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Enjoy Your Next Vacation in Switzerland
Switzerland is a small,
landlocked country in the heart of Europe. It has a
strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe
with many easily traversable passes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Switzerland is divided into three major geographical
areas known as the Alps, the middle land and the Jura
regions, attracting a wide range of tourists each year.
Switzerland may be a neutral country
but it is certainly not flavorless. The diversity of
German, French, Romanish, and Italian languages has
formed a robust national culture, with vast alpine landscapes
presenting enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded
traveler.
Switzerland certainly has its fair share
of cliches with irresistible chocolates, yodeling countrymen,
humorless bankers, international bureaucracies, and
a national persona of a cold and close-minded culture.
Looking beyond those well known stereotypes, the Germans
invented the cuckoo clock; secondly, the Swiss have
won more Nobel prizes and registered more patents per
capita than any other nation on earth.
Happily, you can be sure that your Swiss
trains and postal letters will be on time, unlike many
of their European counterparts. Among tidy, just so-precision
of Swiss towns and villages, you are surrounded by the
vast splendor of the picturesque which seem to be never
ending.
If you enjoy the scenery or want to
take an active vacation, there are several scenic routes
which meander through Switzerland's Bernese Oberland
and Lucerne's Lake regions. There are also hiking, white
water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, and biking routes
and tours for adrenaline junkies.
February is known for Fasnacht or Carnival
in Switzerland. The fascination exists because of the
incredible participation and party atmosphere, the vivid
colors of the carnival costumes, the stirring tunes
of the drummers and the piccolo players, and the weird
and wonderful <> Music played by the brass bands.
Basel really funks up Fasnacht with its well known elaborate
parades beginning at a bleary 4am throughout the week.
Spring is welcomed with incredible flower
garden spectacles in most villages and quay side waterfronts.
Open markets come into full swing in spring, with a
spectacle of freshly grown fruits, flowers and vegetables
displayed weekly for sale.
Enjoy the world renowned Montreux Jazz
Festival which takes place in July along the picturesque
waterfront of Lac Leman. National day, marked on August
1, is celebrated with fireworks throughout the country,
and Swiss wrestling in the Emmental area east of Bern.
City life provides a diverse following
wonderful outdoor seated pubs in summer, small boutiques
and the jewelry shops located in historic buildings
throughout Swiss cities. On the fourth monday in November,
Bern hosts its famous Onion Market (Zibelmarit), where
traders take over the entire town center and many a
tear are shed.
Of course you cannot forget the wonderful
winter Christmas Fairs in Montreux, Zurich and Basel.
The Christmas Market boasts hot wine and warm food,
while you browse the unique, original and high quality
Christmas gift ideas from over 120 richly-decorated
wooden chalet-style stalls.
Whatever your pleasure, you'll find
something to love in Switzerland. Come visit the hidden
gem of the landlocked country many have come to adore.
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