Switzerland is the nation with the world’s best tourist conditions – at least according to the new Travel and Tourism Report from the World Economic Forum. The report argues that Switzerland has “… the most conducive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry”. At Momondo, we don’t really know what this means, but we want to celebrate the nomination anyway and have selected 7 things to see & do (in random order) in Switzerland:
The Swiss Riviera
Just because you don’t have a coastline, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a Riviera. The “Swiss Riviera” is situated in Lavaux (Cantan of Vaud) and goes along the Lake Geneva. Here, you should visit the UNESCO world heritage terraced vineyards that overlook the lake, the thrilling castle Château de Chillon and the town of Montreux famous for its annual jazz festival and for being the place where Charlie Chaplin spent his last years.
Brissago
Discover the Italian spirit in Switzerland in the town of Brissago situated on the shore of the stunningly beautiful Lago Maggiore and surrounded by the Alps. The Italian border is just a few kilometers away and you get a feel of “la dolce vita” when you stroll around in the medieval town where Italian is spoken, the restaurants serve osso buco and saltimbuca and where palm trees and exotic plants grow. Take a boat to the island of Brissago (Isole di Brissago), which is entirely covered by a beautiful botanical garden with plants from all over the world. No wonder that local botanists (and tour guides) claim that you see the whole world here.
Mount Pilatus
Of course you can’t visit Switzerland without going to the top of a mountain. If you aren’t a mountaineer, choose Mount Pilatus near the town of Lucerne. The top can be reached by aerial panorama gondolas, cableways and the Pilatus Railway, which is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (the latter operates from May to November depending on snow conditions). From the top there is a great view over the central Alps and the Lake Lucerne.
Grand Hotel Giessbach
Experience the past at the historical Grand Hotel Giessbach. The hotel is an exquisite world of its own from the golden age of tourism (dating from 1873) and has a unique setting high above the lake Brienz surrounded by mountains and forests – and is right next to the foaming Giessbach waterfalls.
The thermal spa in Vals
If you need a break from the “old world charm” at Grand Hotel Giessbach, then visit the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor’s amazing thermal spa in Vals. This ultra-modernistically designed spa, built entirely in grey local rocks, has achieved an iconic status among architecture fanatics and spa connoisseurs.
Zurich
The Red Factory Zurich. Photo by Toni_V
Switzerland is not all about stunningly beautiful nature end exclusive retreats. There are several cities of interest, especially Zurich which is by far the most liberal and edgy place in the rather conservative and well-ordered country. Years ago, the west end of Zurich was an industrial district but today, it's a hot spot with clubs, bars and fashion shops. For instance, it's the place where the world famous Freitag-bag comes from and where the company has its flagship store (the Freitag-tower).
EURO 2008
Some people couldn’t care less, and for others it’is the highlight of the year. We are of course talking about the EURO 2008, which Momondo dares to put on our top 7 list of things to see & do in Switzerland. This year’s European Championship in football is not held in Switzerland alone but also in Austria. If your country doesn’t play in Switzerland but in Austria, you should expect some pretty good conditions too - Austria is second on the World Economic Forum’s list of countries with the best tourism conditions.
Author David Rich
