Survival Kit 2 for Switzerland

 

LITERATURE

If you want to get more information about Switzerland, the path to understanding Swiss humour, the nicest places to go to and so on, here is a selection of travel guides and other publications about Switzerland:

General Books (in English unless otherwise noted)

$ Berlitz: "Switzerland" (also in German)
Handy and low-priced, but the information is mostly general

$ GEO special: "Schweiz" (only in German)

$ Let’s Go: "The Budget Guide to Switzerland and Austria"
Completely revised every year, a little bit thick

$ Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit: "Switzerland"
$ Lonely Planet Walking Guide: "Walking in Switzerland"
The best: compact, very informative and not too expensive

$ Merian: "Schweiz" and Merian: "Basel" (only in German)

Non-Fiction (in English unless otherwise noted)

$ "Culture shock! Switzerland" by Shirley Eu-Wong
A guide to Swiss costoms and etiquette

$ "Living and Working in Switzerland" by David Hampshire
Practical guide for those doing what the title suggests

$ "Schwiizertüütsch" by Kauderwelsch Series (only in German)
Handy and easy to learn: "Das Deutsch der Eidgenossen"

$ "Swiss Menu" by Benteli Publishers Berne
Gastronomic souvenirs from Fondue to Rösti

$ "Switzerland for Beginners" by George Mikes
Wanna see Switzerland from a different perspective?

$ "Tell Me a Swiss Joke" by René Hildbrand
Humour from Switzerland: Believe it or not, it exists!

$ "Xenophobe’s Guide to the Swiss" by Paul Bilton
A disrespectful look at the beliefs and weak points of CH, great 64 pages

Fiction (available in almost every language)

Swiss literature: Try books by Dürrenmatt, Frisch, Gotthelf and Hesse, but do not miss:

$ "Asterix in Switzerland" by Goscinny and Uderzo
$ "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri
$ "William Tell" by Friedrich Schiller

Maps: Some banks hand out free brochures and maps of the area. Hiking maps are available in tourist offices and bookshops. For free hiking suggestions, "Downtown Switzerland" information and a Swiss map with all youth hostels, please contact the Swiss Youth Hostel Federation:
Schweizer Jugendherbergen, Postfach 161, 8042 Zürich
Tel. **41-(0)1-360 14 14, Fax **41-(0)1-360 14 60

WASTE - SWITZERLAND GOES GREEN hhhhhhhhhhh

In General

As you know, the Swiss are very neat (it’s forbidden to leave any bags lying around the containers) and organised. Since they try to be aware of the environment, even garbage disposal is organised. Switzerland produces 450kg of waste per annum per person. This is half the figure of the Americans, but 28% more than the EU average.

Therefore, it’s important for you to know that there`s a charge on the rubbish bags (nearly in all places). That means in towns you have to buy special bags in a supermarket. To cover the removal costs in villages, you have to put tax-stickers on usual bags. In Basel-City for example a roll of ten 35 litres bags costs CHF 19.-. In Basel-County you have to pay about CHF 2.70.- for a bag of 35 litres. That`s very expensive, isn`t it? - Rule: Cram in as much as possible! - Finally it’s useful for you to know what YOU can do against pollution and how to avoid filling too many bags, BECAUSE: Recycling is for FREE (and you can even save money!)

Aluminium

Beer and soft drink cans should be left at the aluminium collection station, where you normally crush them (by using some sort of "Las Vegas One-Arm Bandit", but the kick of the gambling is missing).

Batteries

Never ever throw a battery into the rubbish; it’s the worst thing you can do to the environment. Collect them and throw them into the battery container located next to the glass recycling container or take them back to the place where you bought them.

Compost

In some towns there is a "green service". If not and you have some left-overs from the kitchen (not banana or orange peels: They get toxic), ask if any of your neighbours have a compost, rose beds or a rabbit. You can feed your old dried bread to the ducks and the swans (they will love you).

Glass

Don’t throw any glass into the rubbish bag. Most bottles can be returned to the shop you bought them from, and you will get the prepaid deposit back. You should bring wine and some beer bottles to the recycling containers and sort according to the colours brown, green and white. Because of the noise, you aren’t allowed to throw them in after 8 pm or on Sundays.

Oil

Don’t pour any oil from your car or kitchen into the toilet or sink (1 ml of oil destroys 1000 litres of water!!). There are oil collection stations in your town. If you have just a little amount, soak it up with an old towel and throw it into the rubbish.

