Travel to Switzerland

Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, is one of the few places in the world that actually caters to everyone. Many of the city's inhabitants are multilingual, with the majority of the residents speaking German (or more specifically, Zurich Swiss German, a regional dialect that is quite different from the traditional German language), followed by English, French, and Italian. As a truly global city, a wealth of business, cultural, and educational opportunities abound, making for a richly diverse population of over a million people. According to an annual survey conducted by the consulting company William M. Mercer, Zurich is the city with the highest quality of life on the planet. No wonder, then, that thousands of tourists flock to it each year.

Zurich accommodates visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, or social class. Children and their families have many options to choose from, including the outstanding Zurich Toy Museum (Fortunagasse 15, 8001 Zurich), which has free admission and features over 1000 antique toys from all over Europe. Zurich is also one of the world's most queer-friendly cities, with a substantial number of bars, clubs, and cultural events-such as the Pink Apple, a gay and lesbian film festival that takes place every May-that cater to homosexual travelers.

As Switzerland's commercial center, Zurich is not the cheapest of places to visit. However there are fairly inexpensive lodging options available, like Hotel Seehof (11 Seehofstrasse, 8008 Zurich, http://www.hotelseehof.cf), which offers doubles from $215 a night. The hotel is small and stylish-containing just 20 rooms, each showcasing the clean, crisp quality of Swiss design-with its own bar (featuring an impressive wine selection) and a restaurant that serves up delicious Japanese food (courtesy of chef Keisuke Takatori). The simple, elegant rooms are the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day of sightseeing and include such modern conveniences as wireless internet access.

A smart and thrifty way to experience the multitude of activities that the city offers is by purchasing a Zurich Card (e-mail contact@zw.ch for ordering information). These extremely affordable one and three-day passes enable tourists to visit 40 museums, utilize Zurich's public transportation, and receive discounts at many local boutiques and eateries. The one-day pass costs about $12 for adults and $8 for children, with the three-day pass coming in at double that rate.

The city is home to over 50 museums, which range in focus from art to technology. One of it's most unique is the Circus Museum (Fischmarktplatz 1, 8640 Rapperswil SG). Circus arts have a long, proud history in Switzerland, with Knie-the Swiss National Circus-setting up shop in 1919. Zurich also provides its visitors with a huge number of restaurants offering cuisine from virtually every country in the world, including Brazil, Korea, and Lebanon. 

For a taste of authentic Swiss food, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi (Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zurich) for some of the city's best regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a pilgrimage to the city's most exclusive shopping district: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich). You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Switzerland Hotels website.

Arosa is located on a height of 1774 meters a.s.l. in the county of Pleasure in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. Arosa is one of the ski resorts in Switzerland with snow guarantee. In summer numerous tourists from all over the world visit Arosa. Whether you want to mountaineer, mountain bike or climb Arosa is a great place! Yet, it doesn't leave any desires unsatisfied, especially during winter. Skiers, snowboarders, Nordic skiers and free riders will find a white paradise. 

Due to its geographical location if 46 degrees north and 9 degress south of Chur it receives many sun hours. Nonetheless, it is still one of the ski resorts in Graubünden with snow guarantee. From December to April you definitely don't have to worry about snow conditions. Amongst others, popular winter sportsmen such as Gian Simmen, Roger Staub and David Zogg are at home in Arosa. Popular author and TV chef Kathrin Rüegg is from Arosa, too.

Arosa gas about 2,285 citizens and some hotels in Arosa offer accommodation for uncountable guests. Since Arosa is a quite popular holiday destination it might be difficult to find accommodation, especially during the peak season. During these times you can switch to the neighbouring villages of Maran and Innerosa.

Arosa ski resort offers 60 km of designated trails of which 35 km are easiest (blue), 20 km are intermediate (red) and 5 km are most difficult (black). In addition, there are a couple of ski routes. 13 lifts cater for a quick progression and give the skier and riders a ride up to the top. 4 of them are surface lifts, 6 chair lifts and 3 gondolas and aerials cableways. One thing is for sure: Arosa is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland.

Switzerland is going to play Euro Cup 2012, making their fourth appearance in the competition. As with the three previous appearances, they did not clear the group stages. Football is one of the most popular sports in Switzerland. The Swiss Football Association was formed in 1895 and was a founder member of the sport's international governing body FIFA in 1904. The Swiss cities of Zurich and Nyon are home to FIFA and the European governing body UEFA respectively. The country played host to the 1954 World Cup and 2008 European Championship.

