Travel Information
Switzerland is situated in the center of Europe and most of its territory is covered by the Alps. This majestic mountain range extends from the east of France to the west of Germany/Austria and is bordered by Italy in the South. Switzerland is a small country (size of New Jersey) and its main attractions are concentrated within a short distance from each other. The country hosts many beautiful lakes and many attractive cities, among them medieval treasures such as Berne, the capital of Switzerland.
The most famous of Switzerland’s mountains is the Matterhorn located in the mountain resort of Zermatt. When spotting the Matterhorn for the first time, you will get very excited by its incredible beauty. Zermatt is car-free in one of Switzerland’s main attractions. Other destinations in the west and south-west of Switzerland include the cities of Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne, all lining the northern shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by rolling hills covered with vineyards. This area is famous all over Europe for its tasty white wines.
Bordering this French speaking part of Switzerland, you will find the appealing countryside of the Bernese Oberland with its many impressive mountains including the Jungfrau Joch which is also referred to as the Top of Europe. The center of the Bernese Oberland is Interlaken, and other mountain resorts include Gstaad, Grindelwald, Wengen and Muerren.
Going east and crossing the Brunig, you will get to Lucerne, the legendary Swiss Tourist resort in Central Switzerland. This lovely town is divided by the Reuss River on one side, and the Lake Lucerne on the other. Only an hour away, from nearby Mount Pilatus you have a fantastic view of the city and the lake. Lucerne is an excellent base for excursions as well as for heading south towards the Alps and the Italian speaking part of the Ticino.
The Ticino is Switzerland’s southern canton and quiet different from the rest of Switzerland. The lakeside resorts of Lugano and Lugano boast a very Mediterranean atmosphere and together with the romance of the area is a must for every Swiss itinerary.
Heading east again, one will cross various mountain passes to get into the valleys of Graubunden in the eastern corner of Switzerland, bordering Italy and Austria. Famous winter resorts include St. Moritz in lovely Engadin and the city of Davos. Graubunden is an excellent destination for activities of all kinds and the panoramas, deep valleys and the blue lakes are so beautiful that most visitors come back year after year.
Zurich is just an hour northwest from Graubunden and the biggest city in Switzerland. It is famous for its banks and shops on Bahnhofstrasse, but also for its superb art museums and galleries. The Lake of Zurich offers endless opportunities in summer such as swimming, sunbathing or a relaxing pick-nick in one of many city parks.