Tourist Places in Switzerland
A tourist planning for a Switzerland Tour is always inquisitive about the tourist places to be visited during that Switzerland Tour. Fortunately in the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland is the most popular tourist country. The most popular tourist places within Switzerland are Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Interlaken etc. Apart from these, there are other ones too, though less popular yet picturesque. Switzerland Tourism Department is also active in the area of promoting travel and tourism in the country. Here under we are providing you the information valuable for you while your Switzerland vacation. The Major Tourist Places in Switzerland
Geneva Switzerland
Geneva is an anomaly, proving the idiom 'small is beautiful'. An international fame city yet nothing pompous within it. Geneva is little more than town-sized and exceptionally simple like its residents. About 38 percent of the population in Geneva is that of foreigners, basically US or French people. Located on a picturesque location, it is centred around the point where the River Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French, Genfersee in German) flanked on one side by the Jura ridges and on the other by the first peaks of the Savoy Alps.The Godfather of the city is the Reformer Jean (or John) Calvin, the inspiration behind Puritanism and Presbyterianism, who turned Geneva into a "Protestant Rome" in the 16th century. His parsimonious spirit made Geneva one of the richest cities in Europe. "The Republic and Canton of Geneva" is only nominally (4 kms) within Switzerland's borders, sharing a large territory (108km) with France all around. Most of the French residents get benefited from both a high Swiss salary and relatively low French living expenses, whereas the Genevois save money by doing their shopping in France.
Instead, Geneva has nowadays become the businessperson's city par excellence, unrufflable, efficient and tightly packed with hotels. The cobbled Old Town, standing high on its central hill, is atmospheric but strangely austere. At the heart of the city is the huge Cathédrale St-Pierre, and an array of museums, including the giant Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and an impressive gallery of East Asian art, the Collections Baur increasingly visited by the tourists. The residential lanes on both the banks of the Rhône, such as Les Pâquis and Plainpalais, offer more appealing wandering. A short way south of the centre is Carouge, an attractive 18th century suburb built in Sardinian style to be a place of decadence and freedom beyond Geneva's control; its reputation lives on in its high population of artists and designers. Last but not least, Geneva is the headquarter of many of the international organizations. Two of them - the United Nations' European headquarters and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the latter with an award-winning museum - allow visitors a glimpse of the veiled charisma of the city, the diplomatic and administrative confidence that has made Geneva the world capital of bureaucracy.
Lucerne Switzerland
An hours distance from the south of Basle and Zürich, and spectacular mountain views, lake cruises and a picturesque old quarter, LUZERN (Lucerne in French and English, Lucerna in Italian) has been one of the Europe's most heavily visited tourist places. Its popularity dates back to the year 1868 when Queen Victoria came for a long holiday in August 1868. A century old steady growth has resulted in the tourist trafiic of five millions visiting Lucerne every year. Tourism is the leading source of income, yet the city has been able to retain its charm at all costs. The River Reuss splits the town, flowing rapidly out of the northwestern end of the lake. Both sides of the banks of River are clustered with medieval squares, frescoed houses, ancient guildhalls, churches and chapels, and filled with a liveliness that belies the city's age. Apart from being the base of initiating a Switzerland Tour, Lucerne is an exotic place to spend at least a couple of days to roam about in its quality museums - a Picasso gallery, the impressive Verkehrshaus (Transport Museum) - along with the medieval battlements, cobbled alleys and hidden garden courtyards.
Lucerne has also pioneered the café culture within the country, treasured by the youth of the city. At midnight on a weekend night, the main Pilatusstrasse boulevard has the feel of any European capital, with people bar-hopping, waiting for the last bus, or hanging out deciding where to go. Whether it is the history and tradition, the misty lake at its doorstep, the snow-capped peak of Pilatus, or its nightlife, Lucerne hypnotizes the tourists by its magic for long.
