Montreux
It is easy to see why Montreux, with its magnificent scenery reflected in the shimmering waters of placid Lake Geneva, has acquired the title 'The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera'. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the majestic Swiss and French Savoy Alps, the region is blessed with a particularly mild climate. Take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the lake where exotic flowers grow in proliferation and white swans glide gracefully past. Or enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh lake fish and delicious local wine, in one of the many terrace restaurants overlooking the lake. Small secluded beaches and picturesque marinas with yachts and old steamboats afford a picture-perfect view of vineyards and quaint old stone-housed villages.
St. Gallen
When driving from Switzerland to Austria or Liechtenstein, allow an extra night in St. Gallen. This charming town 50 mi/75 km east of Zurich has a strollable and traffic-free Old Town where you can visit St. Gallen's town square, the baroque cathedral and the world-renowned Stiftsbibliothek, the Abbey library, with its excellent collection of medieval manuscripts.
If time permits, use St. Gallen as a base to explore the surrounding area, including Lake Constance in the north, and the nearby Appenzell region in the south. Don't miss a hike to the Aescher guesthouse, a 170-year-old restaurant and guesthouse built directly into the mountain near Ebenalp, with breathtaking mountain views, accessible with the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car. You will pass the 400-year-old Wildkirchli church and the network of Wildkirchli caves on the way.
Zurich
Zurich is often referred to as the "garden city on the lake". A stroll through the fascinating city will soon explain the reason for this. Zurich is one of the richest cantons in the country and home to the famous and very beautiful shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse. It is a bustling metropolis with many new buildings and modern architecture. Age-old landmarks and examples of unique design and artistic styles proliferate the city; the oldest and best preserved are most densely distributed in Neumarkt. The famous Grossmunster with its two tall towers is most dominant. Visit the late 15th century Wasserkiche and the Rathaus, a graceful town hall built in renaissance style. Famous for its traditional festivals and holiday celebrations, Downtown Niederdorf is the center of activities. From jazz clubs to restaurants & bars to cultural pursuits including galleries, museums and exhibitions, there is something interesting all year. To really get familiar with Zurich, experience it from the Lake of Zurich. The perspective of the city and its romantic surrounds from this vantage point is unique and not to be missed.
Berne
Berne, the superb city of medieval magic, is capital of Switzerland. Explore magnificent museums filled with art treasures; enjoy the famous Berne Symphony Orchestra or visit cozy, historical basement pubs. It is a living museum, the craftsmanship of which is emphasized in her art. Each of the city's magnificent museums yields an adventure into artistic and cultural endeavor. From the largest Paul Klee collection in the world at Kunstmuseum to literature through the ages at Stadtbibliothek to the special experience that is the Symphony Orchestra performing in the superb Gothic cathedral whose 254 steps take the intrepid visitor to the top of the highest church tower in Switzerland, Berne is a magical voyage of discovery. Set within the medieval atmosphere is the largest and most modern sheltered shopping center in Europe. The passageways direct the visitor to a network of exclusive boutiques and stores, and the quaint old-town shops. Visit one of Berne's historical Kellerlokale or a good cabaret show and dancing.
Lake Geneva
Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis proud of her traditions. A fascinating history that traverses the passage of western Euopean history and features in a great many of the pivotal events, both pre- and post Reformation serves as the foundation for this impeccable city on the picturesque shores of famous Lac Léman, or Lake Geneva. Geneva is a destination of lush parklands, eight picturesque bridges, quaint, winding streets and of course, the wonderful lake and her abundant treasures.
Lucerne
Without a doubt one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, Lucerne lies in the heart of the country on famous lake of Lucerne. Dotted with Renaissance and Baroque fountains, colorful paintings on the gables and commanded by the exquisite wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke and Wasserturm, the 13th century octagonal water tower, Lucerne's character is pure charm. Spectacular views and sights abound from almost every vantage point in and around Lucerne. The Old Town Hall is a fine example of a Renaissance building while the City Wall, built between 1350 and 1405 stands proud above the city. A stroll along the quay leads past the modern health resort and onto the largest, most important Transport Museum in Europe and the only Planetarium in Switzerland. The famous Lion Monument and Glacier Garden make for remarkable viewing as do the mountain peaks surrounding the city. A short drive from town takes visitors to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, and a short drive from Viewaldstätter Lake leads to nearby winter resorts and many more lakes.
