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Switzerland

Switzerland

Continent

Central Europe

Best States to Visit

  • Zürich
  • Luzern
  • Schwyz

Best Cities to Visit

  • Montreux
  • Lucerne
  • Swiss Alps
  • Zermatt
  • Zurich

Size

41,285 KM2

Population

8,570,146

GDP

$584,000,000

Spending Budget

$250 - $18,617

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October

History

The history of Switzerland since 1848 has been largely one of success and prosperity. Industrialization transformed the traditionally agricultural economy, and Swiss neutrality during and the success of the banking industry furthered the ascent of Switzerland to its status as one of the world’s most stable economies. Since 1848 the Swiss Confederation has been a federal republic of relatively autonomous cantons, some of which have a history of confederacy that goes back more than 700 years, putting them among the world’s oldest surviving republics.

Present Day

the region is tied to that of Alpine culture. Switzerland was inhabited by the Helvetii and it came under Roman rule in the 1st century BC. Gallo-Roman culture was amalgamated with Germanic influence during Late Antiquity, with the eastern part of Switzerland becoming Alemannic territory. The area of Switzerland was incorporated in the Frankish Empire in the 6th century. In the high medieval period, the eastern part became part of the Duchy of Swabia within the Holy Roman Empire while the western part was part of Burgundy. The Old Swiss Confederacy in the late medieval period (the Eight Cantons) established its independence from the House of Habsburg and the Duchy of Burgundy, and in the Italian Wars gained territory south of the Alps from the Duchy of Milan. The Swiss Reformation divided the Confederacy and resulted in a drawn-out history of internal strife between the Thirteen Cantonsin the Early Modern period. In the wake of the French Revolution, Switzerland fell to a French invasion in 1798 and was reformed into the Helvetic Republic, a French client state. Napoleon’s Act of Mediation in 1803 restored the status of Switzerland as a Confederation, and after the end of the Napoleonic period, the Swiss Confederation underwent a period of turmoil culminating in a brief civil war in 1847 and the creation of a federal constitution in 1848.

Future

By all accounts, Switzerland is likely to maintain and develop its stable and prosperous economy in the foreseeable future but its role in the changing world is likely to be strongly dependent on its gradual integration with the EU. The debates between Euro-skeptics and Euro-enthusiasts will most likely dominate domestic policies, along with the foreign workers controversy. The Swiss economy and society will be trying hard to reformulate their unique identity in the globalizing world. EU integration will benefit the leading Swiss industries, particularly in manufacturing, but offshore banking and agricultural firms may suffer, which, given their strong political clout, may further disturb the integration process. The participation of the Swiss in the European political process may generate new domestic controversies over time. But in the long run, the benefits of the single European market of goods, capitals, persons, and ideas will outweigh the drawbacks for Switzerland.
Must Visit Places ------------

The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn, Switzerland iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. On the border with Italy, this legendary peak rises to 4,478 meters, and its four steep faces lie in the direction of the compass points. At the foot of this mighty peak, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here each summer

St.Moritz

Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, alpine forests, and oodles of sunshine make St. Moritz one of the world’s top mountain destinations and a must-have on your list of things to do in Switzerland. Palatial hotels and pricey restaurants are par for the course at this chic resort town, which has hosted two winter Olympics.

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, a major transportation hub, and a top starting point for travellers. The city lies at the north western end of Lake Zurich astride the river Limmat. A great place to begin a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. Milelong Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe’s finest shopping strands, beckons with designer stores selling fashion, watches, and jewellery.

The Bernina Railway line

One of the very few railway lines in the world designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing, the Albula/Bernina line on the Rheatian Railways offers a majestic ride not to be missed. The route extends throughout the Albula and Bernina landscapes, covering 122 kilometers and winding through almost 200 bridges, the Graubünden mountains, and a number of tunnels and viaducts along the way.

Lake Geneva

One of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva sits along the Rhône and is shared with neighbouring France. Still, more of the crescent-shaped lake is in Switzerland, although both countries in essence share the lake for annual yacht racing and rowing events.Lake Geneva is known not only for its size –it’s the largest lake in the country- but also for its jaw-dropping beauty. It sits at an elevation of 372 metres and is completely surrounded by mountain peaks, boasting views of both Grand Combin and Mont Blanc.

Lake Constance

Lake Constance sits in the northern foothills of the Alps along the Rhine and is actually three bodies of water that are connected by the river. At 536 square kilometres, it’s the third largest lake in Central Europe.Lake Constance boasts a 273 kilometre shoreline, 72 kilometres of which are located in Switzerland. It’s a magical place, with countless walking trails and cycling trails, particularly along the 260 kilometres long Lake Constance circular route

Eaux – Vives Beach

Lucerne Beach

Lucerne’s lido sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, spanning a length of 300 metres. This sandy beach on the edge of the Alps is a popular meeting place for the populace of Lucerne, as well as a draw for visitors. The beach is part of the lido complex, where you will find several other beautiful places to relax too.

Hotel Hofgarten restaurant

Named among the best mountain restaurants in the world by The Telegraph, Chez Vrony sits on Rothorn Mountain, a short ski down from the Sunnegga Express in the hamlet of Findeln.

YOU Restaurant

Entering YOU restaurant, with its slick black and maroon décor, is as memorable as the first mouthful.

Restaurant Brasserie Anker

Rösti, a pan-fried grated potato dish, is famously associated with Switzerland’s German-speaking population. In fact the “Rösti Divide” is a term jokingly used to refer to cultural differences between Switzerland’s German and French linguistic.

Interlaken

Nestled between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most popular summer holiday resorts. In the center of town, Höhematte is a marvel of urban planning with 35 acres of open space. Flower gardens, hotels, and cafes surround the Höheweg, the main boulevard through here with breathtaking vistas of the mountains.

Bern

In a stunning location, perched on a peninsula of the River Aare, the Swiss capital of Bern exudes old world charm, and the city’s medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, with panoramic views from its tower 16th-century fountains.

Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park in the Engadine Valley is the oldest reserve in the Alps. The park sits right on the border with Italy and encompasses more than 170 square kilometers of flower-dotted hollows, fast flowing rivers, and limestone crags. The scenery is especially dramatic in winter, when the forested mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, and the views from the cross-country ski trails are stunning.

Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne literally translates to the ’Lake of the Four Forested Settlement’, as its spreads across four Swiss cantons. The lake has an irregular shape that makes it appear as if it sits within four different valleys, although 113.6 square kilometre lake sits in the Reuss Valley. It’s a truly spectacular lake, being entirely surrounded by mountains and offering sweeping views of their snowy peaks. Still, even though the lake sits at an elevation of 434 metres above sea level, it has a mild climate.

Lake Thun

Lake Thun sits at an elevation of 558 metres above sea level in the high Berner Oberland region of Bern. The alpine lake was created during the last glacial period between 115,000 and 11,700 years ago.

Beach In La Neuveville

The old town of La Neuveville has a beautiful lido overlooking St Peter’s Island. The lido on Lake Biel is just a stone’s throw from the village centre. It is part of a campsite, but is also open to on campers.

The Kambly Factory.

• Go Cookie-Crazy At The Kambly Factory. If you like free biscuits and beautiful landscapes, the Kambly factory store in the idyllic village of Trubschachen will feel like Christmas and Easter all at once. With up to 100 types of delicious biscuits to freely devour, this place will keep you busy for a while.