Best of Switzerland
Sighting the Best of Switzerland…
Switzerland is synonymous with some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. Visitors flock there to take in sights like the Jungfrau, Matterhorn and Eiger. Because the landscape is such an important part of Switzerland, many forget the wonderful architectural and cultural attractions the country has to offer. There are thousands of fine museums, castles, mansions and outstanding churches as well as delightful vernacular buildings. The cities hold their own charm and are a delight to visit. Switzerland is truly a paradise for those who prefer peace and serenity to noise and crowds.
Alpine wonders
The Bernese Oberland is a legendary Alpine area which offers classic Swiss scenery alongside famous destinations like Interlaken. This is one of the most spectacular of the mountains with its triple-peaked ridge of Alpine giants at its core: the Eiger, Monch and Jungrau. Located south of Bern and Lucerne, it offers high peaks, sheer valleys and cool lakes. Just below the peak of the Jungfrau is the site of the highest train station in Europe.
The Matterhorn is also one of the most recognizable mountains in the world and cannot be missed. The village of Zermatt will awe inspires with its breath-taking view of this massive mountain, which is simply mesmerizing. The old born chalets and atmospheric twisting alleys of Zermatt welcome visitors from all over the world and is busy all year round, although once in the wilderness, it is possible to be transported to a scenic tranquillity that leaves the world behind.
Zurich
The epitome of Swiss efficiency with its savvy financial center and dense public transport system, Zurich also has a post-industrial edge. It is Switzerland’s largest city with a population of 380, 000 and has an exuberant popular culture and vibrant arts scene. With a lakeshore setting and elegant quays, Zurich is also a beautiful city and the cobbled streets and squares of its historic centre are lined with many fine buildings. Highlights include the Grossmunster, Zurich’s “Great Minster”, from where Zwingli preached the Reformation, Lake Zurich which leads you to the “City of Roses”, Rapperswil and Kunsthaus, a world-class art gallery which also features the vast array of works by Alberto Giacometti. Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s most upmarket shopping street and the center of its commercial activity. There is also a “Walk of Fame” here, a pavement with the footprints and handprints of famous people from the film world. The Swiss National Museum has an outstanding display of Swiss history and culture from prehistoric times to present day and even a section devoted to the Middle Ages and artefacts from Switzerland’s rich archaeological past. Zurich is a wonderful place to be if you’re looking for world-class galleries and museums, fine dining, lively bars, atmospheric cafes and great nightlife.
Schaffhausen
The capital of the northernmost Swiss canton of the same name, Schaffhausen can boast one of the most captivating medieval town centres in the world of Switzerland as well as the mighty Rhine falls. The cobbled streets of Schaffhausen’s Old Town are lined with Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo buildings, some with frescoed facades and others with graceful oriel windows. The pastel-coloured houses lining the stone pavements and the city’s signature fortress (the circular Munot) are also delights that are sure to charm visitors. The Old Town is definitely worth exploration and walking tours as well as wine-tasting tours are some options to choose from. The Museum zu Allerheiligen is located in a former monastery and features prehistoric and medieval artefacts and a large collection of Swiss sculpture and paintings. The Knight’s House or the Haus zum Ritter is another interesting sight. The façade of this building is decorated with intricate Renaissance frescoes depicting aspects of knightly valour and date from 1568.
The Rheinfall nearby is of course a popular sight for visitors. Four kilometres downriver, it is a stunning sight and there are castles that you can visit that overlook the falls. The Schlossli Worth and Schloss Laufen are surrounded by restaurants, shops, small ferry wharves and information centres for tourists. During summer, you can ride ferries at the bottom of the falls where you can even climb to the top of a tall rock in the middle of the falls and watch the water rush all around you.
