerland's most popular destinations. The Jungfraujoch is often referred to as the "Top of Europe" in travel books; however, in fact the Jungfraujoch is the lowest point on the col between Monch and Jungfrau, at 3,471 meters (11,388 feet). Take the famous railway ride to the Jungfraujoch and enjoy scenic views of glaciers and Eiger's northern face …
» Kleine Scheidegg
Set at a lofty 2,061 meters high, with the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau towering overhead, Kleine Scheidegg is unsurprisingly known for its jaw-dropping vistas, including a striking view of the infamous Eiger North Face. With a cluster of hotels and amenities, the scenic mountain pass makes a strategic base for hiking and skiing, with alpine resorts like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen just below and access to a vast network of ski runs, hiking routes and rock climbing trails …
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« SWITZERLAND • Discover Switzerland
