Switzerland

Switzerland is a small landlocked country located in central Europe (called Helvetia in olden times).  It is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria to the east.  The country is dominated by mountains, with the Alps to the south and in the northwest the Jura Mountain range.  Major lakes are Lake Geneva, Lake Constance and Lake Maggiore.  The major river is the Rhine which gives access to the North Sea via Basel. The capital city, Bern, is located in the central-western part of the country. Other major cities include Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Zermatt and Saint Moritz. The country has four distinct areas and cultures which are French, German, Italian and Romansch speaking. Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002.

Switzerland is known for its cheese, chocolates, cuckoo clocks and watches, the majestic Alps, Heidi and William Tell among many other things. Visitors go to Switzerland for its pristine beautiful scenery, snow-capped mountains and serene lakes.  It is also a wonderful place for outdoor sports and activities – a wonderland for skiing and winter sports and also for summer and water sports.

There is so much to explore in this beautiful country.  For more information go to: www.myswitzerland.com

Bern

Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, situated on the River Aare.  It is a small city which has a history dating back to the 15th century and some lovely medieval architecture, fountains and buildings.   Some popular sights include the Clock Tower, botanical gardens, Albert Einstein’s house and the huge vaulted shopping arcades.   Bern is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   Bern is also known for its bear pits, and it is believed this is how the city got its name.  Einstein discovered the theory of relativity in Bern.  Don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Geneva

Geneva is a major city of Switzerland, located on the southern tip of Lake Geneva and the Rhone River, at the far western tip of the country, surrounded by France. Geneva is the host to many organizations including the United Nations, World Health Organization and European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN).   The city is divided into two section by the River Rhone. The old part of the city is on the south shore of the river, to the north of the river are some major transportation areas including the airport and railway station.  The lakefront area of Geneva should not be missed where you can admire the sailboats and the Jet d’eau which sends a fountain of water over 400 feet into the sky.  The Lake provides all manner of activities for water sports enthusiasts.

You can take a trip to the top of Mont Saleve for a view of the city.  Other attractions and places of interest include the Museum of Art and History, Horology Museum, Cathedral St. Pierre, botanical gardens and Place du Bourg-de-Four.  It is easy to get around by bus, tram or taxi.  The city has plenty to keep a visitor occupied with its many museums, galleries, music festivals, parks and cultural events.  You can also find all that you would expect in such a sophisticated city: top class restaurants, music concerts and good nightlife. 

Website:  www.geneva-tourism.ch

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