Zurich Switzerland
Zurich is famed for being the cleanest, most icily calm and efficient city in Europe. One of the biggest towns of Europe and Switzerland; visiting Zürich gives you a feel at home element where you can finally walk on crowded, multi-ethnic streets, buy a kebab, get a drink after midnight, feel a lived-in urban buzz. In the last two years the art and culture in the city has progressed by leaps and bounds; expressing itself in the most tangible form in a host of clubs and a thriving underground dance scene. Once a stereotype, Zurich no longer conveys the traditional essence. The city has now attained a dynamic hue characterized by an exciting city.
A tourist is likely to find that one of the most beautiful Swiss cities, astride a river and turned towards a crystal-clear lake and distant snowy peaks, has plenty of recreation options to keep you busy. The medieval Old Town, characterized by steep, cobbled alleys and attractive, small-scale architecture, comprises a substantial part of the city centre and is perfect for wanderings then and there. With a handful of medieval churches, a spectacular art gallery, the most engaging café culture in Switzerland and a wealth of nightlife, you can spend a whole lot of time here. To do so, however, you'll have to marry up the appeal of the place with its expense - prohibitive even by Swiss standards. To avoid unnecessary expenses and a handsome saving better if you base yourself in either of the two towns near Zürich - Winterthur or Baden - both of which have museums and galleries of roam about, and much more affordable accommodation than you'll find in Zürich town itself.
Zurich is famed for being the cleanest, most icily calm and efficient city in Europe. One of the biggest towns of Europe and Switzerland; visiting Zürich gives you a feel at home element where you can finally walk on crowded, multi-ethnic streets, buy a kebab, get a drink after midnight, feel a lived-in urban buzz. In the last two years the art and culture in the city has progressed by leaps and bounds; expressing itself in the most tangible form in a host of clubs and a thriving underground dance scene. Once a stereotype, Zurich no longer conveys the traditional essence. The city has now attained a dynamic hue characterized by an exciting city. A tourist is likely to find that one of the most beautiful Swiss cities, astride a river and turned towards a crystal-clear lake and distant snowy peaks, has plenty of recreation options to keep you busy. The medieval Old Town, characterized by steep, cobbled alleys and attractive, small-scale architecture, comprises a substantial part of the city centre and is perfect for wanderings then and there. With a handful of medieval churches, a spectacular art gallery, the most engaging café culture in Switzerland and a wealth of nightlife, you can spend a whole lot of time here. To do so, however, you'll have to marry up the appeal of the place with its expense - prohibitive even by Swiss standards. To avoid unnecessary expenses and a handsome saving better if you base yourself in either of the two towns near Zürich - Winterthur or Baden - both of which have museums and galleries of roam about, and much more affordable accommodation than you'll find in Zürich town itself.
Interlaken Switzerland
Located on lakeside, with a dominance of German-speaking populace in Switzerland, Interlaken offers the winter sport buffs, access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps. Traditionally a 'Summer' resort, Interlaken attracts the winter sports enthusiasts on account of its prime location. Interlaken is known for its healthy climate, as well as the spectacular views. Its excellent hotels and other facilities at reasonable rates during the winter make it an ideal haven for the tourists. Its status became 'official' with the launch of the The Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 160 Km (100 miles) of trails in ski centers above Grindelwald, all linked to Interlaken by a mountain railway included in a ski pass. The average length of runs in the area is a remarkable six - 12 KM (four - nine miles). With the pass, it has become possible to ski a different ski area every day for a week.
The name 'Interlaken' implies "between the lakes" - as it lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz , with water omnipresent throughout the area with idyllic clear mountain streams and waterfalls running off the hills and into the lakes. The resort therefore offers a number of water sports too, throughout the year. If you ever got bored of sliding and skiing, you can always enjoy anything from a cruise on a lake steamer to just feeding the ducks or even watching the frogs! Tourists first started arriving at Interlaken long before the downhill skiing was conceived here. The first hotel was opened in 1806, complementing the existing monastery hospice (now the four star hotel Interlaken) with the boom years beginning in the 1860's. These hotels in Interlaken are a blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities.
