Switzerland

Overview

This small country in the very heart of Europe has so much to offer. Apart from the most reliable banks in the words, the most precise watches, delicious cheeses and one of the best chocolate in the world, Switzerland has stunning Alpine landscapes with the best ski resorts in the world, beautiful and charming cities and towns, lakes and forests. There is no way Switzerland can disappoint you.   Either you are going to one of the big cities or a quite village, one of the best ways to experience the country is to stay in one of many charming holiday homes or a modern holiday apartments in Switzerland.

Top holiday destinations

Geneva

Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland and is the most cosmopolitan. It is situated on the side of Geneva lake - the biggest fresh water reservoir in Western Europe. Geneva is famous for accommodating the UN headquarters as well as other important organizations and institutions like WHO and International Red Cross. As the result 40% of Geneva population is foreigners working for these organizations. 

Geveva is a pricey city to stay in. If you're visiting Geneva for more than a night, try renting a holiday apartment rather than paying high prices for a small hotel room.

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city with a population over 300 000. Its charming and well-preserved Old Town lies on the both banks of the Limmat river. There are numerous cultural sites such as Old Churches, art galleries with the finest collections including Picasso and Miro, museums for all tastes. Zurich is also know as “shopping paradise”. Take a stroll along the 'Bahnhofstrasse' - one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe. Here you can choose from fancy shopping malls, elegant boutiques and shops.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a small village in the Swiss Alps and a prime ski resort with a population of 6000 inhabitants which grows up to 20 000 during the high season. 

To prevent air pollution Zermatt is a auto-free village, meaning you can’t drive a car into the village. You can reach the village by railway or by taking a taxi from a nearby village. 

Swiss regions

Switzerland consists of 3 main cultural and linguistic regions: French, German and Italian, with added Romansh speaking valleys. 

Switzerland is a federal republic with 26 cantons. Here are some highlights. Visit any of the following regions and you will experience each their own local traditions, styles and produce.

• Basel-Stadt - is situated on the north of the country, bordering Germany and France. Basel city is the capital of Basel-Stadt canton and is considered to be one of the most important cultural centres in Europe. The city proudly hosts around 30 museums, art galleries and a first class musical theater. The Carnival of the city of Basel is the main annual cultural event. It attracts huge crowds from all over Europe despite of the fact that it starts at 4 in the morning. 

• Canton of Bern - is situated in the west-central Switzerland and is the second largest of 26 cantons. Bern is the capital of the canton as well as the federal capital. The geography of the canton is relaxed - mountains, waterfalls and large lakes. It’s a paradise for ski lovers. Some of the most famous ski resorts are found here, such as Gstaad where tourism first took off in 1920s; Saanen, Wengen, etc. Canton of Bern is home to Emmentaler cheese.
• Canton Ticino lies int he very south of Switzerland and is the country’s only canton where Italian is a sole official language. The largest city is Lugano which lies on Lake Lugano. With its warm summers and stunning views, Lugano has been recently attracting celebrities and show business people who gave Lugano a nickname “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”. Switzerland's most prestigious film festival “Locarno International Film Festival” takes place annually in the city of Locarno.

Swiss produce

Switzerland is home to a number of multinational corporations like Nestlé, Novartis, Adecco, Credit Suisse, The Swatch Group, etc. Switzerland is famous for its cheese and chocolate like no other country. Gruyère and Emmental are the most famous and popular Swiss types of cheese are produced in the valleys of Gruyère and Emmental. The Swiss chocolate has earned its international reputation due to its high quality. One of the most popular chocolates Toblerone comes from Switzerland. 

When to go

Switzerland is great any time of a year. Depending on your preferences, you will find lots to do in Switzerland during any season. The period between May and October is great for hiking, walking, camping. Stunning mountains, large lakes and waterfalls won’t leave you unimpressed. Needless to say that Switzerland is a paradise for skiing. The range of ski resorts is so extensive that everyone from a beginner to a world class professional will find his slope.

Keep in mind that during high seasons in summer and especially around winter holidays it gets very busy. If you are renting one of the holiday villas or a chalet, or a holiday apartment in the city, remember to book well in advance.