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Contents
Introduction
The tourism in Switzerland
Accomodation
The best places for the first visiting
Conclusion
Literature
Introduction
Switzerland is one of Europes most visited countries, but one of its least understood. Pass through for a day or two, as most people do, and youll get the quaint stereotype of Switzerland that the locals deem suitable for public consumption - the Alpine idyll of cheese and chocolate, Heidi and the Matterhorn.
Stay longer though and another Switzerland will emerge, the one which the Swiss inhabit, and one which can be an infinitely more rewarding place to explore. Sights are breathtaking, transport links are excellent, costs are no higher than in Britain or Germany, and the locals are unfailingly courteous.
Almost everyone speaks some English along with at least one of the official Swiss languages (German, French, Italian, and, in the southeast, Romansh).
Prestigious southern slopes of the Alpes near to Italy are considered. The capital of winter Olympiads Saint-Moritz and Davos here is located - the favourite place of rest of Russian nobility is no time. Many prefer the most southern resort of the country - Cematte, where it is possible to ski even in summer. Arriving to the country in summer months prefer numerous lakes, and those who visits Switzerland an autumn were enjoyed vineyards the Shaft or In.
The tourism in Switzerland
Accomodation
Caring for guests is a serious business in this nation of innkeepers. Where almost anything will be done to make you feel welcome and at home. With a reputation like this it is no surprise that many people come back time and time again. From historic palaces to the tiniest pension, there is definitely a place for every taste.
Of course, there is one thing we cant do for you - pick exactly where you will stay. But we present so many choices you will surely find the perfect spot. Whether you are touring a specific region or staying in one place for a week or so, there is an impressive range of accommodation available.
Hotels
When it comes to Swiss hotels the choice is immense. Throughout the country, you will find historic hotels, traditional hotels, country inns, designer hotels, female only hotels right up to the most modern business hotel as well as luxurious and theme hotels.
Apartments and Chalet Rentals
Accomodation is expensive, but nearly always excellent. Tourist offices can generally book rooms for free in their area, and they normally have a display-board on the street with details of the regions hotels, often with a courtesy phone. In many cases youll find these boards at train stations. When you check in, you should always ask for a guest card: these can give substantial discounts on local attractions and transport.
Switzerland is a country of chalets and apartments. A wide selection is available in all tourist regions. In this menu you will find detailed advice on how to locate and book your apartment or chalet.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed and Breakfast is a fairly new term in Switzerland, this type of accommodation has always been on offer but was better known as 1* and 2* hotels. This is a growing market in Switzerland and a specific web-site has been set up for further information on Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Switzerland.
Camping
Although it is only possible to camp on authorised camping sites in Switzerland, you will always find a site in the area that you want to stay in.
Group Accommodation
Group accommodation is widely catered for in Switzerland. Whether a large family, a group of friends a school/club holiday or that all-important corporate conference.
Hostel/Backpacking
Just about every Swiss settlement offers a choice of hotels, where accomodation is of a uniformly high standard, and not excessively expensive.
The Swiss Hotel Association (®www.swisshotels.ch) has a list of approved establishments, and occa-sional offers. Double rooms with a shared shower and toilet can cost as little as Sfr85, though a more usual average is Sfr110. Ensuite hotel rooms cost from around Sfr135.
Hostels and campsites
If youre travelling on a budget, a hostel I (Jugend-herberge; Auberge de Jeunesse; Albergo/Ostello per la Giovent) is likely to be your accommodation of choice; Switzerland has an extensive network, with most places offering very good value. You should definite-ly book ahead between June and September. HI hostels (®www.youthhostel.ch) are of a universally high standard and feature a good proportion of double rooms as well as small dorms. Prices range from Sfr19 to Sfr40; the average is Sfr25 for a dorm bed including breakfast and bedding. Non-HI members pay Sfr5 extra. Note that under-25s are given priority and that theres usually a three-night maximum stay during summer in the towns. Meals, where avail-able, are around Sfr10. A rival group known as Swiss Backpackers (®www.backpack-er.ch) has lively hostels that are less Institu-tional, often in prime locations in the town and city centres, and are priced to compete; theyre specified in the text as "SB". Outside the towns and cities, Naturfreunde hostels are a good budget option, located in wilder areas well off any beaten tracks (®www.naturfreunde.ch)
The typical Swiss campsite is clean and well equipped, although the higher the alti-tude the more limited the opening times many close altogether outside the summer season (June-Sept) Prices tend to be around Sfr8 per person plus Sfr8-12 per pitch and per vehicle Many sites require an international camping carnet Camping out-side official sites is against the law For those hiking in the mountains theres a network of Swiss Alpine Club huts, where dorm beds cost around Sfr30 per night (®www.saccas.ch).
