Top Tourist Sites » Switzerland

Engadin Valley, Switzerland

Tommy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:57:35 +0000

Engadine is one of the top attractions for tourists visiting Switzerland. Even though Switzerland is home to many of Europe’s most breathtaking vistas, from the Swiss Alps to Lake Geneva, the Engadin Valley is near the top of the list for naturally stunning attractions to see. It is located in the canton of Graubunden in southeast Switzerland. It is a vast valley in the Swiss Alps that traces the Inn River all the way from the Maloja Pass to where the Inn River empties into Austria. The Engadin Valley is lined by impressive mountains and the entire region is known for its sunny climate. Engadine, generally speaking, however, is a reference to the river valley and the surrounding mountains and region.

Romansch is one of the official languages of this Swiss canton. Romansch is something of a leftover language from the time of the Roman Empire, when several of the Romance languages were melded into one because of the great diversity of cultures represented in the Roman Army and citizenry. In Romansch, Engadine translates literally as “the garden of the Inn River.”

Engadin Valley, Switzerland

The famous view of Upper Engadine valley from the Muottas Muragl area. The lakes of Staz, St. Moritz, Silvaplana and Sils are visible on the photo

St. Peter’s Cathedral, Geneva, Switzerland

Tommy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:35:16 +0000

Many different styles of architecture are on display at the various cathedrals in Switzerland. An interesting and distinguishing feature of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva, is that a whole host of architectural styles are represented, all in the same church. Archaeological findings have confirmed that the cathedral has been around since the fourth century. In the long history of St. Peter’s, this Geneva cathedral has undergone several architectural changes as it transitioned from its early Catholic affiliation rooted in fourth-century Rome, to its later Protestant ties. The architecture is largely Romanesque-Gothic, but has neo-classical elements as well, including the outer façade.

Although the outside is a mixture of architectural conventions that may, from some angles, not be the most aesthetically pleasing, when you actually go inside, it is a completely different story. At one time the grand interior of the cathedral was adorned with giant murals, but when the Calvinists moved in around 1536, their puritanical leanings left little tolerance for this elaborate and ornate cathedral.

Most of the murals and frescoes were whitewashed and few remnants of the Roman Catholic influence in this cathedral remain. Even in spite of this, St. Peter’s in Geneva remains one of the most spectacular Swiss cathedrals in all of Switzerland. The Gothic and Romanesque pillars, reliefs, towers, and spires are inspiring upon first glance.

Gothic and neo-classical exterior of Geneva's cathedral.

St. Peter’s Cathedral, Geneva

Lausanne Cathedral, Switzerland

Tommy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:39:57 +0000

The Lausanne Cathedral is one of the most impressive of all the Swiss cathedrals, and is considered by many to be the most famous work of Gothic architecture in Switzerland. Construction began in the late twelfth century and the cathedral was consecrated by Pope Gregory X in 1275. The cathedral is located near Lake Geneva in the alpine town of Lausanne. Tourists traveling to the small village to see the cathedral will find a most ornate façade with high towers, flying buttresses, and stained glass.

Some of the famous features of the nearly 1,000-year-old Lausanne cathedral include the Montfalcon Portal, which is a massive, decorative doorway leading into the church, and the Great Porch, a large outdoor courtyard with elaborate statues and frescoes lining the walls. The Lausanne Cathedral is a standout feature of this lakeside town in Romandy, a French-speaking part of the country, bordering France and residing on the banks of Lake Geneva.

The Lausanne Cathedral is one of the most impressive of all the Swiss cathedrals

Lausanne Cathedral, Switzerland

Aigle Castle, Switzerland

Tommy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:30:36 +0000

Of all the popular castles in Switzerland, Aigle Castle also ranks near the top. It is located in the Rhone Valley at the foothills of the Vaudois Alps. The castle is situated in the middle of acres of sprawling vineyard that have been productive since the twelfth century. Italian and French cultural influences and traditions meld together in the village’s restaurants and various shops and attractions.

This part of Switzerland is popular for winter sports, and tourists who head to the canton of Vaud for hiking or skiing, should put a trip to the intimidating and magnificent Aigle Castle on their to-do list.

