Territory of Switzerland. switzerland switzerland border

shopping

In the minds of a huge number of people, Switzerland is associated with cheese and watches. And, of course, people come here to make sure that the Swiss cheese is the most delicious, and the clock is the most accurate. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that this is so.

A tourist can try Swiss cheeses and dishes based on them in any corner of the country. But many people go to Geneva specifically to buy watches and jewelry. By the way, you can buy original products here on any main street.

The spring months in Switzerland are especially attractive for those who love to shop for designer items. The fact is that it is at this time that many manufacturers make discounts (up to 70%!) On their goods - from clothes to souvenirs. You can buy things from famous designers in Ticino, in the south of the country.

Among the largest shopping centers are Shop Ville (Zurich) and Fox Town Faktory (Mendrisio). The latter is the largest shopping complex in Europe.

Great pleasure will give you shopping in Bern. In shopping boulevards up to 6 kilometers long, you can find everything from souvenirs to cakes.

As for the schedule of the shops, you will have to get used to it. First, on Sunday, most institutions do not work. On Saturday, the working day lasts, as a rule, until 16:00. Stores usually close on Wednesdays, especially in rural areas, but on Thursdays they are open longer, until about 21:00. The Swiss are quite strict with lunch: from 12:00 to 14:00, most institutions do not work.

Out of competition - gas stations: open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. True, food and drinks are more expensive here.

Transport

The largest international airports in Switzerland are located in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. They are operated by the Swiss company.

In general, transport links in Switzerland are one of the densest. Trains leave approximately every half an hour. Major cities have a very dense network of buses and trams. Most of the subway lines in Switzerland resemble our tram lines: they run above ground. Only in 2008, the first underground metro was opened in Lausanne.

Intercity transportation is also well established. Even remote settlements regularly want buses. You can get to any place in the city and country quickly, easily and on the transport that you prefer.

Ferries run on the numerous lakes of Switzerland exactly on schedule. There are cable cars in the mountains: not only very convenient, but also exciting!

In general, transport in this country works - pardon the pun - like a Swiss watch.

As for the roads, traveling in your own car can also be a lot of fun. At least because of the landscapes that stretch around. In addition, you can not complain about the quality of coverage and infrastructure. An important role is played by roads that pass through mountain passes.

An important point: to travel by car on some highways, your car must be equipped with a special ticket. It can be bought at the entrance to Switzerland, at customs. It costs around $30. Permissible speed on highways - 120 km/h, up to 80 km/h - outside settlements, up to 50 km/h - in settlements. There are video cameras on all roads that help catch violators, so be careful. By the way, for speeding in Switzerland can judge. You can even pay a fine for exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h.

Helpful Hint: Don't drive with sunglasses on. The fact is that there are a lot of tunnels on the roads of Switzerland. Entering the tunnel on a sunny day, you will find yourself in total darkness, which is unsafe for you and, possibly, for a vehicle moving towards you.

Connection

Communications in Switzerland, you guessed it, also work smoothly. Moreover, modern public telephones offer very unusual opportunities for many tourists. So, they have a touch screen, through which you can not only make a call, send an email or look through the telephone directory, but also order train tickets.

As for mobile communications, the GSM standard is used here.

Internet access can be found everywhere: in public access areas or in a virtual cafe - for free or for a couple of francs.

Post offices are open on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 07:30 to 18:30 (lunch - from 12:00 to 13:30). In the lobby of most hotels there are one or two computers connected to the Internet that you can use.

Safety

Tourists who intend to spend a vacation in Switzerland with accommodation or a hotel need a tourist visa. To obtain it, you need to submit the following documents: a foreign passport and a copy of its first page, a completed application form with a signature and a photo, an original and a copy of a round-trip ticket, confirmation of prepaid housing, confirmation of the availability of funds. In some cases, the Embassy may require other documents.

Switzerland is considered a safe country, and yet experts recommend getting insurance, which can save you from paying impressive amounts for emergency medical care (you never know). And if your property is stolen, insurance will help repair the damage.

In general, the crime rate in Switzerland is very low. However, you should still beware of pickpockets, especially at the height of the season or during exhibitions and conferences. Particular caution is advised at train stations and during night train journeys.

In case of theft, immediately contact the police station for a report. It is better to always have your passport with you if you want to avoid problems with the police. By the way, the representatives of the law here do not differ in angelic character.

The level of road safety in this country is also very high. However, winding mountain roads can pose an increased risk, especially during the summer and winter holidays, when congestion increases.

Business

Switzerland is the richest country in the world. In addition, it is one of the most important financial centers in the world: a huge number of branches of foreign banks operate here. The secret of the reliability of Swiss banks is simple: they are located in a country with a stable economic and legal system, and therefore cannot go bankrupt.

It seems completely logical that a country with such a status annually hosts international conferences and exhibitions, which attract tens, hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the world. So, the most popular of the exhibitions are: FESPO ZURICH (“Recreation, travel, sports”), SICHERHEIT (“International Safety Fair”), IGEHO (“International exhibition of the supply industry, hotel and restaurant business”), Internationaler Automobil-Salon Genf ( "International Automobile Salon"), Blickfang Basel ("Furniture Design, Jewelry and Fashion Exhibition") and many others. Conferences on political, financial, banking, industrial and cultural issues are regularly held here.

Real estate

Switzerland has long been considered one of the most closed countries for property buyers from abroad. It is impossible to buy real estate here if you do not have a category B residence permit (and this is a permanent visa extension for 10 years). Moreover, the buyer is still obliged to comply with the rules of the "game" of the state: the acquired property cannot be used for commercial purposes. A foreigner is allowed to use housing only for his own needs, and with a restriction on residence time - 6 months a year. You can live permanently in this house only by obtaining a residence permit in this country. There is also an area limitation.

Houses and apartments in Switzerland are very expensive, and the country's real estate market has demonstrated its resilience even during the crisis. Experts even noted a slight increase in prices for a number of objects.

