SWITZERLAND

Switzerland

Switzerland , officially the Swiss Confederation is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe where it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country whose territory is geographically divided between the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura that yields a total area of 41,285 km². The Swiss population of approximately 7.8 million people concentrates mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centres of Zürich and Geneva. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office. The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office.

Tourism in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty and cultural and trade events. The Alps are the legendary symbol of Switzerland, home to the beloved Heidi of the Johanna Spyri book. The snow-covered peaks of the Alps are the darling of skiers and snow boarders, who throng the winter resorts for adventure sports in Switzerland. The festivals of this culturally rich country include the traditional festivals like Christmas and Easter. Switzerland is also known internationally for the Locarno Film Festival and many other arts and music festivals .

Visiting Switzerland will be an event of a lifetime, since you get to have myriad experiences within a single destination. Traveling the length and breadth of the country many scenic destinations of Switzerland. One of the best ways to take in this natural splendor is to go on a scenic rail journey in Switzerland, or indulge in a lake cruise in Switzerland.

All the cities in Switzerland have a distinct character of their own. While Zurich is a busy trading and business hub, Locarno is known for its avant-garde film and art festivals. Interlaken is a quiet winter resort that comes alive in the winter season.

Switzerland has a highly developed tourism infrastructure, especially in the mountainous regions and cities, making it a good market for tourism-related equipment and services. Tourism provides a total of 144,838 full time equivalent jobs in the entire country. As of 2011, tourism accounted for an estimated 2.9% of Switzerland's gross domestic product.

Geneva

Geneva is the one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Geneva was ranked as the world's ninth most important financial centre for competitiveness by the Global Financial Centres Index. The city has over 40 museums, and many pubs, cafes, and nightclubs. The Art and History Museum and the Natural History Museum are a must visit for all those who wish to know about the history and culture of Geneva. The Red Cross Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the various humanitarian crises that have overshadowed the world from time to time and the stellar role played by the organization in alleviating the suffering of people.

Geneva is also famous for its breathtaking beauty. Situated on the shores of the Lake Geneva, Geneva is a tourist paradise for thousands of people from around the world. The Flower Clock is a timekeeper made of real flowers, located inside a lush landscaped garden. Another Geneva tourist attraction is the Jet d'Eau, the 140-meter high fountain in Lake Geneva that is visible from most parts of the city.

Other quirky customs add to the quaint flavor of Geneva, Switzerland. One of them is the official proclamation issued to announce the arrival of spring when a particular chestnut tree gets blooms on it. This custom has been followed since 1818. Despite all that several agencies are headquartered at Geneva, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Bern

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a charming blend of the modern and traditional. The latest models in cars whiz past the UNESCO recognized Heritage Site of the city, as the tall church spires and 18^th century mansions jostle for space with spanking new exhibition centers, Grand Prix racetracks and pubs.

Bern is also an eclectic city when it comes to cuisine. Tourists can eat out at any of the myriad restaurants, cafes and eating outlets dotting the city. From Oriental cuisine to Mediterranean delicacies, from Greek food to Spanish cuisine from the land of the Matadors, Bern offers visitors a dazzling array of dining options.

And when it comes to Museums and Theaters, Bern relegates competitors to the background. The Bern Art Gallery, inaugurated in 1918, is a symbol of Bernese cultural accomplishments. The Collection of Classical Antiquities displays fascinating artifacts from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian Empires of the ancient world.

One of the most distinguished citizens of Bern has been Albert Einstein. Visit the Einstein House and the Historical Museum of Bern to know more about the man known as the "Greatest Mind of the 20^th century".

The Cathedral Clock, dating back to 1191 AD, is one of the most famous Bern landmarks. The Zoological Gardens are popular with children, while the Kornhaus delights lovers of Baroque architecture. The Bear Pit and the Gurten are also popular Bern tourist attractions. Zurich

Zurich, not to be confused with its German namesake, is one of the more staid cities of Switzerland. This cultured, laid back city is home to the famous University of Zurich, and has many other tourist attractions besides. From the Zurich Botanical Gardens to the Lake Zurich, the sightseeing destinations of Zurich attract many international tourists.

