UNESCO Destination Switzerland. MySwitzerland.com/unesco Swiss World Heritage properties and the Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch.
Abbey Library, St.Gallen, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
Welcome.
Contents. 04
Precious heritage.
06
Old City of Bern.
08
Benedictine Convent of St. John, Müstair.
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Three castles of Bellinzona.
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La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning.
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Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces.
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Map: Swiss World Heritage properties and the Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch.
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Monte San Giorgio.
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Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.
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Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina landscapes.
Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland shares its rich heritage with you.
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You hold your breath and barely dare to whisper, lost for words amid such beauty. Such are the feelings that seize us when we experience something truly magnificent: an ancient collection of priceless books, for example, housed in an exquisite Baroque library; or mighty alpine glaciers; or vineyards cultivated with devotion over centuries. Switzerland is home not only to cultural treasures protected by UNESCO, such as the Abbey Library in St.Gallen, but it is also blessed
with World Heritage landscapes: the Aletsch Glacier, the Lavaux vineyards and many more. Unique assets are worth protecting. We have a duty to preserve them – and to share them.
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Swiss Alps, Jungfrau-Aletsch.
info@myswitzerland.com
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Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona.
www.MySwitzerland.com
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Convent of St.Gallen.
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Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch.
CH-8027 Zürich
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Contents | 3
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UNESCO protects the World Heritage of humanity.
The Tschingelhörner in winter, Glarus side / © IG Tektonikarena Sardona
Precious heritage.
Some things are so valuable that all of humanity should watch over them: cultural assets and natural properties of outstanding universal value. UNESCO has the task of representing these ideals and protecting our shared heritage – together with us all. “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” Such is the central idea behind UNESCO, the United Nations Educatio‑ nal, Scientific and Cultural Organization, found‑ ed in 1945. Its highest goal is the safeguarding of peace. Among UNESCO’s tasks is the protection of the World Heritage of humanity – consisting of Cultural and Natural Heritage properties – and of the Biosphere Reserves.
Building bridges. Coordinating, raising awareness, promoting dialogue: the Swiss Commission for UNESCO acts as a bridge between the international community, Swiss civil society and the public authorities at national and regional level. Within Switzerland, it promotes the coordination of all stakeholders for joint promotion of the properties as a whole and raises public awareness of the principles and values of World Heritage.
4 | Precious heritage
Commission suisse Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
pour l’UNESCO
Swiss Commission for UNESCO
Swiss Commission for UNESCO c/o FDFA CH-3003 Bern Tel. +41 (0)31 324 10 67 info@worldheritage.ch www.worldheritage.ch www.unesco.ch
World Heritage – a revolutionary idea What nature has created over thousands or millions of years, and what humanity has built up over the centuries, should be safeguarded. The protection and preservation of these treasures should be in the care of all of us: this was, and remains, the central, revolutionary idea of World Heritage. The rescue of the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt was the first step towards the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. Nearly one thousand properties have now been inscribed on the World Heritage list, including 11 in Switzerland. All are of out‑ standing universal value – just like the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador and Yellow‑
stone National Park and the Grand Canyon in the USA. Biosphere Reserves – a study in sustainability Biosphere Reserves are model regions in which the concept of sustainable development is central to day-to-day management. Here residents and the business community collaborate to ensure that the interests of the environment, the economy and social solidarity are balanced and work in harmony. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present, but also ensures that the needs of future generations will be satisfied. Switzerland is home to two Biosphere Reserves: Val Müstair Parc Naziunal in canton of Grisons and Entlebuch in canton Lucerne. A task for all humanity We are all called upon to take care of this price‑ less heritage, and to ensure that it will be passed on safely to future generations. UNESCO is there to help.
Precious heritage | 5
Old City of Bern, Bern Region
Old City of Bern. World Heritage.
Fountains, arcades and historic charm.
Stroll through time in the Old City.
Founded in 1191, Bern rises majestically above a loop in the River Aare, bearing witness to the ambitious scale of urban development in medieval Europe. Today the Old City delights visitors with its pleasant, relaxed charm and architectural treasures. Highlights include sculpted Renaissance fountains, the cathedral and six kilometres of covered medieval arcades.
Stroll through the medieval alleys and along the characteristic covered arcades of the Old City with an expert guide and enjoy an introduction to the rich history of the Swiss capital along the way. Your walk will take you past magnificent fountains and towers, as well as inside Bern’s celebrated 13th-century clock tower. Here you will gain rare insight into medieval technology where you see the mechanical figures dating from 1530 come to life – as they do for four minutes before every hour, enchanting passersby.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36509
6 | Old City of Bern
Bern Tourismus CH-3000 Bern 7 Tel. +41 (0)31 328 12 12 info@bern.com www.bern.com
Old City of Bern | 7
Convent of St. John, Müstair, Graubünden
Convent of St. John, Müstair. World Heritage.
