All About switzerland

The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Still, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public transportation.

Capital	Berne
Major Cities	Baden, Basel, Bellinzona, Bern, Biel, Brig, Chur, Fribourg, Gen�ve, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lausanne, Locarno, Lugano, Luzern, Martigny, Montreux-Vevey, Neuch�tel, Schaffhausen, Sierre, Sion, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, Zug, Z�rich
Bordering Countries	Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein
Inhabitants	7'261'200
Flag
Languages	German, French, Italian, Romansch
Climate	Because of its central position, the weather is influenced by the four main European air currents - from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, the northern subpolar region and the Mediterranen south. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs considerably from region to region.
Landforms	Alps and Pre-Alps cover 60%, Central Plateau 30% and Jura 10% of the country.
Land Area	41,284 km2
Population density	172 per sq. km
Government	Parliamentary Federal State since 1848, Direct democracy
Cantons	20 full cantons, 6 half cantons
Religions	Catholic (48%), Protestant (44%), others (8%)

Fantastic routes, breathtaking vistas:experiences that await the traveler on the Glacier-Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, and on the William Tell-Express from Lucerne to Lugano/Locarno, first by ship and then by train. Also unforgettable: The Bernina, the Palm and the Golden Pass Express.

The glow of the Alps at sunset The world of the Swiss Alps is a world of wild beauty. Mountain peaks soar more than 4,000 meters into the sky. Awe-inspiring glaciers and gigantic rock-formations abound. Frothy streams rush down mountains, without premonition of the oceans into which they flow. Waterfalls thunder into valleys. The reflection of windswept pines and larch trees shimmer on the blue surface of mountain lakes. The vivid colors of mountain flowers dot Alpine meadows. Sun-blackened chalets beckon by the roadside and invite you to rest awhile. Cogwheel trains and airy gondolas effortlessly reach the top of the highest peaks. Come on board, wander back on foot on the mountain trails!

The delights of the Alpine lakes Crystal-clear water glitters in the sunlight, pristine beaches entice you to go for a swim. Sailboats leave a trail in their wake on the water. Steam boats travel from shore to shore. Chalets and inns with shady gardens invite you to stay. Wherever you go, the next lake is waiting around the corner!

Southern ambience South of the Alps Mediterranean style awaits you: Italian "Dolce Vita", outdoor cafes on lively plazas, laughter, conversation, happiness. Clean beaches with palm trees. Promenades for leisurely walks. Romanesque churches. Houses with stone-dotted roofs in pristine side-valleys. The most modern architecture wherever you go.

Gently rolling hills and vast valleys Forests, hills, rivers, fertile soil and grazing cows, vibrant cities full of hustle and bustle: this is the heart of Switzerland, between the Alps and the crescent of the Jura mountains. Huge farmhouses, adorned with window boxes full of colorful flowers, define this region just as much as the large urban centers of Zurich, Bern and Basel with their rich cultural offerings and modern industry. Medieval arcades preside over stores and boutiques aligned like pearls on a string and over the pulsating life of the cities. Modern architecture can be found next to original Old Town quarters: Botta and Le Corbusier are to be seen not far from Roman ruins, Mediaeval castles and Baroque cathedrals. Everything is close by and easily reached.

French Flair Vineyards stretch in a wide arc downhill toward Lake Geneva. The shores of Lake Geneva are dotted with romantic villages, castles with mighty ramparts and elegant cities with an urbane culture. A whiff of Paris, a dash of France is in the air. Here alpine panorama and southern vegetation unite in unique harmony. And the pristine mountain world of the Waadtland Alps, or the quiet peaks of the Jura are just a short journey away.

Switzerland was founded more than 700 years ago. Long years of peace have left their mark on our heritage, history and culture.

A look at the past
We owe the fact that Switzerland is in Switzerland to Caesar - in 58 BC he prevented the Helvetians from emigrating to France and founded a flourishing Helvetia (Augst, Avenches are, amongst others, evidence of this to the present day). The people remained in the Alps. The real history of Switzerland began in the 13th century, with the first alliances from the villages around Lake Lucerne (William Tell, R�tlischwur) - victorious battles against the Habsburgs, new alliances, and battles within Switzerland - Reformation (Calvin and Zwingli) and the Counter-Reformation.

Conquest by Napoleon in 1798 put an end to the Old Confederation-. The new era began - in 1848 the political arguments about the type of state lead to a pioneering, revolutionary constitution for Europe - a democratic Federal state with 26 sovereign cantons, democratically elected authorities, a two chamber system, a direct political say and equality of the four languages of the country and cultures.