The Zurich Great Minster, dating back to the 12^th century, has none of the light whimsicality associated with the monuments of Switzerland. The dark, brooding aspect of the monument is probably a testimony of its times, since the period was one of the more turbulent ones in the history of Switzerland.

The Swiss National Museum is another Zurich tourist attraction. Here, you will get to know more about the history and culture of Zurich. The museum is situated just behind the Main Station, making it easily accessible by Metro Train.

The Lake Zurich, placid and serene, is a paradise for those who love boat cruises. The cruise from Burkliplatz to Bahnhofstrasse, able to take in some lovely scenery and understand why Switzerland is so popular as a tourist destination.

Tourists come for shopping in Switzerland, then start with the Bahnh of strasse, the busy shopping district in Zurich, Switzerland. From branded electronics to designer clothes, the Bahnh of strasse has all, and more.

Lugano

Lugano is located on the Italian border with Switzerland. So it is no surprise that the region has traces of Italian influence in its culture. The city of parks, a lake and beautiful hills is a tourist paradise. Switzerland Hub takes on a tour of Lugano, as you enjoy the many wonderful sights and sounds of the cities of Switzerland.

The Lugano Festival, in the month of June one of the best music festivals in Switzerland. Here, tourists get to enjoy performances of Western classical music.

The lush parks of Lugano are a sight for sore eyes. The Belvedere garden on the shore of the Lake Geneva has wonderful walkways that allow to stroll through the park, admiring the beauty of the flowers and plants. The Ciani Park offers a splendid view of the Lake Ceresio, and has some grand old trees, gnarled and knotted with age.

Boating on the Lake Lugano is an experience of a lifetime. The quays, the little cruising boats, and the chatter of the tourists in a dozen different languages, all go towards making Lugano tour an affair to remember.

Other Lugano tourist attractions include the many mountains around Lugano that offer the city a picture perfect backdrop. The Monte Saint Salvatore, Mount Bre, Mount Lema and Mt. Tamaro have cable lifts to take tourists to the summit.

St. Moritz

St. Moritz offers visitors what they have come to expect in a typical Swiss city- ski slopes, chalets, the Alps and the Lake. St. Moritz is basically known for its ski resorts, but there are a few sightseeing destinations apart from the ski slopes that are worth visiting.

The Segantini Museum and Engadin Museum offer a chance to spend a relaxed afternoon strolling from display to display. To dine in St. Moritz, have many cozy restaurants near the Lake. The traditional "Raclette" is something must taste to get acquainted with the local flavors. Other St. Moritz gourmet specialties include fish prepared in many different ways. The Kurhaus and the Grishchuna Restaurant are specially recommended.

St. Moritz also has many pubs and discotheques for the ardent clubber. They are frequented by ski enthusiasts from all over the world, who come here for drinks and entertainment after a day spent skiing on the Alpine slopes of St. Moritz.

Skiing is the biggest draw for tourists to St. Moritz. Adventure sports in Switzerland and winter sports in Switzerland are both enriched by the skiing, trekking and sledging facilities in St. Moritz.

Zermatt

Zermatt is an Alpine resort town of Switzerland. The Mount Matterhorn towers over this sleepy resort town that becomes active only during the winters, when winter sports lovers descend on it in droves. This unique city is probably the only city in the world without cars- horse drawn vehicles are the only ones allowed!

The town has an Alpine Museum where people can get to learn about the history and geography of Zermatt. The natural history section of the museum has a collection of butterflies from the area.

Zermatt is chiefly known for its ski resorts. For a complete winter experience, you can opt for the skiing, snowboarding, water hiking, ice climbing and other adventure sports packages.

