Winter holidays in Switzerland. Climate of Switzerland: description by month and interesting facts Winter Switzerland
Switzerland, or the Swiss Confederation, is a state in Western Europe, bordered by Germany in the north, Italy in the south, France in the west, and Austria and Liechtenstein in the east.
The state does not have a legal capital; the actual capital is the city of Bern. Other large cities are Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne.
The population of Switzerland is 8,508,898 people (2018 data). State languages are German, French, Italian, Romansh (Romansh).
Switzerland is landlocked. Geographically, the country's territory can be divided into three natural regions: the Jura Mountains in the north, the Swiss Plateau in the center and the Alps in the south (occupying 61% of the country's territory).
The name of the state comes from the name of the canton of Schwyz, (a territory within Switzerland), derived from the ancient German word for “burn.” The country's Latin name is also common - Confoederatio Helvetica or Helvetia (Helvetia in Russian), which can be seen in the abbreviation of the Swiss currency, on car license plates, on postage stamps and in the name of the Swiss Internet domain (.ch).
Current time in Bern:
(UTC +1)
Today's Switzerland is a recognized tourism center. It attracts guests with a developed tourism infrastructure, high level of service, profitable geographical location, excellent opportunities for winter sports. Picturesque landscapes have become the calling card of the country: small colorful cities, cleanest lakes and high snowy mountains.
How to get there
Airplane
Flight to Switzerland from Russia
The most common way to get to Switzerland is by plane. Main air gates the countries are Zurich and Geneva. Airports in Basel, Bern and Lugano also receive some international flights.
Daily regular direct flights to Geneva and Zurich from Moscow are operated by "" and. Travel time is a little over 3 hours. Swiss Airlines also flies from St. Petersburg to Zurich and Geneva (since July 25, 2013). State Transport Company Rossiya also flies directly from St. Petersburg to Zurich.
During the ski season they are often organized charter flights from Moscow to Geneva, Basel or Sion, located near winter resorts.
In addition to direct regular flights, there are flights to Switzerland with connections in European cities. So, besides the obvious option of getting to Switzerland from various cities Russia with a connection in Moscow, there are other ways: various European airlines fly from both the Russian capital and from the regions to Swiss cities with connections at their home airports. Below we list these airlines (connection cities are indicated in brackets).
Connecting flights to Zurich
- Czech Airlines (Prague): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara. You can also fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a connection in Munich.
- Austrian Airlines (Vienna
- Finnair (Helsinki
- AlItalia (Rome): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Malta (La Valletta): Moscow.
- SAS (Stockholm and Copenhagen): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Baltic (Riga
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul
- Germanwings (Cologne): Moscow.
- Air Berlin (Berlin): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Niki (Vienna): Moscow.
- Kyiv): Moscow, Rostov.
- LOT (Warsaw): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- British Airways (London): St. Petersburg.
Connecting flights to Geneva
- Czech Airlines (Prague): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod.
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara. You can also fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a connection in Munich.
- Austrian Airlines (Vienna): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar.
- Finnair (Helsinki): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg.
- AlItalia (Rome): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Brussels Airlines (Brussels): Moscow.
- Air Malta (La Valletta): Moscow.
- Norwegian (Oslo): St. Petersburg.
- SAS (Stockholm and Copenhagen): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Baltic (Riga): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad.
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk.
- Ukraine International Airlines (Kyiv): Moscow, Rostov.
- British Airways (London): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- LOT (Warsaw): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
Connecting flights to Bern
- Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
Connecting flights to Basel
- BMI (London): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk.
- Austrian Airlines (Vienna): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar.
- Brussels Airlines (Brussels): Moscow.
- Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- British Airways (London): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
Connecting flights to Lugano
- Swiss (Zurich): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- AlItalia (Rome): Moscow.
Flight to Switzerland from the CIS
UIA (Ukraine International Airlines) flies from Kyiv to Zurich and Geneva, and Swiss Airlines operates a Kyiv-Zurich flight. Austrian Airlines also flies from Odessa to Geneva via Vienna and LOT via Warsaw.
Belavia and LOT airlines jointly operate flights from Minsk to Geneva, as well as Lufthansa) which flies via Frankfurt twice a week. You can get to Zurich from Minsk on joint flights of Belavia with LOT (via Warsaw), with Czech Airlines (via Prague), with Austrian Airlines (via Vienna).
Cities and regions
Switzerland is made up of 26 administrative units - cantons (more precisely, 20 cantons and 6 half-cantons) (German Kantone, French cantons, Italian cantoni, Roman chantuns). Each canton has its own constitution, parliament, government and is completely independent in solving internal problems. The central government resolves international issues, deals with the federal budget and is in charge of issuing money. The cantons, in turn, are divided into communities (German: Gemeinde). There are more than 2000 communities.
It is worth noting that some cities in Switzerland have different names in different languages. In addition, geographically the country can be divided into 5 parts.
Western Switzerland
Western Switzerland is a French-speaking region of the country, covering the territories of several cantons (Vaud, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Jura, Solothurn, Friborg, parts of Valais and Basel-Lands). Western Switzerland stretches from Lake Geneva in the south to the Rhine Valley in the north. This picturesque region is different deep canyons, slopes of low mountains, planted with vineyards, green forests and clear lakes (Neuchâtel, Biel, Geneva, etc.).
Northern Switzerland
Northern Switzerland is the northern flat part of the country, occupying the Swiss Plateau (Plateau suisse, Schweizer Mittelland, Swiss plateau), stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva to Lake Constance. It consists of the territories of the cantons Basel-Stadt, Aargau, Zurich, Thurgau, Schiffhausen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Appenzell-Innerrhoden. This area is the most densely populated region of the country, its economic and political center. In addition, Northern Switzerland is a very picturesque region: with the Jura Mountains in the north and northwest, with the foothills of the Alps in the south, with clear lakes, powerful waterfalls and vineyards.
