Switzerland: Overview
Fairytale Switzerland, is located in the centre of Western Europe, sharing borders with Liechtenstein, France, Italy, Germany and Austria. The country is an attractive mixture of breathtaking landscapes, and Italian, French and German cultural influences.
Climate
Swiss climate is characterized by its moderate temperature, never being extremely hot or cold; so anytime of the year is good for visiting the country. Summer (June-September) is the hottest time, although ideal for enjoying outdoor activities; it is also the moment when the country is more crowded, so prices are higher and lodging options are fewer. Ski resorts’ season begin end of November and lasts until the first days of April, when snow begins to melt.
Important information
Entry requirements vary according to the visitor’s nationality. Some people can visit Switzerland without needing a visa -nationals from Australia, Canada, the EU, the USA, and Latin America. However, nationals from Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru will be required a visa, which allows a 3 months stay.
The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), although some shops also accept payments in euros. Credit cards’ use, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express, is quite extended. There are also many ATMs; some of them operate with Maestro or Cirrus. Although you can exchange foreign currencies and traveller’s checks in some hotels, airports and train stations, however you will find banks’ changing rates more convenient.
Tipping is optional, since a 15% for service is generally added to hotel, bar and restaurant’s bills. Taxi drivers also expect to be tipped.
Swiss health care and medical facilities’ level are among the world’s best; they are also among the most expensive ones. Travelling health insurance is strongly recommended. Travellers who had been in infected areas two weeks previously to their visit to Switzerland will have to produce a vaccination certificate as an entry requirement. There is a sanitary agreement between the United Kingdom and most EU countries which allows citizens holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency medical care at a very low cost. There have been some cases of bird flu and although there is no risk for travellers, you should avoid any contact with birds and consume well cooked and hot any dish containing eggs or poultry.
Although Swiss crime rate is very low compared with other European countries, petty crime has increased, so it is advisable that tourists remain alert to avoid pickpockets and thieves, especially in urban centres and public transportations. You should also be careful with robberies if you are in trains travelling overnight.
Where to go
Zúrich, the most populated city in Switzerland, intellectual and cultural capital of the country, offers many attractive places to its visitors. Built 400 AMSL and crossed by the Limmat River, Zúrich has a beautiful old city boasting constructions from the 16th and 17th centuries, picturesque streets and hundred of fountains. Other places you can visit in Zúrich are the elegant Bahnhofstrasse, San Pedro church, which dates from the 13th century and has the biggest clock in Europe; and Fraumünster, of beautiful vitraux. You can also go to the Fine Arts and the National Swiss museums, located in a castle, north of the city. To enjoy some fresh air, sun and water you can go to the Zúrich lake. Nightlife revolves in the streets surrounding Niederdorfstrasse.
Geneva, built in the banks of Leman river, is headquarters of almost two hundred international organizations and home for many foreign residents. The same as in Zúrich, in this city there are several things to do and places to visit. If the weather is good you should make a boat trip by the river, a walk around the lake or ascend by cable car to Mont Salève to enjoy the beautiful view. In the south bank of the Rhone River, which crosses the city, is the historical centre. In a visit to this city you cannot miss Saint Pierre cathedral, built in a Gothic-romantic style or the oldest neighbourhood of Geneva, the place du Bourg-of-Four. Other places to visit are the Art and History, Old Musical Instruments, Watchmaking and Voltaire museums. The Petit Palais has also an important collection of modern art.
Lucerna, located on both shores of the Reuss River, has some of the most attractive landscapes in the country and in all Europe. Considered the "authentic Switzerland" for its alpine towns, incredible mountains, lakes and edelweiss, is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor excursions and activities like water skiing or kayaking. In the historical centre, located on the northern bank, you will see 15th century buildings, a couple of picturesque covered bridges and a Renaissance City council which dates from the 12th century. Northwest of the town you can see the Lion Monument and the amazing Gletschergarten (glacial garden). Other interesting places to visit are the Museum of Transports and the picturesque markets located in the jetties beside the river.
In Switzerland there are many castles which attract visitors throughout the whole year. Among them, the most important is Chillon Castle, located near Montreaux in the Swiss Riviera. This caste dates from the 11th century and has numerous armoury, tools, kitchen’s utensils and frescos halls. The Bernese Oberland is characterized by its many castles; among them the main ones are Schloss Thun, from the 12th century; Schloss Oberhofen, from the 13th century, and Schloss Hunegg, from the1860s.
Zermatt is a luxurious ski resort, located in Cervino, one of the most famous alpine locations to where you can go by mountain railway. This is a pedestrian city, so it is ideal for walking around and exploring it. Once here you should visit the Hinter Dorf area, full with Valais traditional houses.
Jungfrau region is located south of Interlaken and it is characterized by its breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by three peaks, to where you can ascend by cable car, funicular or mountain railways. You can also do it hiking by amazing paths, if you have no troubles with vertigo.
Festivals
Among the Swiss festivals you should not miss are Fasnacht (carnival) in February, especially celebrated in Basle, and the Combat de Reines (cows fights) which takes place Valais lowlands between March and October. The Montreux Jazz Festival in July attracts people from all over the world. It is also a good choice to attend the celebration of the National Day (August) celebrated with fireworks in the whole country, and with Swiss wrestling in Emmenthal, east of Berne. Finally, on the fourth Monday of November merchants take over the centre of the capital city for the onion market.