The nuns open their doors.
Art, culture and contemplation.
Founded as a monastery by Charlemagne in the 8th century and later converted into a convent, this complex exhibits many architectural styles as well as artistic treasures from more than 12 centuries, delighting both archaeologists and art historians. To this day, the convent is home to a community of nuns who live according to the Benedictine ideal of prayer and work.
As you admire the world’s largest and best-preserved early-medieval cycle of wall paintings in the church, hear the nuns at prayer or take a guided tour through the museum, you feel the legacy of centuries of history, culture and spirituality at the Convent of St. John in Müstair. Guests are welcome, both to enjoy the artistic treasures and to experience the contemplative tranquillity: you won’t need your mobile phone or watch here. The convent is open 364 days a year, but a visit in winter is particularly inspiring.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 37671
8 | Convent of St. John, Müstair
museum & butia Clostra Son Jon CH-7537 Müstair Tel. +41 (0)81 851 62 28 visit-museum@muestair.ch www.muestair.ch
Convent of St. John, Müstair | 9
Castelgrande, Bellinzona, Ticino
Castles of Bellinzona. World Heritage.
A mighty bastion.
On the trail of the ancient Romans.
Bellinzona’s impressive castles are among the best surviving examples of medieval military fortification. The three fortresses, linked by walls, occupy a defensive position that has been strategically important since the Roman era. Rebuilt several times over the centuries, Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro have recently been restored to their full glory.
Take a look behind the historic walls of Bellinzona and discover the reason for these mighty fortifications: the town once represented the most important defensive line between the strategic Gotthard Pass and Lombardy. The military structures were built to prevent people from the north from reaching the Ticino valley, and to control tolls on traffic towards the Gotthard. Bellinzona’s impressive castles and walls became UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2000.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36511
10 | Castles of Bellinzona
Bellinzona Turismo CH-6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31 info@bellinzonaturismo.ch www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
Castles of Bellinzona | 11
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura and Three-Lakes / © Christof Sonderegger
La Chaux-de-Fonds Le Locle. World Heritage.
Two towns that tick alike.
Climb aboard for a trip in time.
Architecture that values light, an urban structure that facilitates transport: La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle are the result of innovative town planning in the service of a booming industry. The buildings tell the story of how watchmaking evolved from a craft into an industry – and show how this activity was integrated into the devel‑ opment of the urban landscape.
Explore the history and architecture of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle with a ride on our mini-train. On this entertaining tour you discover how these towns came to be built in a grid layout reminiscent of urban planning in North America. Over the course of an informative 40-minute journey, you gain a fascinating insight into the economic upheavals of the 19th century, when the watchmaking industry blossomed here and dramatically changed the life of the people of the Neuchâtel mountains.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36518
12 | La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle
Tourisme neuchâtelois CH-2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds Tel. +41 (0)32 889 68 95 info.cdf@ne.ch www.watch-cities.ch
La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle | 13
Lavaux winegrowing area, Lake Geneva Region / © Régis Colombo/diapo.ch
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces. World Heritage.
In the land of “three suns”.
Pleasure ride through the Lavaux.
Terraced vineyards, picturesque villages, a deep-blue lake and, in the distance, snow-capped peaks – what a glorious sight! Lavaux is one of the largest winegrowing areas in Switzerland, with 830 hec‑ tares of vineyards. It is nourished by “three suns”: direct sunlight, rays reflected from the surface of the lake and the warmth stored in the stone walls of the vineyard terraces.