Paper

Paper will be collected from your house. As the collection times and frequencies vary from town to town, we just recommend looking when your neighbours put their paper outside. The important thing is to tie the paper in neat bundles (and not to put the paper into a bag.

Tins (Cans)

To recycle your tomato and ravioli tins you should remove the paper label, wash the tin, remove the top and the bottom and press it flat. It`s a long procedure, I know, but it’s worth it: You have the good feeling afterwards that you have done something for your environment. Test the tin at the collection station if it is magnetic (then you have the ultimate "aha"-experience: Yes, it’s a "real" tin).

Collection Stations

They look like big tons. To find them, keep your eyes open during the day or ask someone.

 

 

STATISTICS

To get a better overview, the figures of Switzerland (CH) are, when useful, compared to Germany (D) and the States (USA). "(133.)" means World Ranking.

  SWITZERLAND COMMENTS / COMPARISONS
Geographical Extension 41’284km2 (133.)
North-South 220km,
West-East 348km		 Switzerland is tiny (and nice). Germany is nine times bigger than Switzerland; USA 227(!) times.
Structure 26 cantons  
Inhabitants about 7 Mio (89.) There are 36 times more Americans and 12 times more Germans in the world, but we always say: Quality comes before quantity!
Foreigners 1.25 Mio = 18% Genève (37%) and Basel (from the people between ages 10 and 25, 45% are foreigners) have the highest rates. For comparison D has 9%!
Town Population 4.41 Mio = 63% Both, Germany (86%) and USA (76%) have higher rates, because the Swiss like to live outside towns.
Languages German 64%
French 19%
Italian 8%
Romansch 1%
Others 8%		  
Education Secondary 91%
Tertiary 29%		  
Illiteracy Rate 70`000 = 1% Germans are as literate as we are, while the Americans have a rate of about 20%(!)
Religions Catholics 46%
Protestants 40%
No confession 9%
Others 5%		  
GNP 36'000 USD/pers (1.) Yes, we Swiss earn the most, but we live in one of the most expensive countries.
GDP Agriculture 3%
Industry 35%
Service 62%		  
Unemployment Rate around 4%, going down In Switzerland we have less unemployment than in D (around 9%) and USA (around 7%)
Life expectancy 79
(male 76 / female 82)		 The average is lower in D (76) and USA (77), so when you want to get really old, come to the healthy Swiss air.
Energy Consumption 3.7 tons oil units/pers D consumes 20% more energy per person than CH; USA more than double as much!
(By the way: This point is very, very important!)

(Figures are rounded and taken from "Der Fischer Weltalmanach `95")

 

TYPICAL SOUVENIRS

The Tourist Souvenirs

"Tourists buy everything, it doesn’t matter if it is made in Taiwan or Thailand, you just have to put a Swiss logo on it." - Unfortunately in a lot of tourist centres, the situation in souvenir shops is like this. You can buy every kind of "Ramsch" (fancy things that aren’t useful at all). Even worse are the people who buy this stuff to take home (yes, there are more than you can imagine, so you really have to ask who are the stupid!). To give you an overview on what is worth to buy, a small list:

www.suissewatch.com

www.victorinox.ch

www.heimatwerk.ch

Important to know: Swiss souvenirs usually aren’t less expensive in Switzerland (confusing: Sometimes it is cheaper to buy them abroad!).

Souvenirs That Swiss Buy (And You, Too)

 

REGIONAL & TOWN INFORMATION

For the appendix I just give you a small introduction on how to use it. The thought of writing this part was to show you what Switzerland has to offer. It should help you to find out the places you would like to see (because Switzerland is never the same, even within the cantons) and which are worth a visit (of course from my point of view).

For a better overview I have divided Switzerland into 11 regions, whereby every region is presented in very short words, starting with "In General". The "Highlights" are in alphabetical order and are each explained in a few catchwords (so this information is only of general use and is not complete at all!). For more information on the highlights you can either send me an e-mail (just ask: I can provide a larger Appendix version!), you can buy the Lonely Planet travel guide (my favourite!), or last, you can try the main tourist offices, the responsible AIESEC local committee and the youth hostels given in the "Tourist Information" section.

