Welcome to Switzerland or rather Euro 2008

Welcome.

switzerland.com We are looking forward to the UEFA EURO 2008™ and its fans.

Neutrality.

Swiss football fans

switzerland.com We are neutral – except when it comes to our own national squad. In a country that brings together so many different cultures, languages and religions, Switzerland’s neutrality is also a source of cohesion. Few other countries are able to reconcile its inherent contrasts as peacefully as we do.

Our neutrality is immutable and is of our own choosing – which means it has popular backing, too.

Make our plus your plus!

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Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs

UEFA EURO 2008™

“EURO 2008 – a unique opportunity for Switzerland!”

I

n June 2008, something that is “just” a

as well as to show off its beautiful landscapes

game will take centre stage: football will

and tourist attractions. As the football stadi-

take over the world, and Switzerland – as

ums are for the players, so EURO 2008 will be

co-host of the European football champi-

for the whole of Switzerland: a stage on which

onships with Austria – will be the focus of

we can present ourselves in the best way to

world opinion. Switzerland’s aim is both to be

the world – with Swiss quality.

a perfect host and to organize a festival of

On these pages I would like to offer a first

sport that brings the people of Europe togeth-

taste of Switzerland’s variety, of the forthcom-

er. We will be welcoming, punctual, reliable,

ing football spectacle and our three-dimen-

well-organized, enthusiastic and open to every-

sional national flag in the form of a container

body both in and around the stadiums, and

icon. Take a look, experience the passion and

thereby show Switzerland at its best. We look forward to wel-

discover the plus – the strengths of Switzerland.

coming our guests, and aim to impress with our warmth and professionalism.

“Switzerland. Discover the plus.” With this slogan, Switzerland will present itself both before and during EURO 2008 as an outstanding hub for business, education and research,

Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor

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1 Basel 2 Bern 3 Geneva 4 Zürich 3

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Host cities

Feast of football Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zürich: in these four Swiss cities, Europe’s footballers will play 15 of the championship’s 31 games. The first match is on June 7 in Basel; the final, on June 29, 2008 in Vienna. or 23 days in June 2008 the

2007, with a signposted “fan walk”

Useful websites:

host countries will fall under

leading from the main rail station.

Host city Basel – what Basel has to offer

the spell of football. In

The heart of the fan zone is at

fans: www.euro08.basel.ch

Switzerland, the stadiums are

Bellevue, on Lake Zürich; a platform

Host city Bern – events, excursions and

ready, the “fan zones” in prepara-

on the lake is also planned.

F

stories about Bern: www.euro08-bern.ch

At the Stade de Suisse in Bern,

tion. The largest Swiss stadium,

Host city Geneva – admire the Jet d’eau

in Basel, can accommodate 40,000

30,000 spectators will come to

fountain, visit the Old Town cafés:

and will stage six games. A “fan

watch each of three games, while

www.geneve.ch/euro2008

boulevard” will stretch for 3.2 km

city-centre fan zones will be set

Host city Zürich – Switzerland’s

through the city centre; at its heart

up in front of the Bundeshaus, the

financial hub goes football mad:

will be three fan zones with giant

federal parliament building.

www.zuerich.ch/euro2008

The Stade de Genève, hosting

screens, and entertainment and

UBS ARENAS – 16 locations around

three games, also accommodates

Switzerland: www.ubs-arena.ch

In Zürich the Letzigrund stadi-

30,000, with a fan zone on the cen-

Timetable information – how to travel to

um, accommodating over 30,000,

tral Plaine de Plainpalais hosting up

your nearest UBS ARENA: www.rail.ch

has been ready since September

to 60,000.

catering to match.

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UEFA EURO 2008TM – match schedule

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City

1st match days Sat

Sun

Mon

2nd match days Tue

Wed

Thu

3rd match days Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Quarter-finals Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Semi-finals Sat

Sun

07.06. 08.06. 09.06. 10.06. 11.06. 12.06. 13.06. 14.06. 15.06. 16.06. 17.06. 18.06. 19.06. 20.06. 21.06. 22.06.

Basel St. Jakob Park

40 000

Bern Stade de Suisse

30 000

Genève Stade de Genève

30 000

Zürich Letzigrund

30 000

Match 1 18:00 SUI–CZE

Match10 20:45 SUI–TUR Match 6 20:45 NED–ITA

Match 2 20:45 POR–TUR

Match17 20:45 SUI–POR Match 14 20:45 NED–FRA

Match 9 18:00 CZE–POR Match 5 18:00 ROU–FRA

Match 25 20:45 1A–2B Match21 20:45 NED–ROU

Match18 20:45 TUR–CZE Match 13 18:00 ITA–ROU

Match22 20:45 FRA–ITA

Match27 20:45 1C–2D

Wed 25.06.

Match 29 20:45 W25 –W26

In focus During EURO 2008, fans with a match ticket enjoy free travel for 36 hours on trains, buses, trams and boats. Fans without match tickets also get great fares with

UBS ARENA – the fifth stadium of Switzerland

Giant screens Spectator arenas in 16 cities will show all the matches: Switzerland’s fifth EURO 2008 stadium is the whole country.

a UEFA EURO 2008™ ‘General Abonnement’ or a UEFA EURO 2008™ half-fare travelcard. For further information, call the

T

he EURO football party is

arena will have up to 1,200 covered

taking place not only in the

grandstand seats, for which tickets

host cities of Basel, Bern,

will be sold. Standing places will be free.

international tollfree number

Geneva and Zürich, but throughout

00800 100 200 30, or visit any

Switzerland. EURO 2008 matches

Swiss rail station.

will be shown at UBS ARENA in

in, you will be close to an arena

www.rail.ch/euro08

16 towns and cities: two in Ticino,

where you can join in the football

four in French-speaking Switzerland

spirit in a stadium-like atmosphere.

and ten in German-speaking areas.