The cost of housing in Switzerland depends on many factors. One of the most important is location. So, a small apartment in Villars, in a residential complex, can be purchased for some 60 thousand euros. Apartments in more expensive resorts can cost from 150 thousand to 800 thousand euros (depending on the area and the view from the window). Those who have more serious means and are looking for solitude in the bosom of nature and a huge personal space, of course, choose luxury villas and chalets. Such housing will cost about 5-8 million euros.

Contrary to popular belief, a trip to Switzerland is no more expensive than a trip to Germany or Italy. It's just that the Swiss understand very well that "good money" equals "good service". In this country, a tourist always gets what he paid for.

If you want to spend as little as possible, then the best option is to live in a camp site, cook for yourself, travel short distances and only by bike. With such a rest, you can spend about $ 30 per day. You will not spend much more if you eat at fast food restaurants or student canteens at universities: lunches are relatively inexpensive there (7-9 $).

Comfortable conditions within reason - a three-star hotel or inn - "pull" about $ 100 per day. Lunch at a restaurant can significantly lighten your wallet. By the way, tips there (+15%) are included in the bill. The same goes for the cost of taxi services.

A visit to a museum or an acquaintance with some attraction will cost about $ 4. About the same amount you will spend on moving around the city by public transport.

Visa information

Citizens of the CIS and the Russian Federation to travel to the territory of Switzerland, which is part of the Schengen countries, need a visa. A short-term Schengen visa (category C) can be tourist (when booking a hotel or tour around the country), guest (when visiting relatives or friends), business (if necessary, meetings with business partners) and transit (when traveling in transit to those countries that are not members of the Schengen area).

In addition, the Swiss embassy issues study visas for people who are going to study for more than 90 days, and work visas for people who are employed.

The Swiss Embassy in Moscow is located at: per. Ogorodnaya Sloboda, 2/5. You can also contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg (Chernyshevsky Ave., 17) or the Visa Department of the Embassy (Moscow, Prechistenskaya Embankment, 31).

Story

The history of Switzerland dates back to the 12th millennium BC. It was then that the territory covered with eternal snows, under the onslaught of global warming, began to free itself from ice. Gradually, the white cover changed into green, and the "revived" earth found its first inhabitants from the human race.

In ancient times, Switzerland was inhabited by the Celtic tribes of the Helvetii, hence its ancient name - Helvetia. Around the 1st century BC, after the campaigns of Julius Caesar, the country was conquered by the Romans and gained worldwide fame. In the 5th century AD, during the era of the Great Migration of Peoples, it was captured by the Alemanni, Burgundians and Ostrogoths; in the VI century - the Franks. In the 11th century, Switzerland became part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

Initially, the Swiss were not a single nation, while Switzerland itself was a union of communities (cantons) that aspired to self-government. At the beginning of August 1291, the peasants of the forested cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, who lived on the shores of Lake Firwaldstet, entered into an alliance and swore an oath to help each other in the struggle against the rule of the Habsburg dynasty; in a stubborn struggle they defended their independence. The Swiss celebrate this joyful event to this day: August 1 - the National Day of Switzerland - salutes and fireworks illuminate the Swiss sky in memory of the events of more than seven centuries ago.

For two centuries, Swiss troops have been victorious over the feudal armies of dukes, kings and kaisers. Provinces and cities began to join the original union. The united allies sought to expel the Habsburgs, gradually expanding their borders. In 1499, after the victory over Kaiser Maximilian I of Habsburg, Switzerland freed itself from the domination of the empire. In 1513, there were already 13 cantons in the union. Each canton was absolutely sovereign - there was no common army, no common constitution, no capital, no central government. In the 16th century, a severe crisis began in Switzerland. The reason for this was a split in the Christian church. Geneva and Zurich became centers of activity for the Protestant reformers Calvin and Zwingli. In 1529, a religious war broke out in Switzerland. Only a serious danger emanating from outside prevented the complete disintegration of the state. In 1798, the French invaded Switzerland and transformed it into a unitary Helvetic Republic. For fifteen years the country was under their rule. The situation changed only in 1815, when the Swiss introduced their own constitution with equal rights for 22 sovereign cantons. In the same year, the Peace Congress of Vienna recognized the "permanent neutrality" of Switzerland and determined its borders, which are still inviolable. However, the unity of the union of cantons was not reliably ensured by the organization of a sufficiently strong central authority. Only under the constitution of 1948, the fragile union turned into a single state - federal Switzerland.

National Features

Switzerland is a highly developed country with intensive agriculture. It is the largest exporter of capital, the financial center of the capitalist world. Swiss banks are the most reliable. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the country has never joined any blocs. It has been and remains a stable country in Europe.

In Switzerland, four languages are spoken and written: German (various local dialects of Swiss German and literary High German are spoken by 65% of the population), French (18%), Italian (mainly one of the Lombard dialects, 12%), and in Romansh (in five different dialects). Having the opportunity to learn all the languages of the country at school, every Swiss, as a rule, understands them, although he is not always able to express himself in all.

The Swiss are very religious: according to the 1980 census, about 50% profess the Protestant faith, 44% - Catholic, 6% adhere to other religions or atheism. Traveling in Switzerland, one cannot fail to notice the world-famous virtue of the Swiss - the love of cleanliness and order. They vacuum the streets! James Joyce once remarked that soup here can be eaten without plates, straight from the pavement. In Switzerland, it is impossible to pass by Swiss watches, which have become the epitome of precision, elegance, a kind of world standard. For this small country, watches have become the most prestigious and significant export.

culture

In Eastern Switzerland is the Rhine Falls (average water flow - 1100 cubic meters per second). Near the waterfall is the city of Schaffhausen. This part of the country is replete with colorful flower carpets: alpine rose (rhododendron), edelweiss, saxifrage, breakwort. Most of the plants are perennial herbs and shrubs. Their flowers are relatively large and bright; both the flowers and the plants themselves are often fragrant. Small towns and villages with an unobtrusive charm fit perfectly into such a natural landscape. In Central Switzerland, you can admire Mount Pilatus - a favorite vacation spot for both residents of the country and foreign tourists.

