Switzerland Travel Guide

By The Non Fiction Author

Melted chocolate drizzled over fresh, crusty bread. Snow glinting on the treetops as the train whisks you ever higher into the mountains. The chime as the clock strikes noon and it’s time for yet another delectable lunch of the finest French cuisine. And knowing that in a few hours you will be tucking into Italian-inspired fare before heading out for drinks in the old town.

The mountainous scenery in Switzerland is characterized by its variety and depth. The hills curve around crystal blue lakes in summer, while in winter a coating of snow covers the rolling landscape. The fields stay fresh and green while the forests thrive with regular precipitation. Luckily it is not often subject to fog, clouds, or pollution, unlike other places in Europe. It can be terribly disappointing to miss a stunning sunset due to inclement weather. Here in Switzerland you can climb up tall peaks or march to the top of a cathedral tower to see for miles around. Search online or look at a book and you will glimpse just a few of the striking scenes that are commonplace in the country.

Switzerland is well known as being home to a large portion of the Alps mountain range, which also runs through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. But there are more mountain ranges other than the Alps. The Jura Mountain range in the northwest is not far from the Swiss town Neuchâtel, and the border with France. The Matterhorn range in the south of the country lies right on the edge between Switzerland and Italy, serving as a natural borderline. Within the center of the country are the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains, which are full of charming resorts that cater to those on a relaxing holiday.

With all of these mountains Switzerland is famously idyllic as a skiing destination for both Europeans and Americans. Many dream of swishing down the white slopes during the day and drinking Swiss hot chocolate by a fire at night, roasting your toes over an open fire. There is winter climbing and mountaineering, snowshoeing and many other activities to keep you active in the cold, as well as plenty of luxurious, indoor treats to enjoy too when you need to defrost.

In spring and summer the ice melts and Switzerland blooms with color. The flowers are well tended in the city parks and the fields turn a spring green. The countryside holds terrific beauty and a great way to experience it is a simple walk through the hills. There is more daylight than in winter so you can get a later start on the day and still have plenty of time for walking along the lakeside promenade of Zurich before the sun goes down. In good weather the outdoor cafes fill up as people watchers stake out their seats for an afternoon of observing locals going about their day. A strong cup of coffee is the perfect pick-me-up after spending a few hours shopping for a wristwatch, and try the pastries drizzled with rich chocolate.

If cold weather is your nemesis, you can still see snow all year round. Switzerland has the longest glacier in Europe called the Aletsch Glacier, located near the Jungfrau peaks. Switzerland also has the biggest waterfall in Europe by volume of water, the Rhine Falls not far from Zurich. These remarkable sights are easily accessible with a tour group or on your own, so bring a camera and good walking shoes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Non Fiction Author
• Release date: Aug 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386121312

The Non Fiction Author

A group of Authors, Graphic Designers and Technical Support Reps

Book preview

Chapter 1:

Why You Will Fall in Love with Switzerland!

Melted chocolate drizzled over fresh, crusty bread. Snow glinting on the treetops as the train whisks you ever higher into the mountains. The chime as the clock strikes noon and it’s time for yet another delectable lunch of the finest French cuisine. And knowing that in a few hours you will be tucking into Italian-inspired fare before heading out for drinks in the old town.

The mountainous scenery in Switzerland is characterized by its variety and depth. The hills curve around crystal blue lakes in summer, while in winter a coating of snow covers the rolling landscape. The fields stay fresh and green while the forests thrive with regular precipitation. Luckily it is not often subject to fog, clouds, or pollution, unlike other places in Europe. It can be terribly disappointing to miss a stunning sunset due to inclement weather. Here in Switzerland you can climb up tall peaks or march to the top of a cathedral tower to see for miles around. Search online or look at a book and you will glimpse just a few of the striking scenes that are commonplace in the country.