To claim that EURO 2008 takes

UEFA has brought in around

Some can hold as many as 10,200

place on everyone’s doorstep would

2,500 volunteers to help with

fans. This comprehensive network

be exaggerating; but it would not be

the hosting of EURO 2008 in

of giant screens is a first in the his-

overshooting the mark to say that

Switzerland. A further 2,700 vol-

tory of football. From Nyon to Chur,

Switzerland’s fifth EURO 2008 stadi-

unteers will be on hand in the

from Kreuzlingen to Lugano, each

um is the entire country!

Whichever Swiss region you are

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host cities to make sure that visitors from all over the world feel safe and welcome here, mainly by providing information and by helping in the fan zones and on public transport. All volunteers

Host cities UBS ARENA

Basel Aarau

receive special host training. www.switzerland.com

Biel

what you want on the accommo-

Solothurn Zug

Bern

to sleep, you’ll most likely find Nyon

Glarus

SWITZERLAND

sleeping arrangements at the

Chur

Thun

Lausanne

dation section of our website.

Here there is information about

St. Gallen Buchs

La Chaux-de-Fonds

If you are looking for a place

Kreuzlingen

Zürich

Locarno Sion

Genève

Lugano

“fan camps”, tips for finding free beds in and around the host cities, as well as details of B&Bs. You might find the most appeal-

Distances and travel times by train Basel

ing option is to book one of

Bern

Genève

Zürich

98 km

255 km

85 km

157 km

128 km

the many rooms being offered

Basel

in Swiss homes, where lively

Bern

0:58 h

Genève

2:42 h

1:46 h

Zürich

1:06 h

0:58 h

match debates over a cold beer are included! www.switzerland.com

280 km 2:42 h

Discover the plus

Switzerland shows its flag – its plus Switzerland is the only country whose flag contains a plus sign. We think there has to be a reason – so here we would like to suggest Switzerland’s seven pluses. They are part of an international campaign with the theme “Switzerland shows its flag – its plus”.

S

witzerland has one of the

about schools, roads and taxation

has made for stability. This guar-

most beautiful natural

rates – by hand, or in writing.

antees both a safe future and a

landscapes in Europe – the

high quality of life. International

When everyone participates,

Alps. Such is their beauty that they

disagreements can be dealt with

organizations such as the Red

feature in many literary works –

before they escalate. For decades

Cross and the UN, foreign compa-

most famously, perhaps, Johanna

our political and economic system

nies and international gatherings

Spyri’s book “Heidi”. But Heidi

such as the World Economic

isn’t the only one who feels at

Forum all value Switzerland as

home here: also international

a stable base. They in turn

VIPs value the tranquillity and

make our country an interna-

the idyllic landscapes of this

tional hub.

alpine land.

For Switzerland lies at the

In such a beautiful setting, who would have thought that

of a small country, we are in

VIP.

constant contact with our

switzerland.com

cause farmers rose up against the authorities? That was long ago, but we are still passionate

Heidi and her friend Peter the goatherd

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Switzerland came about be-

heart of Europe. As inhabitants

neighbours, along transport connections that have long linked us with other peoples,

about political participation.

cultures and new economic

So it is little surprise that our

areas. Once mule paths were

regions and local authorities

the main routes across

enjoy a high level of self-deter-

the Alps; now, with our new

mination. In Switzerland,

transalpine rail links, we are

people eligible to vote in their

building the cornerstone

municipality make decisions

of Europe’s future transport

www.switzerland.com

network. As we construct the

search institutes are among the

surprise that our educational system

longest rail tunnel in the world,

best in the world – including the

ranks among the world’s finest – an

we are also ensuring that the

Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)

advantage, too, for anyone choos-

alpine region remains a cultural

at the University of Basel, the

ing to live or do business here.

and economic powerhouse

federal institutes of technology in

The high expectations of the

within Europe.

Zürich and Lausanne and the Paul

Swiss are based in day-to-day life.

Scherrer Institute in Baden.

Even inexpensive chocolate is of

But Switzerland does not want to rely on its central location to be

The basis for this excellence is,

outstanding quality. Our love of de-

noticed. To do that, it has to prove

paradoxically, a national shortage.

tail and precision has a long tradi-

its greatness – which it achieves,

We Swiss lack raw materials, so we

tion: our goal is always to improve,

not least thanks to great precision

have long been accustomed to

to do everything that little bit

when it comes to the tiniest de-

creating wealth with our brains and

better – from watch mechanisms

tails. That is why many Swiss re-

through manual precision. It’s no

to pralines! For us, this is an art. ■

Design.

ICON

switzerland.com Switzerland, the country of architects and designers. Our buildings and designs stand out for their sophisticated functionality, unadorned design, timeless elegance and a touch of modesty. Just like the Swiss Cross. Reason enough to employ it to promote Switzerland as the UEFA EURO 2008™ venue. That’s why our Swiss Cross is going on tour in Europe: constructed of walk-in shipping containers, in it we present Switzerland in all its diversity. Come and visit our plus for yourself.