Mentality
The Swiss are a friendly and hospitable people, though somewhat reserved at times. Life in our towns and cities is secure. We share an independent spirit, a respect for tradition and no fewer than four languages and dozens of dialects. The Swiss love for partying isn't yet widely known. But the seasons are marked by traditional festivals and popular pageants.

Music and Museums
Every major Swiss city1 honours its own symphony, opera or theatre, where acclaimed international artists appear. Smaller towns and villages prize their chamber groups or quartets. The Bern, Willisau and Montreux Jazz Festivals rival in recognition with the classical music events of Lucerne and Gstaad, to name just a few.

About 700 museums round out a rich cultural life. You'll find outstanding, internationally acclaimed art collections and specialized museums for every interest. Today scores of medieval castles and venerable mansions are open for a look around. Some house superb museums, other wonderful restaurants. Churches, monasteries and abbey libraries hold precious legacies of the ages.

Festivals and Traditions
Some examples of Swiss celebrations:First of August, the Swiss Independence day. Zurich's spring festival, the Sechsel�uten. Carnival is celebrated all over Switzerland. Hornussen, a unique sport. Onion market in Berne. Harmless Cow fights in the Valais. Locarno's piazza is a splendid open air cinema during its International Film Festival.

Area
41,293 sq km / 15,936 sq mi

Distance
North to South 220 km / 137 mi.
East to West 348 km / 216 mi.

Length of frontier
1,881 km 1,168 mi.
Switzerland borders France in the West, Germany in the north, Austria and the principality of Liechtenstein in the east and Italy in the south.

Landscape
3 main types of landscape - the Swiss Alps, the hilly Swiss Mittelland, which extends from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva, and the Swiss Jura, a long line of rugged fold mountains.

Highest Peaks
Dufourspitze (Valais): 4,634 m / 15,203 ft
Dom (Valais): 4,545 m / 14,911 ft
Weisshorn (Valais): 4,506 m / 14,793 ft
Matterhorn (Valais): 4,478 m / 14,691 ft

Largest Glacier (Surface)
Aletsch (Valais): 117 sq km / 73 sq ml.
Length 24 km / 15 mi.
Glaciers in total 140

Largest Lakes
Lake Geneva: 582 sq km / 223 sq mi.
Lake Constance: 539 sq km / 208 sq mi.
Lake Neuch�tel: 218 sq km / 83 sq mi.
Lake Maggiore: 212 sq km / 82 sq mi.
Lake Lucerne: 114 sq km / 44 sq mi.
Lake Zurich: 88 sq km / 35 sq mi.
Lakes in total 1,484

Highest Village
Juf (Graubunden): 2,126 m / 7,000 ft

Lowest Village
Ascona (Ticino): 196 m / 690 ft

Largest Cities
Zurich 336,800
Geneva 173,500
Basel 168,700
Berne 122,700
Lucerne 57,000

Climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 �C (65� - 82� F) and from January to February the range is -2 to 7 �C (28� - 45� F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 �C (46� - 59� F). Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. It is highly recommended to visitors to pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella and/or a light rain coat.

Creditcards
The safest and easiest form of money are traveler's checks and credit cards. The cards most used are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Many banks in Switzerland have equipped their ATM machines with the CIRRUS or MAESTRO system. Many other Swiss banks offer ATM machines for cash advances with your credit card. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city1 transportation etc.

Currency
Please note that Switzerland remains with the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros so that visitors may compare prices. Merchants may accept euros but are not obliged to do so. Change given back to the client will most likely be in Swiss francs.

The Swiss franc comes in the following denominations:

Coins:5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5 Francs

Bank notes:
10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 Francs

Money exchange places

any Swiss bank
airport
main railway stations (western union)
major hotels

Swiss banks offer the best exchange rates for your traveler's checks or cash for foreign currencies (only bank notes). Official exchange offices and hotels may charge a fee for their services.

Value added Taxes
The VAT you pay on purchased goods in Switzerland is 7.6 %. You may ask at the shops for your Global Refund Cheque and reclaim the VAT: The total purchases in a shop must amount to CHF 400.00 (including VAT). The tourist must be resident outside Switzerland and the goods must be exported within 30 days.

3 easy steps to claiming your refund in Switzerland:
In the store
Your total purchases in a shop must amount to CHF 400.00 (Including VAT). You must be a resident outside Switzerland and the goods must be exported within 30 days.
Through customs
When leaving Switzerland the Tax-free Shopping Cheques have to be stamped by Swiss customs authorities after they have seen the goods.
Collecting the refund
You have several choices: immediate cash at a Cash Refund Office, direct crediting to a chosen credit card or bank account, a bank check and even, for certain countries, a cash refund when you return home.

