Kids Guide to Switzerland by worldtradepresss

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Switzerland

Matterhorn

Welcome to Switzerland Switzerland is a mountainous country in Central Europe. Featuring many lakes and peaks, the country is known for its outdoor recreation, with plenty of ski resorts and hiking trails. Let’s learn about Switzerland from kids like you. Sophie lives in the capital Bern, in the northwest part of the country. She is 10 years old.

Sophie enjoys the winter season. She likes to spend time on the slopes skiing with her family.

Sophie is a nickname. It is short for Sophia, meaning “wisdom.”

Sophie wears a helmet and goggles. She has special boots that snap onto her skis. She uses ski poles to push herself on the snow.

Noah is Sophie’s brother. His name means “rest” and “comfort.” Noah likes exploring the outdoors. He takes nature walks in the mountains. Noah has fun discovering plants and trees along the trail. He uses a magnifying glass to see tiny creatures.

Spending time outside is a popular pastime in Noah’s country. Sophie and Noah love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Switzerland.

Where in the World? Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe. The southern part is dominated by the Swiss Alps. Glaciers within the Alps are the source of some of Europe’s largest rivers. North of the Alps is the Swiss Central Plateau containing most of the country’s urban centers and Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s largest body of water. The Swiss Alps include the famous four-sided peak of the Matterhorn rising to 4,478 meters (14,690 feet) above sea level.

Emma lives in Zürich, at the north end of Lake Zürich in northern Switzerland. The country’s largest city, it is an important financial center of Europe and the world.

SWITZERLAND

Liam lives in Basel. It is located on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland near the borders of France and Germany. Basel is known for its diverse culture.

Can You Find It? Bern

Lucerne

Zürich

Lausanne

Basel

Winterthur

Geneva

Lugano 5

Switzerland is generally temperate. It sits at a point where four climate types meet. This makes weather conditions highly variable, based on elevation, wind exposure, and the interaction of air masses. Cold, dry air blows from Europe’s northern regions, while warm, moist air of the Mediterranean comes from the south. Lena lives on Lake Lucerne, the country’s fourth-largest lake. The mountainous region has very cold winters but warm, comfortable summers.

Switzerland’s flora and fauna varies based on altitude and climate. Spruce forests cover the northern regions, while chestnut groves dominate in the south. Forests in the west are mostly beech and oak, while hornbeams and larch are abundant in the east.

The Alpine tundra above the tree line consists of dwarf shrubs, grasses, and flowers. Alpine animal species include red deer, marmots, chamois, and Eurasian lynx. Ibex, a species of wild mountain goat, also have been reintroduced. 6

Rhine Falls Europe’s largest waterfall, Rhine Falls measures 23 meters (75 feet) tall and 150 meters (492 feet) wide. It is situated on the Rhine River at Neuhausen am Rheinfall in northern Switzerland. Formed during the last ice age, Rhine Falls can be seen from viewing platforms and boat tours. Rhine Falls

Lake Geneva

Matterhorn

Lake Geneva Covering 580 square kilometers (224 square miles), Lake Geneva is Switzerland’s largest body of water. The crescent-shaped lake lies on the Rhône River along the border with France. It reaches depths of up to 310 meters (1,020 feet).

Matterhorn One of the highest peaks in the Alps and Europe, Matterhorn rises to 4,478 meters (14,690 feet) above sea level on Switzerland’s border with Italy. An iconic symbol of the Alps, it is sometimes referred to as the Mountain of Mountains. Hörnli Ridge is the main route to the summit.

History 1291 Three cantons create the Swiss Confederacy, resisting outside control and fighting for autonomy. The union is later recorded in the Federal Charter, considered Switzerland’s birth document.

1499 The Confederation, defeats the Swabian League, a mutual defense and peacekeeping force. The Confederation achieves collective autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire.

1648 The Treaty of Westphalia ends the Thirty Years War and contains a special provision on Switzerland, endorsing the process begun in 1499. The Swiss Confederation becomes an independent state.