More Tourist Places in Switzerland
Basel
This northern city (pop. 170,000) on the Rhine River, is situated at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany. Known as the centre for fabric-dye production in medieval times; Basel is now the base for many of the international pharmaceutical companies. It is also one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Switzerland.
The city's tourist attractions while on Switzerland Tour include the Munster (9th-century red sandstone cathedral), the 11th-century cathedral (which holds the tomb of Erasmus), University of Switzerland (the oldest in the country), Three-Country Corner and Market Square (with its surrounding medieval-era houses). Drei Konige, or the "Three Kings on the Rhine," is Europe's oldest hotel.
There are a number of museums: the Kunstmuseum (one of the country's best fine arts museums), Antikenmuseum (ancient Greek and Roman artifacts), a small Jewish Museum and the Paper Museum (covers the history of printing). The Museum Jean Tinguely offers a sampling of the Swiss sculptor's delightfully whimsical mechanical contraptions. The Fondation Beyeler contains works by Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and other well-known artists.
If the time permits, you can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Rhine in the evening. If the date of your Switzerland Tours is likely to coincide the city's Carnival, make the accommodation arrangement in advance in Zurich or Bern from where you can get special morning trains for Basel.
Bern
The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums on the balconies overlooking the Aare River.
Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping. Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south. The city centre with its beautiful medieval architecture is located on the Aare River between the the striking copper spire of the Nydegg church (Nydeggkirche) and the 13th-century clocktower (Zeitglockenturm). Vegetable and flower markets are held everyday during the summers. A celebrated onion market is also held here on the fourth Monday of November.
Brig
Make sure that you visit the Rhone Glacier which lies nearby when you're in Brig. Ypu can also visit the resorts of Saas Fee and Zermatt which are near to Brig as well as Italy via a major tunnel through the Alps.
Chur
One of the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. Chur is the capital of the canton of Graubunden (or Grisons in French). A Stone Age relics which was found here has been displayed in the splendid archaeological museum in the Old Town.
The main tourist attractions at the city are the Rhine River and spectacular mountains and valleys in the area. The world famous ski resorts of St. Moritz, Arosa and Davos are also nearby. A special treat in Chur is the Romantik Hotel Stern, with its impressive collection of old coaches and sleighs.
Fribourg
Fribourg is the Swiss region where the French and German languages and cultures merge together. Fribourg is a beautiful little town built on a hillside. Red-tiled buildings in the old section lead your way up from the Saane River to the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral. It also has a pretty Town Hall and a Museum of Art and History.
Grindelwald
This town in the Jungfrau region offers winter horse-drawn sleigh rides and good skiing. Be sure to visit one of the nearby glaciers (the higher one, Obergletscher, is the best). The ideal route is via train from Interlaken. The trip turns spectacular - if you go all the way up to Jungfrau Station, the highest railway in Europe.
Heidi Area
Chalets in the mountains, ski lodges and horse-drawn sleigh rides that portray Switzerland can be seen live at the Bernese Oberland, and the Heidi Area near Chur in eastern Switzerland. Alphorn blowers, beautiful hilly pastures, waterfalls, glaciers and detailed wood carvings on houses and bridges is something not to be missed.
Neuchatel
A truly sparkling little city (its yellow sandstone buildings glitter in the sun), Neuchatel, is situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains on the largest lake in the entire Switzerland. The city is acclaimed academically because of its outstanding prep schools and universities.
The Art and History Museum and Swiss clocks and watches that are made in the city tempt the tourists to be a part of the city for long.
Schwyz
This typical Swiss town is near Lucerne in central Switzerland. The surrounding canton of Schwyz (pronounced shfeetz) was one of three founding members of the Swiss Confederation and gave its name to the rest of the country (Switzerland is called "Schweiz" in German). The Victorinox factory, where the original Swiss Army knives are made are also available for sale. Travel by a train up to the resort town of Stoos which is worth watching.
