Switzerland

About Switzerland and what to visit

Nedelcu Alina
Exploring the world
15 min readNov 1, 2022

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Photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam ✪ on Unsplash

France’s objectives served as the driving force behind the physical and political development of the Helvetic Republic of Switzerland. Parts of the south were conquered and given to Italy, Neuchatel was fully taken, and France annexed Mulhausen. The remaining area was split into 23 cantons, and, like in France, a centralized executive directorate was in charge of governance. The ultimate humiliation was deciding between complete annexation or forging a permanent military alliance with France, which would have meant losing neutrality. Instead, they were permitted neutrality, quasi-sovereign cantons, and judicial torture in 1803. Additionally, it was decided to shorten the duration of the permanent alliance to 50 years. Finally, through the Act of Mediation, Napoleon was appointed the Swiss Confederation’s mediator, and the nation could mend its wounds.

The Swiss army invaded France on July 3, 1815. On November 20, 1815, the Treaty of Paris recognized Switzerland’s unwavering neutrality. The treaty established Switzerland’s boundaries as they are today. Mulhouse was lost to the Confederation, while Geneva, Valais, and Neuchâtel were won back, and Basel’s old area was split with Bern.

The impressed Cantons were gradually unified and ruled by others whose lands were superior. By the middle of the 19th century, grain production had become the most significant aspect of agriculture due to its rapid development. However, the nation was only generating enough for home use for six months at the end of the 19th century. The Swiss farmers realized they were starting over. They again invested in cattle and dairy cows because the conditions were still ideal for rearing them. The First World War, in particular, prompted the hand and wall clock industries to embrace mass manufacturing techniques for overseas sales. The sector as a whole was expanding, accounting for 90% of global output. It dropped to 40% by 1970 and has since declined as the Swiss franc appreciated against other currencies in the major export markets for the sector.

Switzerland has historically been one of the poorest countries while being one of the richest. The Swiss are meticulous with their money, have organized thought processes, are concerned about the environment, and pay close attention to details. Along with running banks, hotels, and trains, the Swiss are skilled at creating timepieces and carrying out challenging technical tasks.

Today, Switzerland is a haven for the very affluent, who are not subject to paparazzi and tabloid attention. Some people have built their wealth, such as Ingvar Kamprad, the Swedish business IKEA’s founder. Others, such as France’s Leonard Lauder, the leader of the Estee Lauder cosmetics firm, inherited the money. Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977), a comedian, moved to Corsier in 1952 to avoid the political witch-hunt Mc-Carthy had started in the U.S. There, he started a new trend in the entertainment business. Actors like Audrey Hepburn, authors like Noel Coward, and actor-writer Peter Ustinov made Switzerland their home. Diana, Princess of Wales, is one well-known Swiss school alum.

Understandably, Switzerland, its attractions, and its way of life are so well-liked by our tourists given the large number of celebrities who have made this country their semi-permanent home. The Swiss Confederation represents Western European civilization to many, whether it is the Swiss Alps as a primary vacation spot or one of its representative towns. It draws millions of visitors each year like a giant magnet.

Switzerland’s most famous cities

Regarding Geneva

It is undeniable that Geneva played a pivotal part in the development of the capitalist credit system, earning the nickname “the city of hidden riches” from English actor Robert Morley. But, on the other hand, according to C. F. Ramuz of Vaud, “Geneva has always been built on abstract thinking, and commerce and banking are abstractions if you compare them with agriculture, a tangible activity.”

The term Geneva was first used in Julius Caesar’s Commentaries in the first century B.C.

There is no place in Switzerland where people are more willing to converse and discuss politics.

The city of Geneva is full of characters. The impacts of reformer John Calvin’s transformation of Geneva into a “Protestant Rome” in the 16th century were felt worldwide. The French Revolution and human rights were made possible by Jean-Jacques Rousseau during the city’s “golden century” in the 18th century. Army commander Henri Dufour, an engineer, fought for the Confederacy’s peace during the nation’s most recent civil war. Industrialist Henri Dunant converted his residence into the Red Cross’s headquarters and hoisted the flag.

It is undeniable that Geneva played a pivotal part in the development of the capitalist credit system, earning the nickname “the city of hidden riches” from English actor Robert Morley. On the other hand, according to C. F. Ramuz of Vaud, “Geneva has always been built on abstract thinking, and commerce and banking really are abstractions, if you compare them with agriculture, a tangible activity.” With housing options in Geneva as varied as they are pricey, tourism is another engine for the local economy.

The term Geneva was first used in Julius Caesar’s Commentaries in the first century B.C.