Gastronomy
If variety is the spice of life, Swiss food truly presents a flavourful platter. Regional cuisine is wide and varied. Masterful local chefs create new ways to present traditional treats. Some gain international acclaim with edible artworks based on simple country fare. You just can't go wrong eating out in Switzerland. There's a match for every taste and budget.

The Swiss Food Connection
Find fish dishes on lake shores. Colourful salads and spicy meats almost everywhere. Ask about the specials of the day. Stop for an impulsive snack, or enjoy superb elegance in a castle. Meet the locals just down the street, where they stop for a meal. Restaurants where food and service are always superb. Some are world famous, others local stars. Look for dining secrets in unexpected places. In the quiet of an unassuming country inn. Amidst a bustling railway station. On a boat or a train. Find phenomenal vegetarian and kosher meals too. A welcome note about the tip: it's included.

Wines both red and white
A ruby-red Merlot or dark Nostrano are the wines of the Ticino. Sip spirited glasses of Cressier on glimmering Lake Neuchatel. Dole offers itself as the perfect choice for many traditional dishes. Taste the regions in our wines, along the seductive Swiss routes de vin. Swiss winemaking is state-of-the-art. Try Fendant from the Valais, Twanner from Biel, a dry Dezaley from the distinct chasselas grape. The rare Glacier, aged a decade or more. There are wonderful local wines that never leave their village. Sample them in their home territory, perhaps with a leisurely meal.

Regional Specialities
Zurich: Minced veal in cream sauce with rosti, the golden light Swiss version of hash brown potatoes. Berne: Smoked pork, sausage and sauerkraut. Geneva: Filet of perch and lake trout. Lausanne: Local sausage on a bed of leeks and potatoes. Ticino: Polenta, risotto and pasta. Generally everywhere: Crusty bread, great cheeses and preserves for breakfast... and of course real muesli. Try famous fondue, raclette, or cheese tartlets. Foods can be light the delicious taste of the Grisons- air dried meats and freshest lake fish. Or sumptious feasts - classic sausages and tender meats. Try a tray of our many cheeses, perhaps a Tete de Moine. Indulge in desserts that bring tears of delight!

Tipping
A service charge is normally included in hotel and restaurant bills as well as taxi fares. An extra tip is not expected but is appreciated.

Switzerland's superb products make it a shopper's paradise.

English is spoken in most shops and department stores. Any stay in Switzerland is incomplete without buying a famous Swiss watch. Fine watches come in an infinite variety and are generally less expensive than in others countries. Bucherer is the country's biggest and most famous watch retailer offering a wide range of watches from CHF 50 to 100'000.

Chocolates come in a variety of sizes, shapes and flavors. Excellent buys are: textiles, embroideries, fine handkerchiefs, linen, precision instruments, drafting sets, multiblade pocket knives, music boxes, woodcarvings, ceramics and other handmade items as well as antiques and art books.

The VAT tax you pay on purchased goods in Switzerland is 7,5%. You may ask at the shops for your Global Refund Cheque and reclaim the VAT. Global Refund offers you a swift and save cash refund system at Zurich and Geneva airports as well as at all major airport in Europe and all major road exit points. All major Credit Cards are accepted in fine shops and most department stores.

Shops are usually open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Once a week they extend their hours to 9 p.m. They are closed on Sundays except for those at airports, at some railway stations and highway rest stops.

Generally, offices are open 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends.

Banks
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Once a week they extend their hours. Please check locally. They are closed Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. However, money can also be changed at major train stations. Look for the "Change/Cambio" signs. Many banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) that accept overseas bank cards. please check with your local bank before leaving if your bank card is valid in Switzerland.

Post Offices
Post offices are usually open from 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays, whereas some branches that are located in shopping centers are usually open the same hours as the shopping centers, including the extended business times that are often offered once a week. On Saturdays, post offices in large cities are opern from 8.30 am till 12 noon, in villages they may be closed. please inform yourself locally. All post offices are closed on Sundays.

Shops
Shops in smaller towns and villages are generally open from 8.30 am - 12 noon and again from 2 - 6.30 pm. In larger cities they do not close for lunch. In larger cities, shops generally extend their hours till 8 pm on one evening of the week, usually on Thursdays.

Mountain climbing/hiking:
Both hikers seeking relaxation and experienced mountain climbers find their ideal holiday destination in the Swiss mountains. Good equipment is necessary and the weather forecast should always be studied. You can find 100 hiking suggestions under hiking on the left in the navigation.

Winter sport:
The numerous ski locations are one of the main attractions of the country. You can do almost every type of winter sport in Switzerland, including ski-ing, tobogganing, cross-country ski-ing, ice-skating, curling, etc. Winter sport equipment can be hired directly in the winter sport area.