The budget accommodation market is very widely used in Switzerland. Information for students is available on Student Travel in this section or to make an online reservation.
Switzerland Tourism is adopting the ranking, which appeared in the SonntagsZeitung, allocated by the journalist Karl Wild and his team, taking the following crtiteria into account:
Criteria for the hotel classifications:
Evaluation of the leading hotel and restaurant guides
Quality checks of the leading hotel organizations
Investment activity
The hoteliers charisma and receptiveness to innovation
Hospitality
Character and originality of the hotel
Situation/surroundings and range of leisure facilities
Range of leisure facilities
Value for money
Offers specific to the categories
5 categories:
The 15 best Nice-Price holiday hotels
For example:
Arosa » 1. - Waldhotel National****
A bit above the town, surrounded by pine forests and with a glorious view of the mountains. Friendly atmosphere, beautiful rooms, Wellness centre.
Double room from 200 SFr. incl. breakfast (Your host: Steffen Volk).
Zermatt » 2. - Mirabeau****Pleasant atmosphere, spacious rooms and a glorious view of the Matterhorn. The restaurant (16 "Gault Millau" Points) is no less inspiring.
Double room from 229 SFr. with half-board (Your host: Sepp und Rose Julen).
Ascona » 3. - Al Porto***
A dreamy romantic jewel on the Piazza: magical inner courtyards, a secluded garden, tasteful rooms and excellent cuisine.
Double room from 225 SFr. incl.breakfast (Your host: Helene und Frank H. Wolf).
Saas Fee » 4. - Au Chalet Cairn***
Very beautiful, charmingly rustic, and peacefully situated chalet with informal character. The well-being of the guest is the prime concern.
Double room from 230 SFr. with half-board (Your host: Familie Hopf-Brantschen).
Celerina » 5. - Misani***
A Modern Feeling hotel, which is run with commitment, and which has an unusual design. Rooms in various basic furnishings can be arranged oneself.
Double room from 170 SFr. incl. breakfast.
The 15 best City hotels:
Zurich » 1. - Baur au Lac*****
Zurichs most magnificent synthesis of the arts remains unequalled in top position. This unostentatious temple of luxury stands up to every comparison with the most beautiful hotels in the world.
Lugano » 2. - Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence*****
Unique grandeur and extravagance in the former villa of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern. Enchanting terrace over the lake, attractive new junior suites.
Lausanne-Ouchy » 3. - Bau-Rivage Palace*****
Magnificent Belle Epoque Palace in an enormous park on the bank of Lake Geneva. The prices in the restaurants, which are less magnificent from the culinary aspect, are worth considering.
Genf » 4. - Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone*****
Luxury hotel renovated for over 60 million (Swiss) francs, with no shortcomings, in central position. Splendid rooms and marble baths, the most sophisticated technology.
Luzern » 5. - ArtDeco Hotel Montana****
Unique, extremely pleasant design hotel with enormous experience value". The best city four star hotel in Switzerland is a must for every hotel lover.
Genf » 6. - Beau-Rivage*****
Traditional, magnificent inn, built in 1865, with a six-storey atrium lobby. Slighlty eccentric hotel with friendly character and a lot of charm.
Zurich » 7. - Widder*****
Art, culture and high tech, spread over several old city houses, styled to the last detail, in the heart of the city. A little less hustle and bustle would occasionally be appropriate.
Lausanne » 8. - Lausanne Palace & Spa*****
Beautifully renovated traditional hotel with magnificent spa in the heart of the city. There is no trace of the slight fuddy-duddyness of the past.