 

CANTONS: THE FACTS

Switzerland is considered as being a single country since the "Rütli" meadow Oath in 1291 (Switzerland was founded by Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden; Basel joined in 1501). Yet until 1848 the cantons were more or less independent states with seperate armies, currencies and customs duties between each border. Even now they have their own constitution, government, police force, laws, courts and schools (that’s why we sometimes describe Switzerland as 26 countries in one). Income tax levels vary between the cantons, and the fees charged for obtaining Swiss citizenship varies enormously (purely administrative costs in Glarus to up to CHF 75’000.- in Geneva!).

Four categories of control have been identified in the sharing of power between country and canton:

Some cantons describe themselves as a republic to emphasise their independence (e.g. Jura, Neuchâtel). They and other cantons live something we call "Kantönligeischt", which means that for them their canton is the best and more important than the whole country. They don’t care about the other cantons, they lack of common sense (I know, hard words, but true).

The 20 cantons and 6 half cantons (*) in order of joining Switzerland:

1) Nidwalden* (NW), Obwalden* (OW), Schwyz (SZ), Uri (UR), 1291
5) Luzern (LU), 1332
6) Zürich (ZH), 1351
7) Glarus (GL), Zug (ZG), 1352
9) Bern (BE), 1353
10) Fribourg (FR), Solothurn (SO), 1481
12) Basel-Landschaft* (BL), Basel-Stadt* (BS), Schaffhausen (SH), 1501
15) Appenzell Ausserrhoden* (AR), Appenzell Innerrhoden* (AI), 1513
17) Aargau (AG), Graubünden (GR), St. Gallen (SG), Thurgau (TG), Ticino (TI), Vaud (VD), 1803
23) Genève (GE), Neuchâtel (NE), Valais (VS), 1815
26) Jura (JU), 1979

TRAVELLING IN SWITZERLANDhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Travelling in "compact" Switzerland is easy: Through an efficient network of roads and railways you can reach most places by car or train within three hours. Because of its tinyness, it is easy to experience a lot of Switzerland on weekend trips, and that`s exactly what the Swiss like about their country: Within a short time, you can get to the best skiing and hiking destinations. For more information about Switzerland and its different regions, please contact:

For relaxed travelling I suggest to go by train. Time schedules and prices are avaiable at every station or try:

If you stay longer than three months and you know that you will travel a lot by train, it`s good value to buy the Swiss Half Fare Travel Card. It costs CHF 150.- and is valid for one year. With this card, almost all national and local trains and buses cost half the fare.

For (relatively) cheap accomo-dation you can either stay at youth hostels or you can spend a night on a haystock at one of 295 (!) Swiss farms (I`m not joking!):

For one night with breakfast in a youth hostel you should count on paying with up to CHF 30.- per person (basis International Youth Hostel Federation-member, else CHF 5.- more) or CHF 18.- plus visitor`s tax per person for a bed in a barn and a breakfast in the farm. If you want to go camping (which is very expensive!), ask the regional tourist office or try the Swiss camping guide:

Net: www.camping.ch

For trekking ("Wanderwochen"), mountain tours ("Bergtouren"), paragliding ("Gleitschirmfliegen") and rock climbing courses ("Bergsteigen") in Switzerland and more, ask the travel section of the Swiss Youth Hostel Association:

Hint: Always have your student identification card with you while travelling, because you get student reductions at many places!

BERNESE MITTELLAND

In General

There it is, lying at the River Aare, the capital of Switzerland, a charming "city" with a provincial feeling. For sure, you will immediately feel at home. You will love this place, even if the downtown streets are totally deserted after 10pm. Close to Bern is the Emmental, home of the cheese that the Americans know as Swiss cheese (for the others: This is the one with the huuuge holes). Last, there is Biel/Bienne, one of those towns spanning the linguistic border. - Oh, Bernese people are known for being a little bit slow (that’s why we placed the National Committee of AIESEC WITZ (our short form for Switzerland) in Bern, I’m dead serious!).

Highlights

  1. Bern: Romantic capital - "City of bears" - "Bundeshaus" (parliament) - 6km(!) of covered shopping arcades (listed as an UNESCO world cultural site) - "Zeitglocken" tower with astronomical clock - Rose garden with fantastic view.
  2. Three Lakes Tour: From Lake Biel to Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten (connected with channels) - Nature reserve St. Peter’s Island.
  3. Emmental: Cheese demonstration dairy in Affoltern (cheese is being made into huge wheels of up to 130kg!) - Typical angle-roofed farm houses.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of the Bernese Mittelland:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostel - "Jugendherberge" (www.youthhostel.ch):

BERNESE OBERLAND

In General

The Bernese Oberland is where the scenic wonders of Switzerland come into their own, where yodelling as well as Swiss wrestling is common during festivals (mainly in July, e.g. in Thun). People often end up staying longer than they planned, so if the sun shines, flee from the cities and head up there. From Basel, a train will get you to Interlaken, the heart of the Bernese Oberland, in two hours. The close by Jungfrau Region offers magnificent views and hikes, and numerous vantage points are competing for attention (usually accessible by railway or cable car). Tip: See the Tourist Information section for daredevil-type activities in the region such as bungy jumping, canyoning, ice/rock climbing, paragliding and whitewater rafting!

