Beautiful places in Switzerland. The best sights in Switzerland

Switzerland is a very small but very beautiful country where you can see many incredible natural and architectural sights. In addition, it is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Therefore, the popularity of Switzerland among travelers is constantly increasing. Of course, those who are lucky enough to be in this wonderful state should not waste their time. The editors of the IGotoWorld.com website have compiled a list of the most interesting sights in Switzerland especially for their readers.

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau region includes three peaks - Mench, Eiger and. These protected areas have the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of skiers and snowboarders practice their skills on the slopes of the resort every year. The resort area unites three towns - Wengen, Grindelwald, Murren, it also includes the main transport hub and a very picturesque Interlaken.

Where is: cantons Bern, Valais.

Matterhorn

The mountain is located in the town of Zermatt, is one of the most popular peaks in the Alps. Its height reaches 4478 meters. Like many Swiss resorts, it primarily attracts mountaineers.

Photo source: wikipedia.org, by Simplon2010.

In the village of Zermatt itself, tourists are offered a wide range of services for a comfortable stay, as well as. The sights of the town are not inferior to many other resorts. There is a lot to see and admire in Zermatt.

Photo source: artleo.com.

Where is: in the south of the canton of Valais, in the center of the Pennine Alps.

Aletsch Glacier

The largest in Europe is worth special attention - another pride of mountainous Switzerland.

Photo source: mostinfo.su.

According to fans of skiing, it is in the resort of Aletsch Arena that the best ski slopes are open. Both a professional and a beginner can ride here. Children's and training grounds, freestyle parks, sledge and hiking trails are also open.

Photo source: zhizninauka.info.

The highest mountain railway in Europe was built on the slopes of the Aletsch Glacier. And the observation deck offers picturesque views of the nature of the Alpine mountains in any season.

Reichenbach and Rhine waterfalls

The beauty of Swiss nature is sung by poets. But the power of the 250-meter Reichenbach Falls is difficult to express in words. This miracle of nature is located near the resort town of Meiringen.

Photo source: grimselwelt.ch.

Arthur Conan Doyle contributed to the popularity of these places. After all, it was here that the life of his famous character, Sherlock Holmes, ended. To view the waterfall, you can use the mountain tram. Cost: 7 Swiss francs.

Near the city of Schaffhausen is the second largest waterfall in Switzerland -.

Photo source: wikipedia.org, by Ch-info.ch.

The observation deck of the Rhine Falls is located right next to a powerful stream of water.

swiss national park

Huge scale natural park, the only one. A real protected area, where pristine nature is diligently protected from human influence. The walking routes of the park allow you to touch the wild nature of forests and mountains, get acquainted with the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

This oldest alpine reserve is world famous for its extraordinary rocky landscapes and canyons.

Photo source: cameralabs.org.

Where is: canton of Graubünden, in the region of the Engadine valley.

Mount Pilatus

Photo source: wikipedia.org, author Oleksiy Muzalyev.

The ancient castle is the most visited of the many historical buildings in Switzerland. The castle on the water for several centuries remained the residence of the counts of Savoy. The first chronicle mention of it dates back to 1160. Without a doubt, this is one of the most famous sights in Switzerland.

The entrance ticket costs 12 Swiss francs.

Where is: on the shores of Lake Geneva, at a distance of 3 km from the city of Montreux, canton of Vaud.

Zytglogge tower

It boasts many historical sights. But the famous does not compare with anything.

It's not even about the 12th century building itself. A large part of the uniqueness of the tower lies in the clockwork. After all, this clock was installed in 1530! The tower is also decorated with astronomical clocks, chimes and figurines.

Photo source: esosedi.org.

Where is: the historic center of the city of Bern, canton of Bern.

Kapellbrücke

Or - a visiting card of the Swiss city of Lucerne. One of the oldest historical monuments in the country. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century. The covered wooden bridge was part of the city's defensive fortifications. The octagonal stone tower Wasserturm was erected in the middle of the bridge.

Photo source: bridgesall.ru.

Where is: canton and city of Lucerne.

Ballenberg

Demonstrates about a hundred village houses, which are several centuries old. The oldest of them was built in 1336.

Photo source: swiss-travel-hans.ch.

The furnishings and household items of the past have been preserved in the houses. The dwellings are surrounded by old sheds, barns and picturesque landscapes.

Photo source: maybebeabroad.blogspot.ch.

The museum can be visited from April to October. Ticket price - 16 Swiss francs.

Where is: city of Brienz, canton of Bern.

Aventicum

The capital of Roman Switzerland and one of the most interesting sights in Switzerland. The ancient Roman city was founded by Gaius Julius Caesar. Today Aventikum is an open-air museum complex.

Photo source: rutraveller.ru.

The ancient Roman amphitheater for 16 thousand spectators is of great historical value. And today, various events are held here.