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1 “ICON” at the America’s Cup in Valencia 2 Setting up the “ICON” 3 On the road in France

“ICON”

The plus hits the road The “ICON” is on the move, touring major European cities. Its mission: to showcase Switzerland as an attractive base for companies, researchers, tourists – and football fans! ven before the first guests

Bern, Geneva and Zürich. The

in the world. The choice of location

travel to Switzerland for the

“ICON” will also document Switzer-

was deliberate, since researchers

opening of UEFA EURO

land’s cultural diversity. The first tour

from the Federal Institute of Technol-

of the “ICON” was a success: during

ogy in Lausanne (EPFL) directly con-

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2008™ in June, they can experience Switzerland at home. The “ICON”, a three-dimensional walk-in Swiss cross made from five red-and-white shipping containers, is on tour

“The ‘ICON’ documents Switzerland’s cultural and linguistic variety.”

throughout Europe since June 2007, to show off Switzerland’s many

the America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia,

tributed to Alinghi’s success. The

attractions. The “ICON” is part of an

the red-and-white plus stood imme-

Alinghi team stands for internatio-

international promotional campaign

diately next to the Alinghi base, while

nalism, perfection, a spirit of innova-

with the slogan “Switzerland.

the Swiss yacht was successfully

tion and sporting commitment –

Discover the plus.” that will culmi-

defending the oldest sporting trophy

just like our plus.

nate just before the European football championships. The concept is this: Switzerland is the only coun-

“ICON” Roadshow

try in the world with a plus on its

June 7, 2007 June 22-July 2, 2007 December 2, 2007 March 4-6, 2008 March 10-12, 2008 March 17-19, 2008 April 2-4, 2008 April 21-23, 2008 May 20-22, 2008 June 2008

flag – symbolizing our country’s added value and strengths.

These will be presented in major European cities during a roadshow lasting several months. Themes include Switzerland as a place for companies to do business, the high standard of Swiss educational and research institutions and the beauty of the alpine regions, as well as football in the four host cities of Basel,

Interlaken Valencia Lucerne Berlin Düsseldorf Frankfurt Amsterdam Paris Milan Vienna

One year to go America’s Cup The draw for the finals Potsdamer Platz Burgplatz Rossmarkt Dam Place du Palais Royal Piazza del Duomo Strandbar Herrmann

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1 St. Jakob Park football stadium © Keystone

2 Exhibition Centre 3 Town Hall 4 Mittlere Brücke (“Middle Bridge”) 1

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Basel and its region

Lifestyle city First-timers are bound to get lost in Basel’s winding alleys! All the better: everywhere you look you find enticing art, architecture, boutiques, markets and charming squares. Basel is a delight to explore, as well as a leading centre for the life sciences and a world-famous exhibition city with an enviable lifestyle.

www.switzerland.com

Map of the region

A sport close to nature

Basel

Hiking is the Swiss national pastime. You can join in on the city’s doorstep – in the pretty Oberbaselbiet region, for example, or the picturesque Jura. Energetic walkers can try the wonderfully scenic 50km trail from Porrentruy to Basel, following a refreshing river along the French border, crossing rolling hills through five cantons (regions). Impressive stretches of city wall greet walkers at the medieval town of Laufen; meanwhile, a stone’s throw away is Kleinlützel, where the Stich company

T

he Basel Region is home to

produces hiking poles – just in case you need them.

Novartis and Roche, two of the most successful pharma-

ceutical firms in the world. As a result, Basel has evolved into Europe’s leading centre for life sciences.

With numerous spin-offs and new enterprises, this area, along with neighbouring parts of Germany and France just over the border, is known as BioValley: 40 per cent of the world’s pharmaceutical industry is based between Basel and Strasbourg. Along with these – and major banks and insurance companies – the region is also home to successful smaller companies, such as Ricola, a famous manufacturer of herbal sweets, in Laufen.

The attraction of the city is en-

tains are a sea of cherry blossom. A host of hiking trails criss-cross the gentle “Baselbiet” hills, while close to the city lie picturesque and

© Liestal

ings. In spring, Basel’s Jura moun-

© Augusta Raurica

hanced by its enchanting surround-

historic towns such as Liestal. The

A glimpse of ancient Rome

A picturesque old town

gently flowing Rhine is not only the

Just outside Basel lies the

Liestal, capital of the canton (re-

soul of Basel, but also the home

extensive Roman site of Augusta

gion) of Basel Country, is full of

port of Switzerland’s naval fleet –

Raurica. Highlight of this former

medieval charm, blessed with an

as well as of various cruise lines

garrison town is the well-restored

Old Town dating back 900 years.

that offer river trips. Floating along

theatre, which can still seat

At its heart stands the historic

the Rhine is of course wonderfully

8,000 people. With a little imagi-

town gate, Liestal’s emblem; the

romantic, but for the people of the

nation you can conjure up the

surrounding streets and alley-

Basel region the gateway to the

thrills of the Circus Maximus and

ways, with their restaurants and

world has long been the city’s air-

the glory of imperial Rome.

boutiques, are a delight to ex-

www.baselland.ch

plore. www.liestal.ch

port.

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Tinguely Fountain, Basel

Basel

City of hearts and minds Basel may be a world-renowned centre for life sciences, but this charming and cultured city also knows all about art as well – as visitors quickly discover. he Rhine’s gift to Basel is a

best characteristics of neighbour-

on the market square, accompa-

cosmopolitan outlook: the

ing France and Germany, the city’s

nied by drummers and pipers:

river has always been a link

charms are very much its own.

carnival has begun! The city lets

between the city, the sea and the

Creativity and commerce go hand

its hair down with a vengeance.

wider world. It is no surprise, then,

in hand, and have made Basel

There’s only one other thing Baslers

that Basel became a stronghold

a cultural capital – and shopping

love as much as carnival: their

centuries ago of humanism and,

heaven. But once a year everything

highly successful football club,

later, the sciences. Uniting the

changes. Bright lanterns appear

FC Basel.

Beatrice Weder di Mauro: “The variety!”

tural variety – all in a remarkably

Swiss-born Beatrice Weder di

of the Old Town. It isn’t surprising

Mauro was named a Young Global

that on sunny summer days you see

Leader at the World Economic

so many locals taking a dip in the

Forum in Davos in 2005.