Highlights

  1. "Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg": Traditional Swiss houses and crafts from all over the country - On a complete hill.
  2. Jungfrau Region: 3600 mountain panorama from Schilthorn (the peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are unforgettable) - Hiking and skiing in Grindelwald, Mürren or Wengen - Jungfraujoch (3454m), Europe`s highest railway.
  3. Steamer tour: On Lake Thun (try to get the most famous "Blümlisalp") - Prehistoric settled St. Beatus caves with stalagmite and stalactite formations.
  4. Three Alpine Pass Circular Tour: By car or by postbus from Meiringen - Reserve a seat the day before (please contact the post office in Meiringen!) - Mountains, glaciers, gorges and lakes (don`t miss the "Panoramaweg" at the Rhône Glacier!) - Aare Gorge close to Meiringen.
  5. Thun: Big roofed 12th century Romanesque castle - Roaming around River Aare and the medieval centre.
  6. "Wilhelm Tell" performances: Story of our Swiss national hero with the cross-bow - In the open-air theatre in Interlaken - Since 1912 during summertime.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of the Bernese Oberland:

Other tourist offices:

Active Vacation Provider:

Youth hostels - "Jugendherbergen" (www.youthhostel.ch):

CENTRAL SWITZERLAND

In General

The Central Switzerland-Region sums up what many visitors believe to be the "true" Switzerland. Not only is it rich in typical Swiss features - mountains, lakes, tinkling cowbells and Alpine villages - but it is also where Switzerland was founded as a nation over 700 years ago, with the signing of the pact in 1291 by the communities of Unterwalden (today the half cantons Nid- and Obwalden), Schwyz and Uri. Today the focus for tourism in the region is Lucerne, which annually receives five million visitors! Included in this region are the four cantons around Lake Lucerne ("Vierwaldstättersee" in German, meaning "Lake of the four forest cantons"), Lucerne, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri. Also included in this region is Zug, the smallest canton and famous Swiss tax haven.

Highlights

  1. Engelberg: Most popular ski resort among Basel people - 1½ hrs drive from Basel.
  2. Lucerne: Medieval town centre - Myriads of tourists - "Kapellbrücke" with its water tower - Lion Monument - Glacier Garden - Fine view from the Château Gütsch Hotel - "Verkehrshaus" (Transport Museum) - "Fasnacht" (carnival).
  3. Mountains around Lake Lucerne: Old-fashioned paddle-steamers (that bring you to all the interesting points along the lake) - Panoramic views from Mt. Pilatus (2120m), Mt. Rigi (1800m) and Stanserhorn (1898m), I recommend Mt. Rigi.
  4. Swiss Path ("Weg der Schweiz"): 36km around Lake Uri - Was built to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the 1291 pact - Is divided into 26 sections (=26 cantons) - One or two sections (e.g. between boat stops) are easily manageable by foot.
  5. Zug: Many multinational companies thanks to the lowest taxes in Switzerland - Medieval town centre with clocktower ("Zytturm") - "Zuger Kirschtorte" (cake!).

 

 

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of Central Switzerland:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Jugendherbergen" (www.youthhostel.ch):

FRIBOURG, JURA & NEUCHÂTEL

In General

Taste red or white wine in the canton of Neuchâtel (vineyards going back to the 10th century(!)) and try to find the streets named after the 23th of June in the canton of Jura. On this day in 1974 a popular vote supported its creation as a separate canton (before it belonged to the canton of Bern). The area north and west of Lake Neuchâtel includes the gentle slopes of the Jura Mountain range (relative: For Swiss they are slopes, for you they might be mountains). In contrast, the Fribourg area south-east of the lake is mostly in the Mittelland plain.

