Places To See

Where To Go When You Travel To Switzerland

Switzerland is known for many things: its cold climate, mountainous terrain and its political neutrality, which is perhaps brought on by its topographical isolation and being one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. In fact, many Swiss people, especially those who live in the Swiss Alps still retain their culture, traditions and Alpine characteristics, largely unspoiled by the marks of the modern world. These people usually reside in villages near the Alps known as Laax.

Believe it or not, more than 70 percent of its land area is covered by the Swiss Alps, which is known for its jagged peaks and steep gorges. The Pennine Alps range, for example, has Switzerlands highest peak, the Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa, which stands at 15,203 feet. This is one of the ultimate travel spots in Switzerland. Of course, mountains there are not all so gigantic in height. The Jura, for instance, are smaller and lower. This is a popular travel destination in Switzerland because of its cross-country skiing. It is in the Jura Mountains that Swiss watchmaking first began. The Mattehorn is another high peak in the Alps that travelers in Switzerland should not miss. At 14,688 feet, it towers above the Valais Canton.

When traveling to Switzerland, one thing that any person should remember is that its going to be really cold. Never forget to pack a winter coat especially when you are going in winter months or if you are going to the Alps, where it can be awfully cold. The resort of Chateau-dOex, which is nestled in a valley in the Alps is famous for its skiing, hiking and hot-air balloon activities.

Switzerland is also known for its picturesque views of lakes and streams. These bodies of water provide travelers with a nice view. The river Rhine is the principal river in the country but there are other river systems that one should also look into. Lakes in the Alpine regions are gorgeous and any traveler in Switzerland will instantly fall in love with its serene and glassy surface. Among those that they should visit are Lake Neuchtel, Lake of Lucerne, Lake Lugano, and Lake Maggiore, where Switzerland's lowest point lies.

Another lake that is worthy of note is Lake Geneva, whish is considered to be Central Europes largest lake. Travelers in Switzerland should also not miss the Staubbach Falls in Bern.

One of the ultimate travel spots in Switzerland is the Gothic Cathedral designed by Matthus Ensinger from Ulm. It is an example of 14th to 16th century architecture. Various international agencies can also be found in the capital city, including the Universal Postal Union.

Its second largest city, Zurich is purported to be the financial center of Switzerland as well as an important commercial and manufacturing center while the city of Basel is noted for its textile and clothing industry. Lausanne, on the other hand, is a city in the western part of Switzerland. It is home to such famous celebrities as Voltaire, Gibbon, and Rousseau as well as the center for Swizerlands iron industry.