A landlocked country in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is compact but packs a punch with its picture-perfect landscapes. Breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, undulating meadows, pristine lakes; and one of the world’s most efficient networks of trains, cable cars, gondolas, cogwheel trains and boats, go way beyond the stereotypes of chocolate, cheese, fondues, luxury watches and yodelling. The stunning alpine landscapes are a perfect playground for skiing, hiking or mountain biking with famous ski resorts of Zermatt (Matterhorn), Verbier and Moritz and when the snow melts, the magical winter wonderland turns into stunning setting with blue skies for hiking and other outdoor adventures in the summers.
At the confluence of southern, western and central Europe with France, Germany, Austria and Italy as neighbours, Switzerland has a distinct identity with rural life rooted in agriculture and its own quaint traditions. Yet it has an exquisite culture evident from world renowned museums, contemporary art galleries, annual Art Basel Fair and Montreux Jazz Festival.
Enjoy a lake cruise on Lake Geneva, Lake Brientz or Lake Lucerne or go kayaking on Lake Zurich. Get some adrenaline rush paragliding, canyoning, rafting in Interlaken, the gateway to the Swiss Alps. Take a cogwheel train to Europe’s highest railway station at 3454 meters and discover Mt Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe. Get awed by the breathtaking sights of the Alps at Mt Titlis as you ascend in Rotair – the world’s first revolving cable car, walk on the Titlis Cliff walk or take the Ice Flyer. Soak up the spectacular landscapes through the large panoramic windows of the Glacier Express riding between St Moritz to Zermatt. Not to forget the urban landscape with medieval capital city of Bern, scenic Geneva, ancient St Gallen and the largest city Zurich. Don’t miss tucking into Swiss specialties such as fondue, Raclette and the skillet dish Rosti at the markets.
The summer months of June to August are ideal for mountain and lake excursions with all cable cars and boats in operation and the countryside booming with hikers and paragliders. The mountain resorts are busy in winter from mid-December to March for the ski season – January and February being the peak winter months for winter sports.
