Switzerland, in the heart of Central Europe, is celebrated for its dramatic Alpine scenery, charming villages, and historic cities rich with medieval architecture. Famous for its precision watches and world-class chocolate, the country also boasts more than 7,000 lakes, some of Europe’s tallest peaks including the iconic Matterhorn, and remarkable engineering feats such as some of the world’s longest tunnels. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Switzerland offers experiences as refined as they are unforgettable.
Bern: Switzerland’s capital lies along the Aare River and is known for its UNESCO-listed old town with medieval architecture. The Lauben, a six-kilometre covered promenade, is one of Europe’s longest weather-sheltered shopping streets.
Interlaken: Between lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region. Its lively Hohematte park is lined with shops, hotels, cafés, and gardens, making it a favourite summer holiday destination.
Lucerne: On the shores of Lake Lucerne, this medieval town offers Alpine views, historic bridges, and a well-preserved old centre that dates back to the 8th century.
St. Moritz: A world-famous resort in the southern Alps, St. Moritz is known for its luxury hotels, mineral springs, and fine dining. Beyond skiing, summer brings hiking, sailing, and lakeside walks.
Zermatt: At the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free resort with dramatic mountain scenery, gourmet restaurants, and a refined Alpine atmosphere.
Switzerland is a destination for all seasons, each offering its own appeal. Spring, from March to May, brings mild weather, blossoming meadows, and alpine greenery. Summer, particularly July and August, is ideal for hiking and cycling in the mountains, though it can be humid at lower altitudes. Autumn transforms the landscapes with vibrant colours and harvest traditions, making it a beautiful time for outdoor exploration. Winter, from late December to early April, is high season for skiing and snow sports, with resorts across the Alps in full swing.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language: Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is most widely spoken, while French dominates in the west, Italian in the south, and Romansh in Graubünden. English is also widely understood.
What Makes it Special: Switzerland combines dramatic Alpine scenery with refined cultural traditions. From world-class skiing and high-altitude hiking to artisan cheeses, chocolate, and precision watches, the country is renowned for both natural beauty and craftsmanship.
Social Customs: Swiss culture values respect, order, and courtesy in public life. Greetings are expected, and good table manners are important. Public disturbances are frowned upon, but warm, polite interaction is always appreciated.
With only 500,000 population, this beautiful city is quieter than most European cities and has a quaintness about it. Lovely and peaceful to walk around, very safe, even if out late on your own. The forms of transportation are bus, train, ferry and obviously walking.
The Left Bank is where high end shopping such as Prada, Tiffany & Co, Gucci to Louis Vuitton are, in two large shopping streets - the Rue du Marché and the Rue du Rhône. The promenade is a happening place with Ferris wheel and little Christmas market while I was there.
The Old Town is the heart of the historic Geneva. Les Armures, a charming boutique hotel named after the armoury that once stood there, is both a hotel and a well-known restaurant for traditional Swiss mountain food like cheese fondue. The Old Town is worth visiting, with its Roman ruins in the cathedral crypt and its 400-year old houses. It is not known for its shopping, but has several small antique shops, gorgeous little cafes/restaurants and art galleries on narrow cobblestoned streets.
The Right Bank has most of the prestigious hotels, but also the alternative and working-class district of Les Pâquis. It has many restaurants and cafes. Its only department store is Manor, which is part of a Swiss chain. Otherwise, its shops are mainly small and alternative, or the luxurious watch and chocolate shops on the rue du Mont-Blanc.
Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, this side has views across the Lake and towards the Alps, especially the Mont-Blanc. On a city tour I learnt Geneva is the Headquarters of Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross, it’s a global hub for diplomacy and banking. French influence is widespread, from the language to food and culture.
Lisa