Switzerland is an amazing country. In a small space, both the beauties of nature and the outstanding creations of human hands are concentrated in it. At every step - traces of different civilizations. The ruins in Nyon and Avenches remind of the Romans, in particular the amphitheater for 10,000 visitors. In Basel, Geneva and Lausanne, a variety of Romanesque and Gothic architectural monuments attract attention. The fortress Castello di Montebello (Castello di Montebello) of the Renaissance has been preserved - one of the places of pilgrimage for tourists. The baroque is richly represented, mainly the monasteries of Einsiedeln (Einsiedeln), Engelberg (Engelberg) and the churches of Kreuzlingen (Kreuzlingen) and Arlesheim (Arlesheim).

The architectural appearance of the city of Schaffhausen is dominated by Baroque and Rococo, and the oldest surviving buildings date back to the late Gothic period. Along a stone-paved path you can climb to the ancient fortress of Munot. The center of Eastern Switzerland is the city of St. Gallen, which, according to legend, owed its birth to the Irish monk Gallus. During the construction of the skete, Gallus was helped by a bear; his image can be seen today on the city coat of arms. The famous cathedral in St. Gallen and the monastery library are considered the main monuments of the Baroque style in Switzerland.

The cultural life of the country is diverse and rich. Every big city has its own theater and symphony orchestra. Of the musical theaters, the most famous are the Opera House in Zurich, the Grand Theater in Geneva and the Basel City Theater. Summer in Switzerland is the time of festivals, they take place in Lausanne, Zurich, Montreux and many other cities. In addition to world-famous international music festivals, Lucerne annually hosts a carnival. The holiday always begins on Thursday and lasts until the first Wednesday of Great Lent.

Swiss cuisine

Swiss cuisine enjoys well-deserved recognition among gourmets all over the world, and the Swiss themselves do not shy away from luculla delights at home. So, the favorite pastime of the inhabitants of Zurich is a walk through restaurants and cafes, and if they praise you any of the eateries, you can safely go there. The local cuisine has been strongly influenced by its neighbors, primarily the "older French cousin" and Italian cuisine, as well as a purely Swabian table, but still it has enough of its own delicacies that have become widespread in other countries. A quintessentially Swiss dish, the famous fondue is best enjoyed when it's cold outside and it's raining or snowing. Then sit comfortably in front of the fireplace and, after chopping pieces of bread crumb on a long fork, dip them in melted cheese. It is best to drink this delicacy with white wine or tea.

Another well-known cheese dish that has become widespread is the Vallis raclette. The very name of the dish ("raclette" (fr.) - a coarse grater) gives out the principle of its preparation. The cheese is rubbed on a coarse grater or broken into small pieces, heated and served with potatoes. However, in order to enjoy the taste and aroma of cheese, it is not at all necessary to warm it up. The best examples are the Emmental (more often called Swiss) and Appenzell cheeses, which enjoy well-deserved recognition among gourmets, as well as Greyerz cheese. Exquisite taste and aroma distinguish "Vasheren" - which is prepared only in winter, and "Schabziger" - cheese with herbs from Glernerland.

Among the Ticinese delicacies, first of all, it is necessary to name small soft formagini cheeses, which are cooked from cottage cheese, as well as various varieties of mountain cheese, the most famous of which is Piora. Another famous Swiss delicacy is the Zurich schnitzel (veal in a creamy sauce). Those who like to eat hearty prefer the Bernese appetizer (Berner Platte) - a dish of sauerkraut with beans and fried potatoes. Bern is also considered the birthplace of the famous Rosti - thinly sliced fried potatoes with cracklings.

And now it's time to think about soups, for example, Basel flour broth, barley soup from Bünden or Busekka - Ticinese tripe soup. The national dish of sunny southern Switzerland is, of course, polenta, a dish of corn grits with cream and pieces of fruit. To the south of St. Gotthard, risotto is very popular - a rice dish prepared in Milanese (with saffron), mushrooms or peasant style (with vegetables).

The menu of Swiss cuisine also includes fish dishes: rudd, trout, pike and egli (freshwater perch), which are prepared differently everywhere. In late autumn and winter, many restaurants offer game delicacies such as roe deer back. And another delicacy, famous on both sides of the Swiss border, deserves your attention. This is Bunden-style meat, beef jerky, cut into very thin slices. Those who first tasted it in Valais, and not in Graubünden, call this dish “Welsh meat”.

The Alpine Republic is famous for its wines. Widely known are white wines - Dezaley and St.-Saphorin, Fendant and Johannisberg, Twanner. The best varieties of red wines are the exquisitely thin "Rose der CEil-de-Perdrix", the strong "Dole", "Pinot Noir" and "Merlot". But, perhaps, the best Bünden wines are made in the Italian town of Veltalin, which since 1815 has become the Swiss canton of Graubünden. "Sassella", "Grumello", "Inferno" - these are the names of strong ruby-red wines, which owe their luxurious bouquet to the generous southern sun. It remains only to say a few words about all kinds of sweets served for dessert, afternoon tea, and evening coffee. These are fruit pies, and Zug cherry cake, and carrot cake, and Engadine walnut cake, and of course, the famous Swiss chocolate.