Thun is a well-established market town, which explores the Bernese Oberland Mountains well. Thun is one of the Switzerland's largest military training bases, and relics of the town's early military origins. Thun Castle built in 1190 is a classic monument. A stroll from the medieval Rathausplatz to the lakeshore provides wonderful views.
Valais Area
This area is home to some of the most dramatic Alpine sceneries in the country, including the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn, Eiger and Mt. Blanc can all be seen (on clear days) on a trip via bus and cable car along the Pillon Pass. Other sights in the canton include a fresco that tells the story of William Tell (it's painted on a house in Ernen/Muhlebach) and Grand St. Bernard. Sion has enough old cathedrals and interesting buildings to justify an overnight.
Winterthur
This city (pop. 85,000) is quite famous for its artwork. Visit the Oskar-Reinhart Foundation Museum, where paintings by Swiss, German and Austrian artists are on display. There is also a nice fine arts museum in town, as well. The Collegium Musicum (founded in 1629) stages wonderful concerts. Nearby is the Kyburg Castle that is worth watching.
Source:switzerlandtours.net
Tags:Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Travel , Switzerland
Located on lakeside, with a dominance of German-speaking populace in Switzerland, Interlaken offers the winter sport buffs, access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps. Traditionally a 'Summer' resort, Interlaken attracts the winter sports enthusiasts on account of its prime location. Interlaken is known for its healthy climate, as well as the spectacular views. Its excellent hotels and other facilities at reasonable rates during the winter make it an ideal haven for the tourists. Its status became 'official' with the launch of the The Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 160 Km (100 miles) of trails in ski centers above Grindelwald, all linked to Interlaken by a mountain railway included in a ski pass. The average length of runs in the area is a remarkable six - 12 KM (four - nine miles). With the pass, it has become possible to ski a different ski area every day for a week. The name 'Interlaken' implies "between the lakes" - as it lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz , with water omnipresent throughout the area with idyllic clear mountain streams and waterfalls running off the hills and into the lakes. The resort therefore offers a number of water sports too, throughout the year. If you ever got bored of sliding and skiing, you can always enjoy anything from a cruise on a lake steamer to just feeding the ducks or even watching the frogs! Tourists first started arriving at Interlaken long before the downhill skiing was conceived here. The first hotel was opened in 1806, complementing the existing monastery hospice (now the four star hotel Interlaken) with the boom years beginning in the 1860's. These hotels in Interlaken are a blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities.
More Tourist Places in Switzerland
Basel
This northern city (pop. 170,000) on the Rhine River, is situated at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany. Known as the centre for fabric-dye production in medieval times; Basel is now the base for many of the international pharmaceutical companies. It is also one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Switzerland.
The city's tourist attractions while on Switzerland Tour include the Munster (9th-century red sandstone cathedral), the 11th-century cathedral (which holds the tomb of Erasmus), University of Switzerland (the oldest in the country), Three-Country Corner and Market Square (with its surrounding medieval-era houses). Drei Konige, or the "Three Kings on the Rhine," is Europe's oldest hotel.
There are a number of museums: the Kunstmuseum (one of the country's best fine arts museums), Antikenmuseum (ancient Greek and Roman artifacts), a small Jewish Museum and the Paper Museum (covers the history of printing). The Museum Jean Tinguely offers a sampling of the Swiss sculptor's delightfully whimsical mechanical contraptions. The Fondation Beyeler contains works by Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and other well-known artists.
If the time permits, you can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Rhine in the evening. If the date of your Switzerland Tours is likely to coincide the city's Carnival, make the accommodation arrangement in advance in Zurich or Bern from where you can get special morning trains for Basel.
