Travel & Lifestyle

Switzerland

Panoramic view of Berne, Switzerland

Adding up the Numbers in Switzerland

Switzerland knows how to clock up the numbers. It boasts 208 mountains and 7000 lakes across its 26 cantons, which you can access via the 57km long Gotthard Tunnel. If you have time, you could learn one of the four official languages spoken (German, French, Italian and Romansh) before you visit. Switzerland certainly offers something for everyone.

Found landlocked by France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein, Switzerland is popular with tourists thanks to its diverse landscape and wealth of available activities.

Tourism started in Switzerland in the early 1800’s, with British mountaineers crossing over to the European mainland for the Bernese Alps. The Alps cover 60% of Switzerland’s total area, with skiing and hiking being two of the most commonly sought attractions.

In 2018, prior to travel restrictions, tourism contributed 2.9% to Swiss GDP, with 11.7 million tourists recorded that year. The industry in 2018 employed 181,700 people (full time equivalents), with industry growth reaching a record high since 2013.

To boost tourism post-pandemic, in September 2021 the Swiss government pledged CHF 60 million to support the sector in its recovery. As part of the country’s tourism strategy, past Swiss President and now Federal Councillor, Guy Par-

Switzerland

melin, referred to a plan to re-launch business travel and urban tourism in Switzerland.

Mr Parmelin highlighted it was important that the investment focussed on innovative projects promoting sustainable tourism, rather than attracting large groups of travellers visiting for a short period.

“We want to make Switzerland a leader in sustainable tourism,” he said.

The investment, equivalent to $60.41 million, is set to roll out between 2022-2026. Mr Parmelin also referred to a plan to relaunch business travel in Switzerland.

Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor

Photo: Stefano Spinelli

The lay of the land

Famously neutral, Switzerland is, in fact, the oldest neutral nation in the world, having this title sealed at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Not only is it neutral to global conflicts, it’s neither a member of the EU or the EEA.

Not only is Switzerland the oldest neutral nation in the world, it’s also one of the oldest countries, with the Swiss Confederation dating back to 1291.

Reflecting its diverse geography, Switzerland has a varying weather system. The climate is generally temperate, but features glacial conditions on the mountain tops, juxtaposed with warmer weather in the southern region near the Mediterranean.

Travel & Lifestyle

We want to make Switzerland a leader “ in sustainable tourism. “

Travel & Lifestyle

Switzerland

The Pursuit of Happiness

Synonymous with Switzerland is, of course, its various, climbable mountains. Tourists have the opportunity to climb to the highest peaks of mountains such as Zumsteinspitze, Dufourspitze and Dent Blanche. Panoramic views are available from the heights of Neiderhorne or take a chairlift to the Sareis mountain ridge.

From the mountains you’ll find a series of scenic hikes. Switzerland boasts over 65,000 kilometres of waymarked trails. Whether you’re looking to photograph Switzerland’s alpine meadows, explore forests, or discover one of its 22,000 municipalities there’s a hike suitable for near novices through to those with holey boots.

If you don’t fancy going uphill, of course the many ranges offer a wealth of winter sports. There are more than 200 ski regions in the country offering wide pistes, steep gullies, and huge halfpipes for those looking to strap on their skis or snowboard.

If you’re tired just by reading about all the adventures available Switzerland, it also has a more relaxing offering. When visiting the country, opt to stay in one of its eight certified Wellness destinations. Visit the historic hot springs of Leukerbad or delight all your senses in Charmey, which entwines Alpine meadows, enchanting lakes, snowy slopes, and thermal baths. Shopping paradise fused with a wellness philosophy can be found in the cultural spa town of Baden or cycle through picturesque Bad Zurzach and relax in one of the many spa resorts.

Switzerland

Location, Location, Location

If you want a quick getaway, Switzerland is also popular for its variety of city break locations.

The most obvious choice for a city break is Zurich, the centre of Switzerland’s economic life and education. Here, you will be able to enjoy Switzerland’s many delicacies, like Züri Gschnätzlets and, of course, Emmental cheese.

Zurich offers a hubbub of rustic pubs, street food festivals, and pop-up restaurants. The city has one of the highest numbers of Michelin star restaurants in the world.

Switzerland also has a lot of Old Town offerings to explore, with Zurich being one of them. Nestled within a Medieval backdrop of narrow lanes, Renaissance period halls and landmarks like Peterskirche (Peter’s Church, featuring Europe’s largest clock face), you’ll also find the highest concentration of clubs in Switzerland, and the world-famous shopping mile.

A culinary delight

If food or wine tourism sounds like your dream, Switzerland has something to offer in every canton. Wherever you venture in Switzerland, you will find an offering of fresh produce. The country is known for emmental cheese and fine chocolate, but you can also discover Biber (a traditional gingerbread with honey and nuts) in Appenzell along with traditional herbal digestive liqueur, Appenzeller Alpenbitter.

If you are the mountaineering type, of course you will find plenty of traditional Swiss inns along your way, offering respite and panoramic views. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, there is plenty to offer in wine tourism, too. Book yourself on to a wine tour in Valtellina, wine and bike around Salgesch, or even enjoy a wine safari in Stansstad.

Somewhere to rest your head

There’s a lot to experience in Switzerland so you’ll need a few days and somewhere to rest.

As expected, there are lots of places to stay to suit your location, style and appetite. Choose from traditional hotels nestled in the alps, like Hotel Alpenblick in Zermatt serving farmhouse fare or 16th Century Chateau Salavaux.

If you want to relax in style, head over to InterContinental Genevè. Adored by Presidents, this IHG hotel is a unique place to stay offering art, 5* views and one-of-a-kind experiences. Read on to find out more about the InterContinental Genève.

Travel & Lifestyle

PROJECT DIRECTED BY Jamie Waite

Grand Salon in The Residence

WRITTEN BY Laura Watling