Travel Switzerland Guide: Tours, Sights & Hotels

What do we know about Switzerland? An average person will surely mention its banks, mountains, watches and cheese, adding such epithets as "the safest", "the most scenic", "the sharpest", "the most delicious" - everything is "the best". One who has visited Switzerland and characterizes it as "a beautiful country" also makes an understatement. Very often people's knowledge of the world is rather superficial and is limited by the contents of a travel brochure. In order to know Switzerland, to reveal its unique beauty and culture one should explore thoroughly its history, visit its best places, celebrate with the Swiss their traditional festivals, make the acquaintance of Swiss art, music, literature, architecture, customs - and many other things.

The well-known abbreviation of Switzerland CH derives from the Latin name of this area - "Confoederatio Helvetica" or "Confederation Helvetier" - how it is called nowadays. The Swiss flag is of religious origin: the white cross means the cross on which Jesus was crucified, and the red back represents his blood.

Switzerland's area is 41 285 km2, two thirds of the lands are occupied by the mountains - the Alps and the Jura. Due to the altitude variety the Swiss climate varies in different regions. The weather is often cloudy because of atlantic air. Held by the mountains, it forms bank of clouds which can cover the whole Plateau extending across the middle of the country between the two mountain ranges. The snow covers the mountain regions during six months a year, and that makes Switzerland a popular destination for skiers and mountain-climbers.

The population of Switzerland is 7 096 800, only about a fifth of which are native-born. In spite of its relatively small dimension, Switzerland has four official languages - German, French, Italian and Romansch. The ethnic German amount 65% of the total population, but the German language in Switzerland is not the same that is in Germany and Austria. The situation is aggravated by state dialects. English is also used, mainly to communicate with tourists, but, considering the inhabitants, a foreigner should learn some expressions in one of the four local languages.

The Swiss history is rich for important milestones the general position in which is took by the aspiration for freedom. All around the country there are many monuments commemorating the liberation struggle - the Lion in Luzern, for instance. The Swiss are proud of their long independence which is about 700 years old. Thanks to its wise policy, established since the early 1500's, Switzerland didn't take part in the two World Wars of the 20th century and remained a peaceful and independent country, held in high respect all over the world.

The beauty of Switzerland is represented not only by its picturesque unique nature, sparkling lakes, glorious mountains and lovely rustic villages, but also by its numerous sightseeings, works of art, many of which are true masterpieces. Centuries-old castles, magnificent museums, historical monuments, vivid national festivals, unforgettable adventures for adrenaline-lovers, delicious traditional dishes and wonderful shopping - all this constitutes only a little part of Switzerland. Besides this Swiss people are very friendly and hospitable, so, if you have already made a decision to travel Switzerland on a tour or on self catering holidays - you are welcome!

In addition to purchasing travel insurance before visiting abroad, it is important to research requirements for foreigners entering the country and to learn about the specific regions you wish to visit. Switzerland offers a variety of accommodation for visitors such as hotels, resorts, small inns, and even vacation rentals from companies that sell timeshares. Before departure it is recommended that you verify your reservation to ensure a smooth journey. Enjoy Switzerland!

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