Photo source: en.wikipedia.org.

The building near the amphitheater, erected in the 11th century, houses the Roman Museum. The expositions show artifacts found during local excavations.

Where is: village of Avenches, near the Swiss language border Restigraben, canton of Vaud.

Swiss Transport Museum

Today, the Swiss Museum of Transport, known throughout Europe, represents all the vehicles that have ever existed. From horse-drawn carts to the latest models.

The expositions are divided by means of transport. There is a cosmonaut hall, aviation, railway and automobile halls.

Photo source: describe.ru.

Each visitor can temporarily become a pilot or driver, driving simulators.

Photo source: c-myxuh.livejournal.com.

The Swiss Museum of Transport is a real science and entertainment complex for adults and children.

The ticket price for an adult varies from 27 to 36 Swiss francs.

Where is: city and canton of Lucerne, Lidostrasse 5.

Swiss National Museum

Chief cultural and historical. It presents a wide variety of expositions covering the period from ancient times to the present.

Photo source: swiss2u.com.

The museum contains a wide variety of artifacts, some of which date back to the 4th millennium BC. The exhibition of knightly culture of the Middle Ages, a collection of weapons and a collection of Swiss watches from the 16th century are popular.

You can visit the museum daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm, on Thursdays - until 7 pm. The entrance ticket will cost 10 Swiss francs.

Where is: City of Zurich, Museumstrasse 2.

Benedictine Monastery of Saint John

Dated around 780. The complex of monastic buildings today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most unusual is the cross chapel and tower of the 10th century. The church of the monastery is decorated with ancient frescoes, which were discovered only in the 20th century.

Photo source: agentika.com.

A museum is open in the Plant's tower at the monastery, excursions are conducted. Entry to the church is free of charge, the cost of a ticket to the museum is 12 Swiss francs.

Where is: Müstair village, canton of Graubünden.

Romanmotier Abbey

According to legend, the monastery church was founded in the 5th century. Today we can observe a structure built in the 11th century.

Photo source: artdeco2011.ru.

The thousand-year-old monastery of Romanmotier is the most valuable monument of Romanesque architecture, a cultural object of national and regional significance. Within the walls of the church is a pulpit dating back to the 8th century.

Where is: Municipality of Romanmotiers-Anvie, Canton of Vaud.

Palace of Nations

It is a complex of buildings built in the 30s of the 20th century. The headquarters of the League of Nations was located here until 1946, after and to this day it is the building of the UN European Branch.

Photo source: wikipedia.org.

The palace attracts with its extraordinary beauty and luxurious architecture. The halls are open for tours. Visiting time: from 8:30 to 17:30, except weekends.

Where is: Geneva, 14 Avenue de la Paix.

Lenzburg Castle

This is the oldest building in Switzerland, is under state protection. Residence of Count von Lenzburg. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 11th century.

Photo source: mo4u.ch.

Today Lenzburg is the main historical museum of the canton of Aargau.

Can be visited from April to October. Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost of visiting is 12 Swiss francs.

Where is: city of Lenzburg, canton of Aargau.

Zoo in Zurich

It is rightfully considered one of the best in Europe. For each species, the necessary conditions are created here, close to their natural habitat.

Photo source: tanyusik.livejournal.com.

Visitors can walk among the inhabitants of the zoo. Many rare species of animals listed in the Red Book live here.

Photo source: gazeta.ua.

Visiting times: daily, from March to October - from 9 am to 6 pm, from November to February - until 5 pm. The cost of an adult ticket is 22 Swiss francs.

Where is: City of Zurich, Zurichstrasse, 221.

Grand Dixens Dam

The world's largest gravity dam, the height of which is 285 meters. A huge concrete wall keeps the waters of the melting glaciers.

Photo source: saiga20k.livejournal.com.

The sight is truly breathtaking. It is difficult to comprehend the scale of a man-made structure.

Photo source: valais.ch.

From June to September there are several daily excursions that take you to the middle of the dam. A funicular lifts to the top of the dam, or you can walk along the carved mountain tunnels.

Where is: Canton of Valais.

Emmental Cheese Dairy

The products of the world famous are the leaders among the exported cheeses of Switzerland.

Everyone can study the ancient traditions of making delicious cheese. The demonstration cheese factory conducts excursions, where, in addition to “gazing” at the birth of 75-kilogram cheese heads, you can create your own masterpiece. Only under the guidance of a specialist. Tasting of the world brand is an integral part of the tour.

Photo source: gooddays.ru.

Tours are held daily from 9 am to 4 pm. The cost of visiting with a guide is about 50 Swiss francs.

Where is: municipality of Langnau, canton of Bern.

Swiss Science Center Technorama

The only scientific center in Switzerland. Its huge exhibition area features more than 500 experimental stations that demonstrate various physical phenomena to the public. The center is of considerable cognitive interest, both in adults and children.