There is no place in Switzerland where people are more willing to converse and discuss politics.

The city of Geneva is full of characters. The impacts of reformer John Calvin’s transformation of Geneva into a “Protestant Rome” in the 16th century were felt worldwide. The French Revolution and human rights were made possible by Jean-Jacques Rousseau during the city’s “golden century” in the 18th century. Engineer Henri Dufour, the army commander in the nation’s most recent civil war, fought for the Confederation’s peace. At the same time, charitable businessman Henri Dunant converted his house into the Red Cross’s headquarters and hoisted the Swiss flag as a banner of compassion over the world.

This little city-state was cut off from the Confederation lands for a very long time (over several centuries), surrounded by areas ruled by Savoy and France’s enemy lords.

The main transportation route crossed Lake Geneva. The only time the border was lowered, and Geneva was given overland access to Switzerland was at the Congress of Vienna in 1814–1815. The frame is narrow, though; as of right now, the canton’s 102 km border with France is longer than its 4 km border with the rest of Switzerland.

The word “juniper” is an Old French translation of the town’s name. Other names for Eva include Gen, Gena, and Genny. According to the German magazine Stern, there are “more millionaires than unemployed” in Geneva. Even Voltaire, who lived in Geneva and close to Ferney, observed that there is little to do in the city but make money.

According to legend, the elderly citizens of Geneva amassed wealth by conserving their money. Those who are destitute in Geneva are also the victims of affluence. Even in tourist hotspots, these folks are not to be found.

Post tenebras lux has been a part of the city’s coat of arms since the Reformation (light after dark). The title page of the Geneva-produced English Bibles has the precise words. that the first colonists brought with them on the Mayflowers (1620) to America. American President Woodrow Wilson, a Calvinist, recommended Geneva as the location of the League of Nations following the First World War, demonstrating the global impact of Calvin’s beliefs.

Geneva puts up an excellent display to uphold freedom. The city commemorates the year the Duke of Savoy attempted in vain to seize the town by holding an “Escalade” celebration every December. The Geneva Motor Show, one of the world’s most significant auto events, is also held there.

About Geneva

It is undeniable that Geneva contributed significantly to the development of the capitalist credit system, as evidenced by the phrase “oraşul bogățiilor ascunse” used by English actor Robert Morley. In addition, C. F. Ramuz of Vaud stated, “Geneva has always been built on an abstract thought process, and commerce and banks are truly abstract when compared to agriculture, a tangible activity.”

The term Geneva was first used in Iulius Caesar’s Commentaries in the first century A.D.

There isn’t another place in Elveţia where people are more eager to talk and where politics are discussed more than here.

Geneva’s Oracle is full of personality. Reformer John Calvin’s influence on Geneva’s “Roman Protestant” community during the 16th century was felt worldwide. Due to Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s contributions during the “secolului de aur” of the city, or the 18th century, the French Revolution and human rights were made possible. An engineer who served as the army’s commander fought for the Confederacy’s peace during the most recent civil war between the nations, and an industrialist who turned a retreat into the Crucii Roșii headquarters and planted a tree.

It is undeniable that Geneva contributed significantly to the development of the capitalist credit system, as evidenced by the phrase “oraşul bogățiilor ascunse” used by English actor Robert Morley. In addition, C. F. Ramuz of Vaud stated, “Geneva has always been built on an abstract thought process, and commerce and banks are truly abstract when compared to agriculture, a tangible activity.” With housing options in Geneva being so many and expensive, tourism is another driver of the local economy.

Photo by Pablo Velasquez on Unsplash

The term Geneva was first used in Iulius Caesar’s Commentaries in the first century A.D.

There isn’t another place in Elveţia where people are more eager to talk and where politics are discussed more than here.

Geneva’s Oracle is full of personality. Reformer John Calvin’s influence on Geneva’s “Roman Protestant” community during the 16th century was felt worldwide. Due to Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s contributions during the “secolului de aur” of the city, or the 18th century, the French Revolution and human rights were made possible. Henri Dufour, the army commander in the most recent civil war between the nations, fought for Confederate peace. At the same time, the benevolent businessman Henri Dunant transformed his home into the headquarters of the Crusaders and elevated elk as the standard of all global corporations.

This little city-state was created by Savoia- and Franței-controlled territory and was cut off from Confederate lands for a very long time (at least many centuries).

The main transportation route passes via Geneva. The Congress of Vienna in 1814–1815 was the only time that the Granița was broken, and Geneva was given access to the border in Elveţia. Garniture, however, is in poor condition; at the moment, the 102 km of the canton’s border with France is longer than the 4 km with the remainder of Elvet.