Rhine. The view of the Old Town is

What is Switzerland’s biggest

terrific, and to swim along with the

plus? For me it’s the variety. You

current now and again is really nice.

can experience chic cities, the soli-

EURO 2008 kicks off very soon.

tude of the high Alps, traditional

What are you looking forward to

country life, leading international

most? Good games and an even

companies, four languages and cul-

better atmosphere!

T

small area.

What is your insider’s tip for visiting Basel? Get a duck’s eye view

Beatrice Weder di Mauro She completed her studies at the University of Basel, and since 2001 has been Professor of Economics at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. She is a member of the German Council of Economic Experts.

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© Roche

Planned office tower, Basel

Vision and Business

© Fondation Beyeler

The visionary tower of Basel Basel is famous for contemporary architecture, thanks to its many outstanding buildings by internationally famous architects – financed also by the thriving local economy.

Fondation Beyeler The Fondation Beyeler lies in an idyllic landscaped garden on the

T

he newest example is

mark on the city: Mario Botta, with

Roche’s biotechnology pro-

a well-regarded bank building, and

duction centre – an eight-

Morger & Degelo, whose 105-metre-

storey building with a glass façade

high Messeturm (Basel Free Trade

light-filled museum is the work

that opened in May 2007, designed

Tower) is currently the tallest build-

of the celebrated Italian archi-

by the world-famous Basel archi-

ing in Switzerland.

tect Renzo Piano. Typical Basel:

tects Herzog & de Meuron. Bigger

a modern architectural master-

still are the same architects’ plans

Novartis is creating a “campus

piece housing a first-class art

for Roche’s new corporate head-

of innovation, knowledge and en-

edge of Basel. The modern,

Meanwhile Roche’s competitor

collection.

Ernst Beyeler, the son of a railway worker, cannot have dreamt 60 years ago that one day he would

“Basel builds on its reputation as the home of life sciences.”

run a world-class museum. It was

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more or less by chance that in the

quarters: an office tower and

counter” on the banks of the Rhine.

late 1940s he took over what is

research centre 154 metres high,

As different as the projects of these

now the Galerie Beyeler in Basel.

costing more than 550 million

two pharmaceutical giants are,

This remains a place of pilgrimage

Swiss francs, which is scheduled

they have one thing in common:

for lovers of classic modern art,

for completion by 2012. Linking

they are both adding to Basel’s

while the Fondation Beyeler is

commerce and architecture in the

reputation as the home of life sci-

home to the private collection he

best Basel tradition, the tower is

ences, and building towards the

built up over the years – a tribute

likely to be another resounding hit

future of the city and the region as

to his passion, commitment and

for Herzog & de Meuron on home

a whole.

expertise.

soil. Other celebrated Swiss archi-

www.roche.com

www.beyeler.com

tects have also left their indelible

www.novartis.com

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1 Stade de Suisse © Keystone

2 Zytglogge Clock Tower 3 Paul Klee Centre 4 Old city of Bern with the Aare 1

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Bern and region

Culture and innovation When Germany achieved its legendary victory in the 1954 World Cup, Bern was the centre of the football world – and the “Miracle of Bern” was born. The city (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site), the celebrated peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and innovative entrepreneurs and researchers make the region an attractive destination for visitors and companies.

www.switzerland.com

Map of the region

Stellar moments in Bern Scientists from the Institute of Physics at the University of Bern are working on a project to develop and build extremely precise measuring

Bern

instruments, under the supervision of the European Space Agency (ESA) and with the collaboration of researchers from Germany, Belgium, France and the USA. The team is studying the composition and origin of comets, and to this end launched the probe Rosetta into space in 2004. The spacecraft will rendezvous with the comet

B

Churyomov-Garasimenko in 2014.

ern’s medical technology tradition is world renowned.

In 1960, the world-famous

orthopaedic surgeon of the 20th century, Maurice E. Müller of Biel, developed the artificial hip joint with his team in Bern. This invention led to the establishment of companies such as Mathys, Straumann or Sulzer Medica. “I want to give something have managed to discover thanks to my excellent state education”, said Müller. This is the spirit in which the Müller foundations were founded, such as the Maurice E. Müller Foundation for the promotion of or-

© Raumsonde Rosetta

back to society in return for what I

thopaedic surgery in 1974 or the Maurice E. and Martha Müller foundation for an arts centre dedicated to Paul Klee in Bern in 1998.

The Bernese people are natural researchers. Scientists, representatives of clinics and industrial companies come together in a newly established Competence Center for Medical Technology in Bern, link in-

Emmental – cheese star

An international star from Bern

formation carriers with one another

Making cheese is the oldest way

Ursula Andress, the world-famous

and develop networks. The “Medical

of making milk keep. The demon-

Hollywood star, comes from

Cluster” brings together 100 Swiss

stration cheese factory Affoltern in

Ostermundigen near Bern, where

companies. The education sector

Emmental enables visitors to find

her family ran a market garden.

has established new training cours-

out first hand how real Swiss Em-

She has now been made an hon-

es in medical technology. This

mental cheese is made from fresh

orar citizen of her former home-

know-how transfer promotes inno-

milk. By appointment, visitors can

town. Her role in the James

vative ideas and further strengthens

try the cheese for themselves in

Bond film “Dr. No” in 1962 made

the already excellent Swiss medical

front of an open fire.

her a star worldwide.

technology.

www.showdairy.ch

www.euro08-bern.ch

www.medizinal-cluster.ch

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The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

Bernese Oberland – Bern

Top of Europe From the Parliament building terrace you have a fine view of the mighty Bernese Alps. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau seem so close that Bern is known as the Gateway to the Alps. iger, Mönch and Jungfrau:

tains are used time and again as a

capital, is home to one of the finest

the mountain trio is world-

dramatic backdrop: Indian Bolly-

medieval city centres in Europe, a

famous. “Anyone who has not

wood films, for example, are regular-

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

seen the scenery of the Jungfrau

ly shot there. The top station, at

Site. With its arcades and boutiques,

region does not know Switzerland”,

3,454 metres, is the Jungfraujoch;

the city exudes Bernese “Gemütlich-

wrote Felix Mendelssohn to his

the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn

keit” – cheerfulness, warmth and

mother. As well as offering visitors a

area is a UNESCO World Natural

unhurriedness – and always seduces

unique alpine experience, the moun-

Heritage Site. Bern, Switzerland’s

visitors with its leisurely pace.

