National Tourist Information Switzerland

Traveladvisor in Switzerland: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.

Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.

Switzerland Tourism Authority

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About Switzerland

The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.

Switzerland is uniquely positioned in Europe because it sits on the crossroads of many routes. Although not as important in modern times, the geographic position explains the odd situation where the official languages of the country are German, Italian and Romansch. French is widely spoken in the west and English is prevalent throughout the country. There is no language unique to Switzerland…Switzerish perhaps.

Switzerland is a very modern country rating at or near the top of all living standards in the world. Literacy rates are near 100 percent, 25 percent of adults hold diplomas from higher education and religious freedom is guaranteed. Switzerland has one of the highest usage rates of computers and the Internet, not to mention a high per capita income level. Health care services are outstanding and nearly all Swiss are insured.

Historically, Switzerland was first inhabited by Helvetic Celts. It eventually came under the rule of the Roman Empire. During this period, it flourished as cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich served as major commerce centers in the Roman Empire.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Switzerland was invaded and ruled by various groups. It later passed into control of the popes of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the three dominant families in Switzerland agreed to a joint rule pact in which they pledged joint defense, peace and autonomous rule. They signed the agreement on August 1, 1291, a day now considered Nations Day in Switzerland. Following this period, Switzerland pursued land capture through military ventures, defeating the Habsburgs on three separate occasions. They were subsequently defeated by the French and Venetians and renounced expansionist policies, the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.

After a brief civil war between Protestants and liberals, Switzerland settled into the country it is today in 1848. Free of Catholic rule, the country passed a constitution establishing strong civil liberties. Unlike most countries, the Swiss federal government is very weak. The states, known as cantons, have significant autonomy and the effective law makers in the country.

The citizens of Switzerland go by the name “Swiss.” The population totals about 7.3 million and grows less than one percent a year in size. Religiously, Swiss categorize themselves as Roman Catholic 42 percent, Protestant 33 percent, Muslim 4.3 percent, others 5.4 percent and no religion 11percent. The literacy rate is claimed to be 100 percent and the average life expectancy is 76.5 years for men and 82.5 for women.

Switzerland’s policy of neutrality has served it will through two world wars. Much of the country has escaped the damage inflicted on its neighbors. With soaring peaks and beautiful cities, it is a traveler’s delight. Now that you know something about it, give it a visit

The Swiss Alps

There is no skiing destination more famous worldwide than the Swiss Alps. The Switzerland portion of the extensive Alps mountain range, the Swiss Alps have peaks reaching up to 13,000 feet, making them an unbelievable natural wonder. Hikers and winter sports enthusiasts rejoice at the opportunity to experience the unrivalled conditions and trails. If you are not interested in adventure sports, don’t fret. The beauty of the Swiss Alps is a site in and of itself, and there are plenty of opportunities to relax and marvel at the mountains from the ground. A Swiss Alps vacation is truly unlike any other!

The Swiss Alps have attractions for any type of vacationer. If you plan on visiting the iconic Matterhorn – not the Disneyland ride – then journey to Zermatt, a quaint car-free town. For prime skiing and snowboarding opportunities, check out the beautiful city of Verbier. If hiking is your preference, you cannot go wrong with a stay in Grindewald. Should you be looking for a more relaxation-oriented trip, travel to the gorgeous town of Lugano. There are towns to suit every type of traveler so that your Swiss Alps vacation will be everything you wanted and more.

Athletes rejoice at the chance to travel to the elite Swiss Alps. Perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and warm enough for hiking in the summer, the Swiss Alps are an adventure sports beacon. Visit Grindewald, known for its superb slopes, and also as a fantastic spot to use as basecamp, should you intend on hiking to the top. Journey to Verbier, known for its posh atmosphere as well as its world-class slopes. It is a destination for many professional athletes.

Zermatt, which is home to The Matterhorn, boasts incredible high-altitude slopes. Zermatt is also home to two of the most impressive hikes in the Swiss Alps, Riffelsee to Sunnegga and Höhenweg Höhbalmen. The town of Klosters is a more hidden gem, with trails for a wide range of skill levels. If you are interested in skiing and snowboarding, but are only at a beginning level, check out one of the many ski and snowboards schools offered throughout the range.

Enjoy the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, also referred to as Klein Matterhorn. This is the end location of the tallest cable car in all of Europe, reaching an astounding 13,000 feet. At the top, enjoy the incredible views of Switzerland, Italy, and France. There is even a restaurant up there!

For those more interested in taking in the views from a distance, journey to Lake Lugano in Lugano, Switzerland. Many celebrities have vacation homes here because of its absolutely beautiful views of Monte San Salvatore, especially in the summer months. Lounge around the lake, take in the sites, and truly enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps without lifting a finger.