Neuenburg » 9. - Beau-Rivage*****
The best hotel on Lake Neuenburg has added another point. A fascinating mixture of a traditional luxury hotel and of simplicity.
Luzern » 10. - The Hotel
Spiritualism, combined with elegance and timeless design: Jean Nouvels trade mark is omnipresent, its impossible to imagine the city without this magnificent hotel.
Genf » 11. - Des Bergues*****
Despite all rumours of being up for sale (Four Seasons?). This first class hotel, refurbished with million-pound investments, has again managed the leap to be one of the best.
Luzern » 12. - Palace Luzern*****
Wonderful rooms with unique panoramic view, splendid lobbys and an excellent restaurant: the million pound investments have paid off.
Double room from 465 SFr. excl. breakfast (Your host: Constancia und Andrea Jorger).
Zurich » 13. - Savoy Baur au Ville*****
Everything is just about perfect in the traditional, stylish hotel in Paradeplatz. The omnipresent Manfred Horger personally guarantees that.
Basel » 14. - Kunsthotel Teufelhof***
This cultural and gastronomic multi-branch business with a small theatre has, its true, slipped several places, but can still call itself the best three star hotel in the country.
Zurich » 15. - Romantik Hotel Florhof***
Charming boutique hotel in a beautiful patrician house with idyllic garden restaurant. Still a secret tip with guests, who stay at luxury palaces elsewhere.
The 15 best Family hotels like:
Losone » 1. - Albergo Losone
Unique subtropical paradise full of surprises: Diego Glauss Free Republic" sparkles more than ever and remains the measure of all things for family holidays.
Pontresina » 2. - Saratz****
There is no doubt that Daniel Fuglister will continue to successfully manage this (family) holiday world, built by Adrian Stalder, and situated in an enormous park.
Zermatt » 3. - La Ginabelle****
Informal, hospitable super chalet, where the whole family feels at home. Spirits are high in the Pumuckel childrens club and youth club.
The 25 best Holiday hotels
For example:
Ascona » 1. - Eden Roc*****
Daniel Ziegler is setting new standards for the Swiss Holiday Hotel Business in this fabulous marble palace on Lake Maggiore. Without doubt it ranks number one.
St. Moritz » 2. - Kulm*****
Elegance, luxury and tradition, far removed from any blase attitude and pomposity. Its jump to second positon is a well-earned reward for the most uncomplicated top hotel in this classy spa.
Ascona » 3. - Albergo Giardino*****
The new Wellness section is superbly attractive. Franz Reichholfs magical romantic empire can now really get going.
Zermatt » 4. - Riffelalp*****
Stylish luxury, and exemplary hospitality in a tasteful and comfortable atmosphere. In the kings category thats enough straight away for a top position.
The 15 best Wellness hotels
Bad Ragaz » 1. - Grand Hotels Bad Ragaz*****
Complete Wellness and beauty facilities, casino, golf, top restaurants and much more. This splendid resort has made a big name for itself far beyond the Swiss borders.
Interlaken » 2. - Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa*****
Inspiring monument to the Swiss hotel business. The Wellness area is as superb as anything in Emmanuel Bergers world-famous empire.
St. Moritz » 3. - Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
This newly opened luxury hotel with casino, the first Kempinski in Switzerland is, especially due to its extensive Wellness and beauty range, an enriching addition to the top hotels in Engadine.
A transport system
Trains and buses
Travelling through Switzerland by train is invariably comfortable, hassle-free and extremely scenic, with many mountain routes an attraction in their own right. The main network, run by SBB OFF FFS (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, Chemins de Fer Federaux, Ferrovie Federali Svizzere), covers much of the country, but many routes, especially Alpine lines, are operated by the smaller companies which pioneered them a century or more ago. Buses take over where train track runs out. These are generally yellow postbuses (www.post.ch), which depart from train-station forecourts.