Tanja Frieden: “Switzerland celebrates!”

What is your insider’s tip for

Tanja Frieden was the 2006 Olympic

the old town; and the Gurten,

snowboard cross champion. With

our local mountain, with its view

her natural manner, she won the

of the mighty peaks of the Ober-

hearts of her fans.

land.

What is Switzerland’s biggest

EURO 2008 kicks off very

plus? I love the hugely varied land-

soon. What are you looking for-

scape in a small space. What

ward to most? Joining our neigh-

might be considered small-minded

bouring countries in a festival of

in many places are the things I

sports and people, and emotional

love after my travels: stability and

times in red and white with my

peace.

friends at home or in the stadiums!

E

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visiting Bern? The early-morning view from the Rosengarten over

Tanja Frieden The Olympic snowboard cross champion 2006, World Cup winner in the Sierra Nevada 2006 and Swiss Sportswoman of the Year 2006 was originally a teacher.

When she’s in Switzerland, she lives in Thun in the Canton of Bern.

www.switzerland.com

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Albert Einstein, 1941

Pioneering spirit and precision The Canton of Bern is the centre of the global watch-making industry. Swiss watches such as Swatch, Omega, Longines, Rado and Rolex are produced here.

© Sonnenkraftwerk, BKW

Swiss watches

lbert Einstein was living in

ed themselves with this attitude

Bern when he devised

and this body of thought. Pioneers

Solar power and football

the famous E=mc2 formula

and visionaries such as Albert

The largest stadium-integrated

and turned our preconceptions of

Einstein (E=mc2 formula), Theodor

solar power station in the world

space and time on their heads

Tobler (Toblerone) or Max Morgen-

has been installed on the roof of

with his theory of relativity in 1905.

thaler (Nescafé) made their discov-

the Stade de Suisse.

The Swatch – the provocative

eries in Bern. Bern promotes

The demand for solar power trig-

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gered the construction of the solar power station. The construction

“Bern promotes innovations and a pioneering spirit.”

cost 10 million Swiss francs. Annual production with optimum sunlight is approx. 1.2 million Kilowatt

Swiss watch – was invented in the

innovations, entrepreneurship and

hours which is the annual con-

Canton of Bern in 1983. The Swatch

a pioneering spirit. That is still the

sumption of 400 households. The

revolutionized not only the actual

case today. Visit the world’s first

Bernese love their beautiful scenery

product, but also the production

ever Albert Einstein museum. More

and live in an environmentally con-

process: a Swatch is made

than 200 lavishly displayed origi-

scious way. Researchers from the

up of only 51 components, whereas

nals, writings and film documents

University of Bern’s Department of

a traditional watch has more than

tell of Einstein’s life in a 1,200 m2

Climate and Environmental Physics

100 parts.

exhibition at the Historic Museum

and Institute of Geography were

in Bern. The jubilee exhibition

involved in the UN Committee on

precision – these characteristics are

has already welcomed more than

Climate Change (IPCC) and, thus,

deeply rooted in the people living

350,000 visitors in 2005/06

also in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

here. Many newcomers from all

alone.

over the world have also acquaint-

www.bhm.ch

Pioneering spirit, innovation and

for Al Gore.

■

www.unibe.ch

1 Stade de Genève © Keystone

2 Red Cross Museum 3 Solar Impulse 4 Geneva with Jet d’eau 1

3

© Solar Impulse

2

4

20 21

Geneva and its region

A metropolis of the mind A city with style, history and French flair. A haven for refugees such as the reformers Calvin and John Knox. Home of luxury boutiques, student cafés, picturesque lakeside landscapes and a bastion of human rights and research: Geneva is all this and more.

www.switzerland.com

Map of the region

Land of wine and watches Both wine and watches are created here in stunning settings: such as the terraced vineyards of Lavaux above Lake Geneva, which UNESCO named a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2007. For centuries, painters such as Ferdinand Hodler have celebrated the beauty of the vineyards –

Genève

built on gradients as steep as 43% – and the pretty winegrowing villages.

While Lavaux lies east of Geneva, to the north is the enchantingly beautiful landscape of the Jura, where more than three-quarters of Swiss

T

watchmakers work, constantly creating new trends in the industry.

he pilot lowers his right arm, the plane curves to the right. He moves his arm for-

wards, and the plane begins to dive… One of the few people who will soon steer a plane with body movements is the Swiss balloonist and solar pioneer Bertrand Piccard.

In 2010 he plans to board a solar plane, climb to 13,000 metres (42,000 feet) and fly around the world. The hightech plane “Solar Impulse” is powered entirely by solar energy; its wings, with the wingspan of an Airbus A380 “superjumbo”, are covered with solar cells.