Sit back, relax and watch the world of Lavaux glide by on a pleasure ride through the vineyards and villages. Two mini-trains – the Lavaux Panoramic and the Lavaux Express – offer superb views of the ter‑ raced vineyards, Lake Geneva and the mountains beyond. These trains have pneumatic tyres on their wheels and can cope with even steep slopes. From April to October we offer six different routes; if you’d like to celebrate something special or enjoy a ride in select company, we can also organise private trips.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36515
14 | Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme CH-1820 Montreux Tel. +41 (0)21 962 84 84 info@montreuxriviera.com www.montreuxriviera.com www.lavaux.ch
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces | 15
World Heritage properties and the Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch. 7
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O ld City of Bern Since 1983 This city, renovated in Baroque style in the 18th century, has retained its medieval character. (page 6–7)
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Benedictine Convent of St. John, Müstair Since 1983 Home to an important cycle of wall paintings from the age of Charlemagne. (page 8–9) 2
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Three Castles of Bellinzona Since 2000 The fortifications of Bellinzona are among the most important examples of medieval military architecture in the Alps. (page 10–11) 3
La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning Since 2009 The striking layout and architecture of La Chauxde-Fonds and Le Locle were shaped by the needs of watchmakers and the watchmaking industry. (page 12–13)
Swiss Alps JungfrauAletsch Since 2001/2007 (extension) Provides an unrivalled source of knowledge about the formation of mountains and glaciers. (page 24–25) 9
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Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona Since 2008 An outstanding example of mountain-building processes, and a key property for understanding plate tecton‑ ics. (page 26–27) 11
Convent of St.Gallen Since 1983 An architectural ensemble from the Baroque age with one of the world’s most valuable libraries. (page 28–29)
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Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch Since 2001 A hauntingly beautiful area of pristine moorland, alpine meadows and fascinating rock formations, full of natural treasures. (page 30–31) 12
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Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces Since 2007 This cultural landscape is the expression of the extra ordinary interplay of people and nature over nearly a thousand years. (page 14–15)
16 | World Heritage properties and Biosphere Reserve
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M onte San Giorgio Since 2003 An exceptional record of marine life in the Triassic period (245–230 million years ago), notable for the quantity and quality of its fossils. (page 18–19)
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps Since 2011 Museums, archaeological parks and pile-dwelling settlements offer fascinating insights into life in the Stone Age. (page 20–21) 7
Rhaetian Railway in the A lbula / Bernina landscapes Since 2008 The 122-kilometre route is a masterpiece from the pioneering age of railway construction. (page 22–23) 8
World Heritage properties and Biosphere Reserve | 17
View of Monte San Giorgio, Ticino
Monte San Giorgio. World Heritage.
A sea of memories.
Inner riches, outer beauty.
This mountain is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved fossilised fish and sea reptiles, dating back 230 million years to a time when a marine lagoon lay here. In its place rose Monte San Giorgio – now a World Heritage property shared by Switzerland and Italy. One of the highlights is the new fossil museum in Meride, designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta.
Take time to enjoy the visual charms of Monte San Giorgio, too, for the property of the finest fossil record of Triassic marine life also boasts great scenic beauty. Here on the southern slopes of the wooded hills you can wander past vineyards, stroll through the idyllic village of Meride or taste local delicacies in the “grotti” – rustic inns – of the Mendrisiotto region. From the 1,097-metre summit, superb views reach from Monte Generoso to Monte Rosa, from the Lepontine Alps to the Apennines and from Lugano to Milan.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36515
18 | Monte San Giorgio
Ente Turistico del Mendrisiotto e Basso Ceresio CH-6850 Mendrisio Tel. +41 (0)91 641 30 50 info@mendrisiottoturismo.ch www.mendrisiottoturismo.ch
Monte San Giorgio | 19
Cortaillod-Est, aerial photo / © SCG UNESCO Palafittes
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. World Heritage.
Priceless archaeological gems.
Discover hidden history.
The “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” form a group of 111 properties in six countries, of which 56 are in Switzerland. The location of these stilt-house settlements – partly or fully submerged in water – has ensured the preservation of organic materials such as wood, textiles, plant remains and bones, giving fascinating insight into life in the region between 5,000 and 500 BC.
Take a trip to the Stone Age: at Wauwil in canton Lucerne, for example, with its authentic reconstructions of pile dwellings, or the Laténium archaeological museum on Lake Neuchâtel. These and other visitor centres bring some of Europe’s most important prehistoric properties to life. Many pile-dwelling settlements are located underwater, and so cannot be seen easily – but you can find out all about them through the excellent “Palafittes Guides” smartphone app, packed with fascinating background information.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 163219
20 | Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps
Swiss Coordination Group UNESCO Palafittes CH-4003 Basel Tel. +41 (0)61 261 30 91 info@palafittes.org www.palafittes.org
Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps | 21
Bernina Express, Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur, Graubünden / © Peter Donatsch
Rhaetian Railway, Albula / Bernina. World Heritage.
A triumph of railway engineering.
On the trail of the rail pioneers.
A dramatically beautiful mountain landscape, and two breathtaking‑ ly daring railway lines that coil through it with the help of twisting tunnels and soaring viaducts… The Rhaetian Railway route through the Albula/Bernina landscape offers one of the world’s most spectacular train rides, taking in 196 bridges and 55 tunnels along the 122-kilometre route from Thusis to Tirano.
The Albula Railway Museum offers thrilling insight into the skill and daring of the railway pioneers – fascinating for visitors of all ages, especially train buffs. You can see the feats of engineering closeup on a walk along the nearby railway trail or by hiking any of the stages of the Via Albula/Bernina long-distance path from Thusis to Tirano. For pure drama, nothing beats a ride on one of the trains – such as the Bernina Express, through a bewitching landscape framed by glaciers.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36516
22 | Rhaetian Railway, Albula / Bernina
Rhaetian Railway Railservice Tel. +41 (0)81 288 65 65 railservice@rhb.ch www.rhb.ch/unesco
Rhaetian Railway, Albula / Bernina | 23
Aletsch Glacier, Valais © Mattias Nutt
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.