Highlights

  1. Estavayer-le-Lac and Murten / Morat: Beautiful and well-preserved historic towns (with fortifications in Murten!)- Good bathing and camping opportunities.
  2. Fribourg: Just 25km away from Bern - Bilingual - "La vieille ville" is my favourite Swiss old town - Some 200 Gothic houses - Cathedral of St. Nicholas - Excellent panoramic views from the bridges Pont de Zaehringen and Pont du Milieu.
  3. Gruyères: Extremely photogenic village - Renaissance castle "Château de Gruyères" - Is known as the cheese village (experience how cheese is made).
  4. Jura: Almost no tourists! - Inexpensive accomodations and food - No bigger towns - Nature at its best - Hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.
  5. La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle: Centre for watch- and clock-making - International Museum of Horlogy (I prefer the one in Le Locle!).
  6. Neuchâtel: Nice setting at the lake (take a sunbath at the lake!) - Castle - Collegiate church - Prison Tower (nice view!) - Papiliorama/Nocturama (tropical garden with tropical plants, over 1’000 butterflies, exotic birds, ...) in Marin.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist offices of Fribourg, Jura and Neuchâtel:

Youth hostels - "Auberges de Jeunesse" (www.youthhostel.ch):

GRAUBÜNDEN

In General

150 valleys, 615 lakes, 140 vacation resorts, majestic scenery everywhere and numerous outdoor activities: That`s Grishun (Graubünden in German, Grisons in French, Grigioni in Italian). Graubünden has some of the most developed and best known winter sports centres in the world, including Arosa, Davos and St. Moritz. Away from the international resorts, Graubünden is a relatively unspoiled region of rural villages, Alpine lakes and mountain vistas. In my eyes, the Engadine Valley is the most beautiful place in all of Switzerland, in winter and in summer. The extent to which the mountains have dominated and isolated the region can be heard in the language (German in the north, Italian in the south and inbetween Romansch). To experience Graubünden, you should go there minimum one week!

Highlights

  1. Chur: Follow the green footprints of the tourist office walking tour to get to know the attractive old town - Giger Bar with science-fiction designs (H.R. Giger is the father of the monsters in the films "Alien"!).
  2. Davos / Klosters: One of the best skiing areas in the world (Prince Charles comes to Klosters every year!) - Legendary Parsenn-Weissfluh skiing area - Extensive 315km of ski runs and 450km of hiking trails.
  3. Engadine Valley: Tremendous scenery - Sophisticated internatinal resorts (above all St. Moritz) and unpretentious rural villages (e.g. Guarda and Zuoz)- Engadine Ski Marathon with 12`000 participants in March - Swiss National Park (the only one!) - Bernina Pass Road and the untainted Poschiavo Valley.
  4. Hiking and skiing around Chur: Relaxing resort Arosa - Beautiful lake Heidsee and the Parpaner Rothorn (2865m, cable car) with the ski and hiking resorts Lenzerheide and Valbella - 225km of skiing runs in the "White Arena" of Flims, Laax and Falera - Hiking in the Rhine Gorge from Ilanz to Bonaduz.
  5. San Bernardino Pass Road: Postbus from Chur to Bellinzona - Spectacular views.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of Graubünden:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Jugendherbergen" (www.youthhostel.ch):

LAKE GENEVA REGION & VAUD

In General

Tourists confronted with the name "Vaud" didn’t have an idea where or what it was. That’s why in 1993 the marketing coordinators of the canton Vaud decided to give this tourist area the name "Lake Geneva region" (or in French "Région du Léman"). The towns on the shores of Lake Geneva are the most irresistible reason to visit the region. The best tour along the lake is from Lausanne to Montreux, and further on to the "Château du Chillon" (Chillon Castle), one of Switzerland’s most beautiful sites, and the River Rhône delta. Vaud is well-known for its wines (join a tour to the wine cellars ("caveaux de vin"), the ones in Morges are the best!).

Highlights

  1. Geneva: Home to the United Nations, the International Red Cross, the World Health Organisation - "Rich looking" old town ("vieille ville") - Park "Promenade des Bastions" with a massive monument to the Reformation - "Jet d’Eau" (with 140m (!) the world`s tallest fountain) - Mont Salève for an excellent view.
  2. Lausanne: Nicely situated at the lake - Old town with winding streets and a Gothic cathedral - "Place St. François" and "Place de la Palad" with the town hall and the Fountain of Justice - "Musée olympique" (Olympic Museum).
  3. Swiss Riviera: Attracts and has attracted rich and famous residents (e.g. Bill Gates, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson, ...) - Vevey and its exceptional museums (e.g. the Swiss Museum of Games ("Musée Suisse du jeu")) - Montreux offers marvellous lakeside walks and access to the famous castle "Château de Chillon" (my absolutely favourite castle!) - World famous Montreux Jazz Festival in July - Rochers-de-Naye (2042m) which offers a great view of the French Alps.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of the Lake Geneva Region & Vaud:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Auberges de Jeunesse" (www.youthhostel.ch):

