Travel guide Switzerland

Switzerland is well-known for the alps, but did you know that it also boasts some of the world’s most beautiful lakes and rivers, unrivaled museums, fine health spas, and cycling trails?

The country is divided into 13 regions, each with its own unique adventure to offer:

- Valais, in southwestern Switzerland, is home to the Rhone River as well mountain glaciers that offer excellent downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoe opportunities.

- Ticino, in southern Switzerland, surprises visitors with sub-tropical parks and gardens. This region has an Italian flair, but with the towering alps as a backdrop.

- Graubunden in southeastern Switzerland, is filled with flowing rivers and lush valleys. Rock climbing, para gliding and bob sledding are just a few of the popular sports in this majestic region.

- Liechtenstein, is known as “the world’s smallest metropolis.” Shopping, boating, and country estates are the hallmarks of this small in size, but rich in culture, district. Various shows, including operas, ballets, orchestras and cabarets offer up plenty of entertainment.

- Vaud, or Lake Geneva, features mediteranean ambience set against the soaring alps. From vineyards and villages to ancient castles and farming communities, Lake Geneva is as relaxing as it is beautiful.

- Fribourg, in west central Switzerland, has a changing landscape, from rolling hills to sheer mountains. This region is famous for its cuisine, including fine wine and cheese. Its stunning forests also offer a perfect place for snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and dog sledding.

- Schweizer Mittelland, in central Switzerland, includes a pre-Alpine region with a gorgeous winding river, cities surrounded by towering walls, and a long and colorful history. Pubs, restaurants, theatres, shopping, and nearby winter sports are the hallmarks of this region.

- Central Switzerland is home to large lakes, canyons, castles, monasteries, mountain trains and cable cars. Outdoor sports abound, including para gliding, wind surfing, swimming, biking, snowboarding, and of course, skiing.

- Bernese Oberland, just south of central Switzerland, has everything from turquoise lakes to ancient forests. World class ski resorts and family entertainment are the hallmarks of the region. Natural beauty such as waterfalls, winding streams, peaceful valleys and glacier peaks are a nature lover’s delight.

- Eastern Switzerland is a true wonderland with Lake Constance, Rhine Valley, a monastery district, historic towns and fun parks, basilicas and castles. Health spas are also plentiful in this beautiful mountainous region. Eastern Switzerland is also well-known for its child-friendly resorts, parks and ski areas.

- Zurich region, in northeast Switzerland, includes the historic town of Zurich, where visitors can find plenty of arts and culture as well as fine dining. Well-known for its museums, Zurich boasts more than 50 museums and 100 galleries, not to mention historic districts. Other attractions in the Zurich region include Winterthur, known for a thriving nightlife; Rapperswil and Lake Zurich, home to a children’s zoo, water park, and trampoline paradise; and Baden, a historic city and home to the Grand Casino Baden.

- Basel, in north central Switzerland, is well-known for its many fairs and festivals. It’s also home to a thriving open-air market, where shoppers can delight in all sorts of local wares. Modern art and architecture are also trademarks of Basel, as well as plays, concerts and musicals.

- Jura, home to “watch valley”, is where the Swiss watch-making tradition had its start. A variety of museums and the Watchmaking Route are among the highlights of the region. Hotsprings, lakes, mountains and valleys also abound. This region is also known for cheese and wine, and several wine festivals are held throughout the year.

Travel and Ski: Winterurlaub Schweiz