A mountain lover, then Zermatt is bound to Mecca. Zermatt is ringed by mountains, including the Dent Blanche, Dom, Gabelhorn, Weisshorn and Monte Rosa. The tragic history of Zermatt is well documented, and more in the Alpine Museum.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a charming little resort village tucked away in the Alps. This Swiss city is a paradise for mountaineers, skiers, and adventure sports lovers. Those who do not wish to be quite so exploratory on their vacation need not despair, Interlaken's splendid natural beauty, the icy majesty of the Alps, the little red trains chugging through green hillsides- all make Interlaken a nature lover's paradise. Tourists can spend hours amidst the majestic Eiger and Monch, lost in contemplation; or a poet, penning down some tribute to the beauty of Interlaken!

The Jungfrau is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Interlaken, Switzerland. Once you have reached the summit by cable car, enter a winter wonderland that reminds of Santa Claus' workshop! The Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Hall are also intriguingly beautiful.

The Alpine Garden in Shynige Platte is great a visit for botany enthusiasts. The Shynige Platt also features a permanent Teddy Bear Exhibition that is sure to be a hit with children.

The Harder Kulm is just a few minutes away from Interlaken. From here, visitors can see the Bernese Oberland and a panorama of the Jungfrau and its surroundings. The Harder Kulm also features a funicular railway and a wildlife sanctuary. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in badminton, volleyball, climbing, diving, canyoning, fishing, bungee jumping and boating.

Winters in Interlaken are an exciting time, for indulge in skiing, hiking, sledging, snow boarding and more. There are 45 cable cars and 213 ski slopes in Jungfrau, making this city a winter sports lover's heaven.

Adventure sports in Switzerland

Switzerland is not just popular with poets, lovers and dreamers, but is also a Mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts! To those who love the thrills of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, skydiving, rappelling, and kayaking, the lakes, rivers and mountains of Switzerland offers many options to indulge in the same.

Trekkers will be delighted with the hiking trails that wind through the mountains, leading to lush meadows and shimmering lakes. The Chamoix region's Grand Balcon is a very popular trekking route, since it offers tourists a view of the Mt. Blanc. After a tiring, but rewarding trek you can choose to relax in the small but comfortable chalets dotting the region.

Another adventure sport in Switzerland is skydiving. The thrill of the air whooshing past, as the ground seems to get closer and bigger, is something that most skydive enthusiasts cannot resist. There are many skydiving schools in Switzerland, offering skydiving lessons to the layperson. The Thun Airport is one of the best skydiving sites in Switzerland.

Verbier is a paradise for mountain bikers. The Verbier- Grimetz route is especially challenging to mountain biker. While most people do not attempt to cover the entire route due to the difficulty of the terrain, bike enthusiasts still go at least part of the way to experience the adrenaline rush and feel the Alpine breeze rush past.

Shopping in Switzerland

Shopping in Switzerland is a pleasurable experience not just for those looking for designer clothes, but also the hoi polloi who are looking to buy some souvenirs to take back home with them.

The Swiss knife is the eternal favorite when it comes to souvenirs. This multi utility knife, designed more than a century back, is very popular with boys. Also popular are Swiss watches, and of course, the delicious, delectable Swiss chocolates! For those who read "Heidi", the delectable Swiss cheeses must be familiar. Swiss cheese is made in many different ways, and come in a breathtaking variety. Swiss watches are also world famous due to their delicate workmanship and the wonderful array of designs to choose from.

Start your shopping in Switzerland tour with the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. This is considered the world's longest covered shopping mall, and can get anything from antique furniture to sleek watches, designer accessories and chocolates. In Geneva, the Rue Basses is a trendy shopping arcade, featuring designer boutiques and showrooms. Rue de la Croix de Or is also another great Switzerland shopping destination.

Shopping in Switzerland becomes an eclectic experience when it comes to shopping in Bern. This old city entices shoppers with its quaint shopping districts, where trendy showrooms and humble delicatessens jostle for space. The covered shopping district protects visitors from chill and cold, making this Switzerland shopping experience a very pleasant little diversion.