4 Reasons why you must visit Switzerland

Think of Switzerland and the first image is likely to be of the magnificent Swiss Alps. Rearing up above beautiful lakes and bucolic valleys with postcard perfect towns and villages. Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. And they offer a host of ways to enjoy the panoramas, from cable cars rising up to the mountain peaks to scenic train rides.

The Swiss also have delicious food on offer. Beyond the cheese and chocolate that they are justly famous for. Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, and four major linguistic areas. Regional food specialties are influenced by the different cultures. And the Swiss have produced their own remarkable art and architecture. You can discover them on display in cities from Zurich to Geneva.

Here are just 4 reasons why you must visit Switzerland:

Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Switzerland’s main draw is its amazing vistas of snowcapped Alpine peaks, mountain valleys and pristine lakes. The Matterhorn is one of the country’s most iconic images! Its jagged peak looms over the resort town of Zermatt. The Jungfraujoch is the so-called ‘Top of Europe’ with its towering summits. These include the Monch and Eiger. They are reachable by one of the most stunning train journeys in existence. The Aletsch Glacier stretches for 22 kilometres and is a remnant from the Ice Age.

Cable cars offer a great way to climb into the soaring grandeur of the Alps. From the Harder Kulm gondola, from Interlaken to the Schilthorn cable car, from Mürren to the only rotating cable car in existence that ascends Mt. Titlis from Lucerne. Steamers and tour boats ply the many stunning lakes and offer scenic journeys. Lakes Lucerne, Zurich, and Geneva all offer boat rides that take in the scenery. Offering stops at picturesque lakeside towns and villages. Road trip enthusiasts can make for the high mountain passes, including the Great St. Bernard for up close mountain thrills.

Runoff from mountain snowfall creates some spectacular waterfalls. Some of these include the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland, Europe’s largest. Here, you can take a boat ride to the falls, and Staubbach Falls, one of many in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The nearly 1,000-foot drop makes it the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe.

Charming Towns and Villages

Switzerland’s charming towns and villages complement the spectacular natural landscapes. In rugged Alpine settings there are the ski resorts of Zermatt. Wooden chalets are spotted beneath the famous sharp-peaked Matterhorn, all around St. Moritz, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Mountain village jewels include Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger’s north face. Car-free Wengen, which is only reachable by train, and Mürren, from where you can take an excursion to the dramatic Schilthorn summit are also beautiful.

Elegant Montreux is perched on Lake Geneva. The town is home of the annual jazz festival and a short distance from the ancient walls of 13th century Chillon Castle. Lovely Morcote with its cobbled lanes sits along the banks of Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland. It is presided over by the 13th century pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso.

Other noteworthy villages include Gruyeres with its 13th century castle and history of cheesemaking, Stein am Rhein with charming half-timbered houses and frescoed facades in its Old Town and medieval hilltop Hohenklingen Castle, and Appenzell in its bucolic valley of rolling hills interspersed with farmhouses, grazing cows and colourful folk traditions.

Delicious Food and Wine

Switzerland may be justifiably famous for its amazing chocolate and delicious array of cheese. Yet, it offers so much more delightful food and wine to sample. Each area of the country has its own regional specialties depending on its French, German, or Italian roots.

Switzerland is home to such chocolate industry giants as Nestlé, Lindt and Toblerone. They all offer chocolates that are shaped like the iconic Matterhorn. Kids especially will love taking a factory tour and climbing aboard the Chocolate Train. It runs from Montreux to the Nestle chocolate factory at Broc, with a cheese factory stop at Gruyeres along the way.

Famous Swiss cheeses include Emmenthaler with the famous holes, Gruyere and Appenzeller. Swiss dishes to sample include Rösti, akin to hash browns, fondue, and raclette – a grilled cheese dish served over potatoes with onions and pickles.
Keep an eye out for local products to taste! Some include the white asparagus, wild game such as venison or wild boar. Polentas and risotto from the Ticino, and fresh fish such as trout and pike from the lakes and rivers are also delicious.
The French speaking part of Switzerland, along Lake Geneva, is the country’s prime wine growing area. In particular, the scenic vineyards of Lavaux. Try the white wines produced here and sample the cherry brandy known as kirsch.

Remarkable Art and Architecture

Basel is widely known as an art city for its collections at the Fine Arts Museum and the Bayeler Foundation. In addition, they host the world’s largest annual art fair, Art Basel. Other notable art is housed in the museums across Zurich, Geneva, and Bern.

Some of the most famous Swiss artists include the Expressionist painter, Paul Klee. Zurich was the birthplace of the Dada movement. The movement was founded by a group of German and French exiles who congregated at Zurich’s Cabaret Voltaire in 1916. Alberto Giacometti’s elongated sculptures can be found worldwide. And the kinetic sculptures of 20th century artist Jean Tinguely can be seen in his hometown of Fribourg, outdoors in Basel on the banks of the Rhine at the Museum Tinguely and in Zurich.

Switzerland’s earliest architecture was built by the Romans. One of the best examples is the ruins at Avenches with its theatre and museum in an adjacent medieval tower. The most famous Swiss architect is the 20th century modernist Le Corbusier. Much of his work was constructed outside of Switzerland. The last building he ever designed in the 1960s can be found on Lake Zurich. Look for the glass and steel Pavilion Le Corbusier. Today it houses exhibits of his life’s work.

Switzerland offers so many reasons for you to visit – it’s a once in a lifetime trip! Contact us for information and assistance in designing and booking your ideal Switzerland itinerary!

Tags: Zermatt, Geneva, Alps