NORTH-EAST SWITZERLAND

In General

"Switzerland", as the saying goes, "ends at Winterthur." The opinion of the average Swiss citizen is that North-East Switzerland is of secondary importance: Industrially, culturally and also touristically (sorry, but the German side of Lake Constance is nicer!). On top of that, the eastern Swiss have a dialect which is considered by the rest of the country to be shrill, sharp and, well, simply unpleasant. In short: North-East Switzerland is viewed as a border region. But of course you will find beautiful spots, especially in the "Appenzellerland" or Stein am Rhein.

Highlights

  1. Appenzell: Canton where women weren't allowed to vote until 1991! - Soft hills and real Swiss cows - Appenzell town is a picturesque village with traditional old houses and painted façades - "Landsgemeinde" in spring (vote about cantonal issues by lifting up hands - "Alpenbitter" destillery (free entrance!).
  2. Lake Constance (or Bodensee in German): Typical summer area with a big variety of sports and camping - Villages around the lake are of minimal sightseeing interest - Mainau Island (beautifully set tropical garden).
  3. Rhinefalls ("Rheinfall"): Just outside Schaffhausen - Largest waterfall in Europe - Castle Laufen (inside is the Youth Hostel!).
  4. Säntis (2502m): Marvellous panorama (including Lake Constance and the alps).
  5. Schaffhausen: Heavy industry, communication and arms centre. Overview of the small medieval town from the Munot, a 16th century fortification.
  6. Stein am Rhein: Probably the prettiest main square in all of Switzerland - Over one million (!) visitors per year in this delightful 2500-people village.
  7. St.Gallen: Old town is an UNESCO cultural heritage - Ceiling of the twin-tower Cathedral - Stiftsbibliothek with an Egyptian mummy (really impressive library!).

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of North-East Switzerland:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Jugendherbergen" (www.youthhostel.ch):

NORTH-WEST SWITZERLAND

In General

The north-west is a densely populated area. To enjoy the countryside, you go into the Jura Mountain Range, that cuts off Basel from the rest of Switzerland; or you need to nip over to the Black Forest (Germany) or the Alsace (France), that are easily accessible from Basel. What makes the north-west worth a visit? - It are mainly fine old town centres and in Basel the museums. And: South of the German Rhine Valley and north of the Jura Mountain Range, the "Regio Basiliensis" (Basel Region) enjoys the best weather of German speaking Switzerland. Get more information from AIESEC Basel`s Survival Kit for Basel.

Highlights

  1. Aargau Canton: Well-preserved old towns in Aarau and in the spa town Baden.
  2. Basel: Strategic position at the dual border with France and Germany - Major centre for commerce (chemical and pharmaceutical industry and banking) - Attractive old town including Spalentor gate tower, town hall, Münster (cathedral) and Tinguely Fountain - 35 museums (including Europe famous Art Collection Beyeler, "Kunstmuseum" (Museum of Fine Arts), "Papiermühle" (Paper Mill) and Tinguely Museum (strange, sometimes moving sculptures)) - Zoo (world famous thanks to breeding successes) - Fasnacht (liveliest carnival in Switzerland), beginning Monday after Ash Wednesday - Known trade fairs since over 500 years - Augusta Raurica (largest Roman ruins north of the Alps).
  3. Solothurn: 11th canton - Town features 11 towers, 11 churches/chapels, 11 guilds and 11 historic fountains - Old town with town gates, Cathedral of St. Ursus and "Zeitglockenturm" (astronomical clock with turning figures) - Old Arsenal Museum (from the town`s lively past) - Weissenstein (scenic driving route).

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of North-West Switzerland:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Jugendherbergen" (www.youthhostel.ch):

TICINO

In General

You don’t know what to do on the weekend? - Be surprised by the Ticino: This canton is really worth a visit. The southern part of Switzerland is famous for the mild, mediterranean climate, the wonderful atmosphere and the delicious food. It's a mixture between Switzerland and Italy in architecture, vegetation, culture and food. The region offers mountain hikes and sleepy valleys in the north and relaxed, leisurely towns (experience the Ticinese "dolce vita" in contrast to the "real" Swiss habits) and beautiful lakes in the south. In the evening you should look out for one of the rustic Grotti (plural form for Grotto: Something like a Country Inn), where you get the typical Ticinese food (e.g. Risotto ai funghi). - Benvenuto nel Ticino.

