Basel  Basel Located in an "international" area, Basel is the third-largest city in Switzerland and a rich tourist attraction. The Rhine splits up the city into Kleinbasel (where the modern centre is) and Grossbasel - old town ruled by the Münster cathedral, where the bones of the reformist Erasmus are buried. The oldest bridge over the Rhine (1225) is still in function. Known as an international marketplace for art and antiques, Basel offers 27 museums, among which Jean Tinguely Museum has a distinct role. Bern Bern Bern is one of the oldest and loveliest cities in Europe, with origins going back to the 12th century. It is on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. There are many museums, theatres, landmarks, cafés, restaurants and shops - not to mention the weekly market (and the lovely Christmas market) - all of which can be easily reached on foot. The Old Town of Bern has one of the longest "weatherproof" shopping malls in Europe under its six kilometers of covered arcades. The medieval atmosphere, with shops in the cellar vaults is unique. The modern mingles harmoniously with the old in this charming city, as in recent years residents have discreetly added contemporary-style homes and structures to the historic environment. Brunnen Brunnen Dramatically located at the foot of Fronalpstock, in a beautiful inlet at the southern end of Lake Lucerne, Brunnen is a very popular vacation resort. Walk along the breathtaking lakeside quays, admiring some of the country's most scenic parts, taking in views of the wild and remote lake, the Urnesee. Taking in the awesome Uri-Rotstock, twin peaks with a small glacier, the views of the lake from the quays are stunning. Brunnen is a perfect base for unforgettable trips. Burgenstock Burgenstock Dramatically located above Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock is considered to be the most luxurious resort in the region. Many movie stars have lived here, swelling the resort's international reputation for its class and luxury. Bürgenstock is lower in altitude than other resorts in the region, but is the best place for long walks admiring the mountain panoramas. One of the great walks of central Switzerland, the Bürgenstock-Felsenweg trail, begins here. Chur Chur Dating back from 3000 BC, Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland. The old Town is located in the east side of the town and has many interesting places to visit. One of the main sights is the cathedral church of St Luzius which contains many curious medieval antiquities and the tomb of the great Grisons political leader Jenatsch. Don't miss the Raetian Museum, which contains a great collection of objects relating to Raetia. The art gallery, and the natural museum, all well worth the time. | Davos Davos Davos has been a favorite vacation spot for a long time, having some of the finest sports facilities in the world and boasting an exquisite mountain setting. Whether you love hiking, mountain biking, downhill or cross-country skiing, or ice-sports, Davos is the ideal place for spending your holydays. It is also a health spa, a sports center, and an important venue for international meetings. There's a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and discos, plus museums and concert and theater performances.
Fribourg Fribourg Founded in 1157, Fribourg is a charming picturesque town set between lakes and mountains. Fribourg is known for its cultural plurality, university, and bridges over the Sarine River that link the French-speaking part of Switzerland to the German-speaking part. Its Old Town, with Switzerland's best-preserved fortifications, is under a preservation order and contains more than 200 Gothic-style houses. Admire the aristocratic town houses, monuments, St. Niklaus cathedral and numerous churches. Geneva Geneva Chic Geneva, the soul of Switzerland's French speaking territory, is home to some of the world's most luxurious and exclusive stores and extravagant restaurants. Filled with parks and promenades, the city becomes a virtual garden in summer. At the heart of the city is the huge Cathédrale St-Pierre, and some of its top-class museums include Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and an impressive gallery of East Asian art. Last but not least, Geneva is home to dozens of international organizations among them the United Nations European headquarters and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Grindelwald Grindelwald Grindelwald is a picturesque mountain village and one of the most famous Swiss winter sport resorts. The "glacier village" of Grindelwald lies at a height of 1,050 m above sea level and is surrounded by folkloric hamlets, swift streams, and as much alpine beauty as you're likely to find anywhere in Switzerland. There are also activities for the non-skiers, from tobogganing to winter hiking tracks. Grindelwald is also a popular summer activity resort with many miles of hiking trails across the Alps. Interlaken Interlaken Located at 570 metres above sea level, Interlaken is one of the oldest tourist resorts in Switzerland and one of the most popular. It offers winter sport's lovers access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, in an idyllic lakeside setting between the lakes Thun and Brienz. The main attraction for hiking is probably the mountain Jungfrau with the altitude of 4158m. The resort offers a variety of water-based activities, throughout the year. | Lausanne Lausanne Dating back from the Stone Age, Lausanne flourished particularly in the Age of Enlightenment, when it was associated with the two leading writers of the 18th century Rousseau and Voltaire. Don't miss the famous Olympic Museum and the Gothic Cathedral. Built on three hills, Lausanne offers some astonishing views of the surroundings. Lausanne is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. It'll only take a short walk to take a boat tour on the lake or a short ride to explore the great snowy outdoors. Locarno Locarno This southern Swiss town is located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, close to the Italian border. The Mediterranean mild climate makes a rich flora (magnolias, camellias, azaleas, oleanders) embellish the area and gives this vacation resort a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Traveling by train to the Simplon Pass, the visitor can enjoy the splendid view of hundred of valleys toward the river. A yearly attraction in Piazza Grande is the august Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Locarno. Lucerne Lucerne Located at the north end of the Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi, Lucerne is a beautiful small city