Switzerland has an extensive league system, with the Swiss Super League as the country's premier mens competition. There are also several cup competitions, most notably the national Swiss Cup. With a very young squad, the Swiss national team participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and were narrowly beaten by Ukraine in penalties. Switzerland co-hosted the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament together with Austria. 

They did not make further than the preliminary stage, although they did record one win against Portugal, a game in which Portugal played their B squad as they already secured the division. The best international result was probably in 1954 when Switzerland as the host reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They also reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1934 as well as 1938.

In Euro Cup 2004: Qualification: Switzerland qualified for the Euro 2004 in Portugal by finishing first in group 10 of the qualifying, ahead of Russia and Ireland. Group stage: After a 0–0 draw against Croatia, they lost 0–3 against England and 1–3 against France, and thus ended on the last place in group B of the main tournament. Trivia: Johann Vonlanthen became the youngest scorer ever in the Euro championships when he equalised against France, beating the record (set only four days earlier by Wayne Rooney) by three months. In Euro Cup 2008: Qualification: Switzerland co-hosted the Euro 2008 together with Austria and was therefore automatically qualified.

Group stage: Switzerland played all matches of group A in Basel. After losing the opening game 0–1 to the Czech Republic and the second game 1–2 against Turkey, they were already eliminated from their home tournament after only two games. Consolation came from the 2–0 victory over Portugal in the final group stage game.

The scenery is virtually unrivaled in the world, from Alpine peaks to mountain lakes, from the palm trees of Ticino to the "Ice Palace" of Jungfrau. The appellation "the crossroads of Europe" is fitting, as all train lines, road passes, and tunnels through the mountains lead here. From the time the Romans crossed the Alps, going through Helvetia (the old name for today's Switzerland) on their way north, the major route connecting northern and southern Europe has been through Switzerland. The old roads and paths have developed into modern highways and railroads.

In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the intellectual and artistic center of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world organizations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or traveling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Also have a Switzerland SIM card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Switzerland. The Switzerland SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Switzerland. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Switzerland like you do at home. And unlike home, your Switzerland SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment. Explore the options of buying a Switzerland-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a cell phone for Switzerland at $1 a day.

With brilliant white snow and crisp clean air, Switzerland represents an amazing opportunity to hit the slopes.

Listed below is a breakdown of Switzerlands top 10 resorts and places to ski. These locations represent some of the finest skiing resorts in the world!

1. Arosa - Doubling as both a summer and winter resort, Arosa is located in the Eastern section of Switzerland. Arosa, with its traditions and unusual history, cannot be fully experienced in one trip. So how are the slopes? Arosa has over 50 miles of pristine terrain for you to fully immerse in. The air is especially pure and the slope drop offs will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Nature lovers will also enjoy the relative isolation of Arosa as compared to some of the other resorts on this list

2. Gstaad/Saanenland - Looking for a ski resort where you can gain some experience without be subjected to extremely difficult courses? If so, then Gstadd might be the place for you. Their courses attract mostly beginners and intermediate skiers because the slopes aren't as insane as some of the other locations in Switzerland. The only drawback for me is Gstaad is a bit on the pricey side. Swank hotels, trendy shops, and upscale restaurants are a common sight throughout. However, if money is not an obstacle, you will be pleased to know that the Gstadd/Saanenland area is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps.

3. Murren - Murren is truly a picturesque sight to see. Located on a high cliff in Lauterbrunnen Valley over 5,400 ft. in the air, this mountain village can only be reached by cable car. During the rare occasion where snow is in its top form, you will have no problem finding other activities to do. However, during peak snow season you will find that Murren offers some of the best snow and slopes around, attracting more advanced skiers.

4. Davos/Klosters - Davos is located in East Switzerland on the Landwasser River. The popularity of Davos has tailed off a bit from its heyday and the village is a bit rundown. Klosters offers a better alternative and brings in many skiers from The Netherlands and UK. This region offers ample slopes for the less experienced skier. First class hiking and fine dining located thousands of feet in the air, are just a few things to do.

5. Laax/Films/Falera - This area offers a wide range of summer sports. The winter months provide ample opportunity for world class competitions. Skiing and snowboarding are just a few of the many top notch events that attracts visitors. Combinded, the Laax/Films/Falera area occupies over 130 sq. miles of prime skiing opportunities. The Vorab Glacier and Crap Sogn Gion attract much of the cross country skiing crowd while Foppa and Nagens represent an awesome downhill alternative for beginner and intermediate skiers. The lodging accommodations are reasonable and isn't as pretentious as say Gstaad. If crowds aren't your thing be sure to book your trip during the weekdays, the locals take advantage of the prime snow conditions during the weekends.