Eastern Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland is the eastern part of the country, long loved by tourists. It consists of the cantons of St. Gallen, Glarus, and partly Grisons. It is in the local mountains that there are many famous resorts with boarding houses and hotels, pastoral villages with cozy chalets stretch on the shores of lakes. In addition, this region is the main sports center of the country, attracting lovers of active recreation at any time of the year.
Central Switzerland
Central Switzerland, or Zentralschweiz, Innerschweiz is one of the most popular parts of the country among guests, which has shaped its tourist image. The cantons of Lucerne, Schwyz, Zug, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Bern are located here. In Central Switzerland there are the northern slopes of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. All local lakes are elongated and very deep; they were formed in the basins of ancient glaciers. The local landscapes include mountain peaks, green valleys and alpine meadows of the Bernese Highlands, clear lakes and mountain rivers originating in glaciers, ancient castles and modern hotels.
Southern Switzerland
Southern Switzerland is a region of the country located in three big cantons The canton of Valais (located in the west, predominantly French-speaking) and the canton of Grisons (in the east, German-speaking) are famous for their ski resorts. The canton of Ticino is Italian-speaking, the southernmost, and offers tourists recreation on the shores of large lakes, as well as walks in the mountains.
What to see
Castles of Switzerland:
- Habsburg Castle
- Gruyere Castle
- Aigle Castle
Natural attractions of Switzerland:
Sights of Switzerland:
- Sights of Zurich
- Sights of Geneva
- Attractions Berna
- Sights of Lausanne
- Sights of Lugano
- Sights of Locarno
- Attractions of Ascona
- Sights of Lucerne
- Attractions Vitznau
- Sights of Bürgenstock
- Attractions Montreux
- Sights of Vevey
- Attractions Yverdon-les-Bains
- Sights of St. Moritz
- Sights of Davos
- Sights of Engelberg
- Sights of Zermatt
- Attractions Jungfrau
- Sights of Interlaken
- Sights of Winterthur
- Sights of Appenzell
- Sights of Martigny
- Sights of Hergiswil
Where to go in Switzerland
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Wellness holiday
Private guides in Switzerland
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Switzerland in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Skiing
Since two thirds of the country's territory is occupied by mountains, Switzerland has become a real Mecca for skiers and climbers. The Swiss Alps are considered the birthplace of mountaineering and skiing. Local resorts are distinguished by a high level of service and comfort, and Swiss pistes are certainly some of the best in the world. Swiss slopes are unlikely to be suitable for beginners and intermediate tourists, but they will bring a lot of pleasure to professionals.
The most popular mining ski resorts: Murren, Grindelwald, Wengen, Gstaad, Engelberg, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Verbier, Davos.
Holidays on the lakes
Switzerland is famous for its abundance of lakes. Tourists who choose to relax on the lakes are guaranteed to receive peace, tranquility, picturesque scenery and high-quality service. Beaches on lakes are usually grassy, free and municipal; there are no paid or private hotel beaches. Sun loungers and umbrellas are located only at hotel pools.
The swimming season on the lakes lasts for different times. Yes, on Lake Geneva, the largest in Europe, the water is cool and suitable for swimming only in July - August. Tourists are attracted here not so much by the beaches as by the clean air, the combination of subtropical vegetation and snowy peaks. In Lake Lucerne the water is even colder than in Lake Geneva. Lake Lugansk and Lake Maggiore have the warmest water in Switzerland, which is determined by their geographical location. The swimming season lasts from June to September. Local climate- subtropical, not at all typical for the rest of Switzerland.
The ten largest lakes in Switzerland:
- Lake Geneva (582.4 km 2)
- Lake Constance (539 km 2)
- Lake Neuchatel(217.9 km 2)
- Lake Maggiore (212.3 km 2)
- Lake Lucerne (Lake Lucerne)(113.8 km 2)
- Lake Zurich (88.4 km 2)
- Lake Lugano (48.8 km 2)
- Lake Thun (48.4 km2)
- Lake Bil (40 km 2)
- Lake Zug (38 km 2)
Health improvement
You can go to Switzerland for anything, but not for cheap prices, and medical services in this situation are an excellent illustration of how the highest standards of treatment and at the same time respectable prices can be found. Switzerland is well known for the quality of its specialized clinics, where professionals of the highest level work in their specific field. In particular, plastic surgery is especially in demand among wealthy citizens. The service and treatment of patients in Swiss clinics deserves five stars out of five. Naturally, you will have to fork out a lot for such standards. If serious treatment in a hospital ward is not necessary, then you can combine a pleasant alpine holiday with wellness treatments.
The purest mountain air, combined with healing thermal waters and a high level of Swiss medicine, makes the country attractive for treatment and recovery. Switzerland, on whose territory about 250 are open healing springs, is famous for its clinics equipped with last word technicians and highly qualified specialists. Thanks to the mountainous landscape, the Swiss thermal springs contain highly concentrated sulfur, magnesium, calcium and other active components that are effectively used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, diseases of the nervous system, as well as for post-traumatic rehabilitation and restoration of tone and immunity. The most famous balneological resorts are Baden, Bad Ragaz, Baie-les-Bains, St. Moritz, Schinznach. The main healing factors here are - mineral water, used for baths, irrigation, bathing, for drinking treatment, as well as mud treatments.
Among the mountain climatic resorts, it is worth noting such resorts as Arosa, Davos, Interlaken, Leysin, Pontresina, St. Moritz, Zermatt. The main healing factors at these resorts are clean, dry, ozone-rich air and a mild climate. Treatment there is recommended for patients suffering from lung diseases, anemia and functional disorders of the nervous system.