InterRail (also EuroDomino) and Eurail passes are vaild on SBB and most smaller lines, but the discounts they bring are patchy on boats, cable cars and mountain railways (specified in the text as IR for InterRail and ER for Eurail). Postbuses are free to holders of all Swiss passes - although certain Alpine routes command a Sfr5-10 supplement, along with advance seat reser- vation) - but not to Eurail and InterRail pass holders.
Boats
All of Switzerlands bigger lakes are crossed by ferry services of one sort or another. Most run only during the summer season (June-Sept), and duplicate routes which can I be covered more cheaply and quickly by rail. But if you have the time, cruising through the Alpine foothills to Interlaken or between villages on the Lake Geneva shoreline beats the equivalent train journeys hands down.
Berne, the Capital of the Swiss Confederation
Bern is Switzerlands romantic political capital, the city of the bear pits, flowers, fountains and museums, and the unique medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage).
The Bernese Old Town is situated on a peninsula of the River Aare. Its centre is dominated by the imposing Government Building where the parliamentary sessions are held. Museums, theatres, historical attractions, restaurants and inns, shops and the weekly markets are all easily accessible on foot. Berns 6 kilometres of arcades make it the city with the longest weather-protected shopping promenade in Europe. Berns Renaissance fountains were constructed in the mid-16th century. The Zahringer fountain was erected to the memory of Berthold V of Zahringen who founded the town in 1191. The Zeitglocke Tower with the famous glockenspiel originates from the 12th century. The Bear Pit it the Citys most popular tourist attraction.
Discover the city of Berne on a exciting guided tour in a riverrafting boat on the river Aare.
The Old Town of Bern
The capital of Switzerland has many charms. Its quaint old town is framed by the Aare River and offers spectacular views of the Alps. With its 6 km of limestone buildings and medieval arcades,its Renaissance fountains with colorful figures,and its beautiful cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops,Bern, founded in 1191,i s truly a gem of medieval architecture in Europe.
Swiss Alpine Museum Berne
The only museum dedicated to the Swiss Alps introduces the visitors to cultural and natural pecularities of the alpine world. The journey of discovery into history und present of the Swiss Alps is accompanied by videos, commented slides, multivision, infos-stations, atmospheric representations, and impressive originals.
The main features of the exhibition are relief art, geology, tectonics, glaciers, climate, fauna, flora; cartography and survey; alpine agriculture, folklore, settlement, house construction, development and change of landscape; alpinism, tourism, wintersports; endangering and protection of the Alps; paintings, and prints (dioramas from Ferdinand Hodler 1894, paintings from Alexandre Calame, E.T. Compton and others).
The exhibition is throughout in four languages.
Geneva
1. The smallest of big Capitals
In Geneva there are a lot of hotels of all categories and the highest density of restaurants in Switzerland, in comparison to the number of inhabitants. Many among these are classified among the worlds best in the famous guides. Geneva also proposes a large number of restaurants with dishes from the whole world.
Sportsmen will love Geneva, especially golf players who have the choice between 26 greens in the Geneva region.
There are a lot of possibilities for excursions in the surrounding countryside, the Swiss Alps, to France and even to Italy.
2. The Assets of Geneva
Situated between the Alps and the Jura Mountains at the very south- west part of Switzerland, Geneva has a very nice temperate climate. The Canton with its 282 square km, with the lake and the river Rhone, presents a marvellous surrounding to its visitors who can enjoy the alpine mountains in the background of the environing green countryside.
A great number of International Organizations, among which the U.N. is the most famous, have their head quarters in Geneva, making it to the Capital of Peace.
With its over 40 museums its numerous art galleries as well as its theatres and its opera where famous international artists perform, Geneva is also an important cultural centre.
3. General Information
The town and the canton of Geneva have a population of 180000 and 400000 inhabitants respectively.
The official language is French, but many people in Geneva speak English and German.
Geneva enjoys a temperate climate with average temperatures of 10° Celsius in the winter and 23° in the summer.
Its altitude is 375 m above the sea level.
It lies in the time zone of Central Europe (Greenwich GMT. + 1) and applies Summer Time (+ 1 hour, from the last week-end of March till the last week-end of October).