It is easy to see why Montreux, with its magnificent scenery reflected in the shimmering waters of placid Lake Geneva, has acquired the title 'The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera'. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the majestic Swiss and French Savoy Alps, the region is blessed with a particularly mild climate. Take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the lake where exotic flowers grow in proliferation and white swans glide gracefully past. Or enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh lake fish and delicious local wine, in one of the many terrace restaurants overlooking the lake. Small secluded beaches and picturesque marinas with yachts and old steamboats afford a picture-perfect view of vineyards and quaint old stone-housed villages.
When driving from Switzerland to Austria or Liechtenstein, allow an extra night in St. Gallen. This charming town 50 mi/75 km east of Zurich has a strollable and traffic-free Old Town where you can visit St. Gallen's town square, the baroque cathedral and the world-renowned Stiftsbibliothek, the Abbey library, with its excellent collection of medieval manuscripts.
If time permits, use St. Gallen as a base to explore the surrounding area, including Lake Constance in the north, and the nearby Appenzell region in the south. Don't miss a hike to the Aescher guesthouse, a 170-year-old restaurant and guesthouse built directly into the mountain near Ebenalp, with breathtaking mountain views, accessible with the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car. You will pass the 400-year-old Wildkirchli church and the network of Wildkirchli caves on the way.
Zurich is often referred to as the "garden city on the lake". A stroll through the fascinating city will soon explain the reason for this. Zurich is one of the richest cantons in the country and home to the famous and very beautiful shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse. It is a bustling metropolis with many new buildings and modern architecture. Age-old landmarks and examples of unique design and artistic styles proliferate the city; the oldest and best preserved are most densely distributed in Neumarkt. The famous Grossmunster with its two tall towers is most dominant. Visit the late 15th century Wasserkiche and the Rathaus, a graceful town hall built in renaissance style. Famous for its traditional festivals and holiday celebrations, Downtown Niederdorf is the center of activities. From jazz clubs to restaurants & bars to cultural pursuits including galleries, museums and exhibitions, there is something interesting all year. To really get familiar with Zurich, experience it from the Lake of Zurich. The perspective of the city and its romantic surrounds from this vantage point is unique and not to be missed.
Berne, the superb city of medieval magic, is capital of Switzerland. Explore magnificent museums filled with art treasures; enjoy the famous Berne Symphony Orchestra or visit cozy, historical basement pubs. It is a living museum, the craftsmanship of which is emphasized in her art. Each of the city's magnificent museums yields an adventure into artistic and cultural endeavor. From the largest Paul Klee collection in the world at Kunstmuseum to literature through the ages at Stadtbibliothek to the special experience that is the Symphony Orchestra performing in the superb Gothic cathedral whose 254 steps take the intrepid visitor to the top of the highest church tower in Switzerland, Berne is a magical voyage of discovery. Set within the medieval atmosphere is the largest and most modern sheltered shopping center in Europe. The passageways direct the visitor to a network of exclusive boutiques and stores, and the quaint old-town shops. Visit one of Berne's historical Kellerlokale or a good cabaret show and dancing.
Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis proud of her traditions. A fascinating history that traverses the passage of western Euopean history and features in a great many of the pivotal events, both pre- and post Reformation serves as the foundation for this impeccable city on the picturesque shores of famous Lac Léman, or Lake Geneva. Geneva is a destination of lush parklands, eight picturesque bridges, quaint, winding streets and of course, the wonderful lake and her abundant treasures.
Without a doubt one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, Lucerne lies in the heart of the country on famous lake of Lucerne. Dotted with Renaissance and Baroque fountains, colorful paintings on the gables and commanded by the exquisite wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke and Wasserturm, the 13th century octagonal water tower, Lucerne's character is pure charm. Spectacular views and sights abound from almost every vantage point in and around Lucerne. The Old Town Hall is a fine example of a Renaissance building while the City Wall, built between 1350 and 1405 stands proud above the city. A stroll along the quay leads past the modern health resort and onto the largest, most important Transport Museum in Europe and the only Planetarium in Switzerland. The famous Lion Monument and Glacier Garden make for remarkable viewing as do the mountain peaks surrounding the city. A short drive from town takes visitors to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, and a short drive from Viewaldstätter Lake leads to nearby winter resorts and many more lakes.
