Nestled in the heart of the Alps and Europe, Switzerland is a country of mountains and lakes, with exemplary tranquility. This federal country has the particularity of having 3 official languages, French, German and Italian. Here, between the high snow-covered peaks, in these green valleys where the cows are so peaceful, everything is well ordered and clean. The landscapes are often grandiose, the water of the lakes reflecting the whiteness of the summits, the lights varying to infinity The mountains, Alps and Jura, occupy two thirds of the territory and form a major geographical barrier. The rest is a group of valleys and plateaus, originally inhabited by mountain farmers. This is Switzerland's asset: its identity is more geographical than cultural. Switzerland has more than 1500 lakes, including Lake Geneva, the most famous and largest in Europe, but also Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich and Lake Maggiore on the Italian border. The tourist potential is thus very important, summer as well as winter. Mountaineering is one of the sporting activities to be practiced when taking a flight to Switzerland. Without mentioning all the famous peaks, the Matterhorn, with its so particular shape, is undoubtedly the most famous, and its ascent is considered a feat. Less reserved to an elite, hiking is queen in this country which has, besides an important biodiversity, perfect infrastructures, cable cars, refuges or restaurants of altitude. The hiking trails are scrupulously marked and indicated in the tourist guides. Renowned winter sports resorts abound, they are often luxurious, whether they are Gstaad, Saint Moritz, Crans sur Sierre, Klosters or Zermatt... but you can also find more intimate resorts, while being well equipped for skiing or snowboarding. We ski there in winter, but in summer, we hike, we golf, we ride horses... All water sports can be practised, swimming, sailing or water skiing on the lakes, but also canyoning or kayaking in the rivers and wild torrents. The country is also a paradise for free flight or glider pilots. There is no shortage of holiday destinations in Switzerland. The country is more or less divided into three parts, each with its own language and culture. Make a trip to Geneva, the big city of the French-speaking part, to the west, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Its majestic jet of water, around which circulate swans and pedalos is symbolic. The watchmaking capital of the world, Geneva is a city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Not far away, Lausanne, with its steep streets, is a very lively city with many festivals and museums. Montreux and its famous jazz festival is also worth a visit. The big cities in the northern German part are Zürich, Lucerne and Bern, the capital. Stay in Zürich, on the lake of the same name, which is considered the economic and financial capital of the country. It is also a cultural centre, with museums, galleries and a contemporary theatre scene. Finally, do not miss the Italian part of Ticino, in the south, which does not lack charm, thanks to its idyllic situation between lakes and mountains and an almost Mediterranean climate. The two main cities, Lugano and Locarno, have Italian charm, and the surrounding villages, among which Ascona are charming places of escapade. It must be said that Lake Maggiore is breathtakingly beautiful in the magic light. In Switzerland, everything is beautiful, clean and welcoming. There is no shortage of sightseeing excursions and other adventures, discover the castle of Chillon on its rocky islet on the shores of Lake Geneva - the former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, take the little train from the Bellinzona valley in Ticino, hike in the Swiss National Park, in the east of the country, the oldest by Alps... Or take a car rental in Switzerland to discover the salt mines of Bex, visit the caves at Les Fées de l'Orbe, or have lunch at the summit of the Säntis from where you have a view (in good weather) on 6 neighbouring countries, but yes !

Art and culture in Switzerland

There are many festivals, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Locarno Film Festival, comedy in Arosa, classical music in Lugano, there are more than 150 all year round. Switzerland does not have many monuments, but it has many museums throughout the country. The Red Cross Museum and the Natural History Museum in Geneva, the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, the Theatre Museum in Bern, the Picasso Museum in Lucerne there is something for everyone ! Then, because of its diversity, Switzerland presents multiple cultural facets, to be discovered according to the location of its hotel in Switzerland.

What to visit in Switzerland

Walking, you have to walk to deserve a stay in Switzerland. Hiking in the mountains in one of the many nature parks, luxurious shopping in the streets of Geneva or Zurich, or visiting the castles of Bellinzona.One would have to walk to admire one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the Alps: it is the site of the Jungfrau and the Aletsch glacier, the longest ice river in Europe, in the shade of the Eiger and Jungfrau rivers. Unless you prefer Switzerland in winter, it will be skiing or snowshoe walking. In short, always enjoy these magnificent landscapes while exercising...