The currency is Swiss Francs (CHF) one Franc is divided into 100 Centimes. Most credit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops. The prices for hotels, restaurants and taxis include taxes and service. Therefore tip is not indispensable, except when the customer is especially satisfied with the service.
You will find more details on next page...
4. The "Jet dEau"
The Traveller, who discovers Geneva for the first time, will certainly be fascinated by the Jet dEau, the water-fountain in the lake. This is a 140 meters high water monument, sort of an exclamation mark dominating the roadstead. A white column, constantly moving, mounting rapidly into the sky and then falling down again in millions of drops as a curtain with thousands of constantly renewed folds.
The Jet dEau of Geneva has a rich history. Originally it was the safety valve for a hydraulic plant, at the time when electricity was still a laboratory curiosity. Today it works through motor-driven pumps and its capacity is 500 litres per second. It works from the beginning of March till mid-October. When approaching the Jet dEau, the visitor feels a mixture of an indescribable power and freshness. Coming closer he will feel a draught filled with invigorating spray. After that he will get conscious about the environing sites, the harmony of the quays, the old town on the hills and the St Peters Cathedral. Later he will admire the gentle lines of the Jura Mountains at the horizon. When going back in the dark of the night he will see the many multicolour lights of the town, emphasized by the line of the hundreds of small lamps along the quays. The Jet dEau will add its vertical line to this peaceful horizontal picture.
5.The Flower Watch
In 1955 the huge Flower Watch was created at the edge of the English Garden. Together with the Jet dEau they are the main attractions every year for the tourists visiting our town. The Flower Watch reminds us about that Geneva is the birthplace of the Swiss clock and watch making and that this industry has become internationally famous, as well through the quality of the watches as through their elegance.
Carried out thanks to the initiative of the "Association des Interets de Geneve (former name of Geneva Tourism), and with the financial support by "lUnion des fabricants dhorlogerie de Geneve et de Vaud" (the Geneva and Vaud watch makers Union), The Flower Watch reminds of Genevas importance within the international watch industry and also emphasizes the beauty of its parks with their magnificent flower beds. Managed by the " Service des Espaces Verts et de lEnvironnement ", (park and environment service) concerning the flower arrangements, and the watch making society Favag of Neuchatel concerning the mechanical part, the Flower Watch has the peculiarity to have the worlds longest arm for seconds. It measures 2 meters 50. Each second it moves about 27 cm. It was important to considerate the slope of the face to assure the preciseness of the watch. Its total circumference is 15,70 m, and its diameter is 5 m. For each flower decoration about 6500 different plants are necessary.
6. Walks in Geneva
Discover Geneva, the worlds most international city, with a licensed guide. There is much more to see than the "Jet dEau" and the flower clock ! Stroll with us, back through history, in the Old Town; admire our lakeside parks and elegant villas; discover our museums; learn about Genevas unique role in diplomacy and peace making in the international sector.
- Walks with Geneva Tourisms Official Guides
- Audioguided Visit of the Old Town
- Geneva, the pleasure of water
- Escalade: walking tour through the Old Town New
7. Excursions
City tours
Our experienced official guides are at your disposal regardless of the object of your stay in Geneva. It is possible to take a guided tour of the town on foot from most of the hotels or other excursions a coach will pick the group up at their hotel.
Consult our list on the following page...
Cruises
Get to know Lake Geneva and the Rhone-River Valley by choosing from our wide range of cruises (some with commentaries) that leave from a variety of embarkation points around the harbour:
- Cruses on Lake Geneva
- Rhone River Cruise
- Rafting down the Arve Rive
- Boat & Pedal-boat Rental
Excursions
Thanks to its exceptional location in the centre of Europe, Geneva offers numerous possibilities for excursions. Whether by boat, train or coach, they represent an excellent opportunity to set off in discovery of the surroundings
- Excursions by Mini-train
- Excursions by Coach
- Excursions by Cable Car
8. Technical Visits
Genevas industries and commerces await your visit. They will enable you to discover and learn about regional products. The next page will give you wealth of ideas as well as details enabling you to carry them out.
More informations on the following page... (ONLY FOR GROUPS)
9. GenevRoule
Use free bicycles.