The word “ienupăr” is a translation of the city’s number from an old form of French. Other names for Eva include Gen, Genny, and Gena. According to the German magazine Stern, there are “more millions” in Geneva than shamans. Voltaire, who formerly resided in Geneva and close to Ferney, said there is nothing better to do in a city than travel.

According to mythology, elderly Genevans amassed wealth by keeping their money safe. The people who are being detained in Geneva are also victims of fraud. Even in popular tourist areas, these people cannot be located.

Post-Tenebras Lux is a portion of the city’s stem dating back to the Reformation (lumen after Intuneric). These words may be found at the top of the title pages of the English Bible printed in Geneva, which the first colonists brought to America aboard the Mayflower (1620). Calvinist American President Woodrow Wilson recommended Geneva as the location for the First World Conference after the League of Nations, demonstrating the influence of Calvin’s ideas on society at large.

Geneva makes a big show of supporting freedom. By holding an “Escalade” celebration every December, Orasul commemorates the year Savoian dignitaries attempted to conquer Zadar. In addition, one of the most significant car events in the world, the Geneva Auto Salon, is also taking place there.

Top sights Geneva

1. Palace of Nations in Geneva

2. CERN Headquarters in Geneva

3. Geneva Clock and Enamel Museum

4. Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva

5. Ariana Museum in Geneva

6. Floral Clock in Geneva

7. Lake Geneva

8. Mont-Blanc Gorge in Geneva

9. Mont-Blanc Bridge in Geneva

Regarding Zurich

Visitors visiting Zurich could get the impression that the city is the lifeblood of Switzerland, pumping vitality throughout the nation.

Zuridutsch, a dialect of the German-Swiss language, is unique to Zurich. The Swiss radio presenters speak this dialect, which has a greater audience than the other regional dialects. Thus, Zurich is where the nation’s language and radio originate, in addition to being home to television and a production hub for television movies. The country’s other regions copy what occurs in Zurich.

After Tokyo and New York, Zurich boasts the third-largest stock exchange in the world. The worldwide prices of gold and silver are fixed in Zurich, where they are exchanged and kept. As it is thought that significant amounts of money are laundered or amassed here, Swiss financial secrecy is regularly addressed. Information about the Nazis’ hidden Swiss accounts and assets has generated much debate. A British secretary looking for a brief explanation and scapegoat for the mayhem on the global money markets coined the phrase “The Zurich gnomes” in the 1970s. The perception that many Swiss accounts were a proper shelter for drug traffickers, terrorists, tyrants, and shady tycoons was perpetuated as sinister machinations were implied under the veil of state-imposed secrecy.

Photo by S.Ratanak on Unsplash

Conflicts erupt more frequently and severely in Zurich than anyplace else in Switzerland. As a result, this area has severe housing shortages, loud noises, and exhaust fumes.

There were other riots in the city besides the 1968 “Globus riot,” when students in Zurich attempted to replicate the May riots in Paris, and the 1980 “movement,” when youth afflicted by the 1970s recession displayed fresh ingenuity. The drug problem, a significant concern since the 1960s, is still unsolved. The day when marijuana users had to be apprehended by the police is long past. Today, the issue is a thriving heroin and cocaine market. Many claims that the administration has been doing nothing about the case until recently and criticize the police for not doing enough to confront the issue.

Anyone who enjoys walking or shopping can find all they need at the retail centers in the suburbs, where there are lots to see.

Top Zurich attractions

1. The Great Cathedral of Zurich

2. Swiss National Museum in Zurich

3. Cathedral of the Mother of God in Zurich

4. Chinese Garden in Zurich

5. Niederdorf district of Zurich

6. Zurich Zoo

Urania Astronomical Observatory in Zurich

8. Museum of Fine Arts Zurich

9. Botanical Garden Zurich

10.Rietberg Museum Zurich

On Basel

The second-largest city in Switzerland, Basel, is situated amidst some of the most extensive European vineyards. Around the bend of the Rhine, a unified cluster of wine-growing areas, including those in the eastern portion of Switzerland, Valais, Ticino, and the grape-rich Alsace and Baden, is formed. However, beer is the beverage of choice among Basel residents.

After the first river crossing bridges were constructed, Kleinbasel, often known as Little Basel, the city’s industrial district, arose in the 13th century. The growth of industry paved the way for the creation of working-class neighborhoods. The Vosges Mountains, which divide the historically significant French departments of Alsace and Lorraine, may be seen in the distance, to the left, to the left of Kleinbasel. These mountains have a rich history. The crests of the Black Forest mountains in Germany may be seen to the right. The heights of the Alps would also be visible if Gross-Basel were not in the way of the view to the south.