Economy

Switzerland is one of the most developed and wealthy countries in the world. Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive, highly productive agriculture and an almost complete absence of any minerals. According to Western economists, it is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic competitiveness. The Swiss economy is closely connected with the outside world, primarily with the EU countries, with thousands of threads of industrial cooperation and foreign trade transactions. OK. 80-85% of Swiss trade is with EU countries. More than 50% of all cargoes from the northern part of Western Europe to the south and in the opposite direction pass through Switzerland in transit. After a noticeable increase in 1998-2000. The country's economy has entered a recession. In 2002, GDP grew by 0.5% to CHF 417 billion. fr. Inflation was at around 0.6%. The unemployment rate reached 3.3%. The economy employs approx. 4 million people (57% of the population), of which: in industry - 25.8%, including in mechanical engineering - 2.7%, in the chemical industry - 1.7%, in agriculture and forestry - 4.1% , in the service sector - 70.1%, including in trade - 16.4%, in banking and insurance - 5.5%, in the hotel and restaurant business - 6.0%. The policy of neutrality made it possible to avoid the devastation of two world wars.

Policy

Switzerland is a federal republic. The current constitution was adopted in 1999. The federal authorities are in charge of issues of war and peace, foreign relations, the army, railways, communications, money emission, approval of the federal budget, etc.

The head of the country is the president, who is elected every year on a rotating basis from among the members of the Federal Council.

The highest legislative body is a bicameral parliament - the Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons (Equal Chambers).

The National Council (200 deputies) is elected by the population for 4 years under the proportional representation system.

The federal structure and the constitution of Switzerland were enshrined in the constitutions of 1848, 1874 and 1999.

Now Switzerland is a federation of 26 cantons (20 cantons and 6 half-cantons). Until 1848 (except for a short period of the Helvetic Republic) Switzerland was a confederation). Each canton has its own constitution, laws, but their rights are limited by the federal constitution. Legislative power belongs to Parliament, and executive power belongs to the Federal Council (government).

There are 46 deputies in the Council of Cantons, who are elected by the population according to the majority system of relative majority in 20 two-mandate constituencies and 6 single-member constituencies, that is, 2 people each. from each canton and one from the half-canton for 4 years (in some cantons - for 3 years).

All laws adopted by Parliament can be approved or rejected in a popular (optional) referendum. To do this, after the adoption of the law, 50 thousand signatures must be collected within 100 days.

The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18.

The highest executive power belongs to the government - the Federal Council, consisting of 7 members, each of which heads one of the departments (ministries). Members of the Federal Council are elected at a joint meeting of both houses of parliament. All members of the Federal Council alternately serve as president and vice president.

The foundations of the Swiss state were laid in 1291. Until the end of the 18th century, there were no central state bodies in the country, but all-union councils - tagsatzung - were periodically convened.

Switzerland is located among the Alpine peaks and is rightfully considered the richest state in the world. For many, the name of the country is identical to the concept of reliability, this is confirmed by the famous accurate watches, sharp knives and cans. Switzerland also attracts millions of tourists who want to ride the slopes of the mountains in the Alps, admire the lakes and the abundance of interesting places with a rich history. Swiss castles, located on the slopes of the mountains, surrounded by pine trees, look like in a fairy tale.

General information

Switzerland is a small state located in the very center of Europe. According to one of the legends, God, distributing the territory between countries, forgot about tiny Switzerland. Wanting to correct the injustice, he gave the country a nature of amazing beauty - in a modest territory there are mountains, smooth, clear lakes, rapid waterfalls, glaciers and valleys covered with flowers. Monarchs, students, elderly people come to admire the Swiss beauties.

Surprisingly, Switzerland does not have a clear capital, like Paris in France. It is customary to call Bern the main city, but this populated one is not the most popular. There are much more visited settlements. For example, the center of international diplomatic organizations and events is concentrated in Geneva.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the state has adhered to a policy of neutrality, does not interfere in external conflicts, while the population freely expresses its worldview and political preferences. In accordance with the Swiss Constitution, every citizen is guaranteed freedoms, the only exception is the illegal issue of money.

Interesting fact! The share of the state accounts for one thousandth of the total population in the world - this is 7.2 million people.

Historical digression

Aigle Castle

The history of the country is rightfully considered one of the longest. The first settlements were formed on the territory of the modern state in the 12th millennium BC, when the climate on the planet began to change dramatically, the earth got rid of snow, and the first representatives of people appeared.

In different historical periods, Switzerland was inhabited by the Celts, Helvetians. In the 1st century BC. the country was captured by the Romans, it was during this period that Switzerland actively developed and became world famous. In the 5th century the country was ruled by the Alemanni, Burgundians and Ostrogoths. Then came the era of the Franks, and in the XI century the territory of Switzerland became part of the Roman Empire.

Interesting fact! Switzerland cannot be called a single nation, the country was a union of cantons, which have always sought to independently manage their own territory.

More than seven centuries ago, the inhabitants of the three regions entered into an alliance and swore to help each other and protect each other from the attack of the Habsbrugs. The struggle for independence was long and dramatic, but as a result, the people defended their independence. The Swiss celebrate the national holiday magnificently and cheerfully every year on August 1.

By the beginning of the 16th century, the state consisted of 13 cantons, while each was independent and sovereign. There was no common government, army, capital. In the 17th century, due to a split in the church, a serious crisis ensued, which almost led to the collapse of the country. Only an external threat from France united people, but for 15 years the state was under the control of the French, who made the Helvetic Republic out of Switzerland.

In 1815, the situation changed dramatically - a common Constitution was put into effect, which is valid on the territory of 22 cantons. In the same year, the permanent neutrality of the state was recognized at the international level.

Interesting fact! The borders of Switzerland, defined in 1815, remain unchanged to this day. In 1948, Switzerland acquired the status of a federal state.

Language

Once in Switzerland, you will undoubtedly notice that all official announcements and signs are presented in two languages, however, four languages are considered official in the state:

German - a little less than 64% of the population speaks it;
French - 20.5% of the population;
Italian - 6.5% of the population;
Romansh - 0.5% of the population.

Each language, depending on the region, has its own dialect. In addition, Switzerland has a huge number of dialects that have been formed over the centuries as a result of mixing different ethnic groups.