Among developments making the adventure possible is a new kind of interaction between human

and machine, the work of researchers at the Federal Institute of

a child’s game, but one that is providing a huge challenge to the EPFL team. Others include minimiz-

© Logitech

The pilot moves, the plane reacts –

© Watch Valley

Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

ing the plane’s weight and storing

The mighty mouse of Morges

The watchmaking route

energy efficiently. But the EPFL al-

The most famous mice come

The tallest clock in the world,

ready has extensive experience

from the Morges region. In 1984

the clock with the longest sec-

with ultra-light, resistant materials:

computer mice manufactured

ond hand, the first chronometer:

more than 50 EPFL researchers

by Logitech conquered the world

all come from Switzerland’s

worked on the technology behind

market; today the company is

Watch Valley. Plan a journey to

Alinghi, the yacht that twice won

a world leader in the design,

the cradle of time, with the

the America’s Cup. Together with

production and sale of computer

“Watchmaking Route” brochure

CERN – the world’s largest particle

peripherals that give users

and our motto: we have the

physics laboratory – EPFL is mak-

easier access to the digital world.

watches, you have the time.

www.logitech.ch

www.watchvalley.ch

ing the Geneva region a hotbed of innovative research.

■

Lavaux, UNESCO World heritage site, Lake Geneva Region

Can’t wait for the French. switzerland.com

22 23

Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva

Geneva

Joie-de-vivre in Geneva It’s said that the Romands – or French-speaking Swiss – are more easygoing than their Germanspeaking neighbours. Perhaps it’s because Geneva is almost entirely surrounded by France.

C

osmopolitan, charming,

va, long a haven for refugees, is

French territory for 103km, but the

intellectual – as the city

the international city par excel-

rest of Switzerland for just 4.5km.

of the UN and the Interna-

lence: witness the dozens of inter-

Attractions, in addition to the

tional Red Cross, Geneva can

national organizations based here,

celebrated Jet d’eau fountain,

claim to be the smallest metropolis

as well as some 180 NGOs and

include the beautiful Old Town with

in the world. Here the politics of

150 diplomatic missions. Geneva’s

its winding alleys, boutiques, cafés

East and West, North and South

openness to the world is partly a

and parks – Geneva puts the joy in

come together in dialogue. Gene-

result of geography: it borders

joie-de-vivre.

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele: “Nature is a plus.”

What is your insider’s tip for visiting Geneva? The Auberge de Presinge, a place full of charm and warmth with a charismatic

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele studied

“patronne” who makes guests feel

at the International School of Gene-

wonderfully looked after. One for

va. She is now co-president of

the heart as well as the stomach!

Chopard.

EURO 2008 kicks off very soon.

What is Switzerland’s biggest

What are you looking forward to

plus? The unspoilt nature and the

most? As well as the great atmos-

variety of glorious landscapes that

phere, an unforgettable final – one

uplift your soul time and again with

that could go down as a new “Mira-

their colours or the way the light

cle of Bern” in the annals of foot-

plays on them.

ball.

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele She is co-president and creative director of Chopard, an independent family business producing timepieces and jewellery at facilities in Geneva, Fleurier and Pforzheim.

■

The UN’s European headquarters, Geneva

United Nations, Geneva

© Patek Philippe

The united world meets here The European seat of the United Nations in Geneva may be smaller than the headquarters in New York, but it is responsible for 8,500 staff, 2,000 offices and 50,000 publications a year.

Watches for eternity While Queen Victoria appreciated the beauty of her Patek

A

ll documents published

with an official guide.) Since 1966

here are translated into

the Palais des Nations has been

the six official UN lan-

the European headquarters of the

Philippe watch back in the 19th

guages: Spanish, French, Chinese,

United Nations, and is the biggest

century, for her the most impor-

English, Russian and Arabic. The

UN centre after the headquarters

tant thing was its quality. And

various UN buildings make up their

in New York. The 4,700 individual

that’s what still distinguishes the

own, international quarter in Gene-

treaties of the Geneva Convention

work of Switzerland’s most

va, where visitors on guided tours

are also kept here – dating as far

famous watch manufacturer.

Geneva’s 1,000 or so Patek Philippe watchmakers assemble around 40,000 watches a year.

“Switzerland has been a UN member state since 2002.”

Compared to rivals, the number

24 25

is low. But the precise workman-

encounter white-robed emissaries

back as the days of Henri Dunant,

ship and the painstaking con-

from Arab countries, Africans in

the founder of the Red Cross,

struction pay off: for the style and

brightly coloured garb and other

they are seen as milestones in the

brilliance of a Patek Philippe,

diplomats from all over the world.

history of human rights.

watch collectors are happy to dig

Behind the mighty gate of the

deep into their pockets. The

UN, flying the flags of all the mem-

2002 Switzerland became the

world record is held by a platinum

ber nations, is the façade of the

190th member state of the United

World Time watch, 1415 HU, for

Palais des Nations, the stronghold

Nations. Switzerland had already

which a collector from Asia paid

of human rights. Numerous pea-

been active in many UN institu-

6.6 million Swiss francs in 2002 –

cocks, protected by law, strut

tions before this date.

making it instantly world famous.

around the grounds. (Visitors can

www.patek-philippe.ch

enter the Palais and the park only

Following a referendum, in

www.unog.ch

■

1 Letzigrund Stadium © Keystone

2 Google 3 Street Parade 4 Zürich lakefront 1

2

26 27

4

3

Zürich and its region

Creative, cool and trendy With its hip bars and clubs, temples to high finance, its opera house and cooperative cafés, Zürich is the smallest world city. Contrasting lifestyles exist cheek-by-jowl, new trends are born: the city is dynamic, exciting and endlessly fascinating.

www.switzerland.com

Map of the region

The land of children and giraffes

Zürich

It’s a guaranteed hit with kids: a visit to Knie’s Children’s Zoo in Rapperswil-Jona, the zoo of the traditional Swiss circus Knie. Braver visitors can scratch a tame rhino behind the ears, feed and stroke domestic animals, maybe even ride an elephant – and children will all want to see the sealion show. Located on Lake Zürich, Rapperswil is one of Switzerland’s most appealing towns. In summer, people flock to the cafés and restaurants by the boat jetties, and there’s an almost Mediterranean

E

very time you Google, you

atmosphere around Rapperswil Castle.

are in Zürich. If you try on a fine silk tie, you could well

be wearing a little piece of Zürich.