6. Saas-Fee - Saas-Fee is located in southwest Switzerland, next to Zermatt, and is home to the highest mountain in all of Switzerland, The Dom. What attracts many visitors to Saas-Fee is the amount of glacial activity. Glaciers of the Dom and the Allalinhorn allow for year-round sports activities, including summer skiing in some locations. With a wide range of blue rating slopes, Saas-Fee brings in much of the intermediate and advanced enthusiast. Don't be intimidated,however. There are also many slopes and schools of training for beginners.

7. Grindelwald - Next on my list is Grindelwald, which lies in the valley of Bernese Oberland, located very close to the middle of Swizterland. With over 120 miles of prime ski slopes, Grindelwald skiers have many different areas to choose from, most choose the Kleine Scheidegg for a fine sking experience. What sets this location apart from the others are the slopes accesabile only by helicopter. Griendwald has some of the best helicopter skiing in the world! In addition, you will be amazed to find that Grindelwald is a hub for activity. If you ever get tired of the slopes, (highley unlikely) Grindelwald is filled with museums, top notch golf courses, and a wide array of other adventure sports.

8. St. Moritz - Fancy a place with over 300 days of sunshine, superb housing, and a resort full of ancient history? If so, then St. Moritz is the place for you! Located in the far south east corner of Switzerland, St. Moritz is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland. Beginners will enjoy the area of Corviglia where you will experience relatively easy slopes while advanced skiers will soak up the mind-numbing bliss of Pontresina. The view is said to be majestic. However, as with many of the other higher end resorts in Switzerland, be prepared to spend a bit of money!

9. Verbier - The runner up on my list of top places to ski in Switzerland is Verbier. As one of the more popular Swiss resorts in the Alps, the slopes can get a bit crowded during peak season. The slopes stay in pristine condition during the Spring months and make for a wonderful alternative to the sometimes overcrowded winter. The wide assortments of unique and challeneging courses suits both beginners and advanced skiers. Tortin has consistently been rated as a top draw for experts while the numerous ski training locations in Verbier create a fun atmosphere for the beginner. In addition, superb hotels, dining, sporting activities, and night life make Verbier one of the world's top ski destinations and tourist attractions.

10. Zermatt - Heard of Zermatt? If you haven't heard about Switzerland's greatest ski resort, you have now! In Zermatt, skiing is a year round affair. Enjoy the Sunegga and Gornergrat regions during the winter months and make your way over to the Theodul Glacier for a fine intermediate adventure during the warmer summer months. With great snow, a wide array of obstacles and challenges, and some of the cleanest,freshest air in the world, Zermatt caters to just about everyone. 

In addition to incredible skiing, Zermatt features some of the most beautiful, natural ice skating rinks and many other adventure sporting activities such as climbing and paragliding. The world famous Matterhorn draws locals and tourists alike to scale this magnificent mountain. Nature lovers will appreciate the car-free resort with unbelieveable natural hiking trails. To visit Zermatt is said to have a Zen-like feel and this is why Zermatt is my top place to ski in Switzerland!

Copyright (c) 2009 Jason Boehle

With what word shall I describe this beautiful country Switzerland in Europe? The refreshing air, snow capped Himalayas, lush green surrounding, magnetic trekking trails, exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries, deep gorges, beautiful and scintillating villages, exciting cities and places of tourist's interest truly make Switzerland a heaven on earth. Every year large number of tourists from all the nook and corner of the world come for Switzerland tour to enjoy memorable time in this beautiful country with family, friends and dear ones.

Switzerland has some of the most beautiful and enticing attractions and places of tourist's interest which are beyond visual and verbal descriptions. Some of the top attractions that are must and most visited by tourists are listed below:

Basel Basel is amazingly beautiful and captures the attention of tourists with their fascinating natural beauty and historical charm. The beauty and the serene ambiance provide an everlasting experince of Basel holiday on visit to Switzerland. On you Basel tour some of the most beautiful and enticing attractions that one can visit are the Gates to the Walled City, Marktplatz, Rathaus, Elisabethen, Middle Bridge Basel, Basel Tram, Jean Tinguely Museum, Zoo Basel, Fine Arts Museum, City Beach Messe Parking, Spalentor, etc. Apart from these one can enjoy the stroll in the bustling markets, retreat to the park or try your hand in the golf or add a new chapter of Himalayan thrill to your life. Basel is sure to offer you remarkable holidaying experince that you will love to relish and cherish forever.