Economy

Swiss National Bank

Switzerland is included in the list of the most successful and wealthy countries in the world. The country can be characterized as industrial, with a productive agricultural complex. It is noteworthy that there are no minerals in Switzerland.

Interesting fact! According to studies by Western experts, Switzerland is in the top ten in terms of competitiveness and sustainability.

The country's economy closely interacts with the economies of other states, primarily the European Union. More than half of all cargo coming from the north of Western Europe to the south passes through Swiss territory.

Good to know! From 1998 to 2000, the country experienced a slight economic decline. However, it took only a few years for Switzerland to cope with the difficulties and successfully develop further.

There are many banks in Switzerland, including foreign ones. This is due to a stable economic situation, as well as a reliable legal system. Thus, it is quite difficult to go bankrupt here.

The country regularly receives guests from all over the world who come to conferences on various topics - banking, politics, finance, culture, design.

Policy

Swiss Parliament

Switzerland is a republic with a federal structure, the main document is the Constitution, which has been in force since 1999. The administration of the state is entrusted to the president, who is elected annually. The government or the Federal Council is formed from 7 people - heads of ministries. They are elected by Parliament. Each member of the Federal Council is vested with the powers of the President. Legislative power is concentrated in the Parliament, which is formed from two chambers.

Switzerland unites 26 cantons (regions), each has its own constitution, but it is subordinate to the general constitution. The laws adopted by the Parliament are submitted for general discussion - a referendum is held.

Good to know! Until the 18th century, there were no central authorities in the country; special all-union meetings - tagzatzung - were gathered to resolve national issues.

Cities and resorts

In a small area that Switzerland occupies, a huge number of contrasts are concentrated. Each city has its own landscape, architecture, cultural features and traditions. Many refer to Switzerland as "Pocket-sized Europe".

Lausanne and Vevey

Lausanne is a city where young people come, during the day you can visit interesting architectural sites, and in the evening you can visit one of the nightclubs. Vevey is a resort for those who love the beauty of nature - the peaceful neighborhood of snowy peaks and palm trees is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. Yverdon-les-Bains is popular for its healing hot springs, beautiful beach.

Undoubtedly, Switzerland is known in the world for its luxurious resorts, because it combines picturesque nature and material wealth, which are enough to organize expensive health resorts. The best of them are located on the shores of the lake in Geneva, which is often called the Swiss Riviera.

Geneva is characterized as a multinational and diverse city, where ancient buildings, ancient squares, as well as ultra-modern buildings have been preserved, the most popular being the UN Headquarters. Read .

Excellent spas work in Bad Ragaz. It is here that it is pleasant to exchange a comfortable bathrobe for an exquisite cocktail dress. From the resort you can quickly get to Zurich, walk the streets of the old town, go to the numerous boutiques located on Bahnhofstrasse, and complete the tour with a bright point - a rest in a nightclub. What to see in Zurich in one day, look at.

Interesting to know! On the shores of the lake in Zurich, which is located within the city, there are about 30 places for recreation and swimming.

In the Italian part of Switzerland, the most popular resorts are Lugano, Locarno and Ascona, located next to Lake Lugano.

Zug is a small but very beautiful town and the richest in Switzerland. It is located 23 km from Zurich. Calmness and measuredness reign here, comfortable conditions for a respectable rest are created. In summer you can swim in the purest water of Lake Zug, and in winter you can ride on the mountain slopes. Scenic views accompany vacationers at any time of the year. It would be an unforgivable mistake to come to Zug and not try the famous cherry pie in the best Swiss pastry shops. You will find more details about the city of Zug.

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Attractions

Switzerland is rich in amazing sights - natural, architectural, historical. You will travel to mountain lakes and peaks, through medieval streets. Many of the country's attractions are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Interesting fact! Switzerland has long used its natural beauty to attract tourists. An extensive railway and road network has been built here so that vacationers can easily and comfortably get to anywhere in the country.

Rhine Falls

It is located in the northern part of Switzerland. Its width is 150 meters and its height is 23 meters. In the 20th century, industrialists wanted to build a power plant on the reservoir, but the locals insisted that the waterfall retained its original appearance. Today it is one of the most visited attractions.

Lake Geneva

The largest Swiss reservoir, which is also located in the southwestern part of the country. Often the surface of the lake is compared to a mirror surface. There are many resorts on the coast - Montreux, Lausanne.

Interesting fact! Other lakes in Switzerland - Biel, Constance, Zurich, Neushaten - are concentrated mainly in the west and north.

Mount Matterhorn

Switzerland is a country where ecotourism and outdoor activities are developed. In the picturesque, protected areas, comfortable walking paths, bicycle routes are equipped, and in the mountains modern ski resorts with a developed infrastructure are equipped. There are observation platforms on the tops of the mountains, public transport runs to them.

Chillon Castle

A special place in the list of attractions is given to historical monuments of architecture. There are many castles in Switzerland, many of which welcome tourists all year round. Looking at, you seem to be transported to the era of knights, kings, shrouded in legends. The palace is located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was built in the 11th century from stone and is rightfully considered an architectural masterpiece. The walls and interior decoration of the castle inspired poets, artists, musicians, however, its history hides many dramatic moments that tourists will be told about during the tour.

Interesting fact! Most of the palaces are located in Zurich, Bern and Geneva.

Recreation and entertainment

Switzerland is equally interesting for those who like to relax actively, and for those who prefer to bask on the beach or in the spa. The main feature is that you can relax here all year round.

Resort Engelberg

35 km from Lucerne is located (Mountain of Angels). On its territory, the current Benedictine abbey has been preserved. There are trails for beginners and experienced athletes, as well as trails for snowboarding.

St. Moritz

One of the oldest ski resorts in the Engadine Valley. The main feature of the resort is the climate - almost all days of the year are sunny (322 days). St. Moritz is located on the shore of the lake and is rightfully considered the most aristocratic - monarchs, show business stars, billionaires and politicians rest here. Despite the high prices, about one and a half million people visit the resort every year.