Bern
The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums on the balconies overlooking the Aare River. Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping. Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south. The city centre with its beautiful medieval architecture is located on the Aare River between the the striking copper spire of the Nydegg church (Nydeggkirche) and the 13th-century clocktower (Zeitglockenturm). Vegetable and flower markets are held everyday during the summers. A celebrated onion market is also held here on the fourth Monday of November.
Brig
Make sure that you visit the Rhone Glacier which lies nearby when you're in Brig. Ypu can also visit the resorts of Saas Fee and Zermatt which are near to Brig as well as Italy via a major tunnel through the Alps.
Chur
One of the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. Chur is the capital of the canton of Graubunden (or Grisons in French). A Stone Age relics which was found here has been displayed in the splendid archaeological museum in the Old Town.
The main tourist attractions at the city are the Rhine River and spectacular mountains and valleys in the area. The world famous ski resorts of St. Moritz, Arosa and Davos are also nearby. A special treat in Chur is the Romantik Hotel Stern, with its impressive collection of old coaches and sleighs.
Fribourg
Fribourg is the Swiss region where the French and German languages and cultures merge together. Fribourg is a beautiful little town built on a hillside. Red-tiled buildings in the old section lead your way up from the Saane River to the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral. It also has a pretty Town Hall and a Museum of Art and History.
Grindelwald
This town in the Jungfrau region offers winter horse-drawn sleigh rides and good skiing. Be sure to visit one of the nearby glaciers (the higher one, Obergletscher, is the best). The ideal route is via train from Interlaken. The trip turns spectacular - if you go all the way up to Jungfrau Station, the highest railway in Europe. Heidi Area
Chalets in the mountains, ski lodges and horse-drawn sleigh rides that portray Switzerland can be seen live at the Bernese Oberland, and the Heidi Area near Chur in eastern Switzerland. Alphorn blowers, beautiful hilly pastures, waterfalls, glaciers and detailed wood carvings on houses and bridges is something not to be missed.
Neuchatel
A truly sparkling little city (its yellow sandstone buildings glitter in the sun), Neuchatel, is situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains on the largest lake in the entire Switzerland. The city is acclaimed academically because of its outstanding prep schools and universities.
The Art and History Museum and Swiss clocks and watches that are made in the city tempt the tourists to be a part of the city for long.
Schwyz
This typical Swiss town is near Lucerne in central Switzerland. The surrounding canton of Schwyz (pronounced shfeetz) was one of three founding members of the Swiss Confederation and gave its name to the rest of the country (Switzerland is called "Schweiz" in German). The Victorinox factory, where the original Swiss Army knives are made are also available for sale. Travel by a train up to the resort town of Stoos which is worth watching.
St. Gallen
At St. Gallen (pop.73,000), visit St. Gallen's town square, the baroque cathedral and the world-renowned Abbey Library with an excellent collection of medieval manuscripts.Thun
Thun is a well-established market town, which explores the Bernese Oberland Mountains well. Thun is one of the Switzerland's largest military training bases, and relics of the town's early military origins. Thun Castle built in 1190 is a classic monument. A stroll from the medieval Rathausplatz to the lakeshore provides wonderful views. Valais Area
This area is home to some of the most dramatic Alpine sceneries in the country, including the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn, Eiger and Mt. Blanc can all be seen (on clear days) on a trip via bus and cable car along the Pillon Pass. Other sights in the canton include a fresco that tells the story of William Tell (it's painted on a house in Ernen/Muhlebach) and Grand St. Bernard. Sion has enough old cathedrals and interesting buildings to justify an overnight.
Winterthur
This city (pop. 85,000) is quite famous for its artwork. Visit the Oskar-Reinhart Foundation Museum, where paintings by Swiss, German and Austrian artists are on display. There is also a nice fine arts museum in town, as well. The Collegium Musicum (founded in 1629) stages wonderful concerts. Nearby is the Kyburg Castle that is worth watching.
Source:switzerlandtours.net
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