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On the basis of Geography, Switzerland can be divided into three seperate zones, each running in an east-west direction. In the north near France are the hilly and forested Jura; The central areas of Switzerland is a plateau region with forest areas, agricultural farmland, cities and lakes; and the south is covered entirely by the high Alps mountain system. Adventure tours in the mountains of Switzerland offers really good opportunities for adventure tourism.
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Switzerland is an amalgamation of four cultures: French, Italian, Swiss-German and Romansh. In general, the French areas of Geneva and the surrounding western area and Italian areas of Lugano and the surrounding southern area are more lively and cosmopolitan as compared to the more conservative and sedate German area of Zurich and the surrounding eastern area. The Romansh areas of St. Moritz and surrounding southeastern region still remains covert and the least developed amongst all.
Regardless of this cultural diversity, Switzerland can be regarded as the most stable country in Europe. The country's strength lies in its wealth, its conservative nature and the common belief and confidence among its citizens in a policy of armed neutrality.
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A tourist planning for a Switzerland Tour should essentially know the history of and the form of government in the country to anticipate the roots of its customs and culture, helpful during the Switzerland Tour beyond doubt. In the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland has the rich legacy to boast of. Here under we are providing you the information valuable for you while your Switzerland vacation. Just go through to acquaint yourself with the rich heritage Switzerland owes to.
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Switzerland was formed in the year 1291 when the three cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden joined together for the common purpose of protecting their borders. Switzerland is one of the oldest democracies in the world. The number of cantons in Switzerland today has rose to 26 since the union was formed. These 26 cantonments maintain broad and autonomous powers. Switzerland follows a federal administration with a federal government led by a seven-member council. The presidency is rotated among the members for a one-year term. The legislative authority of Switzerland is in Bern. It constitutes of two chambers, the Council of States and the National Council. The Council of States comprises of representatives (Two members each) from the 26 cantons of Switzerland. The National Council comprises of 200 deputies elected dorectly by the people.
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The climate or weather conditions of a country determine the best tourist season. Fortunately in the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland has the most favourable and pleasant climate throughout the year. Here under we are providing you the information valuable for you while your Switzerland vacation. Switzerland Tourism Department also comes out with the weather forecasts from time to time.
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Though the highest peaks of the Alps receive a high snowfall the year-round (it's rare July-September, however), yet Switzerland has a cool and cozy climate throughout the year. The best seasons looking to the weather conditions are Spring, summer and autumn. June and July are the months when the alpine wildflowers are usually at their peak, but summer is the season for the overwhelming tourist traffic visiting Switzerland. The meteorologists suggest the tourists to visit in May unless and until skiing is an important part of their itinerary. The tourists are advised to take a sweater, a light raincoat and folding umbrella while going on a Switzerland Tour.
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| Tourist Places In Switzerland |
| Basel |
This northern city (pop. 170,000) on the Rhine River, is situated at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany. Known as the centre for fabric-dye production in medieval times; Basel is now the base for many of the international pharmaceutical companies.
It is also one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Switzerland.
The city's tourist attractions while on Switzerland Tour include the Munster (9th-century red sandstone cathedral), the 11th-century cathedral (which holds the tomb of Erasmus), University of Switzerland (the oldest in the country), Three-Country Corner and Market Square (with its surrounding medieval-era houses). Drei Konige, or the "Three Kings on the Rhine," is Europe's oldest hotel.
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| Bern |
The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums on the balconies overlooking the Aare River.
Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping. Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south.
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| Zurich |
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. Located on banks of lake Zürichsee, the city has a predominance of German-speaking populace. Set in the very lush and picturesque region of the Mittelland or 'middle country', Zurich is a wonderful location to enjoy your vacation in Switzerland. The old town known as the Altstadtis is very colorful. Zurich is a terrific location to enjoy German theatre, art and drama. Zurich has a beautiful skyline dominated by the Grossmünster and its twin towers. The grand Town Hall, the Swiss Country Museum, the porcelain collection at the Baroque Zunfthaus zur Meise and the medieval castle at Rapperswil are also a must see when in Zurich. One may enjoy the ride of local trains and buses that leave for the hills, the scenic woods and parks that surround the beautiful city.
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| Geneva |
Geneva is an anomaly, proving the idiom 'small is beautiful'. An international fame city yet nothing pompous within it. Geneva is little more than town-sized and exceptionally simple like its residents. About 38 percent of the population in Geneva is that of foreigners, basically US or French people. Located on a picturesque location, it is centred around the point where the River Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French, Genfersee in German) flanked on one side by the Jura ridges and on the other by the first peaks of the Savoy Alps.
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| Swiss Alps |
Switzerland is located in Central Europe. Bordered by Germany to the north, Austria to the east, Italy to the south and France to the west, Switzerland covers a very small area. Switzerland has a temperate climate but with changes in altitude, the climate can be cold, rainy/snowy, cool and humid.
Covering an area of almost 60% of Switzerland, the Alps Mountain Range covers most of Switzerland extending from France and leveling out further into Austria. With the Alps mountain system in the south and the Jura in the northwest, mountains form the majority of the Swiss terrain causing The Alps Mountain to be known as Swiss Alps.
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| Locarno |
Locarno has a very pleasant climate and a lush subtropical vegetation. It turns enchanting at night when the arcades and portici , During the night, when soft tunes ooze out of city bars and restaurants and when city lights reflects upon the beautiful lake, the city takes on a surrealistic quality.
Piazza Grande is a wonderful place in Locarno. Just behind it lies the old Locarno, "la città vecchia." The old town was built during the Middle Ages and is one of the greatest architectural and cultural treasures of Switzerland. Within its inner courtyard lies beautiful churches, Castello Visconteo archeological museum and the beautiful town fortress. Locarno also plays host to the International Film Festival held here annually.
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