Switzerland - Places to see

Bern

Berne lies in the Swiss plateau within the Canton of Berne. The city was built on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the river Aar. There are several dozens of meters in height difference from the quarters on the Aar to the higher ones. A number of bridges were built to allow the city to grow beyond the Aar. The city is long with curving and cobbled streets, lined with tall, 15th-century terraced buildings and arcades. Its medieval heart of unique 11th-century arcaded streets, its famous 13th-century clocktower (Zeitglockenturm) attracts every one tourist.

Zurich

It is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. Located on a picturesque river and lake whose water you can drink. Hundreds of new bars, restaurants and clubs have opened since the late 1990s and, since its Street Parade overtook London's Notting Hill Carnival. The old town (Altstadt) is especially picturesque. Do not miss the gothic Fraumünster, with its stained-glass windows by Chagall; the imposing twin-towered Grossmünster cathedral; the Swiss National Museum.

Lausanne

The city on the shore of Lake Geneva is the capital town of the canton of Vaud and of the district of Lausanne. Lausanne is built on the southern slope of the Swiss plateau, with a difference in elevation of about 500 meters. It lies in the middle of a wine region. The medieval centre is dominated by one of the country's grandest Gothic cathedrals. Interesting is also Olympic Museum. Lausanne boasts a dramatic panorama over the lake and the Alps.

Geneva

Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland. Discover Geneva's ancient city centreand its crowning glory, the Cathédrale de St Pierr. We can find here the flower clock in the Jardin Anglais, with over 6,500 blooms. Did you knew the whole world is here: the UN, International Red Cross, International Labour Organization, and World Health Organization. It is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. The city has been referred to as the world's most compact metropolis and the "Peace Capital".

Basel

Discover the ancient university and trading city of Basel. The city is located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine. It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is German-speaking and it is a centre of art and research. Don't miss the Art Museum or the ancient red sandstone Münster.