Photo source: sw-training.com.

Seminars in physics, chemistry, biology, as well as presentations are held in the museum's laboratories. Fascinating experiments with sound waves, the phenomenon of magnetism, and much, much more.

Photo source: fardesk.net.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm

Where is: City of Winterthur, Canton of Zurich, Technoramastraße 1.

Bear park in Bern

The bear is the symbol of the Swiss capital. It is no wonder that it is located in Bern. The area of ​​the park is 6 thousand square meters. Animals are provided with all the necessary conditions for a happy carefree life.

Photo source: mouse.ucoz.ru.

Smart and funny bears, in turn, do not feel sorry for their guests in a good mood.

Visiting time: from 8 am to 5 pm. Free admission.

Where is: city of Bern, Grosser Murishtalden, 6.

Viamala Gorge

One of the deepest gorges in the Alps fascinates with its wild beauty and mystery. On both sides of the gorge, cliffs rise, the height of which reaches 500 meters. From the depths of an immense abyss comes the roar of a stormy river.

Photo source: unitedforum.ch.

On the ancient rocks you can see drawings of the Bronze Age. In translation, the name means "bad way." But even this does not stop travelers in pursuit of thrills.

Where is: between the municipalities of Thusis and Zillis-Reischen, canton of Graubünden.

Ice pavilion in Saas-Fee

The high-altitude Swiss resort of Saas-Fee is famous for its. The geological section of a non-melting glacier is located on the top of the mountain, where the funicular lifts. The ice layers are millions of years old.

Photo source: myswitzerland.com.

Inside the glacier-museum, in addition to natural vaults, you can see unique works of ice created by sculptors.

The cost of visiting is 8 Swiss francs.

Where is: city of Saas-Fee, canton of Valais.

Notre Dame in Lausanne

Gothic - one of the oldest in the Swiss city of Lausanne. The date of its foundation falls on the 12th century.

Photo source: mirtravel.com.

The main decoration of the temple is the stained-glass window "Rose", created in the 13th century. It displays a medieval picture of the universe: 4 seasons, 4 elements, 4 winds, 4 paradise rivers, 12 months and zodiacs.

Entrance to the cathedral is free.

Where is: city of Lausanne, canton of Vaud.

Swiss Miniature Park

The most unique has about 130 models on a scale of 1:25, which are located on an area of ​​14,000 square meters.

Here in a short period of time you will get acquainted with all the architectural monuments of Switzerland. And on the miniature railway, children can ride with pleasure.

Photo source: images.esosedi.ru.

It will also be interesting to watch the movement of mini-cars on highways, flying planes, boats on small lakes and funiculars on smaller peaks.

The park can only be visited during the warm season - from March to October. Opening hours: from 9 to 18 hours. Ticket price - 17 Swiss francs.

Where is: city of Melide, canton of Ticino.

Museum of Fine Arts Basel

One of the oldest art museums in the world. It was founded in 1661. His collections of paintings combine works of art from different eras and trends.

The collection includes works by Flemish artists from the 15th to 17th centuries, as well as paintings of modern art. The museum has the most complete collection of works by the Holbein family and the collection of the city's famous collector Basilius Amerbach.

Photo source: wikipedia.org, by ALMare.

Visiting the Basel Museum of Art, you can see the priceless masterpieces of Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne and Salvador Dali.

The museum is open to visitors daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Ticket price - 15 Swiss francs.

Where is: City of Basel, half-canton of Basel-Stadt, St. Alban-Graben, 16.

Shelter of Saint Bernard Pass

In the Alps, it has long been a difficult transition for travelers. In 1050, St. Bernard built a monastery and an orphanage in this area. During a long and difficult journey, everyone could stop here and get food and lodging for the night.

Photo source: dic.academic.ru.

The monks of the monastery bred the St. Bernard dog breed. They were trained to search for people caught in an avalanche. Surprisingly, thanks to the instinct of these animals, more than 2 thousand human lives have been saved over the past few centuries.

A museum has been opened at the monastery today, which tells about the events from the life of the monks and their pets. And the shelter itself remains a quiet secluded corner for modern travelers who are tired of worldly bustle.

Photo source: bagira.guru.

St. Bernard with a barrel filled with alcohol for warming is a kind of Alpine symbol.

Where is: Bourg Saint-Pierre, Canton of Valais.

Carnival Fastnacht in Basel

The most important festive event in Switzerland is the Fastnacht carnival, which takes place in the city of Basel. A colorful event is held once a year, in February-March. The celebration is accompanied by dancing, music and all kinds of entertainment. This is also a kind of landmark of Switzerland.

Carnival participants appear as clowns and entertain the audience with inspiration. It is worth making a film about the original carnival costumes of Fastnacht. Such a fun and colorful spectacle is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.

Photo source: gubkin.info .

The Basel Carnival is the largest such event in the world. The tradition of holding it has been maintained since the 16th century.

Participants of Fastnacht are dressed up as jesters, witches, madmen, various good and evil characters.

Photo source: sambookia.com.

Switzerland hides many more amazing places and events, unusual sights. The list of the best attractions in Switzerland can be continued endlessly. In any case, no matter what part of the country you are lucky enough to see with your own eyes, the lack of unforgettable impressions and delight will definitely not threaten you.

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So Switzerland many stamps are connected: divine chocolate and cheese, exquisite watches, reliable bankers and Swiss, always neat and precise. Maybe that's why this people received Nobel Prizes and registered patents per capita more than any other country in the world?

Switzerland appears to tourists as a culture born from the fusion of German and Italian influences, at the same time amazing with Alpine landscapes that captivate the most sophisticated travelers.

The most beautiful and interesting places in Switzerland: Zurich

most populous city ​​in Switzerland considered the intellectual and cultural capital of the country. His most notorious breakthrough in art came in 1916, when a movement against the Dada aesthetic was born in the cabaret Voltaire; just when Lenin and Trotsky lived in Zurich. Today, the city is best known for its banks and art galleries, and for its ability to combine financial and aesthetic appeal as well as Sotheby's.

The pedestrian streets of the old city lead tourists to the most interesting sights: winding lanes, houses of the 16th and 17th centuries, a huge number (1030) of fountains. The elegant Bahnhofstraße runs through what was once a city wall 150 years ago. Underground are cash vaults. For lovers of watches - the bell tower of the XIII century. Church of St. Peter with a dial, the largest in Europe. And the Fraumünster Church, located nearby, is famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, created in 1970.

Satisfying cultural hunger Zurich(Switzerland), you can take a pleasant walk along the shore of the lake, organize a picnic, sunbathe and swim.

The most beautiful and interesting cities in Switzerland: Geneva

Conveniently located on the shores of the lake, this elegant city, like Switzerland as a whole, is an important participant in the global community: more than 200 international organizations are located here, and almost any issue of world importance is decided at one of Geneva's many negotiating tables. Capital of Switzerland has an excellent location, especially for walking along the lake or by boat. The cable car to Mount Salève allows you to appreciate the beauty of the panorama. In the center of the city is the Cathedral of St. Pierre, partly Gothic, partly Romanesque, where in the 16th century. preached by John Calvin, one of the reformers of the church. The building seems to reflect the severity of his teachings. The nearest Bourg-de-Four square is the oldest in the city: once there was a Roman forum, then a medieval market, and now tourist shops.

The most beautiful and interesting cities in Switzerland: Lucerne

The city is located in the heart of that historical and picturesque territory, which many consider the real Switzerland: mountains, lakes, alpine villages, cows with bells and meadows covered with edelweiss. Charming Lucerne, located on the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons and crossed by the Reuss River, is an excellent place for excursions. On the northern bank of the river is the picturesque center of the old city with painted facades of buildings, towers and a couple of beautiful covered bridges.

Whenever you want to breathe fresh air, you can always rent pedal boats and boats on the river and lake, and buy fresh vegetables and fruits near the piers.

Jungfrau region

For those looking for breathtaking scenery, this region has enough to offer. Three peaks towering at an altitude of 4000 m - create its image along with numerous cable cars and railways, hiking trails; excursions along them allow you to be in points from which a gorgeous panorama opens.

Chillon Castle

This place attracts so many visitors like no other in Switzerland today. From his delightful position right on Lake Geneva, he became famous when Byron wrote about the fate of the "Prisoner of Chillon", chained in the 16th century. to one of the pillars of the prison for four years. The castle can be reached on foot from Montreux, the heart of the Swiss Riviera.

Castles in the Bernese Alps

You can visit several beautiful castles in the direction of Lake Thun in center of Switzerland, immediately south of Bern. For example, the Tun Castle of the 12th century, which houses a historical museum and offers wonderful panoramas from the tower. One of the most beautiful by the lake is Oberhofen with an excellent collection of furniture, portraits, weapons and even a Turkish smoking room. Hunegg Castle was built not so long ago and is an attractive mixture of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles, interesting with a unique two-level bathroom. All three castles can be visited in one day by boat.

The most beautiful and interesting places in Switzerland: Zermatt

This is one of attractions in Switzerland and loved by all skiers and climbers, it came into fashion thanks to one of the peaks of the Alps. Skiers come here almost all year round for the 230 km of skiing at a fairly difficult level. And less active visitors simply admire the magnificent panorama, incl. with the help of the famous rack railway.

For a trip to resorts in switzerland you can choose any time of the year. In summer, the weather is wonderful, suitable for walking, so at this time the peak of tourist activity, and, accordingly, prices. On the contrary, in spring or autumn, there are much fewer tourists. For winter sports enthusiasts, the season starts at the end of November, culminates around the New Year and ends around April.

In February, the carnival is celebrated, especially widely - in Basel, where processions begin as early as 4 am. In Valais, cow fights are held from March to October to determine who will lead the herd in the pastures. The famous jazz festival in Montreux in July brings together the world's largest musicians.

Perhaps, Switzerland as a holiday destination is a mirror opposite to such countries as Turkey and Egypt. It would seem that there are enough mountains, lakes and rivers in Russia, but in the landscapes of Switzerland they appear from a completely different angle, causing genuine admiration. And together with a number of attractions, they create a unique place where during holidays in Switzerland you can combine a trip to museums, and walks along the lakes, and sports - and all this with Swiss elegance.

One of the most beautiful and romantic places in Switzerland is the village of Appenzell, located at the foot of the Swiss Alps. This is an ideal place for tourists who want to enjoy the solitude and pristine beauty of nature.

The ski resort of Kandersteg is a very popular tourist destination. The town is located just an hour's drive from the capital of Switzerland, which makes it even more attractive for vacationers. In our next article, we will talk about the main entertainment, accommodation and food in this truly paradise.

If you want to fully experience the culture of Switzerland, go on vacation not to large tourist-oriented cities, but to secluded small villages that have preserved the spirit and way of life of the past. We will talk about one of these places today in our article - welcome to La Chaux-de-Fonds!

Switzerland is a country that you fall in love with at first sight. If the purpose of your trip is a first-class vacation and acquaintance with the local culture, customs and traditions, feel free to choose the Mürren ski resort, where you can not only enjoy the beauty of the majestic Swiss Alps, but also visit a lot of attractions in the surroundings.

In the northwestern part of Switzerland, the wonderful city of Neuchâtel is located, famous for the castle of the same name and the lake. The medieval architecture of the city, combined with a special atmosphere, makes it so attractive for tourists. You will learn more about entertainment, food and accommodation in Neuchâtel in our next article.

Among the numerous health resorts in Switzerland, one of the best is considered to be Bad Zurzach - the town in which the largest thermal center in Europe is located. What else is remarkable about the resort and why you should choose it, you will learn from our new material.

Switzerland is famous not only for its excellent ski resorts and cultural attractions, but also for its beautiful nature. The town of Brienz is a confirmation of this, because it is here that one of the cleanest lakes in the country is located - Lake Brienz.

The town of Vevey, located in the western part of Switzerland on the coast of Lake Geneva, is one of the main resorts of the Swiss Riviera. Our article will help you get to know the city and its sights better.

One of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, Verbier is located in the southern part of the country and is famous for its developed infrastructure and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. The resort is perfect for traveling with the whole family, because there are many entertainments for children of different ages.

Villars is one of the many ski resorts in Switzerland. Families with children will especially like the town, because there are all conditions for active and fun recreation for both adults and kids. We will tell you more about snow slopes, attractions and entertainment at the resort later in our article.

Switzerland is famous all over the world for its ski resorts. One of the most popular is Grindelwald, located in the canton of Bern. From our article you will learn more about the infrastructure and features of recreation at the resort.

One of the elite and, accordingly, expensive resorts in Switzerland is Gstaad - a city that welcomes all guests of the country with luxurious hotels and chic restaurants, the best ski slopes in Europe and a lot of entertainment for every taste.

Davos is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland and a great place for a family holiday at any time of the year. Convenient location, excellent climatic conditions, the best hotels and restaurants in the country - all this makes Davos even more attractive for tourists.

The Swiss resort of Interlaken, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is very popular with all guests of the country. The city is famous for its sights, as well as the unique landscapes of majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters of the Thun and Brienz lakes.

One of the most beautiful places in Switzerland is Lauterbrunnen - a small village located just an hour's drive from Bern. The main attractions of Lauterbrunnen are the Staubbach and Trummelbach waterfalls. What else to see in this paradise, where to stay and what to try, our next article will tell.

Leukerbad is considered to be the most popular health resort in the south-west of Switzerland. Numerous thermal baths with outdoor and indoor pools, jacuzzis, saunas are just a small part of what this complex of thermal springs can offer tourists.

The resort town of Locarno is located in the south of Switzerland, just 10 kilometers from the border with Italy. Stunning landscapes and interesting sights make Locarno a favorite destination for tourists. Read more about the town in our article below.

Oberhofen am Thunersee is a relatively small town in Switzerland, located in the canton of Bern. The main attraction of the town is the castle of the same name on the right side of Lake Thun. What else to see and where to visit in Oberhofen am Thunersee, our new article will tell.

The ski resort of Saas-Fee, located in the south of Switzerland, is considered one of the best holiday destinations in the whole country. Excellent trails, an abundance of cultural and natural attractions, as well as all conditions for a comfortable pastime attract tourists from all over the world to Saas-Fee.

The highest city in Switzerland, St. Gallen, will delight tourists with the cleanest air, an abundance of attractions, including even UNESCO heritage sites, and delicious cuisine with an abundance of seafood and cheeses.

St. Moritz is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. Luxurious full-service hotels, the best slopes and the cleanest air are the main advantages of St. Moritz. You will learn more about what else St. Moritz can offer tourists from the following article.

Schaffhausen, located in the north of beautiful Switzerland, is very popular with all visitors to the country. Most of the buildings in the city are made in the medieval style, which gives Schaffhausen even more beauty and charm.

Engelberg, whose name is translated from German as “mountain of angels”, is the oldest ski resort in Switzerland, where thousands of tourists come all year round for outdoor activities, as well as to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature and the purest mountain air.

Arriving in Bad Ragaz, you will get an unforgettable experience of communicating with nature. Charming local landscapes, the purest air of the Alps and the sunny weather typical of Bad Ragaz, combined with a calm, measured atmosphere, make the rest here pleasant and psychologically comfortable.

A small country in central Europe, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and wealthy countries in the world. The main territory is occupied by the Jura and Alps, ¼ part is covered with forests. The nature here is very diverse and rich. The country borders with Italy, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, France.

Switzerland is a republic, it is divided into 20 cantons and 6 half-cantons. The population speaks Italian, French, German, Swiss. Switzerland is called the country of watches, chocolate, cheese and banks. The state is also famous for its world-class ski resorts, nature, and cultural heritage. Population - 8,419,600 people. The country is recognized as one of the safest in the world, the crime rate here is very low.

The state receives tourists all year round, each season is good in its own way. In winter, people come here to ski resorts, the off-season is perfect for exploring the sights and cultural heritage of the country. In summer, it is preferable to travel on lakes and mountains.

Top 10 most beautiful cities in Switzerland

1. Lucerne - a city in the heart of the country
2. Zurich is the best place to live
3. Thun - medieval tourist town
4. Stein am Rhein - a picturesque place with painted houses
5. Gruyères - the medieval appearance of the state
6. Bern is the capital of Switzerland
7. Zermatt - a town lost in the mountains
8. Appenzell - a traditional Swiss city
9. Schaffhausen is the northernmost city in the country
10. Friborg is one of the largest old cities in Europe

Lucerne - the famous pearl of Switzerland

A beautiful city that every tourist must visit. Here is the famous Vierwaldstet lake with rocky shores, high mountains with snowy peaks, ancient architecture that makes Lucerne look like a "gingerbread town". Everyone will find something interesting here. Lovers of antiquity can admire the painted old buildings, the fortress wall, medieval wooden bridges. In the pedestrian part of the city there are many shops for those who love shopping. Active people will choose mountain hiking, sledding, skiing. There are also romantic places here - the embankment, cozy restaurants. Cruises to the most picturesque places of the lake will be interesting, children will like a trip to the Museum of Transport, the Glacier Museum. The Dying Lion monument, made in honor of the fallen soldiers of the Swiss Guard in the Tuileries in 1972, is striking. Mark Twain called the monument the saddest and most touching stone sculpture in the world.

Other attractions in Lucerne worth visiting:

• an old Kapellbrücke wooden bridge with an octagonal stone tower;
• mill bridge Spreierbrücke;
• the Am-Rhyn-Haus with the Picasso Museum;
• old town hall;
• Mühlenplatz square;
• the charming square Weinmarkt with a fountain;
• the collegiate church of Saint Leodegar, where the famous 1640 organ with 4950 pipes stands;
• part of the medieval Museggmauer wall with 8 high towers.

Zurich - the ideal European city

The largest city in the country in terms of population, clean, beautiful and comfortable. For many years, it has been in the top five for life. There are many interesting places to visit here: churches, museums, parks, squares and streets, theaters, monuments. Main attractions: Lake Zurich, Old Town, Paradeplatz square, Bürkliplatz square, Langstrasse street, Bahnhofstrasse street. It will be interesting to visit the Kunsthaus Art Gallery, the Swiss National Museum, the Beyer Watch Museum, the FIFA Football Museum, the Opera House, the Urania Observatory, the City Hall, the zoo, the botanical garden.

Important historical monuments:

• St. Peter's Church
• Grossmünster Cathedral
• Fraumünster church

Various excursions are held in Zurich in different directions:

• chocolate factories
• cheese dairies
• lakes

Thun - a city with two-story streets

Thun is located next to the lake of the same name, in a picturesque place between the mountains. Included in the top ten most beautiful cities in the country. The main decoration is Thun Castle, located on a rocky ledge in the center of the old city. It was built in 1190, when it belonged to Count Berthold V. Today, the castle houses a historical museum, which houses collections of local antiquities from the prehistoric period to the 19th century. In the residential tower there is a huge knight's hall, a collection of weapons, a halberd. There is an exhibition of Swiss ceramics here, in the courtyard there is a well, the depth of which is 31.6 meters. The towers of the castle offer a beautiful view of the surroundings of the town.

There is a central two-level street in the old town. Popular Swiss shops are located on the central island of the town. Interesting places:

• the unique Obere Hauptgasse street, where the protruding terraces of houses serve as sidewalks;
• islet on the river Aare;
• city ​​hall of the 17th century;
• the main Reformed Church of Thun;
• beautiful Shadau park with flower beds;
• the world's oldest panoramic painting Wocher Panorama;
• Reichenbach Falls;
• resort at the foot of the mountains.

Stein am Rhein - a small town on the river Rhine

In 1945, American bombers accidentally hit Stein am Rhein and bombed it. But the city is an excellent example of restoration craftsmanship. Painted houses, ancient beautiful streets attract tourists and guests. Everything looks even more beautiful at Christmas, when the streets are decorated with colored lights. The whole old town is a tourist attraction.

Gruyere is the birthplace of the famous cheese

A tiny town in the west of Switzerland would once have been owned by the Counts of Gruyere. It attracts with its unique medieval appearance. Towering over the city is the castle of Gruyères, famous throughout the country, as well as the local cheese factory, where the famous cheese of the same name is produced. In one of the old houses near the castle, the artist Hans Rudolf Giger once founded a museum.

Bern - ancient beauty and grace

The capital of the state, located in the south of the country, in the valley of the Aare River, the old city is located on a high hill. The symbol of Bern is the bear, there is even a park where you can admire these animals. The town is notable for its old streets with galleries. This city belongs to the Middle Ages, it was built according to the plan, so the streets here are very wide. Bern's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions worth visiting when visiting the city:

• baroque Protestant church (Church of the Holy Spirit);
• historical Museum;
• Dutch tower;
• home of Beatrice von Wattenville;
• city ​​hall;
• Church of St. Peter and Paul;
• fountain "Samson";
• Albert Einstein House Museum;
• the oldest fountain of the city "Zäringer";
• astronomical clock tower Zytgloggeturm.

Zermatt - a city without cars

Located between the mountains, not far from one of the symbols of Switzerland - the Matterhorn. You can get here by public transport, cars are prohibited in the city itself. All public transport runs on batteries and is almost silent. The views from the city are amazing and impressive so much that sometimes you can’t believe that this is a reality. One of the most expensive ski resorts is located here, which is why everything is so expensive. The main attraction of Zermatt is the amazing beauty of nature. Those who want to get an unforgettable experience of landscapes should go to the mountain station Gornergrat. The train lifts people to a height of 3089 meters above sea level.

Appenzell - a godsend for tourists

One of the most traditional cities in the country. It is noteworthy that the female part of the population received the right to vote relatively recently - in 1991, after the requirement of the Swiss Constitutional Court. The town had a different name, in 1071 it was called Abbasella. The name was changed in 1223 to Abbatisella.

In the list of places to visit, a number of attractions:

• parish church;
• houses located in the city center;
• town hall in 1563;
• the ruins of Clanks Castle;
• administration building;
• salesian house;
• city ​​archive.

Every last Sunday in April, the city parliament gathers on the street, and local residents come to vote, dressed in traditional costumes. The square where everyone gathers is one of the most picturesque places in Appenzell. Several hotels and restaurants are located here.

The city museum is dedicated to the culture of the region, in the Liner Museum you can look at the gallery of modern art. The building itself looks very interesting.

Saint Mauritius Parish Catholic Church was built in 1513. The ceiling is decorated with neo-baroque paintings, the choir stalls are in the late Gothic style with ceiling and wall paintings from the 16th-18th centuries.

Schaffhausen - the atmosphere of a bygone era

A popular northern town, where houses used to be decorated with bay windows, of which there are more than 170. In 1075, Schaffhausen received the right to print its own coins, today it belongs to one of the best preserved medieval cities. It's nice to walk along the narrow streets, enjoy the beauty of houses with old paintings. Before Christmas, everything here is decorated with garlands and looks like a fairy tale.

One of the memorable places is Fort Munot. It was built by local residents in the 16th century. To this day, the silhouette of the building majestically rises above the city. The defenders of the fort lived in the rooms of the tower and rang the famous Munot bell every evening at 9 o'clock.

The city has a "Knight's House", whose facade is one of the most significant frescoes of the Renaissance. The original frescoes were removed from the façade for preservation in 1935 and can be seen in the All Saints Museum.

Many gourmet shops and cafes are located on the square in the center of the Old Town. Locals meet here to chat over coffee. The area was closed to traffic in 1972. Urists visit this place to look at the frescoes, carved bay windows, local fountains from which you can drink water.