1803

The Act of Mediation partly restores the sovereignty of the original cantons, and allied territories become cantons with equal rights. The impact of the French Revolutionary Wars lead to equality of all Swiss citizens before the law. 8

1815 The Congress of Vienna restores Swiss independence, and European powers agree to recognize Switzerland’s lasting neutrality.

1918 In a general strike, Social Democrats and Trade Unions demand major changes, including women’s right to vote, a 48-hour work week, and the introduction of a social security system.

1971 Women’s suffrage is accepted in a national referendum, granting women the right to vote in Switzerland’s federal elections.

2017 The biggest earthquake in 12 years strikes central Switzerland, at a magnitude of 4.6, though no damage is reported. 9

People Four main ethnic groups make up most of the Swiss population: Deutschschweizer, or German-speaking Swiss; Romands, French-speaking Swiss; Italian-speaking Swiss, or Svizzeri Italiani; and Romansh people.

Anna has German ancestry. She speaks German at home, and her lessons at school are taught in German, but she is learning French as a second language.

Reflecting the ethnic backgrounds of its peoples, Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

In addition to the official languages and many varieties of Swiss German, several regional Romance languages are spoken natively in Switzerland such as Franco-Provençal and Lombard. 10

Switzerland’s population is predominately Christian, with Catholics representing the largest denomination followed by Protestants. The number of people with no religious affiliation has been increasing.

A small percentage of the population are Muslim, most of whom originate from the Balkans and Turkey. Except for the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel, all Swiss cantons have state-recognized religions. Gabriel’s family is Roman Catholic. His name means “God is my strength.” He goes to Mass every Sunday at the cathedral in Lugano.

Names Monika Monika is a Latin name meaning “advisor.”

Heidi

Heidi is a German name meaning “kind, noble.”

Daniel

Urs

Urs is a Latin name meaning “bear.”

Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge.”

e (Male) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Andreas Greek manly Bruno

German brown

Christian

Latin

follower of Christ

Hans

German

“God is gracious”

Marcel

French

little warrior

Markus

Latin

dedicated to Mars

Peter Thomas Walter

Greek rock Hebrew twin German powerful warrior

Werner German defender

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Beat Latin blessed Brigitte

Irish

power, strength

Christine Latin follower of Christ Claudia Latin lame Elisabeth

Hebrew

“God is my oath”

Margrit

Hebrew pearl

Maria Marianne

Latin French

star of the sea of the sea

Susanne Hebrew lily Ursula

Latin

little bear 13

Learn German Switzerland’s four official languages are traditionally spoken in different regions of the country. German is most widely spoken with around 63 percent of the population using it. A Swiss German dialect is spoken, while standard German is used for written communication. Hallo

HAH-loh (Hello)

Guten morgen

GOOT-ehn MORE-gun (Good morning)

Ich heiße

EEH HIGH-seh_____ (My name is ___)

Wie geht’s?

vee GATES (How are you?)

Ich habe Hunger

EEH HAH-bah HOONG-er (I’m hungry) Ich habe Durst

EEH HAH-bah DOORST (I’m thirsty) Danke

DAHN-ke (Thank you)

Bitte

BIT-te (Please)

YAH (Yes)

Nein

NAIYN (No)

Auf Wiedersehen

owf VEE-dehr-ZEH-yehn (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Switzerland has a rich and dynamic culture, and the Swiss celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Here are a few:

St. Berchtold’s Day (Berchtoldstag) Taking place on January 2, this holiday became popular for its nut feasts. In early autumn, people begin to hoard nuts to be served in food and used for games. Children try to make “hocks” by lining up four nuts and balancing a fifth nut on top.

Six Ringing Festival (Sechselauten) A festival to drive out winter and welcome spring, the traditional Sechselauten takes place on a Sunday and Monday in early April. It features Böögg, representing Old Man Winter, whom the crowd ridicules. A huge snowman effigy filled with fireworks, Böögg is set ablaze in a spectacular display.

Lugano Autumn Festival An event celebrating the annual grape harvest, Lugano Autumn Festival takes place the first weekend of October. Participants enjoy a variety of traditional local food specialties and wines. A range of entertainment keeps visitors occupied, with musicians and street artists performing around the city.