Bicycles and mountain bike:
There are numerous cycle routes in Switzerland, but there are also specially marked routes for mountain bikers. In principle you can load a cycle yourself onto all trains. Prohibited trains are indicated with a symbol on the timetable and on the yellow departure boards. The blue Train information notice- on the platforms shows you the point where you can load your bicycle. The bicycles can be loaded onto the entry platforms of the passenger compartments marked with a large cycle pictogram or into the luggage compartments, provided there is room.
The Station cycle hire- is the best alternative to transporting your own bicycle. At around 100 stations of the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and of private railways throughout Switzerland different types of bicycle (Country bike, mountain bike, childrens bicycles), in top condition, can be hired.

Fishing:
There are many rivers and lakes in Switzerland which invite anglers to fish. There is a fishing law in Switzerland which states the rules about licences, etc. The law is different from place to place. Ask for information from the relevant tourist office or local administrative office.

Water sports:
There are good water sport opportunities on many Swiss lakes. Tourists can bring their sports boats (motor boats and sailing boats) into Switzerland free of charge without special customs formalities, provided that they are already registered in the country of origin and are taken out again within a maximum of one month.
Canoes, rubber dinghies, kayaks, etc, are not technically classed by customs as tourist luggage. A driving licence is required - the foreign one is sufficient for a temporary stay in Switzerland, if the power capacity1 exceeds 6 kW or if the sail surface area is more than 15m2. On Lake Constance a licence is required for a power capacity1 over 4.4kW or 12m2 sail surface area.
The driver of a motor boat must be at least 18 years old. The required transport permit for sports boats is issued by the cantonal authority (usually the cantonal road and shipping office) and is valid until the end of the following month on all waters allowed for shipping. The permit cannot be renewed within a calendar year. Above all, Lake Lucerne, Lake Neuenburg, Lake Constance, Lake Geneva and the Ticino lakes offer much variety for the holidaymaker; smaller lakes such as Lake Greifen, Lake Pf�ffiker, the Aargau lakes, the lakes of Graub�nden, and others, are only open to non-motorised water sports.
Non-motorised boats and swimming equipment under 2.5m in length are not subject to permit, but are only allowed to operate in a lakeside zone of 150m (exception: surf boards and racing rowing boats, which can also operate outside the lakeside zone). On the Swiss lakes a speed of 10 km/h may not be exceeded in a lakeside zone of 300 m.

Other types of sport:
Tennis, golf, squash, badminton, hang-gliding and paragliding are likewise possible.

There are a variety of private schools in Switzerland. They are well known for their high standard of education. American Schools and Colleges, Boarding Schools, Management Schools etc. are only a few examples of a large variety of educational facilities. If you would like to study a foreign language during your stay in Switzerland, a variety of language schools offer courses throughout the year.

Switzerland is one of the last countries in Europe where passengers can still buy duty-free goods and save up to 20 percent on perfumes and cosmetics, up to 30 percent on wines and spirits and up to 50 percent on tobacco goods. All goods on sale are original brand-name products. Alcoholic beverages are normally sold in 7-decilitre bottles, though in duty-free shops they are usually available in 1-litre bottles.

In addition to tax-free and duty-free shops, there are numerous other retail outlets in the transit zone that offer an attractive choice of products ranging from souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, watches and consumer electronics to confectionery and Swiss chocolate. These shops stock items that are not available elsewhere in the same form, quality and packaging, and are tax free, i.e. are exempt from VAT ? which can result in savings of between 10 and 15 percent.

It's always worth making purchases at tax-free and duty-free shops at Zurich Airport thanks to a best price guarantee: anyone who buys a specially designated product and finds it on sale at a lower price anywhere on the Swiss market will receive a refund equivalent to double the difference in purchase price. Tax-free and duty-free shops at Zurich Airport sell high-quality products at extremely attractive prices!

Swiss Value Added Tax (VAT) is easily reimbursed if using the Global Refund system.

Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with a strong export orientated economy. Machines, synthetics and dyes, agrochemistry and pharmaceuticals, jewellery and also watches are the main exports. 95% of all Swiss watches are exported abroad. Switzerland is, above all, well- known world-wide in manufacturing for its precision instruments and machines. The food industries also have a good international reputation (Swiss chocolate and cheese, but also baby food). It's true that Switzerland does meet about a half of its food production requirement from abroad, but agriculture remains, however, a very important economic asset. Grain, potatoes and sugar beet, but also wine, fruit and tobacco are produced. There is also cattle breeding and the dairy industry.

Switzerland is poor in mineral resources and is dependent on the import of raw materials. Along with the insurance sector and the bank sector tourism is the most important source of income in the tertiary sector. In addition, Switzerland has one of the most important financial centres in Europe. The main export markets are EU countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain as well as the USA and Japan. Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but not of the EU.