Introduction

Switzerland is an Alpine country with the steep mountains, beautiful lakes and cozy villages, towns and cities. Almost everywhere there are breathtaking views, serene landscapes and fresh air in an atmosphere that is truly Swiss - which is found all year round covered in green grass or white snow.

In Switzerland, several languages ​​are spoken, and it just adds extra charm to the country from i.e. German speaking Zurich and French speaking Geneva to the Italian-speaking areas in the south. Zurich is the country's largest city and it is beautifully located with fine churches, parks and museums on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Switzerland's French-speaking part is in the west, and the main city of Geneva is a different experience than, for example, the capital Bern, Basel or Zurich. The culture and gastronomy are inspired by France, which almost surrounds the city which enjoys a stunning panoramic view over the waters of Lake Geneva.

Switzerland's mountains are standing tall both summer and winter with activities all year round. Fantastic hiking opportunities in green surroundings in one season and lovely skiing conditions in the next season are waiting for your visit. All with a view of the beautiful peaks of the Alps.

Biggest cities
  • Zurich: 1,334,269
  • Geneva: 579,227
  • Basel: 541,011
  • Bern: 410,894
  • Lausanne: 409,295
Find cheap flights and hotels
Holidays
  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • January 2: Berchtold's Day
  • Date varies: Good Friday
  • Date varies: Easter Day
  • Date varies: Easter Monday
  • Date varies: Ascension Day
  • Date varies: Pentecost
  • Date varies: Whit Monday
  • August 1: National Day
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 26: Boxing Day
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Bern, Canton of Bern, Switzerland

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Practical info
  • Official name: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft / Confederation Suisse / Confederazione Svizzera / Confederaziun Svizra
  • Capital: Bern
  • National anthem: Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno
  • Languages: German, French, Italian, Romanesque
  • Population (2015): 8,327,126
  • Primary religion: Christianity
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
  • Drives in: Right side
  • Domain: .ch
  • Phone code: +41
  • Time Zone: CET (UTC + 1)
  • Power and plugs: 230 V / 50 Hz, plug type C, J
Geography
  • Area: 41,285 km² / 15,940 sq mi
  • Highest point: Dufourspitze / Monte Rosa 4,634 m / 15,203 feet
  • Longest river: Rhine 1,320 km / 820 mi
  • Largest lake: Geneva See / Lac Léman 581 km² / 224 sq mi
  • Boundaries: North: Germany. South: Italy. East: Liechtenstien, Austria. West: France
Celebrities
  • Huldrych Zwingli: Reformer, 1484-1531
  • Paracelsus: Alchemist, 1493-1541
  • Daniel Bernoulli: Mathematician, 1700-1782
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Philosopher, 1712-1778
  • Horace-Bénédict de Saussure: Physicist and Aristocrat, 1740-1799
  • Philippe Suchard: Chocolatier, 1797-1884
  • Carl Franz Bally: Businessman, 1821-1899
  • Louis Favre: Engineer, 1826-1879
  • Henri Dunant: Humanist and founder of the Red Cross, 1828-1910
  • Maximilian Bircher-Benner: Physicist, 1867-1939
  • Carl Gustav Jung: Psychiatrist, 1875-1961
  • Louis Chevrolet: Industrial Man and Racer, 1878-1941
  • Poul Klee: Painter, 1879-1940
  • Le Corbusier: Architect and Designer, 1887-1965
  • Blaise Cendrars: Author, 1887-1961
  • Felix Bloch: Physicist, 1905-1983
  • Max Frisch: Author and Architect, 1911-1991
  • Ursula Andress: Actor, 1936-
  • Andreas Vollenweider: Musician, 1953-
  • Maria Walliser: Skier, 1963-
  • Pirmin Zurbriggen: Skier, 1963-
  • Stéphane Chapuisat: Football Player, 1969-
  • Michelle Hunziker: Model, 1977-
  • Martina Hingis: Tennis Player, 1980-
  • Roger Federer: Tennis Player, 1981-