Bern Bern the capital city of Switzerland is amazingly beautiful and provides wonderful opportunity for tourists to see and explore the charm and beauty of the ancient attractions and fabulous gardens, museums and beautiful places of tourist's interest. From here one can enjoy the spectacular view of the Alps and the scenic surrounding that are beyond visual and verbal descriptions. Apart from that one can also visit to the old town of Bern which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts tourists from all the nook and corner of the world. Bern is truly an amazing place which is not to be missed on Switzerland tour and more of all it is the favored destination of all the Switzerland Tour Packages. Bern Art Gallery, Gurten, Bear Pit, Cathedral Clock, Einstein House, Zoological gardens are some of the most visited attractions in Bern by tourists.

Apart from these there are several other astounding destinations like Heidi Area, Fribourg, Neuchatel, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Thun, Valais Area, Winterthur, Zurich, Interlaken, Geneva, Lucerne, etc. All these destinations are amazingly beautiful and provide wonderful opportunity for tours and travels. Beside these the world class accommodation facilities, warm hospitality, blissful ambiance and the cool amiable climatic condition make Switzerland the perfect place for a dream vacation of lifetime. Come and enjoy your holidays in this beautiful country of Switzerland and treasure remarkable experince to relish in forever.

Switzerland is amazingly beautiful and has well organized facilities, lovely tourists places all travellers, adventure enthusiasts, honeymoon couples as well as for family vacation. Truly once you visit this beautiful paradise on earth you will love to come time and again for Switzerland Holiday Package.

It is without doubt that Switzerland is an intriguing nation to explore with your loved ones. Its charismatic topography, old town, striking Churches, bewitching beaches, brilliant monuments, alpine peaks and innumerable treasures do not forget to grab your attention and their allure just bowls you over.  

 

Switzerland is incontestably a picturesque vacationer's spot where the skier or the hiker can try his hands all through the summers and also holds an integral place to perform various outdoor adventurers. Above and beyond, it has always been in the good books of day-trippers because of offering spectacular Swiss hospitality whenever one has decided to stay in the excellent hotels of Switzerland.

Holidaymakers come here for many good reasons which could be either experiencing its refreshing tourist places or undergoing the magnificence of superb architectural brilliance which is depicted through its giant buildings such as Town Hall and Basel Cathedral. The government here also makes sure that the conditions of hotels should be intact and services met by the hotel guests should bring a gala smile on their faces till the time they are in Switzerland hotels. 

 

You can get a cheap booking done in any of the hotels in Switzerland by availing the discounted Switzerland hotel packages and thus become the part of that hotel's first –rate services. Here you will encounter all kinds of hotel categories that vary from 5 Star hotels to 4 Star hotels and 3 Star hotels to 2 Star hotels and be the part of their luxury conveniences brought in according to their service standards.

Furthermore, entire hotels of Switzerland are very elegant and present their phenomenal services be it Switzerland's Hotel Crowne Plaza in Geneva, Hotel Cascada in Lucerne, Hotel Alpina in Leukerbad, etc. If money is not a constraint for you then you can also book a room on discounted tariff in resorts hotels and some other heritage hotels of Switzerland that guarantee you a luxury stay coupled with laudable hospitality and most modern facilities.

Using a car hire in Switzerland is a best option instead of car buying. Lots of people living in cities find car rental in Many people living in cities find car rental in Switzerland is a an affordable and much less hassle than buying a car, using the car rental in Switzerland on an as needed basis. The low cost, online car hire companies’ offers car hire services from thousands of locations across the world such as:

If you are fed up with the busy city life, a car hire in Switzerland may be just the thing you need to relax. Stop being bothered as a tourist, become one yourself by renting a Switzerland car rental, take a drive in the Country, and enjoy the atmosphere!

How to get an affordable car hiring in Switzerland:

Whenever you think about spending your vacation among exotic mountains, breathtaking sceneries, alluring weather, snow kissed peaks and friendly people, Switzerland vacation packages instantly comes to your mind!  Switzerland is the ideal example of an enticing, magnificent and refreshing country. The romantic and adventurous country offers plethora of excitement, delight and challenge which is almost impossible to find anywhere else. Therefore, when the time comes to choose the perfect tour, people always prefer Switzerland tour package.

Every city and village is a home to magnificent architectures and landmarks which symbolizes the rich culture and history of Switzerland. Whether it is the cathedrals, castles or museums, their unique grandeur can be easily experienced with Switzerland holiday packages.