Aigle Castle, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Tommy — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:44:59 +0000

Lucerne Switzerland is a renowned European vacation destination. Found in the heart of the country, it rests on the shores of a beautiful lake that shares its name. It is also within reach of two nearby mountains, as well as the majestic Swiss Alps. Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the top things to do in Lucerne, and visitors can also get their fill of culture. The city hosts one of Europe’s premier musical events, and it also offers various festivals throughout the year, such as the Lucerne Cheese Festival. As is true throughout much of Switzerland, Carnival is also celebrated here with vigor. For those who can’t make it to Lucerne for one of the top yearly events, there will be lots of other things to enjoy. The Lucerne attractions offer something for everyone, and the city’s competent transport network makes getting around easy.

Lucerne is a picturesque Swiss town. Charming cobblestone streets, delightful architecture, and a series of covered bridges add to the city’s undeniable appeal. The bridges of Lucerne span the Ruess River. The most renowned bridge is the Chapel Bridge, which is an impressive 670 feet long. Originally built in 1333, the Chapel Bridge had to be replaced in 1993 after falling victim to fire. Halfway across the bridge, a thirteenth-century tower can be found. The Water Tower, which was originally a fortification, is now a museum. Together with the Chapel Bridge, it makes up the city’s most renowned landmark. The Mill Bridge is one of the other Lucerne attractions worth noting. This covered bridge dates back to 1408, making it the oldest of its kind in all of Europe.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Chapel Bridge of Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

Tommy — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:24:18 +0000

Swiss castles of all sizes can be found throughout Switzerland. Few manmade constructs throughout history have captivated the imagination and wonder of people as much as castles. The elegance and unrivaled splendor of many of Europe’s castles are emblematic of the fairy tale court life associated with royalty, wealth, and extravagance. The castles in Switzerland are no exception. The country boasts around 600 castles, which, given the land and population, is impressive. These giant feats of architecture give a glimpse into the feudal, aristocratic, and monarchic history of Europe. They range from large, mansion-like buildings, to the most extravagant and breathtaking, fortress-type, traditional castles. Of all the Swiss castles, Chillon Castle is the most popular, and most visited historical monument in all of Switzerland.

Chillon Castle is located on the banks of Lake Geneva, situated below the high-reaching Swiss Alps. The castle has been around since the Bronze Age, and the earliest correspondence that mentions the castle dates all the way back to 1150. The castle has endured three different periods throughout its history, as it has transitioned from the Savoy period (twelfth century to 1536), to the Bernese period (1536-1798), to the Vaudois period, which came to be after the Vaudois Revolution in 1798.

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon), Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), Montreux, Switzerland

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

Chillon Castle Lake Geneva Switzerland

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

Bernese Oberland, Bern

Tommy — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:11:47 +0000

The Bernese Oberland region is widely considered to be one of the most breathtaking areas in all of Switzerland. It is a part of the canton of Bern, which is the second largest of all the Swiss cantons. A canton is simply a small territorial district. In a country known for its stunning natural beauty, this region truly stands out. It is flanked by the high peaks of the Bernese Alps, and surrounded by dense forestland and the gorgeous Lake of Thun.

Anyone booking Bernese Oberland travel should be prepared for an unforgettable experience seeing some of Europe’s most impressive natural landscapes.

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Grosser Aletsch Glacier Berner Oberland Switzerland

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland view from above

Top attractions in Switzerland

Tommy — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:49:59 +0000

Switzerland seems to have it all, including seemingly endless mountains blanketed in bright white snow, a small and friendly population, enviable laws preventing pollution and maintaining a pristine environment, majestic castles, and dense woodlands.

Lucerne in Switzerland

From the simple life to lavish indulgence, the breadth of possible experiences is one aspect that draws visitors in. The country is ne that’s envied all around the world for its peaceful and neutral stance on many worldwide happenings. Always regarded as a peacemaker, this aspect of the country seems to promote Switzerland vacations all on its sown.

The small Alpine country has a big reputation for a variety of appealing things. From Swiss Army utility knives to delicious chocolate and sumptuous cheeses, there are many well-known exports enjoyed all around the globe. For the wealthy jet-setting types, Switzerland travel offers a number of intriguing facets. Stylish and hip, ski resorts like St Moritz are as well known for glitz and glamour as they are for some of the best skiing in the world.

More than one hundred ski resorts in total are dotted throughout the country and offer premier winter activities along with a slew of warm weather pursuits, from hiking mountainous peaks to cycling through fragrant meadows.

Switzerland top attractions:

Chillon Castle, Switzerland
Cantons

Castles
Cathedrals
Engadine Valley
Interlaken
Lakes
St Moritz
Matterhorn
Museums
Swiss Alps