Friborg - amazing architecture and nature

Another name for the city of Freiburg. The city was founded in 1157, having survived the Reformation, it remained exclusively Catholic. Here, the border between the French and German parts is felt more strongly than anywhere else. On the west coast, residents speak French, on the east - in German. A significant part of the city's population are students, who brought here an atmosphere of carelessness and a mixture of different cultures. Friborg managed to preserve the medieval center almost completely, thanks to which it became one of the largest "old cities" in Europe.

Friborg is very attractive in terms of architecture. There are also typical French buildings, a large number of cathedrals, narrow steep streets, high bridges, a fortress wall, turrets. All this goes well with picturesque nature, houses, rocks.

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is one of the main attractions of the city. Built in the 13th century, made in the Gothic style. Construction is divided into several stages from 1283 to 1490. The facade of the cathedral from the side of the main entrance is decorated with sculptures of the 14th century. The tower of the cathedral is 76 meters high, you can climb it up by breaking 368 steps. The cathedral has a chapel with a sculpture that strikes with expressiveness and is dedicated to the burial of Christ. The stained-glass windows of the chapel and the organ, the font in the Gothic style deserve attention. The stained-glass windows were worked on for several decades.

Other interesting places to visit in the city:

• Franciscan church of the 13th century;
• church of St. Michael;
• St. Michael's College;
• funicular Neuveville–St. Pierre;
• Augustinian church;
• city ​​fortification wall;
• City Hall of Friborg;
• Bern Bridge.

At the Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle museum, you can see a large number of mechanistic marvels by two excellent craftsmen. The Natural History Museum keeps a magnificent collection of late Gothic paintings, sculptures, a series of Burgundian belt buckles, an archaeological collection of finds from the Roman and prehistoric periods. The Kuriousium Sonnenberg houses the work of Jean Pierre Corpato, who worked only with a knife.

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Switzerland is one big picture. There are magnificent mountain views from border to border with picturesque villages in the valleys. It is a paradise for hikers in summer and skiers in winter. It is best to visit the small towns of Switzerland, which are the gateway to this alpine paradise.

Soglio is a small Swiss village with stunning scenery. In summer, wildflowers bloom on the hills, while the horizon is filled with snow-capped mountains. The main attraction is the church of San Lorenzo with a bell tower that rises above the village. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets to the Palazzo Solis, where you will be enchanted by the Mediterranean atmosphere and giant sequoias. This tiny village will allow you to be on your own, especially if you are hiking along the Berghell trail or through the chestnut forest.

Morcote is similar to other small picturesque towns in Switzerland. But, nevertheless, this amazing place stands out among others. Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, Morcote was named the most beautiful city in Switzerland in 2016. And for good reason: the town is famous for its architecture and medieval arcade. It contains 16th-century houses and the 13th-century church of Santa Maria del Sasso. It is also worth visiting the Botanical Park and the Art Museum.

Wengen, located in central Switzerland, has only 1,300 inhabitants. But in the summer it increases to 5 thousand people due to hiking enthusiasts who walk along the trails for kilometers every day. And in winter, this figure rises to 10 thousand, because Wengen is a popular place for cross-country skiing. The town has historic houses dating back to the Belle Epoque. If you go to Wengen by train, you can see climbers trying to climb the north side of Mount Eiger.

If you're a James Bond fan, then you're familiar with the cable car and revolving restaurant at the top of the Schilthorn. They are shown in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", which was filmed in Mürren. From anywhere in this amazing city, stunning views of the mighty mountains such as the Eiger and Jungfrau, as well as flower-filled meadows, open up.

Grindelwald and Gellert Grindelwald share the same name, but that's where the similarities end. Gellert Grindelwald is a dark character in the Harry Potter series, and Grindelwald is a picturesque town in the Bernese Alps. The surroundings here are just fantastic. You can admire the northern slope of Mount Eiger. From the 18th century, until the opening of the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region, Gridelwald was a major tourist destination. There are many good hiking opportunities in the summer, including the Eiger trails.

In this picturesque valley, there are 72 waterfalls that cascade down from the mountains. The most famous of them is Staubbach, which falls from a height of almost 300 meters. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. From the city itself, you can go on an excursion to the Jungfrau region through the valley right up to Mürren. This tiny picturesque village nestled among the mountains inspired many writers, including Goethe. Walking through the valley is a must, although the more adventurous can enjoy parasailing or paragliding.

Zermatt is one of the most famous ski and mountaineering resorts in Switzerland, located at the foot of the country's highest mountain - the Matterhorn. This is a favorite place for those who like glamorous and expensive outdoor recreation. Although the town is located close to the Italian border, most of its inhabitants speak German. You can go hiking or take the cable car up into the mountains for breathtaking views of the famous Matterhorn.