And if you withdraw cash to pay for it, you’re only a step away from the Swiss banking system. While visitors quickly discover what makes Zürich tick, companies from all over the world increasingly value the city as a place to do business – and appreciate its high quality of life.

Google, the world’s leading internet search engine, is massively expanding its base in Zürich. Key considerations in the decision include the outstanding quality of Zürich’s educational establishments, its central location and its proximity to relevant markets. known is the fact that this international financial centre and business hub is also active in textiles and fashion. One name that couturiers

© Textilmuseum

These are no secret; less well

and designers all over Europe

Trip to eastern Switzerland

A most moving view

know is that of Andy Stutz and his

The client list of the luxury

The Titlis is the highest moun-

company Fabric Frontline. The

embroidery manufacturers in the

tain in central Switzerland.

trademark of the innovative “silk

St. Gallen region reads like a

From Engelberg, cable cars

baron of Zürich” is his range of ul-

who’s who of Europe’s top

take visitors up to the Kleintitlis

tra-luxurious, single-colour silks.

lingerie houses. Learn all about

(3,020m). On the final stretch

Another Swiss fashion label with

textiles, see the finest lace

to the summit, the floor of the

an international reputation is

and the first sewing machine

cable car rotates slowly, to

based further east in St. Gallen:

of cult fashion house Akris –

reveal a stunning – even breath-

Akris, whose exclusive, high-

all in St. Gallen.

taking – panorama.

www.textilmuseum.ch

www.titlis.ch

quality women’s clothing is produced in Switzerland.

■

Hechtplatz, Zürich

Zürich

A unique quality of life The people of Zürich are seen as self-confident and proud. With good reason: Zürich, Switzerland’s downtown, has the highest quality of life of any city in the world.

I

28 29

f skies are blue and you head

better world. Café owners put out

free Old Town, or shop on the fa-

down to Lake Zürich or the

tables and chairs, and the usual

mous Bahnhofstrasse.

banks of the River Limmat to

city rush seems to have melted

Zürich is a fashion, nightlife and

sunbathe, you’ll sense a holiday at-

away. Adding to the festive feeling

entertainment centre all in one, a fact

mosphere. The ice-cream man is

is an engaging cultural life, every-

backed by Mercer Human Resource

close by, and in the background a

where from the opera house to al-

Consulting in its annual worldwide

backpacker strums on a guitar,

ternative music venues. Visitors

survey of quality of living: once again

dreaming with John Lennon of a

stroll through the historic, traffic-

Zürich came out in first place.

Tilla Theus: “Switzerland is innovative.”

and education it is always at the

Tilla Theus designed the headquar-

What is your insider’s tip for

ters of FIFA, football’s international

visiting Zürich? The Peterhofstatt.

governing body, in Zürich. Her most

It’s an idyllic square with a living

challenging project to date has

history, surrounded by a buzzing

been the conversion of eight old

modern city.

town houses in Zürich into the

EURO 2008 kicks off very soon.

five-star Hotel Widder: a feat of

What are you looking forward to

architectural bravura.

most? To people coming from all

What is Switzerland’s biggest

over Europe to celebrate the joys of

plus? Switzerland is innovative.

football peacefully in a festival of

In science, the economy, culture

fair play.

leading edge of progress. Switzerland is full of surprises.

Tilla Theus She is a renowned professional architect certified from ETH/SIA/BSA, Zürich and Graubünden. Her practice specializes in designing structures that are sensitive to their context, conversions of listed buildings and interior design.

www.switzerland.com

■

Montage: ETH Zürich

The planned Science City, Zürich

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETH)

Thinking zone by the forest At the edge of Zürich, Science City is coming to life – confirming ETH Zürich as one of the world’s top higher education facilities. The ETH vice president explains further. n 2010 the Science City campus

I

ty, are unique – we are going a lot

A mountain rush

should be ready to receive 1,000

further than the Americans.

Andy Tanner from Zürich has been

students. Gerhard Schmitt,

What will be open to the public?

a snowboarder since the sport’s

vice president of the Swiss Federal

Everything. Even lab tours are

early days. In 2000, he created a

Institute of Technology (ETH), has

planned.

line of snowboarding clothing –

high ambitions.

Is a campus necessary in our time

now the cult label Alprausch.

What is special about Science City?

of information technology? Of

“This is the story of a unique Swiss

It’s a meeting point for science,

course you can communicate

subculture. One that has discov-

the economy and the community.

remotely, for example by computer.

ered how to interpret its history, culture and the beauty of its moun-

“A top university needs human interaction as well as high technology.”

tain world in its own contemporary language on the street and on snow.” These words from Andy Tanner, Alprausch’s founder

Along with teaching and research fa-

Our experience with ETH World, the

and designer, refer to the skate-

cilities it will have student accommo-

virtual university, has shown that

board and snowboard scene

dation, a learning and conference

it is the combination of high tech-

to which he has belonged since

centre, restaurants, sports facilities

nology with real human interaction

he was very young. He opened a

and business support units.

that makes a top university.

snowboard shop in 1985, and in

So are you following the British

The Swiss Federal Institute of Tech-

2000 launched his own street and

or American model? With our inte-

nology in Lausanne is also planning

snow wear collection, Alprausch.