Good to know! If you don’t like extreme sports, but a beach holiday doesn’t attract you either, go on a cycling or hiking trip to the Alps with an excursion group. More than 180 hiking trails have been developed for tourists, and about 3.5 km of roads of various difficulty levels have been laid for cyclists.

Other types of recreation

There are no traditional sandy beaches in Switzerland, however, next to the lakes - Lucerne, Geneva and in the canton of Ticino - grassy beaches are no worse. There are no municipal recreation areas, equipped areas with sunbeds and umbrellas are only near hotels.

The coldest water is from Lake Lucerne, since the climate in this region is more severe. Lake Geneva is warmer, the water is clear. The best months for swimming are July and August.

Good to know! On the shores of Lake Geneva there are baths and baths.

The warmest water is in the lakes of the canton of Ticino - in summer it warms up to +25 degrees, but tourists prefer to swim in the pools. The most popular resorts of Ticino are Locarno, Ascona and Lugano. .

SPA resorts

Many tourists visit Switzerland for the purpose of recovery. The world-famous Swiss thermal springs are medical and health-improving complexes, modern and comfortable. Here you can improve your health, undergo beauty treatments.

Good to know! Thermal procedures are useful for the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Experts recommend combining external and internal healing and attending spa treatments and thermal springs at the same time.

In Switzerland, they offer impeccable quality of medical and cosmetic procedures. Additionally, you can take a course of massage, various peelings and anti-aging procedures. The most visited thermal springs:

Leukerbad (Burgerbad);
Bad Ragaz;
Ovronna;
Baden;
Bormio;
waltz;
Schintznach;
Scuol.

Culture and festivals

The culture and traditions of the country were formed under the influence of many states - Austria and Germany, France and Italy. The inhabitants of Switzerland have managed to create their own original and unique culture, and traditions are protected and expressed in songs, dances, clothes, embroidery, crafts. Each region has a unique folklore ensemble.

Interesting fact! In the mountainous regions, the most popular type of singing is yodel. You can listen to it at the Interlaken Festival, which is held every three years.

Noisy, fun winter celebrations begin in December:

On the 6th, fascinating processions take place in the streets, and residents of the whole country prepare gingerbread men;
On the 8th, a feast is held in honor of the Virgin Mary;
On the 11th, Geneva invites you to the Escalade festival, during which city streets miraculously turn into an ancient fortress;
Christmas is traditionally celebrated on the 25th.

January is the month of the New Year, the feast of Saint Berthold, who founded the city of Bern. In the second half of the month, St. Moritz hosts true gourmets at a themed celebration, where you can taste real delicacies.

February is the month when the largest Swiss cities are transformed - instead of a sedate, measured life, carnival processions with songs and dances take place here.

At the Montreux Jazz Festival

June is the month of the Montreux resort, a jazz festival is held here, where you can meet and listen to famous world stars.

Admirers of classical music go to Verbier, where a themed festival takes place in the middle of summer.

Kitchen

- a real find for gourmets. The traditional dishes echo the notes of French, Italian and German cuisines. This combination sounds like a symphony.

Interesting fact! The favorite ingredient of Swiss chefs is cheese; there are more than 450 varieties in Switzerland, from which a wide variety of dishes are prepared.

Each Swiss canton offers unique dishes that are unique to that area and region. On the shores of Lake Geneva, you should definitely try perch, which will be caught and cooked before your eyes. Zug is popular for its amazing cherry pie. In St. Gallen they cook delicious veal sausages. Zurich is famous for its simple but unforgettable potato dish - reshti. The onion pie is worth trying. Desserts are no less tasty and varied - honey cakes, puff pastry pies and, of course, the world-famous chocolate.

Switzerland produces delicious alcohol - cherry brandy, plum schnapps, pear Williams.

Good to know! A hearty and inexpensive meal is best in a cafe where there is a “menu of the day”. A full meal will cost 15-25 Swiss francs. Lunch at a restaurant costs from 50 francs. As a rule, the amount of the tip is already included in the bill.

Geography and nature

According to the Swiss - the country is located in the middle of the world. This statement is quite true, because Switzerland is actually located in the center of Europe and occupies 41.3 square kilometers.

The state neighbors with Austria and Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein, as well as France. The sources of the largest rivers in Europe are located in Switzerland.

More than half of the territory of the state is mountains, where, surrounded by alpine meadows, lakes with the purest water are hidden. A quarter of the area is covered with forests.

Good to know! There are more than 1500 lakes in the country. The highest point is Dufour Peak (4635 m), the lowest is Lake Maggiore (193 m).

Switzerland, located in the Alps, attracts and fascinates with its views. Vacationers are attracted by the feeling of peace and unity with nature that reign here.

Climate, weather conditions

The climate varies depending on the location above sea level. The territory of the country is conventionally divided into three zones:

Alpine;
Swiss plateau;
Jura mountain region.

In addition, the climate is influenced by:

Atlantic Ocean;
continent, which is located on the east side.

For the state in the Alps, a fairly warm and dry mountain wind is characteristic

Berggasthaus Aescher Hotel

You will be surprised how varied the climatic conditions and landscapes of Switzerland are. Andermatt's calling card is mighty pines and snow. Already after 50 km, tourists find themselves in a region where palm trees bask in the sun. On one side of the mountain, eternal cold and tropics, lichens and luxurious flowers coexist. Such landscape diversity makes Switzerland attractive and desirable in any season:

in spring it is better to go to the eastern part of the country and visit the Swiss plateau;
in summer, be sure to visit the mountain lakes;
travel south in autumn;
winter is a great time to visit ski resorts concentrated in the alpine part.

Currency

In Switzerland, the Swiss franc is valid, the international designation is CHF. There are one hundred centimes in one franc. In addition to francs, you can use the euro, but this currency is valid only in popular tourist resorts.