Swiss National Day (Bundesfeier) This holiday, celebrated on August 1, commemorates the regions that joined together in the 13th century to form the League of the Three Forest Cantons, which is now central Switzerland. There is a public gathering in Bern and the president gives a speech.

Santa Claus Night (Samichlaus Abend) Celebrating the patron saint of children, St. Nicholas, and kicking off the Christmas season, Santa Claus Night takes place on December 6. It is common to see Samichlaus on Swiss streets with a sack slung over his shoulder from which he distributes treats to excited children. 17

Food Regionally, the Swiss borrow many food traditions from their neighbors. In the Italian-speaking Ticino canton, pasta, pizza, and other Italian specialties are commonly served. In Bavarian cantons, revelers in German-style biergartens might nosh on sausage salad (wurstsalat) made with pickles, onions, and cheese. A diner in the French-speaking Romandie region may encounter French specialties such as papet daudois (sausage and leeks) or gâteau du vully (tart dessert).

Quiche Lorraine This open tart features a custard-like bacon, egg, and cream filling baked inside a flaky crust.

Sauerkraut Dip A creamy sauce made of pickled cabbage baked with chopped corned beef and cheese, it is served with crackers for dipping.

Fondue

The national dish, fondue is made of melted cheese. Small pieces of bread, potatoes, or other foods are dipped into the cheese. The cheeses used vary and often include Emmentaler, Appenzeller, Gruyere, and Vacherin.

Fried Apples (Apfelküchlein) A sweet treat featuring deep-fried apple rings topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon, Apfelküchlein can be served warm or cold.

Potato Rösti Made of grated potatoes mixed with herbs and spices, this dish is fried in butter until crispy on the outside.

Rippli A savory dish of flavorful smoked pork stewed with bacon, cabbage, and potatoes, rippli is often served with beans on the side.

Pastetli These savory open-faced pies traditionally feature mushrooms and also can include a meat, typically chicken or veal.

Engadiner Nusstorte (Nut Pastry) A pastry shell filled with a caramelized nut paste, Engadiner Nusstorte is commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea. 20

Hot Chocolate A steaming cup of rich hot chocolate is a classic warming drink popular during Swiss winters. Made from the country’s famous chocolate, it is a sweet treat. Prep Time

Ingredients 1 pint (450 ml) whole milk 3 oz (90 ml) semi-sweet chocolate

3 min

Directions Pour the milk into a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat on the stove or using the microwave until it begins to boil. Place the chocolate into a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat on the stove or using the microwave until the chocolate can be stirred smooth. Pour the hot milk into a mug and add as much of the hot chocolate as desired. Stir and enjoy!

National Symbols National Bird Beared Vulture (common name) Gypaetus barbatus (scientific name)

National Day Swiss National Day August 1

National Flower (unofficial) Edelweiss (common name) Leontopodium alpinum (scientific name)

National Animal (unofficial) Taurine Cattle (common name) Bos taurus taurus (scientific name)

National Flag First used – Circa 15th century (current version 1889)

National Currency Switzerland’s official currency is the Swiss franc, centime (French), rappen (German), and centesimo (Italian) 1 Swiss franc = 100 centimes

National Anthem “Schweizerpsalm”

Lyrics by: Leonhard Widmer

German Lyrics

English Translation

Trittst im Morgenrot daher, Seh’ ich dich im Strahlenmeer, Dich, du Hocherhabener, Herrlicher! Wenn der Alpen Firn sich rötet, Betet, freie Schweizer, betet, Eure fromme Seele ahnt Gott im hehren Vaterland! Gott, den Herrn, im hehren Vaterland!

When the morning skies grow red And o’er their radiance shed, Thou, O Lord, appeareth in their light. When the Alps glow bright with splendor, Pray to God, to Him surrender, For you feel and understand, That he dwelleth in this land. That he dwelleth in this land.

Kommst im Abendglühn daher, Find’ ich dich im Sternenheer, Dich, du Menschenfreundlicher, Liebender! In des Himmels lichten Räumen Kann ich froh und selig träumen; Denn die fromme Seele ahnt Denn die fromme Seele ahnt Gott im hehren Vaterland! Gott, den Herrn, im hehren Vaterland!