The country has a developed network of private clinics that are members of the association of medical institutions.
Clinics Montreux
ClinicsGeneva
- Clinique G e n e rale-Beaulieu
- With linique Genolier
ClinicsLausanne
ClinicsZurich
- Network of private clinics "Hirslanden"
- University Hospital Zurich
ClinicsDavos
Wellness centers Bad Ragaz
- Health complex Grand Hotel
- Medical Center Bad Ragaz
SPA in Scuol and Leukerbad
- Thermal complex of Bon Engadin
Getting around the country
Trains in Switzerland
Main view intercity transport There are trains in the country. The railway network, considered the densest in Europe, is operated by Swiss State Railways ().
The railway system in Switzerland works as smoothly as a Swiss watch. The staff is competent, friendly, and speaks several European languages. Trains run strictly on schedule, despite the difficult terrain. Train schedules are well coordinated with bus and river transport.
At any station you can buy a ticket to any destination in Switzerland, you can also do this in advance.
Swiss trains have dining cars and children's playgrounds. The train schedule is very convenient for passengers: trains depart hourly in all directions throughout the country, and to major cities every half hour.
There are many narrow gauge railways in the Swiss Alps. railways, often private, which during winter snowfalls are the only transport arteries connecting high-mountain villages with the rest of the country. Moreover, many trains are equipped with special platforms on which tourists can take a rented car with them.
Among such railway lines, it is worth noting the Jungfrau railway (Interlaken Ost - Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg - Jungfraujoch), located at an altitude of 3454 m, and is the highest railway line in Europe; railway of the Chablais region (Aigle - Leysin, Aigle - Les Diablerets, Aigle - Ollon - Monte - Champery / Morjans, Bey - Villars (- Breteuil)); railways of the Swiss Riviera (Montreux - Caux - Rocher de Naye, Vevey - Blonay - Pleiades, Vevey - Mont Pelerin).
In addition, train trips along well-known panoramic routes are very popular among tourists:
"Glacier Express"
- Route: Zermatt - Brig - Andermatt - Chur - St. Moritz
- Travel time: 7.5 hours
- Valid: all year round
- Website:
Bernina Express
- Route: Chur - St. Moritz - Bernina Pass - Poschiavo - Tirano (Lugano)
- Travel time - 4 hours
- Valid: all year round
- Website:
« Goldpass»
- Route: (Zurich) Lucerne - Brünig Pass - Interlaken - Zweisimen - Montreux (Geneva)
- Travel time - 5.5 hours
- Valid: all year round
- Website:
"San Bernard Express"
- Route: Martigny - Orsières - Grande Saint-Bernard
- Travel time is 1 hour. 2-3 flights per day
- Valid: all year round, however winter time transfer to bus is expected in Orciera
- Website:
"Express Mont Blanc"
- Route: Martigny - Chatelard Frontiere - Chamonix (France)
- Travel time - 1.5 hours
- Operates: all year round, several flights per day
- Website:
"Wilhelm Tell Express"
- Route: Lucerne - Lake Lucerne - Fluelen - St. Gotthard - Bellinzona - Lugano (Locarno). The train trip is combined with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne
- Travel time: 5 hours
- Valid: from May to October
- Website:
"Chocolate Express"
- Route: Montreux - Gruyères - Broc and back. Ride in a historic Belle Epoque carriage (1915) or in a special modern panoramic carriage to choose from. The price includes visits to Gruyères Castle, the Gruyères cheese factory and the Nestle confectionery factory.
- Travel time: from 9:30 to 17:30
- Valid: from June to October
- Website:
Buses
All cities in Switzerland have a very convenient public transport bus system. Some cities have trolleybuses and trams. Intercity bus transportation is carried out by Swiss Post, so the intercity buses are “postal buses” in bright yellow. Like all other transport in the country, buses are very punctual.
Bus tickets are sold from vending machines located at each stop (they only accept coins!).
All city public transport is covered by the single Swiss Travel System travel pass.
Like the railway system, the Swiss bus network has several panoramic routes, among which the following are particularly popular:
"Romantic Road"(Romantic Route Express)
Route: Andermatt - Furkapass - Gletsch - Grimselpass - Meiringen - Grosse Scheidegg - Grindelwald
Tickets
Tickets for travel in Swiss transport are the same for all types of transport. In addition to regular tickets for one trip, there are round-trip tickets for the same route, passes lasting from one day to one month. In addition to them, there are also tickets for travel in public transport in Swiss cities. Their cost varies from city to city and ranges from 2 to 7.5 CHF.
However, tourists in Switzerland are better off using a specially created very convenient system payment for transport fares - “Swiss Travel System”. This is a travel card system valid for all types of regular transport, giving a discount on many types of tourist transport. Swiss Pass is also a subscription to free visit about 450 museums in the country; holders of such a ticket also receive discounts on excursions to Mountain peaks and for many other services.
If you make at least two long trips around the country, buying such a pass will pay off. In the case of more trips, you simply cannot do without them.
Travel cards are of the following types:
Swiss Pass- allows you to move freely an unlimited number of times throughout the entire railway network, on buses and on water transport. They are available for a period of 4, 8, 15, 21 days or 1 month. Swiss Passes are also available for youth. They provide young people under 26 years of age with a significant discount.
Swiss Flexi Pass- allows you to move freely an unlimited number of times on all transport for 3, 6 or 8 days within one calendar month.
Both tickets also include travel on trams and buses in 36 cities across the country, as well as discounts on many cable cars in the mountains. If there are more than two people traveling, the Swiss Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass provide each additional passenger with an additional 15% discount.