Highlights

  1. Ascona: Locarno’s smaller twin - Centre for arts and of intellectuals.
  2. Locarno: Statistically the best climate in Switzerland - Old town with its narrow streets, piazzas, Lombardic houses, the Castello Visconti and the Giardini Jean Arp (small lakeside park with palms) - Madonna del Sasso, a 15th century sanctuary, overlooks the town and lake (take the cable-car up: Very steep!).
  3. Lugano: Switzerland’s southernmost town - Big pedestrian only piazzas (e.g. Piazza della Riforma), winding alleyways (go up with the funicular to the main station and walk down to the centre!), colourful parks (e.g. Parco Civico) - Magnificent views from Mt. San Salvatore and Mt. Brè (I suggest Mt. Brè: View is wider!) - Swissminiatur in Melide (Switzerland in mini-size (scale 1:25)).
  4. The northern valleys: Scenic delights and untainted areas - Maggia Valley with a lot of small villages (e.g. Bosco Gurin, that was settled in the 12th century) - Pure, wild nature at its best in the Val Verzasca and the Centovalli.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of the Ticino:

Other tourist offices:

Youth hostels - "Alberghi per la Gioventù" (www.youthhostel.ch):

VALAIS

In General

The dramatic Alpine scenery of Valais (Wallis in German) is of great natural beauty. The ten highest mountains of Switzerland - all of them over 4`000m - are within this canton, but you easily get to the world-renowned ski resorts Crans-Montana, Verbier, Zermatt and the other 45 ski centres through an efficient network of roads, railways and cable cars. In the summer, the mountains yield their treasures to hikers and mountaineers. By the way: The Valais is the centre for Swiss wine production (37% of the total land area is devoted to the wine industry!), so let`s try some.

Highlights

  1. Aletsch Glacier: Longest glacier in the Alps - Summer hiking and winter skiing on Belalp, Bettmeralp, Kühboden and/or Riederalp (75km of runs).
  2. Brig: At the crossroads of major transport routes - Stockalper Castle (made out of granite and volcanic rock) - Brigerbad with large open-air thermal baths.
  3. Ski resorts in the French speaking part: Fashionable Crans-Montana (160km of runs) - Trendy and sophisticated, but crowded Verbier / Nendaz (400km of runs).
  4. Ski resorts in the German speaking part: Leukerbad with the largest thermal centre in Europe - Little sister of Zermatt: Saas Fee (80km of runs) - Rich and stylish Zermatt with the most famous peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn (230km of runs).
  5. Sion: Capital of the Valais - Dominated by two hills with each having a fortification on top - Old town with narrow and winding streets - Lake St. Leonard (largest underground lake in Europe) - Grande Dixence (highest dam in the world) - A Valais traition: Ering cow fights in May.

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of the Valais:

Other tourist offices:

Top Ski Resorts besides Zermatt (also great for biking and hiking in summer):

Youth hostel - "Auberge de Jeunesse/Jugendherberge" (www.youthhostel.ch):

ZÜRICH CANTON

In General

The canton of Zürich is the most populous with about 1.2 Mio inhabitants. The canton is a hub for industry and the financial centre of the country. As a tourist centre it is not so pre-eminent. Zürich itself welcomes many visitors - tourists and business people - who can enjoy the old centre, museums, galleries, festivals and the lakeside setting. Otherwise, there`s little in the canton to detain the visitor, except perhaps a visit to Winterthur or a tour on Lake Zürich.

Highlights

  1. Winterthur: Compact old town - 15 impressive museums and art galleries (e.g. "Sammlung Oskar Reinhart am Römerholz" (Impressionist Art), Swiss Technorama (hands-on exhibits and creative displays on science and technology)) - 10th century Kyburg Castle.
  2. Zürich: Conveniently laid out - Elegant shops along Bahnhofstrasse - Diverse museums ("Kunsthaus" (Museum of Fine Arts), Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory (free chocolate!)) - Major sights in the pedestrian streets of the old town on either side of the Limmat River - Zoo Dolder on the Zürichberg - Stroll along the shores to the Zürichhorn park - Festivals "Sechseläuten" in Spring, "Züri Fäscht" in July (only every three years: The whole region at one big party!) and "Knabenschiessen" in September - Streetparade in August (parade with around 500`000 (!) Techno fanatics!) - Planetary Path at Uetliberg (panoramic two hours walk!).

