Vacations - Switzerland
Switzerland is a small, landlocked country in the heart of
Europe. It has a strategic location at the crossroads of Central
Europe with many easily traversable passes for outdoor
enthusiasts. Switzerland is divided into three major
geographical areas known as the Alps, the middle land and the
Jura regions, attracting a wide range of tourists each year.
Switzerland may be a neutral country but it is certainly not
flavorless. The diversity of German, French, Romanish, and
Italian languages has formed a robust national culture, with
vast alpine landscapes presenting enough zing to reinvigorate
the most jaded traveler.
Switzerland certainly has its fair share of cliches with
irresistible chocolates, yodeling countrymen, humorless bankers,
international bureaucracies, and a national persona of a cold
and close-minded culture. Looking beyond those well known
stereotypes, the Germans invented the cuckoo clock; secondly,
the Swiss have won more Nobel prizes and registered more patents
per capita than any other nation on earth.
Happily, you can be sure that your Swiss trains and postal
letters will be on time, unlike many of their European
counterparts. Among tidy, just so-precision of Swiss towns and
villages, you are surrounded by the vast splendor of the
picturesque which seem to be never ending.
If you enjoy the scenery or want to take an active vacation,
there are several scenic routes which meander through
Switzerland's Bernese Oberland and Lucerne's Lake regions. There
are also hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, and
biking routes and tours for adrenaline junkies.
February is known for Fasnacht or Carnival in Switzerland. The
fascination exists because of the incredible participation and
party atmosphere, the vivid colors of the carnival costumes, the
stirring tunes of the drummers and the piccolo players, and the
weird and wonderful <> Music played by the brass bands. Basel
really funks up Fasnacht with its well known elaborate parades
beginning at a bleary 4am throughout the week.
Spring is welcomed with incredible flower garden spectacles in
most villages and quay side waterfronts. Open markets come into
full swing in spring, with a spectacle of freshly grown fruits,
flowers and vegetables displayed weekly for sale.
Enjoy the world renowned Montreux Jazz Festival which takes
place in July along the picturesque waterfront of Lac Leman.
National day, marked on August 1, is celebrated with fireworks
throughout the country, and Swiss wrestling in the Emmental area
east of Bern.
City life provides a diverse following wonderful outdoor seated
pubs in summer, small boutiques and the jewelry shops located in
historic buildings throughout Swiss cities. On the fourth monday
in November, Bern hosts its famous Onion Market (Zibelmarit),
where traders take over the entire town center and many a tear
are shed.
Of course you cannot forget the wonderful winter Christmas Fairs
in Montreux, Zurich and Basel. The Christmas Market boasts hot
wine and warm food, while you browse the unique, original and
high quality Christmas gift ideas from over 120 richly-decorated
wooden chalet-style stalls.
Whatever your pleasure, you'll find something to love in
Switzerland. Come visit the hidden gem of the landlocked country
many have come to adore.