Swiss Transfer Ticket- a special travel pass that allows you to travel in both directions from the Swiss border or arrival airport to your destination. Valid for one month.
Swiss Card- provides the same opportunities as the Swiss Transfer Ticket, plus the opportunity to travel for one month on all types of transport in the country at half price.
In both cases travel passes from the Swiss border or from the airport to the destination or back must be carried out in one day.
Swiss Family Card(family pass) - issued free of charge when purchasing any of the ones described above travel tickets. This additional service, provided by the Swiss Travel System to its clients. The pass allows children under 16 years of age to travel for free with parents who have purchased a ticket.
Children aged 6 to 16 years who are not part of your household receive a 50% discount on all passes listed above.
Ticket prices:
| 1 person | from 2 people | Youth | ||
| Swiss Pass II class | ||||
| 4 days | 245 | 208 | 184 | |
| 8 days | 350 | 298 | 263 | |
| 15 days | 425 | 361 | 319 | |
| 22 days | 490 | 417 | 368 | |
| 1 month | 540 | 459 | 405 | |
| Swiss Pass I class | ||||
| 4 days | 370 | 315 | 278 | |
| 8 days | 525 | 447 | 394 | |
| 15 days | 640 | 544 | 480 | |
| 22 days | 735 | 625 | 552 | |
| 1 month | 810 | 681 | 608 | |
| SwissFlexi Pass II class | ||||
| 3 days during 1 month | 235 | 200 | ||
| 4 days during 1 month | 185 | 243 | ||
| 5 days within 1 month | 330 | 281 | ||
| 6 days during 1 month | 375 | 319 | ||
| 8 days during 1 month | 440 | 374 | ||
| SwissFlexi Pass I class | ||||
| 3 days during 1 month | 355 | 302 | ||
| 4 days during 1 month | 430 | 366 | ||
| 5 days within 1 month | 500 | 425 | ||
| 6 days during 1 month | 565 | 481 | ||
| 8 days during 1 month | 660 | 561 | ||
| Swiss Transfer Ticket | ||||
| 2nd class | 120 | |||
| 1st class | 184 | |||
| Swiss Card | ||||
| 2nd class | 174 | |||
| 1st class | 246 | |||
Travel tickets are regularly checked by inspectors. Traveling without a ticket will result in a large fine.
Travel tickets can be purchased at most train stations and major railway stations in Switzerland. The Swiss Cards ticket is only sold at airports and border crossings. railway stations. Tickets can also be received by mail. Within Switzerland, the above tickets are delivered within 3 days free of charge. Abroad, the travel pass is sent by mail or DHL, the delivery cost is from 8 to 42 CHF, the parcel will arrive in 4-14 days.
Useful sites:
Kitchen
Today's Swiss cuisine, formed from a mixture of French, Austrian-German and Italian culinary traditions, is recognized by gourmets around the world.
Each part of Switzerland has its own specialties national cuisine. Thus, on the shores of Lake Geneva they prepare delicacies from local perch, in Zug the specialty is cherry cake, in Graubünden - barley soup, in Zurich - fried potatoes Resti (Roesti) with chopped veal in wine sauce, in St. Gallen - veal sausages, in Ticino - vegetable minestrone soup, polenta, saffron risotto and ravioli. Schaffhausen is famous for its onion pie, and Neuchâtel for its famous cheese fondue.
Swiss cheese
Cheese is the symbol of Switzerland, the main supplier of protein to the table. local residents, and cheese fondue is the hallmark of Swiss cuisine. According to the classic recipe, this delicacy is prepared from a mixture of Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses, melted and mixed with white wine, flour, cherry vodka and garlic. Also known far beyond the country's borders are such brands of cheese as Emmental, Appenzellern, and Tête de Moine.
Despite the fact that livestock farming in Switzerland is very developed, little pure meat is eaten here, but many types of pork sausages and sausages are consumed, for example, “Beinwurst”, “Engadinerwurst”, “Kalbleberwurst” (veal liver pate), “Knackerli” , "Landjaeger" and "Leberwurst" (pate).
National delicacies also include Viande seche (dried beef or pork) from Valais, served with green onions; Reshti - fried potatoes; meat fondue Bourguignon.
In terms of the number of types of bakery products in Europe, Switzerland has no equal: the Swiss bake about 300 types of bread. Along with the varieties familiar to the regions and cantons, there are also types of flour products baked only on special occasions.
For dessert in Switzerland, you can try Leckerli - spicy honey cakes with sugar icing, which in Bern are usually decorated with a white sugar bear. It is also worth trying the Basel Brunels and Lotus Petals cookies, and in Zurich the sweet flour dishes Hühli and Kräpfli.
Swiss chocolate
Do not forget that the sights of Switzerland are not only natural beauty and architectural structures, but also the famous Swiss chocolate!
Switzerland has long vied with Belgium for the title of country producing the best chocolate in the world. Be that as it may, there is no doubt that Swiss chocolates are incredibly tasty. Chocolate production in Switzerland has a long tradition. Thus, the world-famous Nestlé company, founded in Switzerland, is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers. In addition to it, in Switzerland there is a large number of other manufacturers who make excellent chocolate, including by hand. The Swiss chocolate recipe uses only high-quality ingredients, most of which are imported. The milk that makes up the chocolate is only local, obtained from cows that are grazed in green alpine meadows.
Chocolate production is different in each region, you can find chocolate that differs not only in taste, but also in shape: chocolate bears, clocks, Easter bunnies in the spring, chocolate mushrooms and chestnuts in the fall. Thus, in Zurich they produce two types of traditional chocolate: Teuscher and Sprüngli, as well as Pamaco sweets made from noble varieties of cocoa beans, which are considered one of the best in Switzerland. Other world-famous varieties of Swiss chocolate are Frey, Lindt, Maestrani, Schmerling, Nestle, Toblerone.