grated sustainable development

a campus. Do you fear the competi-

His inspiration: “Every day we see

we will halve our CO2 emissions in

tion? On the contrary! We have an

the alpine peaks in front of us,

the next ten years. This, and the

intensive research collaboration with

intensive dialogue with the communi-

them. www.sciencecity.ethz.ch

■

and get a rush from thinking about all the thrills.” www.alprausch.ch

Gandria, Lake Lugano

Information Presence Switzerland: A federal organization with the job of presenting Switzerland abroad in all its diversity. www.presence.ch Osec: Osec Business Network Switzerland helps Swiss companies gain a foothold abroad. www.osec.ch Location Switzerland: Shows

Add-on packages

Holidaying in Switzerland One moment you’re at the foot of the Eiger, the next you could be drinking coffee in Bern. Nowhere else do nature, city life, culture, wellness and sport come so close together.

foreign companies Switzerland’s strengths and advantages as a place to do business. www.locationswitzerland.com

O

ften you find the finest

self to a massage in the stunning

wellness and hotel facilities

wellness area. Whether in Flims or

just steps from breath-

anywhere else in Switzerland, what-

taking nature. In Flims, for example,

ever you fancy doing, you’re guar-

innovation promotion agency

check into the Park Hotel Wald-

anteed to arrive in less than a day.

supports the transfer of knowl-

haus, and enjoy walks to attractions

This small alpine country, with all

edge and technology between

such as the Flimserstein and Mar-

its glorious variety, is waiting to be

businesses and universities.

tinsloch rock formations or the

explored.

www.bbt.admin.ch/kti

Rhine gorge – before treating your-

CTI: The Swiss Confederation’s

■

Information: 00800 100 200 30 Basel

5

Zürich SBB: “Discover Switzerland” is

30 31

a collection of day trips that SBB, Swiss Railways, has gath-

Bern

1

ered in a brochure. Using public transport, they offer an easy

4

and environmentally friendly way to experience the country’s highlights. www.sbb.ch/euro08 Credits: Concept, design and publication: Switzerland Tourism, Zürich Printing: Farbendruck Weber SA Photos: Switzerland Tourism, holiday regions Circulation: 1,770,000 copies

Genève

2 3

Unless stated otherwise, package prices are per person in a standard room. Price and date information supplied by the providers; no liability can be assumed. Prices are converted at the rate of CHF 1 = EUR 0.61; payment is in CHF at the exchange rate of the day. All offers subject to availability; prices may be changed without notice.

Add-on package in Graubünden:

Add-on package in Valais:

1

2

Wellness.

Alpine summer.

Add-on package in Ticino: 3

City break.

2 nights in a double room in the

Golf fans: discover the wonder-

2 nights in a double room in the

4-star Park Hotel Waldhaus in

ful golfing region in the heart

3-star Hotel Delfino in Lugano,

Flims, including luxury Waldhaus

of the Valais. Play at four differ-

1 gala dinner with wine, 1 ticket

breakfast buffet, 1 gourmet din-

ent venues in 4 days: the

for a Gulf of Lugano lake cruise

ner at the Ristorante La Cena

18-hole courses in Sion, Crans-

per person, breakfast buffet.

(16 GaultMillau points), 1 choice

Montana and Leuk, and the

of dinner (‘dine around’), 1

9-hole course in Sierre.

choice of partial body massage (25mins).

Package price per person, from:

Package price per person:

Package price per person:

Valid May 1 to October 31, 2008

Valid May 1 to October 31, 2008

Valid March 1 to October 31, 2008

Room, breakfast, dinner, partial body massage

4 nights in a 3or 4-star hotel inc.

4 green fees from

Room, breakfast, dinner, boat cruise

CHF 705.– EUR 430,–

CHF 829.–

CHF 285.– EUR 174,–

EUR 505,–

MySwitzerland.com

MySwitzerland.com

MySwitzerland.com

Add-on package in the Lavaux:

Add-on package in Eastern Switzerland:

Discover Switzerland with the

4

5

Gourmet travel.

2 nights B&B in a 3- or 4-star

Switzerland Mobility.

Swiss Pass.

With a Swiss Pass, visitors from

hotel in Lausanne, Montreux

Explore the charming area by

abroad can enjoy unlimited trav-

or Vevey inc. 3 lunches, 2 gour-

the Untersee – part of Lake

el on Switzerland’s rail, postal

met dinners, plus visits to the

Constance – by bike. 2 nights

bus and boat network at highly

Alimentarium Museum, Château

in the Hotel Feldbach, use of

attractive prices. Swiss Passes

d’Aigle, wine museum, tasting,

city bikes, welcome drink,

are valid for periods of three

Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO

1 gourmet dinner by candlelight,

days up to one month. Passes

World Heritage), Wine Train and

breakfast, and goodnight drink

also include travel on the scenic

Belle Époque cruise.

in the fireplace bar.

routes and on public transport

Package price per person, from:

Package price per person:

in 38 towns and cities, 50% disValid May 1 to October 31, 2008

Valid throughout 2008

Double room, breakfast, lunch, dinner, visits

Double room, city CHF 380.– bikes, breakfast, lunch bag, 1 gourmet EUR 232,– dinner

MySwitzerland.com

CHF 898.– EUR 548,–

MySwitzerland.com

count on many cable cars and funiculars, and free entry to around 450 museums throughout Switzerland. www.swisstravelsystem.ch

Our kick-off.

Beatenberg, Bernese Oberland

MySwitzerland.com Prolong the UEFA European Football ChampionshipTM 2008 with a holiday in Switzerland. Once out of the stadium, you could discover Switzerland’s unspoiled countryside: by staying on a farm, for example, or by setting off at break of day on a long hike through the alpine foothills. For more on where to find this, the natural side of Switzerland, please go to: www.MySwitzerland.com. It is our pleasure to help plan your holiday. Call us: 00800 100 200 30 (freephone).