An elegant and stylish destination, Switzerland infuses gorgeous green lands with lively urban areas making it perfect for outdoor adventure and a modern city break.
Here are five destinations you should consider visiting on a holiday to Switzerland.
Think fairy tale magic meets history and culture; the whole of Bern city centre is officially a World Heritage Site and every corner of this metropolitan destination is filled with fascinating monuments and buildings.
Take in the cultural sites of Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower which still has moving puppets that appear each hour; and Bern Cathedral, Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building with a 100-metre-high spire; or visit the thriving Swiss city’s array of museums and collections, including The Historical Museum and The Einstein House.
Bern RiverA walk through the city’s many parks, including The BearPark and The Rose Garden is a more relaxed way to enjoy the splendid views.
Whilst a stop at one of the lovely cafes or restaurants is a must as, Swiss cheese aside, you’ll find tasty treats like pasta dishes, dried meats, plenty of dairy products and delicious local beers and wines as well as teas and coffees.
For cheap holidays to Bern, click here.
A city that is famous for being a popular international meeting point and where the European headquarters of the United Nations is located. The appeal of Geneva is easy to spot; the city is beautifully contrasted with the blissful Lake Geneva, the largest lake in central Europe, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Alps, with Mont Blanc dominating the skyline.
To watch a sunset here is one of the most special things you can experience in Geneva, and a visit to the Jet d’Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world at 140 metres high, is an absolute must.
Lake GenevaHistorical attractions include the impressive 13th century Château de Chillon, one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe, and the stunning St Peter's Cathedral with its striking mix of Romanesque, Neoclassical and Gothic styles.
Pay a visit to one of the city’s ornate thermal spas built by Roman settlers, or if you’re on a family holiday then head for the Genève Plage, Geneva Beach, which contains swimming pools, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts and restaurants.
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A skiing haven for both novices and pros, the Swiss Alps are part of the biggest mountain range in Europe. Scattered with ski resorts in three different climate zones, there is a slope in the Swiss Alps to suit every holidaymaker; from the big popular resort of Davos to the smaller, chic Gstaad.
When you’re not on the slopes (or warming up in a hot tub) there are numerous mountainside bars and restaurants providing the perfect pit stop for the active and adventurous visitors.
Swiss Alps resortHere you can get to know the locals over a few beers or for those visiting the après-ski in a more low-key area, a classy cocktail or glass of champagne overlooking the incredible scenery is a great way to wind down.
And it isn’t just skiers who can enjoy the Swiss Alps, hikers and walking enthusiasts will love the challenge of the mountainous paths and cliff faces, where getting deep into the wilderness is a peaceful treat. If you’d rather put your feet up, the Swiss Alps has many thermal spas and relaxation retreats to soothe aching muscles.
For cheap holidays to the Swiss Alps, click here.
A vibrant city situated on a picturesque river and lake, Zurich is home to hundreds of new and stylish bars, restaurants and clubs, drawing a young crowd for its buzzing nightlife and the world-famous Street Parade, Europe’s biggest street party.
But nightlife aside, Zurich is great for so much more, like shopping, historical attractions and cultural hotspots. The upmarket Bahnhofstrasse and the slightly cheaper Niederdorf are two great places for shopaholics.
Zurich city at nightWhile both natural and historical sites such as the quaint town of Rapperswil, Europe’s largest waterfall - Rhine Falls, and the splendid Limmat River, all make for a more relaxed visit to Zurich.
The city also serves up some great food, like a range of authentic Swiss dishes such as Zürigschnätzlets (veal in a cream and white wine sauce), and of course the specialities of the country, cheese and chocolate.
For cheap holidays to Zurich, click here.
If you want picturesque landscape mixing sunny hills, sky-high mountains, deep blue waters, and vibrant colours, then look no further than the quiet town of Montreux.
A unique getaway awaits those visiting this beauty spot, with its exciting musical heritage (Queen’s own personal recording studios was here), interesting museums and galleries, cute shops and boutiques and a host of outdoor activities like walking trails and water sports.
MontreuxMontreux offers views of the dramatic Swiss landscape, where boat trips, rowing lessons and swimming can be accommodated by Lake Geneva, while those looking to soak up some sun and sea air can spend time on the town’s lakeside promenade.
Evenings are a great time to explore Montreux; you can stroll around the many food and market stalls, serving hot, fresh food. Here, you can also stock up on some Swiss cheese and plenty of bread, and sample the local wines and beers while admiring the sunset over the lake.
For cheap holidays to Montreux, click here.
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