in the heartland of Switzerland. It abounds in narrow cobblestone streets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. The city became a center of Swiss history and legend, and is the setting for the most memorable part of the legend of William Tell who shot an apple off of his son's head. Lucerne is also a great base from which to explore other famous Swiss sites. Lugano Lugano Lugano is the third Swiss banking centre after Zürich and Geneva. Its old alleys and winding lanes are full of commerce, with boutiques, villa-style hotels and apartment buildings. The main attractions are the ancient churches and a clutch of world-class art galleries, including the famous Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Take a stroll under the lakeside palms alongside the shimmering lake. Both Monte Brè and San Salvatore are served by funiculars, and both give spectacular views over the Alps. Montreux Montreux Located on the Lake Geneva, Montreux is considered the chief resort of the Swiss Riviera. The main sight is the Château de Chillon, a castle on a small island in Lake Geneva; Byron is said to have carved his name in one of the columns in the dungeon where Bonivard was detained during a few years. The city hosts several international events, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Film Festival. The mountains around Hauts de Montreux are threaded with forest trails, caves, grottos, and wildlife. | Saas Fee Saas Fee Located on a high altitude plateau (1800 m) at the foot of the highest Swiss mountain range, The Mischabel group, Saas-Fee is a world-famous glacier village. It retains its romantic village atmosphere being the perfect place to unwind and relax. Saas-Fee is the perfect holiday destination for sporting enthusiasts offering an extensive recreational infrastructure. Don't miss the Allalin peak, with the world's highest revolving restaurant and the world's largest ice pavilion. Schaffhausen Schaffhausen Schaffhausen is a small city located in the north-east of Switzerland, built on terraces along the steep bank of the Rhine. Closed to the German border, the old city was accidentally bombed in the World War II, but didn't suffer much loss. The medieval spirit is well-preserved, reflected in the romantic fountains and old buildings, with brown roofs and Renaissance decorations. The main attraction of Schaffhausen is the Europe's largest waterfall (Rheinfall), which offers a splendid sight. St Gallen St Gallen This ancient town was founded by the Irish monk Gallus in 612 in the foothills of the Alps and it is, at 2200 ft above sea level, the highest European city of such size. The Europe capital of embroidery and lace offers beautiful surroundings - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a splendid panorama from Freudenberg over the Mount Säntis, St. Gallen, and Lake Constance. You can take advantage of the Lake Constance Experience Ticket to explore the entire region. St Moritz St Moritz Originally known for its mineral springs, which were discovered, probably by the Celts, some 3,000 years ago, St. Moritz is nowadays the most fashionable resort in the world. Situated on the southern side of the Alps in the Upper Engadine, at an altitude of 6,000 ft., St Moritz is the mecca of skiing. It has been the host city for the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. Other attractions are: The Segantini Museum, the olympic bob run - the last natural bob sleigh, and Glaciers landscape. | Vevey Vevey The small town of Vevey is known as the home of the famous Nesté chocolate. A visit here will offer comfort in the relaxed atmosphere of the Lake Geneva shore or of a chic restaurant or chocolatier in the Old Town. If this resort where Charlie Chaplin lived once is not enough, you can enjoy memorable trips in the charming surroundings, including an exploration of Mount Pélerin by funicular, a walk through the vineyards nearby or the famous Golden Panoramic Express travel to Spiez and Gstaad. Vitznau Vitznau Just an hour away from Zurich, Vitznau is a charming village located at the foot of the Rigi, on a bay of Lake Lucerne. Ever since the 19th century it became a popular destination for tourists. It offers a variety of facilities like swimming in the lake, indoor and outdoor pools, and tennis courts. There are also many hiking trails, ideal for long walks and for admiring the beauty of the mountains around it. Vitznau is the base station for Europe's oldest rack railway (inaugurated in 1871). Weggis Weggis Located on the sunny side of Mount Rigi, on a south-facing plain on the shore of Lake Lucerne Weggis has a mild climate found only in favored parts of Italy. Beautiful garden promenades stretch for several miles along the lakeshore. Mark Twain stayed here in 1897. The slopes of the Rigi, planted with vines, make it a great walking country. Even some almost tropical species of vegetation grow here. High up the slope, accessible by cog railway and aerial tramway, lies the community of Rigi Kaltbad. Wengen Wengen Situated in the Bernese Oberland, Wengen is a village where no cars are allowed. It belongs to the Jungfrauregion tourist area, along with the UNESCO world heritage site of Jungfrau. Wengen is one of the best ski resorts in the world. Voted 7th in the "Daily Mail Ski Resort Review" it has become famous due to the Lauberhornrennen ski race which takes place annally. During the summer Wengen is also popular for Hang Gliding, Climbing and Painters due to 360 degress of mountains able to view. | Zermatt Zermatt Located 5,315 fr above sea level, Zermatt is a car-free village at the base of the magnificent mountain Matterhorn. It is world-renowned resort for skiing and mountaineering. The town has one of the best networks of alpine cable cars, gondolas, and cog railways in Switzerland operating all year long. In Zermatt, falls more snow than on other winter resorts in Europe and that's way high-altitude skiing, especially at the Théodul Pass continues throughout the spring and early summer. Zurich Zurich Zurich is a stunningly beautiful with a charming old town where cobbled streets of the 12th-century Old Town are pristin and the blue trams run reliably. The avant-garde Dadaist movement started here in 1916. Zurich also attracted Irish author James Joyce. The city's extraordinary museums and galleries, confirm the city's position as Switzerland's spiritual, if not political, capital. There is also a hip, less conventional side to Zurich. Züri West, once the industrial section, has become the in spot over the last decade, with loft living, galleries, museums, experimental theater and clubs.
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