In the sunset Thou art nigh And beyond the starry sky, Thou, O loving Father, ever near. When to Heaven we are departing, Joy and bliss Thou’lt be imparting, For we feel and understand For we feel and understand That Thou dwellest in this land. That Thou dwellest in this land.

Things to See and Do Basel Zoo Established in 1874, Basel Zoo is home a variety of animal species. Guests can get up-close with barnyard animals at its petting zoo and see marine life at the Vivarium.

Bastions Park The largest historic park in Geneva’s city center, Bastions Park is a beautiful green space where families can enjoy nature. A giant chess board offers the opportunity for some friendly competition.

Bikerpark Zürich Bikerpark Zurich, Europe’s first urban bike park, has several different tracks for all skill levels including a balance bike track for toddlers, pump track that’s ideal for beginners, medium-level jump track, and urban BMX track for experts. The park is open year-round. 24

Bois de la Bâtie Bois de la Bâtie is a great place for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails leading to the top of a hill offer scenic views of Geneva. There also is a zoo, playground, and splash pad.

Jet d’Eau Fountain One of the tallest fountains, Jet d’Eau, meaning “water jet,” is on Lake Geneva. It pumps water to a height of 140 meters (459 feet). A boardwalk provides up-close views for those who don’t mind getting wet.

Luftseilbahn AdliswilFelsenegg

(Adliswil-Felsenegg Cable Car) Adliswil-Felsenegg Cable Car provides a memorable experience, with riders enjoying panoramic views of Zürich, mountains, and Lake Zürich. Departures take place daily every 15 minutes, taking riders from Adliswil’s Sihl Valley to the lookout in Felsenegg. 25

Zytglogge Built during the early 13th century in Bern’s Old City, Zytglogge has served as a guard tower, prison, clock tower, and memorial. It features monumental clockwork, oversized dials, bronze bells, and figures that perform a short skit.

Natural History Museum of Bern Bern’s oldest museum features dioramas displaying more than 200 specimens of animals in their natural habitats. Other highlights include alpine rock crystals, gemstones, and a section on a famous rescue dog.

Käfigturm (Prison Tower) A tower built in Bern’s Old City in 1256, the Käfigturm was used as a prison. Its rooms housed murderers, thieves, and other criminals whose scribbles remain on the dungeon doors.

Uetliberg Considered Zürich’s mountain, Uetliberg stands at 870 meters (2,854 feet) tall. Hiking trails lead to the summit; however, there also is a train that takes riders to the top. 26

Jet d’Eau Fountain Luftseilbahn Adliswil-Felsenegg

Bikerpark Zürich

Bois de la Bâtie

Basel Zoo

Bastions Park

Location Guide

Natural History Museum of Bern

Zytglogge

Uetliberg

Käfigturm (Prison Tower)

Fun Facts Full of Hot Air In the country’s Vaud Alps, hosts the annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival in January. Started in 1979, the multi-day event includes a kids’ day with balloons featuring cartoon characters, rides, and children’s activities.

Long Way Up With 11,674 steps, the world’s longest staircase is found on Niesen, a pyramid-shaped mountain peak of the Bernese Alps. The only time the stairs may be used is during the annual Niesen stair run. 28

Day of Rest Switzerland recognizes Sunday as a day of rest and laws require people to be as quiet as possible on this day. Prohibited tasks include mowing the grass, hanging laundry to dry, and turning in recyclables, all of which are fineable offenses when done on Sundays.

No Way, J Swiss law prohibits parents from naming their children anything that could be damaging to their future interests. Examples of names that have not been permitted include Lexicon, Djonatan, and J.

Red Cross The Red Cross was founded in 1863 in Geneva, where its headquarters remain. The organization’s flag features the reversed colors of Switzerland’s national flag, paying tribute to its Swiss roots. 29

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Switzerland Stockapler Palace

Alphorn

Zürich

Chilon Castle

Landwasser Viaduct