Tourist Information (www.switzerlandtourism.ch)

The main tourist office of Zürich:

Other tourist office:

Youth hostel - "Jugendherberge" (www.youthhostel.ch):

FÜRSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN

In General

In some ways you could think that Liechtenstein is part of Switzerland: The Swiss franc is the legal currency, all travel documents valid for Switzerland are also valid for Liechtenstein and there are no border regulations between the two countries. Blink and you might miss it: The country measures just 25 km from north to south and an average of 6km (!) from west to east. But: Liechtenstein has its own reigning monarch, where the prince (His Serene Highness Prince Johannes Adam von und zu Liechtenstein) must approve every act before it becomes law. Because Liechtenstein is well known as a tax haven, a third of the about 31`000 inhabitants are foreign residents. By the way: Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries per capita in the world, with an unemployment rate of only 1% (!).

Highlights

  1. Malbun: Liechtenstein`s ski resort (inexpensive!!) - Cross country skiing in the Väluna Valley - Famous in all of Switzerland for its dry meat (Have a look at the commercials: "Mal besser, Malbuner").
  2. Vaduz: The capital isn`t much more than a village - Climb up to the Prince`s Residence, the Vaduz Castle (sorry, it`s not open to the public, but it provides a nice exterior and a good view of the country!) - Sample the wines from the Prince`s own vineyard - Send a postcard with a Liechtenstein stamp - Enjoy the excellent view over the Rhine Valley from the Triesenberg.

Tourist Information (www.lie-net.li/tourism)

The main tourist office of Fürstentum Liechtenstein:

Youth hostel - "Jugendherberge" (www.youthhostel.ch):

 

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
"Switzerland In One Page" (An Alpine Alphabet by Eugene V. Epstein)

A is for ALPHORN, more than ten feet in length.
Those who can blow it are known for their strength.

B is for BUILDING, a Swiss type of game,
which goes on forever - and still looks the same.

C is for CHEESE, the world’s best if you please:
Tastes awfully good after carrots and peas.

D is for DIRT, which the Swiss always hate,
that’s why they are cleaning from early to late.

E is for EATING, which all Swiss adore,
begin with five portions, and then we’ll have more.

F is for FONDUE, a cheese kind of dish,
some people dip and others just swish.

G is for GRÜEZI, the most used of words,
when you meet people, horses and birds.

H is for HAPPY, the happy Swiss people,
who work like the devil and never sleeple.

I means INSPIRED, mostly from mountains,
but also from lakes and from very old fountains.

J is for JASS, a card game of skill,
which every Swiss plays - the thought makes me ill.

K is for KIRSCH, which some drink like wine,
there’s quite a resemblance to fine turpentine.

L is for LAKE, as in lake of Lucerne,
but far more important is how much you earn.

M is for MONEY, taken with thanks,
most kinds will do, especially francs.

N is for NATURE, as most people know,
now back to nature with Jean Jacques Rousseau.

O means OFFICIAL in countries like this,
where following orders proves you are Swiss.

P stands for "POLIZEISTUND", when everything closes,
when the Swiss go to sleep on their own beds of roses.

Q is for QUALITY, synonymous with Swiss,
what milk, oh what honey, what life and what bliss!

R is for RÖSTI, potatoes gone Swiss,
they’re easy to make - it’s just hit or miss.

S stands for SAUSAGE, all succulent sorts.
What would life be without sausage and sports?

T is for TOURISTS, oh welcome to all,
come spend your money, then leave - we’re so small.

U is for URI, which rhymes with Missouri,
and is also a state which has trial by jury.

V means VERBOTEN, or so we are taught,
don’t do it, don’t touch it, or you will get caught.

W is for WATCHES and WINTER and WINE,
which, in itself, makes a perfect first line

X marks the spot where the Swiss people swore
to settle their problems in peace, not in war.

Y is for YODEL, or Swiss Alpine shrieking,
that grates on your nerves from Geneva to Peking.

Z is for Zürich, and why not append,
that Zürich’s a town and really THE END.

 

 

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IS Team,  Aiesec Basel

Last update: 07.09.00 14:24:53