Switzerland

[hr]
[expand title=”Click here for Switzerland Image Gallery”]

[/expand]
[hr]

[hr]
[expand title=”Click here for Switzerland Drone Image Gallery”]

[/expand]
[hr]

Around 800 BC there were Celtic tribes in Switzerland and they called this area Helvetia. Around 58BC the Helvetians were stopped by Julius Caesar and the Romans as they tried to move towards Southern France. Around 1291-1536 valleys in central Switzerland get together to fight the counts of Habsburg and fight for their autonomy. They make gains in southern and northern Switzerland. In 1536-1798 Switzerland has confederacy of 13 cities. Several families control affairs and the military crushes several rebellions in the territory. In 1798-1802 there’s a revolution in Switzerland as well as occupation by French troops. In 1803-1815 a civil war brings the Helvetic Republic to an end and Napoleon enforces a constitution under his mediation. In 1848 Switzerland becomes a federal state and combines some elements of the US constitution with its own. They hold to this constitution still. In the 1800s and the early 1900s Switzerland is one of the first industrialized nations in Europe. Through the First World War Switzerland is neutral. In World War II the Second World War also neutral but gave some concessions to the Germans to avoid invasion. Today this is politically stable country.

Climate

In the western part of Switzerland the precipitation tends to be higher as clouds come in form the Atlantic here. There is also considerable rain in parts of the Alps mountain range. These rains are often accompanied by winds. In the east the valley Engadin receive very little rain cheap klonopin online and in the south Valais also gets little rain. There’s around 1700 hours of sunshine in Switzerland per year

Language

In Switzerland there are four main languages spoken. The languages spoken are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The Roamnsh language is left from the descendants of Romans who invaded the country centuries ago.

Currency

The Swiss use the Swiss Franc currency. This is the only Franc still used in Europe. The Swiss haven’t adopted the Euro which is found in most of Europe today.

Switzerland Major Cities

• Zurich about 380,000
• Geneva about 183,000
• Basel about 164,000
• Bern about 121,000

Things to do (Cities and main point of interest)

There is much to see in Switzerland, enough that it requires a dedicated trip to various locales.  Out of everything that you could possibly see and do these are the best attractions for your Switzerland trip.

1. Matterhorn and Swiss Alps
   1. One if not the most famous mountains in the world.  The Matterhorn has an intriguing near-symmetrical pyramidal peak.  Its current shape the result of cirque erosion due to multiple glaciers diverging from the peak.  Depending on which side you view the mountain it will look completely different, adding to its mystique.  Its influence has reached far and wide even infiltrating popular culture. A replica of the mountain is on display as a popular attraction at Disneyland.
2. Interlaken
   1. Thrill seekers look no more, Interlaken is rated consistently as one of the greatest locations in the world for extreme outdoor activities.  The most popular attractions include paragliding and skydiving. In addition to this there are a plethora of hiking trails from beginner to expert.  These activities are the best ways to enjoy the vibrant hills of green that are filled with village homes. Interlaken is also home to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch.  
3. Rhine Falls
   1. Known as the biggest waterfall in Europe, this is one of the main attractions for visitors from around the world.  This wonderous natural structure was created due to tectonic shifts in the Ice Age, the river of Rhine was forced into a new riverbed over 15.000 years ago.  Recommended is stepping onto the rock which separates the waterfall to get a 360 view. 
4. Lake Geneva
   1. Lake Geneva is Switzerland’s largest lake.  There is so much to explore across the borders of this grand lake that it would be hard to see everything.  You first would have to decide from which side you would like to experience the lake from. To catch some glimpses of Mont Blanc you have the border in France.  Heading up Mont Salieve is just a short ride away from Geneva, once at the top you’ll have unrivalled views of the lake.      
5. Zurich
   1. As the largest city in Switzerland, it’s easy to find yourself in a wonderful loss here.  Perhaps a visit to the historic centre interests you. Situated on both banks of the Limmat river, this cultural center is filled with nightlife and shopping.  It has so many historic monuments, cafes, and medieval guild houses. If you’re more into modernity and creativity go check out Zurich-West. This former industrial zone houses stylish bars, restaurants, and shops.  It is also home to the Prime Tower, Switzerland’s second tallest skyscraper. For something free of charge head over to the University of Zurich’s Botanical Garden which contains more than 8,000 plant species. Did you know you can also go swimming in the rivers and also Lake Zurich?  There is even private areas for just women or men.

Restaurants

In Switzerland you’ll find many influences in their food. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a regional dish and it consists of veal strips with mushroom and a cream style sauce. Italian pizza and pasta is popular here. Fondue and Raclette are popular cheese dishes. Rosti is a very popular potato dish found throughout this country. Muesli is a common breakfast food. Zopf is Swiss speciality bread served on Sundays and has German origins.

Shopping

Cheese is a very popular food in Switzerland and there ar? plenty of places in the the country to find great cheese products. There are many markets in Switzerland where you can find excellent cheeses. The Zurich airport offers duty free shopping experiences so you can take products home with you. For chocolate lovers there’s the Chocolate Frey company is Switzerland which sell amazing chocolates. A trip to Switzerland isn’t complete without getting some of these amazing chocolates. In Lucerne you’ll find Bucherer which is known for its excellent time pieces as well as jewellery. For beer lovers there’s Appenzell beer in this country.