Switzerland
Switzerland may have carved a reputation out for itself as being neutral in world affairs, but this certainly does not mean it is bland and flavourless
With awe-inspiring views of rugged snow-capped mountains and clean towns, Switzerland is perfect for either a weekend getaway or a full-blown holiday experience. One flight search is all that stands between you and this beautiful destination, so get clicking!
The fusion of German, French and Italian elements make for a cultural melting pot that offers plenty to discover and enjoy in this tiny European country.
Traditions and culture in Switzerland
The culture of Switzerland has been significantly influenced by its neighbours - the input of French, German and Italian culture is evident and makes it fairly difficult to talk of a homogenous Swiss culture.
However, it is fair to say that over the years Switzerland has developed a culture to call its own. Folk arts are important to traditional Swiss cultural life and are expressed through music, poetry, dance, embroidery and wood carving.
Yodelling is something is has been famously attached to Switzerland and is favourite pastime among some Swiss people. It is also popular with foreign tourists because of its sheer novelty. However, yodelling is not as widespread as you might think and is mostly confined to some areas in the mountains.
Alpine folk culture is characterised by expressive dances - the Schuplatter is a notable example of this. It is a rapid sequence of jumping and hopping which makes it quite an exciting dance to watch.
The food in Switzerland is varied and diverse and caters to different tastes. Perhaps the most famous fixture on the typical Swiss menu is the fondue. Small pieces of bread are dipped into melted cheese, consisting of the perfect blend of different flavours. Fondue is typically served on cold winter days but most restaurants serve it all year round.
The various cultural influences in Switzerland have also left an indelible imprint on the nation's cuisine. The food and drink found in the south of Switzerland is highly reminiscent of that found in Italy, while areas that border France offer food that wouldn't be out of place in Paris or Marseille.
Switzerland Recommended
The beautiful woodlands area in the Jura mountain chain is an absolute must-see for visitors to Switzerland. It has fantastic hiking trails and offers cross-country ski trails for the brave and adventurous.
Horse-riding is also a popular pursuit in this area, with local horses renowned for their gentleness.
For sheer natural beauty, the Rheinfall comes up trumps. It is Europe's largest waterfall and is a stunning sight for visitors who can marvel at the thunderous cascading waters and relish the refreshing coldness of its spray.
Those more interested in Switzerland's architectural history should pay a visit to Chateau de Chillon, a vast oval-shaped castle that was brought to the world's attention by Lord Byron.
Occupying a prominent position on Lake Geneva, the 13th century castle boasts numerous courtyards, halls and towers, just waiting to be discovered.
Weather in switzerland
Ticino in the south has a hot Mediterranean climate but most of the rest of Switzerland has a typically European climate.
Travellers should be prepared for a range of temperatures depending on altitude. The further up you go, the colder it is likely to get. If you are planning on a ski trip, be sure to bring lots of clothing to protect you against the biting cold.
Summer is the most pleasant time for outdoor activities. Strong winds from the south bring high temperatures but are also known to cause avalanches.
Destination checklist for switzerland
The official languages spoken in Switzerland are German, Italian and French.
In keeping with its traditional neutrality, Switzerland has opted out of the Euro zone and still uses the Swiss Franc.
The international dialling code is +41 and it is just one hour ahead of GMT.
