Switzerland: Beauty which bewitch your senses

Matterhorn, Zermatt
The most famous peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt, stands 4,478 meters high. Mountaineers flock to this town to conquer this technically difficult peak, and Zermatt also offers skiing and beautiful views. There are also non-skiing activities, good restaurants and lots of energetic nightlife for visitors to enjoy. To preserve the air quality and peaceful ambiance, motorized vehicles are banned in the village. In the winter, skiers can schuss down more than 300 kilometers of slopes. In the summer, swimming and tennis are popular pursuits as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains. Summer glacier skiing is also available.

 

It is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, a car-free medieval old town, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed historic buildings, and sun-splashed plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne  is a top spot for tourists. Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival. The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium. For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne, cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway, or head to the Rigi, a famous lookout point.

Geneva is a world city situated in the laps of nature, a city characterised by its cosmopolitan population. People come here for many reasons, from humanitarian commitments, attending trade fairs and festivals to diplomatic and cultural activities. A stroll within the city limits, along the shores of the lake with its famous water jet or up into the Old Town are sure to stay in your memories for a long time. Geneva has a very vibrant and multi-cultural night life. As and when the enjoyment reaches its peak, you are sure to feel that you are in France.

 

The Jungfrau Region is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, both in summer and winter. A century or two ago, this Alps region was only visited by hard-core adventurers who wanted to ski or climb through the mountains. Now, thanks to an extensive network of railways and well-maintained foot and bike paths, the area is accessible to many types of travelers. The Jungfrau Region consists of four picturesque towns: Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen, and three imposing mountains: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. One of Switerland’s most scenic rail trip, the Jungfraubahn takes visitors from the Kleine Scheidegg mountain through the Eiger and Mönch up to the Jungfraujoch.

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, a major transportation hub, and a top starting point for travelers. The city lies at the north western end of Lake Zurich astride the river Limmat. Beyond its buttoned-up façade, this affluent banking capital boasts a rich line-up of cultural treasures. A great place to begin a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. Mile-long Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe's finest shopping strands, beckons with designer stores selling fashion, watches, and jewelry. From the city, take a train ride to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and countryside.

Swiss National Park, Zernez
The Swiss Natural Park is 169 square kilometres of mountains and woodland. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as large red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots. Walk around its trails and admire its breathtaking views.  

Switzerland is an amalgamation of four cultures: French, Italian, Swiss-German and Romansh. In general, the French areas of Geneva and the surrounding western area and Italian areas of  Lugano and the surrounding southern area are more lively and cosmopolitan as compared to the more conservative and sedate German area of Zurich and the surrounding eastern area. The Romansh areas of St. Moritz and surrounding southeastern region still remains covert and the least developed amongst all. 

Regardless of this cultural diversity, Switzerland can be regarded as the most stable country in Europe. The country's strength lies in its wealth, its conservative nature and the common belief and confidence among its citizens in a policy of armed neutrality. 

Switzerland is known for its cuisine the world over. The Switzerland cuisine is famous for the culinary dishes cooked with a raw and traditional touch. A tourist planning for a Switzerland Tour should essentially know about the food and the scope of edibles in the Switzerland cuisine to avoid inconvenience during the Switzerland Tour. The most popular and demanded ones are the yummy sauces made to supplement the vegetables and great desserts. There is a pre-dominating effect of the trio of French cuisine in the west, Italian cuisine in the south and German cuisine in the north and east of Switzerland. Fortunately in the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland has the best hygienic and cheap food outlets throughout the country. Switzerland Tourism department also monitors the environment and the level of hygiene maintained by the restaurants and hotels. One more edible regardless of time, age and mood is Swiss Chocolates that rule the hearts of the tourists