1. Pilatus - Lucerne Region

Rising to an altitude of 2131 metres, Pilatus is also known as Mount Pilate. Between lake and mountain, this tourist destination offers you a postcard landscape. To cross the mountain pastures, you can take the rack railway which, with its slope reaching 48%, wants to be the steepest train in the world. Strong sensations guaranteed.

2. The large passes

By car, motorcycle, bike, on foot for the bravest or by bus for the less sporty, this life-size road-trip through the extreme Swiss landscapes will leave you breathless. From Susten to Bernina via the Grimsel, you have to concoct your own circuit but be careful, only in summer because the passes are closed during the winter seasons.

3. Fafleralp - Valais Region

In the heart of the Lötschental valley, the Flaferalp mountain is surrounded by glaciers and small lakes. Through typical villages and larch forests, you can walk head to head with nature along a trail dedicated to hiking that crosses the alpine landscape to reach the majestic Black Lake.

4. Le Lavaux - Lake Geneva Region

Offering a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the vineyards overlooking it, the Lavaux site is a must in French-speaking Switzerland. Located in the heights between Lausanne and Montreux, Lavaux is an 800 hectare estate of vineyards listed since 2007 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 32 kilometres of road, you will be able to discover the places on foot or by bike by taking one of the seven created circuits, while opening wide the eyes to enjoy the panorama.

5. Lake Cauma - Grisons Region

With its turquoise waters that oscillate between 20 and 24 degrees in summer, Lake Cauma is considered the "paradise for hikers and swimmers" by Tatiana Tissot, the author of the book 26 things to see absolutely in Switzerland. Surrounded by coniferous forests in the heart of Grisons, this idyllic setting invites you to relax and enjoy family activities such as pedal-boating, swimming or walking.

6. The Verzasca Valley - Ticino Region

In the heart of the Ticino valley, the Verzasca valley consists of several small natural pools, formed by rock, with emerald and transparent waters. Punctuated by about twenty works by international artists who blend into the landscape such as stone statues, paintings on wood or amazing sculptures, the Verzasca Valley Art Trail invites you to combine stroll and culture along a 4.5 kilometre route along the river.

7. The Rhine Falls - Schaffhausen region

Near Schaffhausen, in the north-east of German-speaking Switzerland, you can admire these impressive waterfalls which, after a jump of 23 metres, reach a furious boiling point. With 600 cubic metres of water flowing down the waterfall every second, the Rhine Falls are considered the largest in Europe. On board a boat, you will admire this enormous rock which emerges from the waves, surrounded by two castles, those of Wörth and Laufen.

8. Chillon Castle - Lake Geneva Region

A floating monument on the lake near Montreux, Chillon Castle was built around the 10th century on a rocky islet connected to the shore by a bridge. If it seems not to have aged over time, this castle has many stories to tell you. Former prison, Chillon would have housed witches, heretics, brigands and revolutionaries behind its ramparts.

9. Gruyères - Fribourg region

Perched on a hill in the Fribourg countryside, Gruyères offers a superb view over the Pre-Alps. With its castle and medieval village, the picturesque village with its folk atmosphere attracts several thousand tourists every year. At Gruyères, you can taste the famous half and half fondue composed at 50:50 of Gruyère and Vacherin. For dessert lovers, the double cream of Gruyères with meringues will surely wake up your taste buds.

10. Le creux du Van - Neuchâtel Region

Imposing rocky cirque more than one kilometer in diameter surrounded by cliffs, the hollow of the Van has been carved by glaciers and streams over the centuries. Walking at the top of the cliff, over 160 metres high, you will appreciate the impressive panorama overlooking the Jura on one side and Lake Neuchâtel on the other. The lucky ones can even see some of the locals: ibexes and chamois.

Gastronomic specialities in Switzerland

Switzerland, a country where cows are queens, is known for its milk, cheese and dried meat. Fondue or raclette, Valais specialities, go so well with winter sports... The regional particularities are reflected in the cuisine. Pizzocheri in the Grisons, polenta braised cheese in a nice grotto (small restaurant with a shady terrace) in Ticino, a Vully cake in the historic Zähringen town of Murten or a rösti with "gschwellti" (potatoes in a field dress) in a Mittelland country inn. And of course, we should not forget the incomparable chocolate, made from the famous Swiss milk.