Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Switzerland
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| | | A blend of European cultures |  | Why go on holiday to Switzerland?
Switzerland may be neutral but it certainly isn't bland. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has forged a robust national culture, and Alpine landscapes have enough zing to invigorate even the most jaded traveller.
How much does it cost?
For seven nights' half-board accommodation in Meiringen in January, including flights, ski pass and ski and boot rental, expect to pay more than £550.
Prices vary throughout the year, but hotels in Locarno range from £30 to £110 for doubles. Weekend breaks (three nights in a four star hotel) cost from £250. Shop around but return flights to Zurich start at £150. They're a bit cheaper to Geneva, from £100.
When should I go?
The best time for outdoor pursuits is in summer (June to September), but it can be crowded. April to May and late September to October is good for better deals and fewer people. Winter sports begin in late November and end when the snows melt in April.
The world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival attracts the top international jazz musicians to Montreux in July. On the fourth Monday in November, Bern hosts its famous onion market (Zibelmarit).
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| | | Land of lakes and mountains | | What should I do when I'm there?
Most people think of skiing in Switzerland, and there are dozens of resorts combining excellent slopes, scenery and nightlife. Klosters, a favourite of Prince Charles, offers 50km of trails and the fearsome Gotschnawang, one of the world's hardest runs.
For those into gentler pursuits like rambling and hiking, Switzerland has 50,000km of designated footpaths.
The country is full of breathtaking scenery, but south of Interlaken the Jungfrau region is the place to go for real jaw-dropping landscapes. Grindelwald is the most established skiing and hiking centre in the region, and has a yodelling festival in July.
What if I don't like heights?
Take to the water. Switzerland's lakes, like Lucerne, Geneva, Lugano, Thun and Constance, are as famous as its mountains. In summer, paddle steamers ply the lakes, stopping at numerous picturesque towns and villages - great for just idling about.
The lakes also offer a variety of water-based activities such as sailing and waterskiing. For those looking to ease any aching muscles, Leukerbad, south-east of Bern, is the largest thermal centre in Europe, with the hottest springs in Switzerland.
What do the towns and cities offer?
Geneva has great museums and the world's tallest fountain. Zurich, in its lakeside setting, has 1,030 fountains, an interesting old town and good galleries and museums.
Bern is home to the largest collection of art by Paul Klee; Switzerland's tallest church - and 11 historic fountains.
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| | | A modern vibe | | Where's good for nightlife?
If you've had your fill of pristine Alpine air, then Bern and Zurich offer a bar-based nightlife. Zurich has its own rave and techno vibe and a thriving alternative scene - check out Kanslei on Kansleistrasse.
The Campione D'Italia is actually part of Italy and comes under Italian jurisdiction. It's very popular with locals and tourists alike thanks to very relaxed gambling laws.
If you're appropriately dressed then you can be just like James Bond, stepping straight from the lakeside to the casino.
What's the food like?
Warning: you are in danger of spending a serious amount of money. Swiss cuisine borrows from the German and French, and there are many excellent restaurants.
Traditional dishes include fondue - a large pot of bubbling, hot cheese eaten with bread cubes, lots of wine and many friends. Rosti, crispy, fried, shredded potatoes, is the German-Swiss national dish.
In Ticino the Italian influence is very obvious, with many wonderful pasta dishes - notably ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms or veal.
The Swiss are very proud of their chocolates and quite rightly; plain or filled with nougat, truffles or marzipan - the choice is intoxicating.
What should I buy?
Tacky cuckoo clocks are on sale, though these were in fact a German invention. Watches, penknives, textiles and embroidery are all popular buys.
Tourist centres have souvenir shops, while Heimat or Heimatwerk outlets tend to sell handmade goods which are expensive but good quality. Don't forget the chocolate!
What is there for children to do?
Plenty. At Melide, around Lake Lugano, is the Swissminiatur. Here you can find scale models of more than 100 national attractions. They're so good that you can plan which full-size versions you want to visit!
The thermal springs at Leukerbad have many pools including whirlpools and water jets. Most skiing centres offer classes for children, starting from £21 for two half-days.
Tourist office
Switzerland Travel Centre Ltd, 10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QF. Tel. 00800 100 200 30.
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| | Available rental properties in Switzerland |
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| |  | | Chalet Kerbel
Chalet Kerbel is a typically Swiss chalet located in the beautiful region of Entlebuch in the famed Luzern. Your holiday appartment in the chalet has
|  | | Casa Riposo
Malvagia-Tagnugna lies 30 km north of Bellinzona. Casa Riposo lies just outside the centre of the village Tagnugna, 450 m above sea level. At this loc
|  | | Casa Pamela
Dagro is a small hamlet in the Malvaglia Valley. Malvaglia can be reached by car (40 minute drive) but you can also take the cable-lift. It is an idea
|  | | Broche
The detached holiday house Broche lies in the village of Semione in the Blenio Valley. Semione is a small village at a height of 460 m.. The house is
|  | | Casa Gianna
Leontica lies 39 km north of Bellinzona. Casa Gianna is situated all on its own, and therefore, very peaceful just 0.3 km from the small village of Le
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