We recommend chocolate connoisseurs to visit the very first Cailler chocolate factory in Broc, where chocolate is produced according to original recipes developed by founder François-Louis Cailler. Founded in 1819, the Cailler factory is the founder of chocolate production not only in Switzerland, but throughout the world.
The national spirits are Kirschwasser (clear fruit brandy with cherry flavor and 40 proof), Pflumli plum schnapps and Williams pear brandy.
There is also a wide selection of local wines throughout the country. Among the white wines, it is worth noting “Johannioberg”, “Ferdan”, “Lavyu”, among the red ones - “Lamey”, “Coron” and “Dol”.
Swiss beer is also very tasty. Among the local brands, the best known are the strong Rheingold (produced by the Cardinal brewery), the golden Ittinger Klosterbier (Actienbrauerei Frauenfeld), Barbara-Brau De Luxe (Eichhof Luzern), as well as two varieties of corn beer from Interlaken and Einsiedeln.
Tourists in Switzerland can eat at one of various points Catering, of which there are a huge number in the country - for every tourist taste and budget: from expensive French, Italian and Swiss restaurants haute cuisine to cheap pizzerias, Mexican eateries and self-service eateries. Most restaurants and cafes have a "menu of the day" called "Tagesteller" or "Plat du Jour". This is a full lunch costing from 15 to 25 CHF. The cost of service in bars and restaurants in Switzerland is included in the price of services, so there is no need to leave a tip.
Switzerland is one of the most comfortable and suitable countries for winter holiday. You can get to this country by direct flights from Moscow. You will fly to Geneva or Zurich. As a rule, the flight takes no more than 3 hours. A two-way flight will cost 208 euros.
This is the state that provides the visa. If you have more than 10 thousand euros with you, the amount must be declared. Switzerland is one of the leading countries in terms of high living standards. Holidays in Switzerland in the winter of 2016-2017 will bring you mostly positive impressions, which is confirmed by reviews from other vacationers.
In the specified country, perfect transport system. You can purchase a special travel card that allows you to travel to public transport will be free for you. If you are not used to inconvenience, you can rent a car. By the way, cycling is common here.
It is worth understanding that medicine is very expensive in this country. It would be wise to take out insurance before you arrive. Switzerland has a temperate continental climate. In winter, the temperature is within 1 degree below zero. Sometimes it rises to 5 degrees Celsius.
It’s better to decide on a hotel right away. There is a whole association of hotels in the country. This means that all rooms, regardless of price, meet basic requirements. The rooms are always clean and comfortable. They can easily accommodate a small family with children. You will be able to have breakfast at the hotel's expense. If you pay extra, you will get three meals a day. This issue is left at the discretion of the client.
After breakfast you can go shopping. The most popular purchase is a watch. Here you can buy originals from famous brands at a more affordable price. It is also worth trying the famous Swiss cheese. You can buy it in Swiss cheese shops or in a supermarket. For those who have a sweet tooth, there is a unique offer to try real Swiss chocolate. All products and goods in Switzerland High Quality. In stores you can buy branded Swiss knives and other tools. Bells and beautiful music boxes are very popular among souvenirs. This will be a suitable gift for a child that will ring the bells with an interesting sound.
Switzerland has cozy cafes and large restaurants. Most often served National dish from cheese fondue. It has a special taste that everyone will remember. Also worth trying is "resti". These are potatoes prepared according to a special Swiss recipe. In restaurants, tips are not required, but are always appreciated.
The main entertainment in the country is ski resorts. The most famous ski resorts are in the cities of Lucerne and Lausanne and Montreux and Tuna. Here you can rent equipment and, if necessary, use the services of an instructor. But don't limit yourself only ski holiday. You can visit the Rose Garden, which is located in Bern. Among the attractions of Switzerland, the castles of Gruyères and the Aletscher glacier should be noted.
You will also have the opportunity to go on an excursion to the brewery and cheese factory and see with your own eyes the technology for preparing your favorite products. This will be especially interesting for your children.
Tourists come here to see the mighty Alps with their own eyes and appreciate the beauty of Lake Thun. Switzerland has very clean, healing air, which will have a beneficial effect on the lungs throughout your vacation. Here you can relax both physically and spiritually. The price of a tour to Switzerland for 6 days is about 300 thousand rubles.
Switzerland is a country of interest to travelers from various countries.
On the territory of this amazing country there are numerous resorts where all conditions for winter and summer recreation are created. Winter holidays in Switzerland are very popular, and it consists of winter sports. A variety of tours attract with a rich program and include interesting and exciting entertainment. It's no surprise that Switzerland is one of the most popular places ski holiday.
Winter holidays in Switzerland are suitable for people of all ages, ski resorts It will be interesting for both adults and children.
A classic tour that includes travel on the famous Glacier Express through the Alps. The train journey takes about 7.5 hours. During this time, the train crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels and rises to a height of 2033 m. During the trip, stunning views of natural landscapes open up. The price of the tour starts from 600 francs and depends on the route, the number of passengers, the date of booking, the room where you will be staying and some other factors.
Winter holidays in Switzerland can be different. So choosing another tour, which is suitable for those who have only a few days to rest. An excellent option would be a 5-day vacation, including a visit to two cities at once - Interlaken and Lucerne. An exciting unaccompanied excursion through the mountains will give you an unforgettable experience. Tourists spend the first 2 nights in the city of Interlaken, and then 2 days in Lucerne with a trip to Mount Pilatus. In addition, during your visit to Lucerne there will be time to explore the sights of the city. This tour involves accommodation in three-star hotels located in city centers. Hotel rooms are equipped with everything necessary, in particular shower, toilet, TV, radio, telephone.
