Things to do in Switzerland
Switzerland is definitely an exciting country to explore if you are moving there – whether you'd rather take in the local culture and gastronomy, or roam the Swiss Alps. The country combines a spectacular scenery of lush mountains and forests with a rich historical and cultural heritage and a high quality of life. It's safe to say your leisure time in Switzerland will be anything but boring.
Experience the nature
Swiss landscapes are world-famous worldwide; there is just so much to discover among the country's vast plains and snow-capped mountains. Switzerland has 18 natural and national parks scattered around the country, where you can go hiking, trekking, overnight-camping or simply have a picnic. Some of the most prominent are the Swiss national park, the parks of Beverin Chasseral, Ela, Thal, Doubs and the Entlebuch Biosphere which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Val Mustair Biosphere. Swissminiatur is a nature park that depicts the whole of Switzerland in a 'miniature' format: more than a hundred reproductions of castles, are surrounded by magnificent botanical gardens of 15,000 flower species and some 1,500 tree species. Kurpark, has a large green space surrounding a wonderful water fountain, famous for its aquatic symphony.
But Switzerland is so much more than the sum of its parks. You will have the chance to visit natural attractions like the Verzasca Dam, one of the country's most popular places of interest. The dam, also called Contra, is found at the Val Verzasca's entrance at a 470 meters altitude and has a 220-metre long and 380-metre high wall. Or like the Trift Bridge, found at a 100-metre altitude in the Alps and surrounded by a glacier. You can also explore the Moleson mount which stretches in Fribourg's ski area, as well as the world's highest dam; the Great Dixence at 285 metres high.
Good to know:
The Swiss part of the St. Jacques trail, a more than 600 years old route, connects the Schwarzenburg region to Fribourg through forests, streams, ruins and ancient chapels. It is primarily a pilgrimage trail but very interesting if you want to explore many facets of the Swiss nature.
Experience culture
Switzerland's vast history and culture can be explored at its numerous museums. The Zurich National Museum, for instance, hosts a large collection of historical objects in an equally historical building: here you will find cultural artefacts related to Swiss history from prehistoric times. The Ariana Museum in Geneva will familiarise you with the history of ceramics and glass making through more than 20,000 exhibits. You can also explore the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne, the Nestlé-founded Alimentarium in Vevey and of course the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
Experience everyday life
Shopping in Switzerland may be expensive, but the quality of products you will find, from clothing to the famous watches, will be worth it. The country also has a rich culinary heritage: wines, cheeses, chocolates and bread are at their best here. The country not only has thousands of vineyards and wineries but also pastures, which are 'responsible' for the wealth of dairy products and by-products such as the famous Swiss chocolates and the Gruyere cheese. Last but not least, countless restaurants and bars will provide you with enough options for your downtime.