Banks work schedule - from 8-00 to 16-00 (except weekends), there is a break - from 12-00 to 14-00. Exchange offices operate in each branch of the bank. There are similar points near large stores, at airports and travel agencies. Their work schedule is every day from 8-00 to 22-00, some work around the clock.

It is important! Special ATMs are installed for currency exchange, but you will have to pay a commission of up to 15% for the service.

It is best to exchange money for euros or francs before traveling to Switzerland. In stores, almost all goods have two prices - in euros and Swiss francs. It is more convenient to pay for goods with a plastic card.

Good to know! If you pay in euros, you will be given change in francs.

Transport

There is a developed railway connection between the settlements, so the most convenient and easiest way to travel is by train, they follow a clear schedule, the cars are comfortable, modern, there is a restaurant and play areas. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or ordered on the official website www.sbb.ch.

If you get the chance, take a trip on a tourist train. Flights take place on special routes in the most picturesque parts of the country. The most famous tourist routes:

Glacier Express - follows from Zermatt to St. Moritz;
Chocolate Express - follows from Montreux to.

It is quite comfortable to travel by bus. Transportation is handled by Postbus. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the official website of the carrier. All bus stations are located near the railway stations. There are also tourist routes, the most picturesque - Palm - buses depart from St. Moritz to Lugano.

Public transport

Statistically, Switzerland has the best and most modern public transport system in the world. This - involves travel in any form of public transport on a universal ticket. At the same time, the ticket provides impressive discounts on travel in tourist transport. Each city has several modes of transport - trolleybuses, buses and trams. The cost of a single ticket varies from 2 to 7 francs, depending on the locality and travel conditions.

Switzerland has a taxi system, but the trips are too expensive. One kilometer costs 2-3 francs, on weekends and at night the fare increases.

Good to know! Many tourists travel by bike. In Geneva and Zurich, they can be rented for free, it is enough to leave any document or a small amount as a deposit.

Car rental

Asphalt pavement in the country is of excellent quality, so traveling by car is a pleasure and no hassle. The only thing that can cause inconvenience is one-way traffic. In addition, there are separate lanes for public transport. It should be noted that repair work on Swiss city roads is a frequent occurrence.

A tourist over 21 years of age who has an international driver's license and a driver's experience of more than three years has the right to rent a car. You also need to have an active credit card.

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Visas

Given that Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement, a visa is required to visit it. Most often, a category C document is issued - this is a short-term visa, which is suitable for:

tourist trips;
visits to relatives;
business visits;
transit visit to the country.

In addition, you can get a visa to study or work in Switzerland.

Citizens of Ukraine who have biometric passports do not need a tourist visa to visit Switzerland. The maximum permitted period of stay in the country is 90 days in half a year.

Tax free system

The country has a system under which a tourist can return 8% of value added tax, provided that the purchase amount exceeds 300 francs.

To do this, you need to find a store that uses the Tax free system, take the Tax Free Shopping Check form, which contains a complete list of goods, enter personal data and contact information. Before leaving the country, you must present to the customs officer a completed form, a check from the store, a passport and the purchase itself. The customs representative puts a stamp. Upon arrival at home, you should contact the bank or a special Global Blue point. Here the tourist receives the amount in cash or money order.

The area of Switzerland is about 3 thousand square meters. km. There are several other states in the neighborhood. Switzerland borders Germany to the north, France to the west, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, and Italy to the south.

A significant part of the border with Germany runs along the Rhine River, and near Schaffhausen the river crosses into Switzerland. Then, on the eastern side, part of the border with Germany and Austria runs along the shore of Lake Borden. with France, it also passes along the water shore - this is Lake Geneva, it is known for its beauty and picturesque landscapes. Of all the borders of Switzerland with different countries, the longest is the Italian one. Its length is approximately 741 km. To feel the difference, it is useful to say that with France the length of the border is only 570 km, and with Germany - about 360 km. The length of the border with Austria and Liechtenstein in total is about 200 km.

Geography of Switzerland

More than half of the territory of Switzerland is covered by the Alps (only 58% of the territory). Another 10% of Switzerland is occupied by the Jura mountains. It's no surprise that Switzerland's ski resorts are among the most popular in the world, with many of the most beautiful peaks and slopes. The highest mountain in the Jura system, Mont-Tandre, is located in Switzerland. The highest point in Switzerland, however, is in the Alps, Dufour Peak. Lake Lago Majore is the most significant of the country.

In the central part of Switzerland there is a mountain plateau, it is called the Swiss Plateau. Most of the industry is located in this part of the country. Agriculture and cattle breeding are especially developed here. Almost the entire population of the country lives in the Swiss plateau.

The territory of Switzerland is largely covered by various lakes, many of which are of glacial origin. In total, according to experts, about 6% of the world's fresh water is concentrated in the country! Despite the fact that the territory of the country is relatively small. In Switzerland, such large rivers as the Rhine, Rhone and Inn begin.

Switzerland is usually divided into 4 districts. The most flat is the northern one, there are the cantons of Aargau, Glarus, Basel, Thurgau, St. Gallen and Zurich. The western region is already covered by mountains to a greater extent, Geneva, Bern, Vaud, Fribourg and Neuchâtel are located there. In central Switzerland are the cantons of Unterwalden, Lucerne, Uri and Schwyz. The southern region of the country is quite small in area.

Why is Switzerland called that?

The Russian name of the country goes back to the word Schwyz - that was the name of the canton (as the administrative unit is called in Switzerland), which became the core for all the other cantons to unite around it in 1291. In German, this canton is called Schweiz.

Geography

Switzerland is located in the heart of Western Europe. It borders Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south and France to the west. Switzerland is one of the smallest countries in the world: its total area is 41,285 km2. The maximum length from north to south is 220 km, from west to east - 348 km.
Switzerland has gathered within its borders a unique diversity of nature and landscape. The lowest point is on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Ticino (194 m a.s.l.). Eternal snow covers the peaks of the mountains, 48 of which are 4000 m and higher. Peak Dufour (4634 m) in the canton of Vallis is the highest point in Switzerland.