Switzerland is well known as being home to a large portion of the Alps mountain range, which also runs through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. But there are more mountain ranges other than the Alps. The Jura Mountain range in the northwest is not far from the Swiss town Neuchâtel, and the border with France. The Matterhorn range in the south of the country lies right on the edge between Switzerland and Italy, serving as a natural borderline. Within the center of the country are the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains, which are full of charming resorts that cater to those on a relaxing holiday.

With all of these mountains Switzerland is famously idyllic as a skiing destination for both Europeans and Americans. Many dream of swishing down the white slopes during the day and drinking Swiss hot chocolate by a fire at night, roasting your toes over an open fire. There is winter climbing and mountaineering, snowshoeing and many other activities to keep you active in the cold, as well as plenty of luxurious, indoor treats to enjoy too when you need to defrost.

In spring and summer the ice melts and Switzerland blooms with color. The flowers are well tended in the city parks and the fields turn a spring green. The countryside holds terrific beauty and a great way to experience it is a simple walk through the hills. There is more daylight than in winter so you can get a later start on the day and still have plenty of time for walking along the lakeside promenade of Zurich before the sun goes down. In good weather the outdoor cafes fill up as people watchers stake out their seats for an afternoon of observing locals going about their day. A strong cup of coffee is the perfect pick-me-up after spending a few hours shopping for a wristwatch, and try the pastries drizzled with rich chocolate.

If cold weather is your nemesis, you can still see snow all year round. Switzerland has the longest glacier in Europe called the Aletsch Glacier, located near the Jungfrau peaks. Switzerland also has the biggest waterfall in Europe by volume of water, the Rhine Falls not far from Zurich. These remarkable sights are easily accessible with a tour group or on your own, so bring a camera and good walking shoes.

There are a multitude of wonders to be found in Switzerland. Many of these like the Castle of Chillon, near Montreux, or the Castles of Bellinzona, in Ticino, are well placed on the tourist itinerary. You can see the grand Abbey at Saint Gallen and try some of the wine from the Lavaux Vineyards near Geneva. But if you look a bit further you can still find plenty of quieter gems to explore without the crowds. Visit the information centers in town for recommendations or just get a little lost in a new place. You never know what you will find!

Switzerland is a diverse, landlocked country at the crossroads of Europe. For many centuries it has been heavily influenced by its neighbors: France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and even the tiny country of Liechtenstein. You will find commonalities in the food, traditions, religion, history, culture, and even the geography, as the geopolitical borders have shifted many times over the last few millennia. It has a rich culture and long history of humans living there, dating back to hundreds of thousands of years ago. Most of its recent history is from the Roman times, though it was not founded as a confederation until 1291.

Today Switzerland is a lively, thriving country with much to offer visitors who have a week or more to delight in the landscape, savor the cuisine, and shop through the bustling markets. You can visit museums to see the well preserved history or just take a walk through the old towns to see buildings that are centuries old. Though it is geographically only a few hundred miles in length and width, Switzerland represents a huge cultural mix of its surroundings, on top of its own Swiss intrigue.

Whatever brings you to Switzerland, you will not leave feeling disappointed. There are activities for all ages, lifestyles and activity levels. Romantics will find candle-lit dinners on cobblestone roads, and leisurely walks by the lake. Adventurists will gasp as they reach the summit and see the mountainous views. Shoppers will indulge in the fashion-forward styles in the cities. And everyone will enjoy the Swiss food, both traditional and modern. You won't have to choose just one type of activity, you can try some of everything and see what floats your boat. You never know if you like fresh Swiss cheese and nature walks through the Alps until you try!

Chapter 2:

Tips to Make the Most Out of This Travel Guide

To help you organize your ultimate vacation, this book contains a broad range of information to guide you while you plan your trip whether you are leaving tomorrow, in two weeks, or in two years. Each section has valuable insight on how to make the most out of your holiday with insider tips and background summaries on Switzerland all in one digestible guide. There are so many destinations and attractions in Switzerland that it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. Unless you are particularly fortunate and just won the lottery, you will have a limited amount of time and budget for your trip. This guide will help you narrow down what