How can one discover the sights and lovely scenery of Genevas surrounding countryside in a leisurely, ecological, healthy and invigorating manner? On a bicycle, of course! Urban and suburban Geneva boasts a large network of cycling lanes and signposted itineraries. A few pushes on the pedals will take you out into the country amidst the vineyards, forests, fields and brooks in no time. Do stop to relax in one of the charming villages which dot the landscape.
Zurich Downtown Switzerland
Zurich is top for leisure and pleasure. Gentle hills, peaceful woods, the unpolluted lakes and rivers, picturesque villages - and all just a stones throw from the Alps. Zurich is the ideal starting point for all kinds of varied excursions.
Zurich
Enjoy the pretty old town, the trendy new Zurich West district and the glorious lake.
With opera, ballet, theater premieres, shows, musicals, art exhibitions in over 50 museums and 100 galleries, time never drags in Zurich. The famous Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmatquai are a shoppers paradise. Over 1,700 restaurants and bars serve both traditional Zurich and Swiss dishes as well as exotic specialties. The eveningswill leave you spoilt for choice: indoors or outdoors, anything is possible as far as the nightlife in Zurich goes.
Winterthur
Winterthur has blossomed from a former industrial town to a lively venue for all ethnic groups and types of culture. Winterthur is an important museum town - it has 16 in all - and also offers a wide range of culture, sports and entertainment. Amongst the numerous night clubs and bars you will also find the only bar in Switzerland that opens 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Rhine Falls, the biggest waterfall in Europe, is just a 20 minute drive from Winterthur.
Rapperswil & Lake Zurich
Rapperswil, the riviera at the upper end of Lake Zurich, will charm you with its many attractions: the castle, the medieval old town, the historical wooden bridge and Knies Childrens Zoo. Equally, however, the Alpamare water park and Atzmannig slide & trampoline paradise are just as much part of this family-friendly destination. Summer or winter, the Lake Zurich region offers many opportunities for sport.
Baden
Baden, a historical city with a very lively present, is worth a visit, not just because of the Grand Casino Baden.
The Zurich region is unique, within everyones means and definitely worth a visit. Live it. Love it.
The best places for the first visiting
First of all, it is necessary to see its mountains and the mountain roads, coiling a streamer under hanging rocks and hiding in tunnels; surprising cleanliness of lake, mountain rivers and raging falls. And then it is necessary to visit its cities. Swisses have there is an opinion, that Bern is a head, Zurich hands, and Lucerne - the heart of the country. Bern is the capital not only for the same canton, but also for all country.
As it is pleasant to pass on its medieval streets, decorated by arcades, colonnades and fountains to see a symbol of city are alive bears. In this large cultural and public centre the parliament, therefore Bern a head sits. Further Zurich - the largest city of the country. The basic here converge зкономические strings. And the central street of city conducting to lake of Zurich, is considered one of the most beautiful and expensive streets of Europe.
Here there are well-known Swiss banks in which "the Zurich gnomes" forge riches of the country are located. Lucerne is the city of bohemia, carnivals. It is singed of poets, artists and musicians. Having seen once night Lucerne, youll forever keep in memory its graceful bridges, a fortification, paved medieval streets.
And, at last, Geneva - city of numerous international establishments on a coast of lake of Geneva. You will amaze well-known a 145-meter fountain and flower hours at the English park. This city of the World for a long time belongs to all mankind.
The biggest pride of inhabitants and the main sight of Zurich - church over Peter. First, it is the most ancient temple of the city, second, it the biggest in the world decorate a chiming clock (diameter of hours are 8,64 meters), and in the third, practical швейцарцы have thought up to establish on bell tower churches also a post of firemen.
Besides monuments of architecture and expensive shops in Zurich huge quantity(amount) of museums from which the most curious to me have seemed the Museum of coffee, the Museum of toys with a private collection of ancient toys and the Museum of porcelain. To finish acquaintance to city it is necessary walk on river tramway over lake of Zurich.