In addition to ski resorts, thermal resorts in Switzerland are in demand, where you can have a pleasant and healthy vacation, enjoying the amazing mountain scenery while at the same time being in swimming pools with hot water right under open air. Such a winter holiday in Switzerland is accompanied by skiing and snowboarding mountain trails located on the territory of the resorts there are ski slopes.
During the winter season in Switzerland you can have a great time skiing or snowboarding. Another exciting activity is paragliding, which will be a real delight for adventure and thrill seekers. Paragliding is possible on skis or snowboards. Beginners fly accompanied by an instructor. The flight lasts from 15 to 20 minutes, at different heights. Winter holidays in Switzerland in the form of paragliding are popular from December to April. Suitable place for this sport is Belalp. In addition, appreciate the beauty snowy mountains You can take a flight in a hot air balloon.
Ski resorts in Switzerland have several types of slopes, including toboggan runs. This entertainment will give you an unforgettable experience; sledding is no less interesting than skiing and a very popular winter holiday in Switzerland.
Another fun way to diversify your winter holiday in Switzerland is to stay in an igloo village. Depending on preferences and capabilities, igloos are offered in different price categories. Igloos designed for more than 4 people are perfect for relaxing with the whole family or company. Some ice and snow rooms include Jacuzzis and hot water baths. Special feelings arise while being in a jacuzzi located in the open air. At night, those who wish can go snowshoeing. Guests are offered hot dishes and mulled wine. The beds are made of ice, and people sleep on warm sheepskins. For young and married couples, there are special romantic igloos with carved walls depicting pretty patterns, swans, and dolphins. Therefore, a winter holiday in Switzerland can be romantic
Popular ski resorts in Switzerland
- Davos
- Zermatt
- Crans Montana
- Verbier
- Adelboden
- Grindelwald
- Gstaad
- Champery is a resort located high in the mountains.
- Arosa is a small ski resort for families.
- Villars
- St. Moritz
To some, Switzerland may seem like a quiet, modern village in the center of Europe. However, if you take a closer look, you can find a lot of interesting things in this country besides the mountains. There is so much going on here that even skiing or snowboarding may have to be squeezed into your busy schedule.
For example, we recommend heading to Geneva this coming weekend. There from 7 to 12 December will celebrate the victory of 1602 in the Escalade. As part of this holiday, it is planned to hold a torchlight parade with medieval weapons and a costume show. In addition, the city will host the traditional generous distribution of local soup and hot wine amid cheers of victory and joyful laughter.
If you still have a curious child inside you who would like to spy on who is putting gifts under the tree, free up the evening December 15. This night, a huge number of Santa Clauses will not let the beautiful city of Lausanne sleep, staging a loud and crazy joyful race through its streets.
In Zurich 20th of December one of the most romantic events of the Swiss winter will take place. From the pier, 800 burning candles will be lowered onto the water of the Limmat River, which will float through historical Center cities. This exciting spectacle is best admired from the Weinplatz square - here everyone will be offered hot drinks and goodies to create a perfect fairy-tale atmosphere.
If you stay in Zurich until the New Year, you can become a participant in a street festival of many thousands, one of the most spectacular parts of which is the fireworks display over the lake. Another Swiss city can be chosen to celebrate 2013: Piazza Reforma in Lugano in New Year's Eve will turn into a dance floor, in Vevey, in addition to music, a special performance is planned, and main street Grindelwald will host a New Year's festival until 4 a.m.
After a noisy New Year's Eve, perhaps it's time to head to the mountains. IN Lately Mountain hiking has become almost as popular as skiing and snowboarding. There is no need for special skills here, just choose a route and move along the path. It is simply impossible to get lost - everything is clearly marked with landmarks. And in the end you can count on a hot dinner and a cozy overnight stay in a massencamp.
In the very fashionable resort Alp, St. Moritz, with January 16 to 19 There will be an annual car race. From January 18, racing adrenaline and steep turns mountain roads can be replaced by the sounds of a blues festival. You can relax with hot blues against the backdrop of snowy peaks in the vicinity of St. Moritz until January 20.
International week balloons will begin January 26 in the small village of Chateau d'O near Gstaad. Participants from around the world will lift balloons of a wide variety of colors and shapes into the air. The action is truly impressive!
February in Switzerland can be called the month of carnivals. Almost every city offers its own carnival every year, but Lucerne is the oldest and most fun of them. Its guests will enjoy a celebration, tastings, theater, and the main highlight of the event. It will be Guggen music performed by skillfully made-up musicians who, with an excellent sense of humor, will perform famous melodies on a wide variety of instruments. Carnival in Lucerne will take place from 7 to 12 February.
A little later you can go to the Ascona Film Festival. A nice feature of this event is the public screenings of films, but otherwise it will have everything that any film festival should: participants, spectators, jury and awards for the winners.
You need to end your stay in winter Switzerland boldly - just like they do in Grindelwald. They organize sleigh races here, completely forgetting that the calendar is already 2nd of March! Racing is both a competition and at the same time great, crazy fun for those who really love life, snow and Switzerland.
One of the most influential banking centers, one of the most prosperous countries in the world, owner of the best European ski resorts, Switzerland is a small state in Western Europe, located in the heart of the Alps. Find out on the Tour Calendar why the most favorable time to visit this mountainous country is considered to be from December to February and from May to September.