Photo by Vincent Ghilione on Unsplash

The city’s cultural diversity, its museums, archives, and antique stores, as well as Basel’s general attractions, make it an attractive site for a foreigner to establish a home. In addition, it has been the primary hub of the humanities since 1521, drawing eminent academics and instructors from various backgrounds.

The Upper Rhine Plain, the city of Basel’s cultural homeland that did not join formally until 1501, is visible from where it is located on the bend of the river.

Best sites Basel

1. City of Basel

2. Basel Cathedral

3. Gates of Basel City Walls

4. Tinguely Museum in Basel

5. Augusta Raurica Roman Site in Basel

About Bern

Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is situated in the nation’s southeast. Up to those high-altitude climate resorts in the Bernese Oberland. The area is characterized by lowland, foothills, and mountainous mountains — the three types of Swiss terrain. The entire economy of these areas is quickly reflected in the canton of the Bernese Oberland. Industry loses importance as you get further south, and agriculture and tourism much less so. Even the ground that has been tilled vanishes farther east. The Oberland’s primary interest, dairy production on mountain farms, is shown by grasslands. The Aare glacier, which has eroded the granite, is responsible for the area’s current look.

Photo by Will Truettner on Unsplash

Duke Bertold V of Zahringen established the town of Bern in 1191, and it was made accessible at the end of the Zahringen dynasty. The city’s modest layout amply reflects its welcoming nature. Bern became an enormous city-state north of the Alps due to its victory against Burgundy and its subsequent expansion program. Even internal discontent was unable to topple the patricians’ absolutist reign. Only when the French troops conquered Bern in 1798 did the city’s previous political order collapse. The streets of the ancient town bore the scars of this tenacity of control.

Unlike other European cities, the Swiss capital is not internationalized. The patrician families’ rule, which they have maintained for ages, gave rise to Bern. Due to Bern’s accommodations being on par with those in other large Swiss towns, this circumstance has declined in popularity, particularly among European tourists.

The city’s major thoroughfares lie nearly parallel to the end of the rocky outcrop that the River Aare skirts around. The topography becomes steep on three sides, dropping into the Aare, except for a few buildings in the city center. The “lower town” refers to the territory underneath the town; this area’s geography and social standing were previously poor. The region known as Matte is located at the base of a majestic stabilator, as seen from the Munster-Plattform. It was formerly a community of laborers and artisans, but now it is a favorite among artists.

Baroque and medieval façade mix together well. Although the arcades are now filled with rows of stores, you can still see their architectural intricacies when they are lighted up at night.

The English poet Dorothy Wordsworth arrived in Bern in 1820 and was struck by the homes she saw: “This city has a beautiful order, traininess, and gravity that immediately impresses you and never wears off. The stone-built homes are all the same colour of grey. They are spacious and somber, yet not crowded or confined.”

Many of the town’s eateries have doors frequently “hidden” as cellar entrances, and stairs descend from the street.

Eleven ancient fountains from the 16th century, statues like Justice (Justice) and the frightening Kindlifresser (the devourer of children) gaze down into the streets, are just a few of Bern’s attractions that would be of interest to tourists. Meret Oppenheim, a renowned artist, built Bern’s most current and contentious fountain in 1983.

Best sites in Bern

1. Federal Palace in Bern

2. St. Vincent Cathedral in Bern

3. Marktgasse boulevard in Bern

4. Bern Clock Tower

5. Bern Museum of History

Lugano, a romantic idea for an Elvetian city break

A beautiful destination for a city break is Lugano. It is located in Ticino, the only canton in Switzerland where Italian is the official language, and is where Swiss and Italian influences converge. This area has pleasant winters and cool summers due to the Mediterranean environment.

Photo by Marcus Ganahl on Unsplash

You can spend time in nature as San Salvatore and Monte Bre is two mountains nearby. A quiet and charming town, a city getaway near the core, cable cars to ascend to the heights, and boats to spend a day on the lake are all options.

How can you get to Lugano on a budget?

By train, Milan residents can go directly to Lugano or make a quick change at Chiasso. The train travels along a very scenic path, passing past a lake. Along the trip, you will pass via Campione d’Italia, a Swiss hamlet 15 kilometers from Italian territory. We took the train from Milan to Lugano. With Trenitalia, a direct ticket costs 24 euros per segment, and the trip takes one hour and fifteen minutes. Therefore, taking the 5.5 euro Milano Centrale-Chiasso train is less expensive, followed by the five chf Lugano train from Chiasso. Total cost: less than ten euros.

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