The most known and expensive mountain resort of Switzerland - Saint-Moritz. Its mineral sources were known still in X one century B.C., and to Middle Ages here already specially came to correct for health. The best advertising to a resort under the legend was made by daddy Lion X in 1519: he has promised full absolution by that who has visited on waters of Saint-Moritz.
But where other legend of Saint-Moritz history that the building of most luxurious hotel Carlton was constructed in the beginning of the last century specially for Nikolay II is more pleasant for the Russian person, but the last Russian tsar so never and has not visited the Swiss residence …
Up to middle of the nineteenth century Saint-Moritz was a summer resort - public came only on waters. But in 1863 a businessman Johannes Badrutt has managed to persuade several Englishmen to arrive for winter. After that case has constructed in city the first hotel, and the resort has changed the image.
Now to Saint-Moritz come basically in the winter but to not ski, and to breathe mountain air, to visit the refined society, to observe of game in polo - the lake of Saint-Moritz depth of 90 m in the winter freezes and on its ice will carry out matches. Two times - in 1928 and in 1948 in this small small town passed winter Olympic games.
Nearby from Saint-Moritz there is less known tourist small town - Pontrezina. The silent and cosy place at the foot of Engandine the Alpes has kept the traditional architecture. One of basic sights of Pontrezina is the Alpine museum where there are flora and fauna of mountains, a collection of minerals, mountain-skiing and climbing equipment from the last centuries up to now is submitted, the life of an ancient Alpine house is recreated.
Gold pass (Golden Pass Line) - one of the most tempting railway routes in Switzerland. It connects the historical centre and the tops of area of Jungfrau covered with snow to Montreux and lake of Geneva. The 250-kilometer route borrows 5 hours. At last, the Glacial express train (Glacier Express) - a panoramic route through the Alpes in the heart of Switzerland from Saint-Moritz in Cermartt, practically on glacier Aletch.
Hundred millions years back forces of creation have lifted the Alpes from sea depths and have uplifted these mountains on hundreds meters closer to the sky. Huge glacier Aletch then was formed. The ice file almost 24 kms in length goes with speed of 200 meters to one year… By the way, this summer the area of glaciers of Jungfrau - Aletch was recognized as UNESCO a nature sanctuary of the worlds heritage. The status of the international natural reserve has received glacier Aletch as the biggest and the cleanest.
Conclusion
Hardworking swisses thriftily have equipped the small country. They have penetrated mountains by tunnels and have constructed bridges through gorges, have built for rise on tops the gear railway, cable cars and cable lifts. They are proud of a level of the traditional branches of a facilities (an economy) - an agriculture (we shall recollect the Swiss cheeses or chocolate), manufacture of well-known Swiss hours, they have created a himiko-farmaceutical industry, exact mechanical engineering, have mastered textile manufacture.
But, first of all, Switzerland is the classical country of tourism. The infrastructure of this branch of economy is lead up to perfection. At any time of year everyone will receive here a bouquet of offers for rest. In winter thousands of tourists come directly in the Alpine region. Here there is a lot of places for rest: from Interlaken on the highest in Europe the railway can reach a viewing platform at the glacier Alechnyi or in area of a glacier of Jungfrau where long ski lines are prepared.
At any time of all year round tourists aspire to see fine Swiss cities which names excite all: Basel, Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Locarno, Lugano, Montreux, Lausanne, Lucerne. On short trip it is simply to impossible visit each of them and thus to see mountains and valleys of Switzerland. As Kozma Prutkov has noticed, - it is impossible to grasp immense. However it is possible to make a route that the tourist had full enough representation about Switzerland.
Literature
1. Драгунов Г. П. Швейцария: история и современность: Очерк новейшей истории. - М.: Мысль, 2003.
2. Новая история стран Европы и Америки. Первый период: Учеб. для вузов по направлению и специальности "История"/В. И. Виноградов, Н.М. Гусева, А. М. Зверев и др.; Под ред.: И. М. Кривогуза, Е. Е. Юровской.-М.:Высш. шк., 2003.
3. Перевощиков К. А. Швейцария вчера, сегодня, завтра: Очерки.-М.: Дет. лит., 2004.
4. The Rough Guide to Europe. Published by Rough Guides. 2008 Edition.
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