Stellar Swiss Alps will just mesmerize you

The mesmerizing charm and beauty of the Swiss Alps enamors the vacationers and they flock on to grab the best Switzerland holiday packages. The glory and the peaks of the 13,000 feet High Alps started intriguing tourists since the 19 the century. The perfect way to experience the scenic presence of the Alps is taking a hiking trip. Many Switzerland vacation packages include the hiking trails along the Matterhorn which is considered as one of the most beautiful peaks of Switzerland. Other adventurous trips include glacier climbing, hiking, riding and cycling.

If you book a Switzerland Tour package during winter vacations, you will be able to witness the snow covered Swiss Alps which makes a spectacular view. You can discover ski resorts in the Alps like Crans-Montana and Davos, Champery and Zermatt.

Relish the mouth watering Swiss dishes

Switzerland is the home to some of the most mouth watering and diversified dishes which is influenced by the neighboring countries. You can acquire the full benefits of your Switzerland holiday packages by tasting the Swiss chocolates which are specially made from the milk of the cows that graze in the Alpine Valley. The taste of the chocolate and milk is unparalleled and you can savor them with pride and delight. You can also book a Switzerland vacation package which takes you on a tour to some of the factories where these cheese and chocolates are made. You can buy these products as remembrance and share the stories and experience with your loved ones.

Shop for Swiss Watches

Apart from the food items, you can also shop for the Swiss watches. The brands like Tissot, Swatch and Rolex are considered to be the finest in the world. The Swiss watches are demanded all over the world and are appreciated by celebrities and renowned sports person as well. At the end of you Switzerland holiday packages, you can take home lots of souvenirs like crystal ornaments, music boxes, cowbells and so on!

Geneva - Monteux - Lausanne Arrive in Geneva by air or train. Enjoy sightseeing in Geneva city as you take a tour of Lake Geneva, see the Old Town and go shopping in its exclusive boutiques. Visit the famous building in Geneva such as the United Nations head office and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Museum. Travel to Lausanne to see the Olympic museum, or the Nestle Food museum at Montreux.

Visit the renowned Chillon castle made famous by the poet Lord Byron. Stay overnight in Geneva, Lausanne or Montreux. Crans Montana - Leukerbad - Saas Fee - Zermatt Tour the Swiss Alps, make snowmen, take pleasure in a increase fight, ride a cable car to the snow clad Alpine slopes, go skiing or spoil yourself at a spa. Stay overnight at your chosen destination. Interlaken Travel by train from Zermatt to Interlaken. Enjoy a day's sightseeing around Interlaken. Tour the Hoheweg - an avenue with cafes, hotels and stores selling designer jewellery and watches. Take a tour of Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. Stay overnight in Interlaken.

Beautiful Beaches in Switzerland

Lake Geneva

Among the beaches, Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Westerner Europe filled with natural freshwater. The beach was formed by a glacier and has Grand Lac and Petit Lac to its east and west in that order. In the Lake Geneva region, there are a number of beaches.

1.    People have free access to the beach at Lakeshore d'Avenches and Plage d'Avenches.

2.    These have sandy beaches and one can enjoy many water sports.

3.    A lakeside swimming area is available in Nyon Plage. Entrance is free.

4.    Campsite VD 8 Pointe D'Yvonand has little sandy bays with a campsite.

Nouvelle Lake

The Fribourg region is host to Nouvelle lakeshore. It has a beach with a bar, a water ski lift and a campsite. The flat sandy beach stretch over than a kilometer at Plage Salavaux. The Fribourg region is host to Nouvelle lakeshore. It has a beach with a bar, a water ski lift and a campsite. The flat sandy beach stretches over than a kilometer at Plage Salavaux.

Mythenquai Beach

Zurich has the Strandbad Zug and Strandbad Wollishofen, both of which are lakeside swimming areas. The Mythenquai beach has a five meter high diving tower.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is the second largest beach in Switzerland after Lake Geneva. The lake is about 53 kms long and covers about 213 square kms. The lake attracts a large number of surfers and swimmers due to the good-looking mild climate it enjoys all through the summer and winter.

Mythenquai Beach

Zurich has the Strand bad Zug and Strand bad Wollishofen, both of which are lakeside swimming areas. The Mythenquai beach has a five meter high diving tower.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is the second largest beach in Switzerland after Lake Geneva. he lake is about 53 kms long and covers about 213 square kms. The lake attracts a large number of surfers and swimmers due to the beautiful mild type of weather it enjoys throughout the summer and winter.