Switzerland has long been known for its peace and stability, making its armed neutrality an international principle. European powers have recognized Switzerland’s borders and independence since 1291. A federal constitution was adopted in 1848 before being significantly amended in 1874.
Executive power is exercised by the seven-member Federal Council; legislative authority is divided amongst 46-member Council of States and 200 National Assembly members; while cantons provide local governance.
The Alps
The Swiss Alps span both western and eastern borders, rising nearly 4,000 meters at their highest points. Home to 48 of Switzerland’s 82 glaciers as well as some of Europe’s best known ski resorts like Zermatt and St Moritz.
Mountainous terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, from novice hikers to veteran alpinists looking for challenging climbs. There are more than 62,000 kilometers of well-maintained trails spanning this terrain – such as Susten, Furka and Grimsel passes – along with Alpine Club huts that can offer peaceful lodging after a day spent hiking or mountaineering.
Skiing in the Swiss Alps is world renowned, due to reliable snowfall and excellent facilities at world-class resorts. However, summer months offer equal appeal with mountaintops providing stunning vistas revealing lush green meadows and breathtaking waterfalls.
Outside the slopes, there are numerous other ways to appreciate the Alps: from cycling along quiet mountain roads to exploring charming villages and towns dotting the landscape – often famous for chocolate and cheese such as Gruyere or Emmentaler – as well as water features ranging from serene lakes to swift rivers and streams.
The Alps boast a vibrant culture, from glittering celebrity soirees in Lugano to small postcard-perfect villages like Gimmelwald in the mountains. Their scenic beauty has also served to inspire numerous works of art from Paul Klee paintings to Jean Tinguely sculptures.
The Swiss Alps have played an essential part in shaping its culture and economy for centuries, playing a central role in international trade and finance with their stable currency backed by gold that serves as the cornerstone for global financial systems. Furthermore, Switzerland boasts one of the highest concentrations of alpine agriculture worldwide while also being home to major European rivers like Rhine and Inn, providing dramatic scenery that has inspired numerous films and television productions.
The Cities
Are You Searching For an Adventure Ski Trip or Relaxation Vacation in Switzerland? Don’t look any further. These charming cities have something to offer everyone from world-class museums and cultural experiences to picturesque surroundings and rich histories that will surely impress.
Zurich is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland and boasts plenty to offer tourists. Renowned for its vibrant economy and high quality of life, as well as its picturesque lakeside location and wooded hills that surround it, Zurich draws many visitors each year.
Zurich is an excellent place for expats. Home to over 150 countries, Zurich boasts a friendly local community that makes finding friends in this gorgeous city effortless.
Bern, Switzerland’s capital city, offers visitors a rich culture and some of Switzerland’s most notable sites like Bearpit – which features bears! Furthermore, Bern is famous for its exquisite architecture and scenic surroundings making it the ideal city to discover on foot.
Chur is one of Switzerland’s oldest towns and is famed for its historic buildings and picturesque streets, dating back 5,000 years! The old town has been beautifully preserved – an absolute must-see destination for history enthusiasts!
Lausanne in Switzerland’s west is a cultural hub with an impressive selection of attractions, from Olympic Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral to some of the best restaurants nationwide.
Switzerland is best explored during its warmest season – between May and September – when temperatures reach their apex, making this an ideal time for hiking and exploring mountainous regions that still may have snow on them. Just make sure that you pack appropriate footwear!
The Lakes
Switzerland is famed for its breathtaking mountains and charming Alpine villages, but there are also scenic lakes that draw both visitors and locals alike. Fed by snowmelt from surrounding Alps, these pristine waters add to Switzerland’s natural beauty while providing an ideal place for relaxation and recreation – from Lake Geneva’s tranquil shores to its rocky islands with medieval castles of Lake Brienz’s shores; each lake will make your Switzerland tour truly memorable.
Some of Switzerland’s finest lakes provide postcard-worthy scenery and picturesque lakeside towns while others provide an oasis of peace from busy cities. Boasting plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing – as well as scenic views – Swiss lakes provide ample chances to relax while taking advantage of swimming, boating and fishing activities to unwind while appreciating scenic beauty and serene ambiance. Lakes also provide water supply that supports ecosystem balance.
Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s largest lake entirely within its borders, features picturesque lakeside resorts and medieval fortresses that stand proud against rocky mountains and an incredible cityscape. Bounded by Montreux and Vevey Alpine communities, visitors to Lake Geneva can take part in various exciting activities on its sparkling waters such as boat cruises along its shores or visits to Chillon Castle located on an island located midlake Geneva.
Lake Zurich is another popular lake in Switzerland that makes for an enjoyable cultural and scenic exploration experience. Encased by historic buildings and churches, its shores boast picturesque vineyard views as well as lovely marshlands and hilly terrain – making for an exciting hiking or horseback riding adventure around its waters.
Cresta Lake in Switzerland stands out as a stunning sight at an elevation of 1,578 meters, as its white waters reflect off of Bluemlisalp Cliffs to form an eye-catching scene. An ideal year-round visit, Cresta Lake can provide opportunities for both swimming and hiking on its frozen surface in summer months or wintertime.
The Food
Food in Switzerland reflects its geography and culture in an authentic manner. Landlocked Swiss cuisine features simple dishes favored by locals that are easy to prepare at home, while there is also a vibrant restaurant scene featuring global culinary trends.
Fondue is a classic Swiss dish consisting of melted cheeses and garlic served in a pot, usually alongside cubes of bread for dipping. First created during the 18th century as a way for Swiss families to stretch stale cheeses and bread during cold months, today fondue has become an international symbol representing Swiss unity and identity.
Raclette, a semi-hard Swiss mountain cheese, is another beloved Swiss cuisine favorite. Typically it is prepared by propping half of a cheese wheel over an open flame to melt, before scraping onto a plate for consumption with cold meat, potatoes, cornichon pickles and gherkins for accompaniment – best enjoyed accompanied with locally produced Fendant wines for optimal enjoyment.
Fondue and Raclette restaurants abound, but for an authentic dining experience in Switzerland look for “grottis”, family-run eateries where guests can dine alongside locals. Most grotti can be found in Ticino, Valais or Neuchatel cantons.
Dessert-wise, nothing beats baumkuchen (nut cake). Popular in Switzerland’s Christmas markets and special events during festive periods.
Swiss chocolate is world renowned, from shops in Zurich to Lindt and Sprungli stores, while lekerlis cookies, an immensely popular wintertime treat and holiday market treat, can also be found throughout Switzerland. Swiss exports include high-value goods such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, watches and specialty machinery; tourism banking and insurance are major sectors within their economy – as a result their per capita income ranks among the highest worldwide while unemployment virtually nonexistent.