Switzerland Country in Europe.Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world renowned.
The resort villages of the high-altitude Bernese Oberland include the Jungfrau region’s Interlaken, between 2 lakes, and Grindelwald, below the iconic north face of the Eiger Mountain. Eastern canton Graubünden has the upmarket Saint Moritz and Davos ski resorts. In the west, lakeside Geneva combines diplomatic institutions with the French language and views of Mount Blanc. The city of Zurich is a global finance center with an old town and the historical Swiss National Museum. Nearby Lucerne is a quaint lake town where a cogwheel train climbs Mount Pilatus and steamships ferry passengers for views of the mountains.
This famous potato dish originated as a farmer’s breakfast in Bern but can now be found throughout Switzerland. Today it is regarded as a national delicacy. These Swiss-style hash browns are often eaten as a side dish to accompany many other Swiss foods, often replacing fries or other potato sides. At its most simple, it consists of fried grated potato, although many people add other ingredients, often according to their region, including cheese, apple and onion.
Literally meaning simply “melted” in French, this iconic Swiss dish can also be found in France and Italy. The Swiss version generally consists of a big communal pot of melted cheese, wine and garlic into which people dip bread as well as possibly olives, onions and pickles using delicate long-stemmed forks. Fondue is a great activity for a group of people and a lot of fun, the DIY nature of it being an excellent way to break the ice. It is served in many ski resorts, the warm cheese being more than welcome after a long day on the chilly slopes.
A recipe local to the German-speaking region of Zürich, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes simply translates to “Zürich style sliced meat”. The official dish is more precise than its name, always being made using veal and occasionally veal liver. At its most basic, it consists of strips of veal, brown sauce, onion, cream and white wine. Mushrooms and veal kidney are often added to it and this hearty, meaty dish is traditionally served with Rösti, rice or noodles.
Homemade ice cream, hot chocolate, truffles and Swiss chocolate bars will all tempt your sweet tooth on this small-group walking tour. Stroll the atmospheric streets and cobblestone lanes of Altstadt, or Old Town, with a local guide — an expert in Zurich’s artisanal shops and the Swiss confections the country is famous for. Indulge in an array of tasty treats for a delightful afternoon. Numbers are limited to eight people for a more intimate experience.
Highlights
See the best of Switzerland’s business and cultural hub on a 5-hour tour of Zurich. Follow your guide to the city’s top attractions, including the shopping haven of Bahnhofstrasse, the Opera House, National Museum, and charming Old Town. Ride uphill by cogwheel train for panoramic views over the city and then take a 1-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. Top off the trip with a stop at Lindt & Springily chocolate shop.
The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva, located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was built between 1929 and 1938 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. It has served as the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva since 1946 when the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed a Headquarters Agreement with the Swiss authorities, although Switzerland did not become a member of the United Nations until 2002.
Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglog
