5 minute read
Switzerland’sMagic -
from Venture
by LASA Ezine
Want to know more about this country before going there? Hopefully, this will help!
Switzerland is country number 132 in terms of territorial extension. Only 10% of its small territory is arable and it has no exit to the sea. However, Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is the second highest in the world. How has a country with so few natural resources achieved this result? 74% of the Swiss GDP comes from the service sector. It is a beautiful tourist destination. Its fields are a delight to the eye. Its high snow-capped mountains, its peaceful lakes, its romantic Chalets, its forests, its ski slopes, its rich fondues, and its exquisite chocolates are a true delight.
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To start getting to know more about this wonderful country, let’s talk about some of its iconic places.
One very recommended village is Interlaken. It is a must-see. Staying at one of the beautiful Chalets the city has to offer is a common thing. Many say that, in the evening, going downtown and trying some delicious cheese fondue is a great option. Early in the morning, you can follow one of the many hiking trails, or go skiing on one of its great slopes. Another popular activity at Interlaken is paragliding. People from all over the world go there to float in the alp’s winds. While floating, the sights of the narrow valley strop where Interlaken is situated look astonishing between the green waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The green forest, the white pics, and the Aare River match perfectly.
Wengen is a suggested visit. It is a unique village stranded in the Alps. The absence of vehicles will attract your attention since it is a car-free town where you can only travel by train or small cars. Over there, it is recommended to take a five-minute cable car ride that will take you to enjoy the wonderful scenery. Andre Chatelain, a Swiss amateur skier, recommends Wengen as one of the best points to ski in the world.
“That’s a very Swiss-like scenery in which one of the best things to do is hike and ski,” Chatelain mentioned. “It is beautiful.”
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you are looking for. If you are into winter sports, the best time is around February, but be prepared to find many people. Martin Zirngibl, a Swiss executive, considers the best time to visit Switzerland to be August or September if you prefer to do it in a less crowded season. Martin also thinks that Christmas is a beautiful time to visit Switzerland since it is very cozy and there are many very nice Christmas markets. Even though this country seems very peaceful, it is not a crime-free city. So watch out with your pockets while on the train or public transportation since it’s common for someone to steal from you (especially during the holidays).
But Switzerland is not only beautiful forests, cheese, and chocolate. It has incredible cities that you should visit such as Lucerne, Zurich, Bern and Geneva. Even when they are medieval cities, they also have developed a
If you are into romantic medieval cities, Lucerne is a great choice. Lucerne is home to some iconic buildings: the Chapel Bridge, which is the oldest medieval bridge in all of Europe, and the Water Tower, which make up an architectural complex of enormous beauty located at the outlet of Lake Lucerne. You will get beautiful pictures on that romantic bridge.
Of a totally different character, Zurich is the financial center of Switzerland and its biggest economic engine. Even so, the picturesque avenues of the Altstadt (old city) that is next to the Limago river, reveal its ancient pre-medieval history. While visiting Zurich, you will find important worldwide
If you decide to go to Genoa, you must visit The Jet d’Eau, fountain that emits a very high jet in pink tones. Other must-sees are the English Garden and the flower clock, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and the United Nations Palace.
Bern is another exciting city to visit. Its was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, for medieval buildings in extraordinary conditions. Bern to incorporate a very old city into modernity, and present. Many buildings in the Old Town are Properties of great Importance.
“I would definetly try the bread , the bakeries, and going to a beer garden,“ Martin Zirngibl said. “There are very good cakes and sweets in Switzerland.“
Talking about food, Switzerland is famous for its livestock. The cows are emblematic of that country that is a great producer of milk and therefore of cheeses. Famous cheeses such as the delicious Gruyere, Emmentaler, and Raclette du Valais, among others, are Swizz. If you are a cheese fanatic, you will enjoy visiting Gruyere, the little town where that cheese is from. As Switzerland has a big milk production, they develop a creative dish to increase cheese consumption. That is the famous Fondue, which consists of a blend of different cheeses melted on your table, with white wine, garlic, and other spices. Pieces of bread, vegetables, or fruit are dipped into it. Fondue is found almost everywhere in the nation.
Switzerland is also worldwide well known for its chocolate. Mixing its famous milk with cocoa, they have developed one of the best chocolates on the globe. Even when the chocolate is originally from very far away (Mexico), Switzerland exports chocolate everywhere. Don’t miss going to the chocolate museum. This is located in Kilchberg, where the Lindt factory is. In addition to learning about the history of chocolate and production methods in this museum, you will be able to consume unlimited amounts of delicious delicacies.
Fondue and chocolate are considered the most delicious products in Switzerland. Other dishes are The rösti, a kind of potato omelet, common throughout Switzerland that can be combined with a wide variety of ingredients, such as fish or other vegetables. Martin Zirngibl considers If you want to find nicer restaurants, there are a lot that have food coming from other countries (i.e. Mexican or Chinese) however, be aware they might be expensive.
As you can see, even though Switzerland is a very small country, it has many wonderful places to visit. You will not regret visiting it.
Skiing
St. Moritz in Engadin valley is a popular resourt for its outdoor Olimpic ice rink, impresive scenery, mineral springs, and hotels. You will not regret visiting this extraordinary location.
Verbier is a resort located at Switzerland’s Valais Canton in where you can take advantage of its 4 stunning skiing areas, variety of restaurants, and activities for any age. A winter playground for wintertime enthusiasts.
Interlaken is a magnificent town at the Bernese Oberland ideal for active adventurers. With a variety of activities including hiking trails, sailing, horseback riding, windsurfing, and golf courses,this is a place you will have wonderful memories from.
Hiking
Mürren is a Swiss village perfect for appreciating the country’s flora and fauna, mountain biking, and finding a place for a getaway. This car-free location will allow you to admire the panoramic views by train and cable cars and have wonderful experiences.
Swimming
Lake Silvaplana thats at the Upper-Engadine valley of Grisons, is a perfect location for sports fans. You can swim, surf, and sail during the summer, while during the winter, you can ski, ice-skate, and go on snowshoe tours.
Lavertezzo is a river at the district of Locarno in the canton of Ticino where you can swim in its transparent turquoise water, enjoy its amaizing bridges and views, and visit its local churches and cathedrals.
Gelmerbahn Bergstation in Guttannen is the steepiest funicular railway in Europe. A 12 minute adventure that you will definetly do not want to miss .
Attractions
Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Zürich, is a unique museum in where you get an interactive tour and unlimited amount of chocolate.