Tourist season in Switzerland
An impeccable ecological situation, breathtaking natural landscapes and the best ski resorts in Europe are not all the reasons for such a high tourist popularity of Switzerland, which annually attracts 10 million people. It is impossible to imagine Switzerland without Geneva and Zurich, where priceless artistic, musical and architectural treasures of Europe are stored, without first-class hotels with well-trained service, without a high level of medical care and excellent balneological centers, as well as regular summits and congresses of the highest level. In fact, everyone experiences Switzerland differently. A millionaire associates it with comfort, reliability and respectability, while a common man associates it with the pristine beauty of nature and the prim restraint of the population. Due to the favorable climate, holidays in the country are relevant throughout the whole year.
High season in Switzerland
First of all, Switzerland is a leading winter holiday destination, so the lion's share of tourist flow into the country occurs at the height of winter. ski season from December to early March. This period coincides with the New Year and Christmas time. Pre-holiday bustle reigns everywhere, and a sense of magic is in the air. Travelers equally go to both large cities and ski resorts. Fortunately, the latter are in complete order with apre-ski. It's no secret that a holiday in Switzerland is suitable for the rich, or at least for people who are not very strapped for money. So, in winter, even some of them may be shocked by the astronomical costs for accommodation and the average bill in a restaurant. In general, saving money in Switzerland is a sign of bad taste. Another period high season The country has peak summer months, which are very popular for sightseeing tourism. Of course, in terms of the number of tourists it is slightly inferior to the winter one, however major cities There is no shortage of foreigners. There is also quite a decent demand for recreation “in the lap of nature” - at lake or thermal resorts. And this, of course, is immediately reflected in the pricing policy of hoteliers.
Low season in Switzerland
The low holiday season in Switzerland occurs in late autumn and early spring (with the exception of Easter week). Many ski centers are closed, but resort towns continue to receive tourists as before. The weather is not entirely friendly, but there is no crowding, and travel agencies make good deals on travel packages. As for independent travel, the choice of accommodation will be a determining factor in pricing. You can't count on big discounts from hoteliers in major Swiss cities. The demand there is always great, because the off-season period is typical only for tourism, but in the business world it is the most active time. It often becomes more profitable to book hotels from travel agencies that buy rooms in advance at attractive prices, rather than on various booking platforms. But here you need to look at the situation. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on ticket specials, which are often offered by some airlines at this time.
Best time for excursions
Switzerland is the charm of old cities, the splendor of over 1000 castles, an abundance of museums and galleries, as well as winding trails along charming alpine meadows. Switzerland - real paradise for the adventure seeker: mountaineering, paragliding, canoeing and much more. When talking about this country, one often has to use the word “most”, since it is here that the “world’s most terrible bridge”, “the world’s largest lake”, “the world’s largest ice grotto” and many other “most himself." When is the best time to plan to explore the country? It must be admitted that at the height of summer there are quite a lot of tourists in Switzerland, so if you have the opportunity to reschedule your vacation to another date, we advise you to take advantage of it. April, May and June are excellent times for city sightseeing tours; in September and October you can safely go to mountain passes (often they are still covered in snow until mid-June). You can go to the south of Switzerland, abounding in subtropical vegetation, even in late autumn due to mild climate during all year round.
Beach season in Switzerland
One of the popular holiday destinations in Switzerland is relaxation on the country's numerous lakes, despite the fact that most of them are of glacial origin. Lakeside beaches, like ski resorts, are equipped at the highest level. Beach season on Lake Geneva lasts from mid-July to August. And on Lake Lugansk and Lake Maggiore on the border with Italy they begin to swim in early June. Here, at the height of summer, the water warms up to +26 °C. Thanks to the subtropical climate uncharacteristic for the country and protection from the winds by the high slopes of the mountains, it can be accepted sunbathing in the south of the country it is possible even in September-October. By the way, rest on Swiss reservoirs is unlikely to be passive. Activities such as yachting, windsurfing, golf, etc. are available here.
Ski season in Switzerland
Switzerland boasts the most respectable ski resorts in the world and the best ski schools for both adults and children. Holidays in the Swiss Alps are considered truly elite, so don't be surprised if you have to share the piste with some famous top model or popular pop star. This is common practice here. The mass opening of the ski season begins a week before Christmas, although a number of ski resorts welcome their guests already in the last days of November. The season closes in mid-March - mid-April. However, some high-altitude stations and several ski centers on Alpine glaciers they function until the summer. Cultural life in the resorts of Switzerland it is in full swing. In addition to interesting show programs offered by local restaurants and entertainment venues, the season is always marked by interesting competitions and celebrations. For example, in mid-January the “Snow Sculpture Festival” is held in Grindelwald, and the international curling championship “Bull-Trophy” is expected in the same month. And in Zermatt in April, many world pop stars flock to the three-day music festival “Zermatt Unplugged”.
Wellness season
Switzerland is experiencing growth in its wellness tourism sector. The Swiss are the healthiest nation in the world; it is not without reason that millions of tourists choose their country, annually visiting numerous balneological resorts. Absolutely every thermal complex has baths with hot water from healing springs, a hammam, a gym, a water park, medical offices and entertainment industry establishments. As a rule, such thermal complexes operate on the basis of hotels located in the most secluded corners of the country, on the shores of picturesque lakes or surrounded by Alpine mountains. They operate all year round, however best time to visit them - the second half of spring, early summer and the beginning of autumn. Wellness centers at ski resorts are, of course, in great demand in the winter.