© natur-welten.ch
World Heritage.
A glorious world of glaciers. The “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” World Heritage property protects one of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, home to towering massifs, unspoilt valleys and the largest glaciated area in the Alps. The area covers a wide range of habitats, from Mediterranean-style steppe to bare rocky mountaintop, and also reveals a long and fascinating human history. MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36512
24 | Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
UNESCO-Welterbe Schweizer Alpen Jungfrau-Aletsch Tel. +41 (0)27 924 52 76 www.jungfraualetsch.ch www.mySwissalps.ch
Hike to the eternal snows. Whether you follow quiet old paths, mule trails or demanding trails up to mountain passes, the Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage property is a delight to explore on foot. On the way you also travel through time, all the way from the Neolithic Age to the present, for this spec‑ tacular alpine landscape is rich in history and culture as well as nature. Various routes loop around the whole property and are brought together in three week-long hiking packages, each offering insight into the history of travel in the Bernese and Valais Alps.
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch | 25
Martinsloch rock hole, Glarus, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
Tectonic Arena Sardona. World Heritage.
How mighty mountains arise.
A thrilling experience of geology.
The collision of Africa and Europe resulted over millions of years in the formation of the Alps. Gargantuan forces propelled rock layers over one another, folding and splitting them. At the Tectonic Arena Sardona, you can see the result of these processes clearly. The region became a UNESCO World Heritage property in 2008, and offers dramatic insights into how mountains are formed.
The best way to explore the treasures of the Sardona Geopark and UNESCO World Heritage property is with a qualified local guide. The Sardona GeoGuides know the secrets of this extraordinary and varied landscape, and their enthusiasm for it is infectious. The tours also offer a chance to spot local wildlife – perhaps a horned ibex on the crags or a bearded vulture wheeling in the sky high above. You can learn more about the region, its geology, history and wildlife at the Glarnerland Visitor Centre in Glarus and Elm.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36517
26 | Tectonic Arena Sardona
UNESCO-Welterbe Tektonikarena Sardona CH-7320 Sargans Tel. +41 (0)81 723 59 20 info@unesco-sardona.ch www.unesco-sardona.ch
Tectonic Arena Sardona | 27
Convent of St.Gallen, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
Convent of St.Gallen. World Heritage.
Spirituality and beauty in harmony.
A city to warm the soul.
St.Gallen’s magnificent emblem is its sublime cathedral, which together with the Abbey District forms a historic ensemble that is unmatched worldwide. The famous Abbey Library sports the most beautiful secular Rococo interior in Switzerland. Dubbed the “Pharmacy of the Soul”, it is home to 150,000 precious books as well as 2,000 priceless medieval manuscripts.
St.Gallen, city of books and knowledge, has a wealth of treasures on offer, from its fascinating museums and charming Old Town to the impressive cathedral and ornate Abbey Library. The best way to discover Eastern Switzerland’s cultural metropolis is by joining the so-called “Soul-warmer Tour”. On this guided walk you explore the history of St.Gallen, its long monastic tradition, the legacy of its medieval civic pride and the fruits of its famous textile industry – as well as its architectural gems.
MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36510
28 | Convent of St.Gallen
St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus CH-9001 St.Gallen Tel. +41 (0)71 227 37 37 info@st.gallen-bodensee.ch www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch
Convent of St.Gallen | 29
Karst landscape on the Schrattenfluh, Sörenberg, Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region
Entlebuch. Biosphere Reserve.
The Wild West of Lucerne. Hardly any region in the heart of Switzerland can boast as many natural treasures as the “Wild West” of Lucerne. The Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve is home to a mystical world that offers visitors tranquillity, inspiration and relaxation. Pristine moorland, idyllic alpine meadows and the majestic Schrattenfluh promise breath‑ taking views and enchanting experiences. MySwitzerland.com | Webcode: 36514
30 | Entlebuch
Magical moorland. UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch Biosphärenzentrum CH-6170 Schüpfheim Tel. +41 (0)41 485 88 50 zentrum@biosphaere.ch www.biosphaere.ch
Moorland as far as the eye can see and your feet can carry you… The Moorland Trail offers a five-day journey of adventure around Entlebuch. The clearly marked hike leads along soft mossy paths, stony mountain tracks and over historic alpine pass routes through this wild and all-but-untouched region of great natural beauty. A fun alternative for families with young children is the 1.4-kilometre Sundew Trail in Sörenberg, which reveals the fascinating secrets of the landscape and its wildlife. The path is pushchair-accessible.
Entlebuch | 31
Rhaetian Railway, Albula line, aerial view
UNESCO Destination Switzerland Amthausgasse 4 / P.O. Box 169 CH-3000 Bern 7
Tel. +41 (0)31 328 12 71 Fax +41 (0)31 328 12 99 info@unesco-destination-switzerland.ch www.unesco-destination-switzerland.ch