Three geographic regions

The Alps, the Swiss Plateau (or Middle Belt) and the Jura form the three main geographic regions.
- The Alps occupy 60% of the country's area and have long defined the national identity of Switzerland, although in economic terms the Middle Strip plays a more important role. Only 11% of the country's population lives in the Alps. Numerous mountain passes are important transit routes.
- More than two-thirds of the population lives on the territory of the Swiss Plateau, which makes up 30% of the country's area. Large agglomerations and important industrial centers are located here. In the west, the plateau borders on Lake Constance, in the east - on Geneva.
- To S.-Z. the Jura Mountains extend from the Middle Strip, occupying 10% of the entire area of Switzerland. The mountain range consists mainly of limestone and is formed by a system of ridges, plateaus, valleys and peaks with an average height of 700 m.

Climate and seasons

In Switzerland, the climate differs depending on the region. In the territory north of the Alps, a humid temperate climate prevails; south of the Alps, signs of a Mediterranean climate are obvious. The complex orographic structure of the country contributes to the creation of numerous regional microclimates. The annual rainfall is above the European average.
Switzerland has all four seasons. In spring (March - May) fruit trees bloom and the fields turn green. In summer the temperature rises to 25-30С. In autumn (September - November), the crop ripens, the leaves of the trees gradually change color and fall off. Winter is snowy and moderately cold.

Inland waters

Switzerland is rich in water resources. 6% of Europe's fresh water reserves are concentrated on its territory. From here, the rivers Rhone, Rhine and Inn flow into the basins of the Mediterranean, North and Black Seas. Switzerland has over 1500 lakes. Lake Geneva on the border with France is the largest in Western Europe.
Glaciers occupy 3% of the territory of Switzerland. The largest valley glacier is the Aletsh glacier (23 km).

Transport links across the Alps

Switzerland is an important transit country with a strong cargo flow in the direction of the North-South transport corridor. Road and rail tunnels through the St. Gotthard pass directly link Italy with Northern Europe. The construction of the New Alpine Railway Line (NEAT) is currently underway. On June 1, 2016, the Gotthard Tunnel was opened in Switzerland. It became the longest railway. tunnel in the world. The Great Saint Bernard Pass is the main transport link between Western Switzerland and Italy.

Cities

Two thirds of the Swiss population live in cities. Switzerland can be roughly divided into six major metropolitan areas, each with over half a million inhabitants. These include Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne and Ticino. Today, 84% of the country's economic production is concentrated in these metropolitan areas.

Switzerland is located on mainland Europe and the occupied territory of Switzerland is 41290. The population of Switzerland is 7783000 people. The capital of Switzerland is located in the city of Bern. The form of government in Switzerland is the Federal Republic. Spoken in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, Romansh Who borders Switzerland: France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy.
Switzerland is majestic mountains, elegant cities, famous resorts, picturesque mountain slopes and pristine lakes. In a relatively small space, amazing creations of human hands and the beauty of nature are concentrated here. There are many small towns in the country with a unique flavor, such as the famous Solothurn with baroque buildings and various cultural monuments, Biel - the "capital of clocks", in which they speak two official languages, Chur - the oldest Swiss city, founded in 2500 BC era, La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city with an interesting Museum of Clocks, Disentis, famous for its museum and a monastery built in the eighth century, Splügen and Guarda, Alpine villages with their unique charm, Emmental and Afoltern, where fascinating cheese-making exhibitions are held, and many other equally interesting places. Each town here has its own special charm and deserves the closest attention.
The western part of the country with the picturesque Jura Mountains is a large natural park with majestic mountain slopes planted with vineyards, deep canyons, beautiful lakes such as Leman, Biel and Neuchâtel. Lake Leman can rightfully be considered a natural monument of the country. This is the largest reservoir in Switzerland: its length is more than seventy kilometers, and its width reaches thirteen, while the depth in some places is three hundred and ten meters. The shores of Lake Leman are one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the towns scattered around are full of various historical monuments. This area is often called the "Swiss Riviera", which is quite deserved.
In the small town of Neuchâtel, attention is drawn to such objects as the castle of the same name, the magnificent cathedral, built in the thirteenth century, and the Prison Tower, located at the foot of the hill. In addition, here you can walk along the picturesque cliffs of the Broje valley, from which the Sarin River is visible, the famous bridges - the wooden Bersky and suspension Zaringen, visit the Tour Rouge fortress, the Poya castle, the Augustinian monastery and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas with an impressive 74-meter tower.
On the banks of Neuchâtel is the popular resort of Yverdon-les-Bains, famous for its magnesium and sulfur thermal waters. The temperature of the water, which rises from a depth of almost six hundred meters, is +29 degrees. Local attractions include the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress, a castle built in the thirteenth century, and archaeological sites from the Celtic era.
The city of Geneva, which was founded by the Celts in 500 BC, enjoys huge and well-deserved popularity. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is famous for its magnificent and elegant parks, which lie on the banks of the Rhone Lake. Of the main historical and cultural attractions, one can mention St. Peter's Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Town Hall, the Conservatory, the Opera House and the Jet d'Eau fountain, built about one hundred and twenty years ago. Also a very remarkable object is the amazing watch made of flowers, which has the world's largest second hand.
The capital of the country is the city of Bern, founded at the end of the twelfth century. Its historical center is a chain of streets Kramgasse, Marktgasse and Spitalgasse, which abut against the Niederbrücke bridge. It is here that you can see all the main sights of the capital - the Prison Tower, beautiful street fountains, Chimes with a variety of moving figures, the Clock Tower, a Gothic cathedral with a hundred-meter bell tower, statues and intricate stained-glass windows and much more. Of particular note is the City Hall (early fifteenth century) with wooden ceilings and a large reception hall, as well as the "Bear Crypt".