It's time for holidays and festivals
The Swiss holiday calendar easily extends throughout the year. The most significant state and religious dates include: December 6 - St. Nicholas, December 25 - Catholic Christmas, December 26th - St. Stephen, December 31st - St. Sylvester or New Year, January 2 - St. Day Berthold, end of March - beginning of May - Easter, August 1 - Confederation Day or Swiss National Day, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, November 1 - All Saints Day. It is impossible to imagine Switzerland without rich folklore traditions, ritual festivals and alpine celebrations. However, as a rule, each canton has its own - this is due to the multinationality of the country. Therefore, unfortunately, it will not be possible to mention them all. But we will still try to list the largest ones. In mid-February - early March, a real carnival madness called “Fasnacht” takes place in Basel. The holiday opens on the Monday after Ash Wednesday and consists of a large costume procession accompanied by a musical orchestra. The Swiss capital also follows carnival traditions. Only the carnival in Bern begins not on Monday, but on Thursday, immediately after Ash Wednesday. Its main symbol is the Bernese bear, which opens the holiday. The culmination of the fun takes place on Saturday, on this day a grand parade is held, and in the evening, spectators are treated to a luxurious theatrical performance and a gala concert. The third Monday in April in Zurich is the traditional spring festival “Six Rings”, which marks the welcome of spring. The apogee of the celebration is the public burning of a straw effigy. Summer is the time of festivals. So, in the first days of July, tens of thousands of people flock to Montreux to enjoy jazz music at the Montreux Jazz Festival, a little later mountain resort Verbier delights the ears of its visitors with works of classical music for two weeks.
Climate in Switzerland
In general, we can say that Switzerland is dominated by a continental type of climate. However, different regions are characterized by large amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. How more height above sea level, the colder the weather and the higher the humidity level. The northwestern and central parts of the country are influenced by the Atlantic; in the east, the alpine climate subtype prevails in the mountains, and in the south, on the border with Italy, the subtropical Mediterranean climate prevails. Winters in Switzerland are quite cold and snowy, while summers are warm and rainy.
Switzerland in spring
The beginning of spring in Switzerland is marked by a slight increase in average daily temperatures. In the lowlands the thermometer reaches +8 °C..+9 °C. Geneva and Zurich are warmest, while central Bern is a couple of degrees cooler. It is still frosty in the mountains, but most resorts record above-zero temperatures at the height of the day. March is a rather capricious month. Already in the first days of March, young grass appears in the southern regions, but it is possible that after some time this part of the country will be covered by a cold wave. The April weather picture is strikingly different from March, especially in the west and south of the country. The active flowering season begins here. Magnolias, camellias and tulips bloom in open ground. At midday, the air sometimes warms up to +14 °C. It is also warm in Bern - at least +13 °C. There is an increased chance of rain this month, so don't forget to take an umbrella with you. But in the mountains there is still snow, spring has not yet arrived here. May heralds the fast approach of summer. It marks the start of an active excursion season: the sun wins back more and more hours from inclement weather, daylight hours become gradually longer, and there is no longer any need to wrap yourself up in the usual winter clothes. If you go to Zurich, you will expect at least +19 °C, a little more restrained in Bern - about +17 °C. Most ski resorts have already completed the next season, but there are also those where the snow continues to remain confident. For example, in Zermatt. They reign here eternal ice.
Temperature and weather in Switzerland in spring
| Weather in March | Weather in April | Weather in May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berne | +8 | +12 | +16 |
| Geneva | +10 | +14 | +18 |
| Interlaken | +9 | +13 | +17 |
| Zurich | +11 | +15 | +20 |
| Lausanne | +8 | +13 | +17 |
| Lugano | +8 | +12 | +16 |
| Zermatt | +10 | +15 | +18 |
| Basel | +10 | +15 | +18 |
Switzerland in summer
Summer is a fairly wet season in the Swiss valleys, but it is warm. The average air temperature for the season in the north in the central regions ranges from +19 °C to +24 °C during the day, and from 11 °C to 14 °C at night. In the south of the country the weather is somewhat hotter. On some days the thermometer can reach +28 °C..+32 °C, but such temperatures are surprisingly easy to bear. As evening approaches, the air cools down sharply, so it would be a good idea to take a light jacket with you. In July, there is an active swimming season on many lakes in the country. The coolest water is on Lake Geneva, its maximum temperature is about +20 °C. Lake Zurich is slightly warmer - from +22 °C to +23 °C. And in Lugansk there is a real beach paradise, here the water can warm up to +26 °C! Summer in the foothills is ideal for enjoying alpine nature. It’s not that cold during the day - +15 °C..+17 °C. And at an altitude of over 2000 m - within +5 °C..+10 °C.
Temperature and weather in Switzerland in summer
| Weather in June | Weather in July | Weather in August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berne | +20 | +22 | +21 |
| Geneva | +22 | +26 | +25 |
| Interlaken | +20 | +24 | +23 |
| Zurich | +21 | +24 | +23 |
| Lausanne | +21 | +24 | +22 |
| Lugano | +20 | +23 | +22 |
| Zermatt | +22 | +24 | +23 |
| Basel | +22 | +24 | +23 |
Switzerland in autumn
In September you can already feel the light breath of autumn, but the overall climatic background of the country is quite pleasant. This is especially true in the southern cities of Switzerland. The sun shines for at least 6 hours a day, the heat recedes and a comfortable climate sets in instead. warm weather. This month there is significantly less rainfall here than in the summer season. Although in the central regions it rains quite often. In the mountains, the first snow may fall at the end of September. In October, autumn comes into its own in Switzerland: the air cools down sharply and gusty winds begin to blow. Despite rare rains, the weather is often cloudy. Light frosts are possible at night. In the Alps, negative temperatures are already dominant, and sometimes snowfalls occur. November is not the best time to vacation in the country. The cities are quite uncomfortable: damp, cloudy and windy. Despite above-zero temperatures, short-term frosts are possible. It starts to get dark early, so the main tourist crowd whiles away the evenings in bars or restaurants. Ski resorts are much more fun. There, by the end of the month, the ski season opens, and instead of dirty slush, there is fluffy white snow under your feet.
