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Popular Destinations in Switzerland

Popular Destinations in Switzerland 

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Chitwan's answer about things to do in Switzerland
Things to See

Switzerland, the name itself conjures up images of snow capped Alps and and scenic beauty, which remain etched in your mind  long after you have left the place. A landlocked country divided between the Alps, Swiss  Plateau  and the Jura, Switzerland is a tourist's dream destination.Here are some of the best destinations in this wonderful country:

 

 (Source: Victor Velez)

 

1. Lucerne
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 Lucerne is a charming old town where there are lots of cafes, museums and not to forget the scenic landscapes it has to offer.

(Source: Dave Shafer) 

Sit by the Lucern Lake and you won't even realize how time flies by. It is undoubtedly one of the most prominent kid friendly attraction here, with kids enjoying the water and amazing scenery. Take time out to visit the famous Swiss Transport Museum. Visitors here can actually experience the feeling of driving a simulated train or even navigating a steamer by themselves. Visiting hours are 10 am - 6pm.

Check out this video for the museum -

A review from Frommer's says -

This museum is the best of its kind in Europe and the most visited museum in Lucerne. It's located beyond the Haldenstrasse cable-car station, lying more than a mile northeast of the center and accessible via bus. All forms of transportation, old and new, are on display, including railway cars, airplanes, automobiles, ships, and spaceships. Also on display is the oldest steamboat in the country, the Riga, built in 1847.

 (Source: Frommer's) 

Visit the Chapel Bridge at night. Wikipedia says, 'The Chapel Bridge (German: Kapellbrücke) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland, and is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city's symbol and as one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions.

 (Source: 6436 - Luzern - Kapellbrücke) 

Read a review below, of the Chapel Bridge.

This has to be one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Walk to it, walk across it, photograph it. Originally built in 1333 it features a large number of paintings, beautiful flower displays and an octagonal water tower. It twists and turns too, it's not a simple straight bridge, making it even more interesting. It stands in a beautiful part of the old city.

 (Source:  VirtualTourist) 

The famous Lucerne music festival happens in the Kunst- und Kongresshaus Luzern. The music festival is on from 8 August  till15 September this year. You could book your tickets in advance Here. The city is also known for its lake and the guided boat tours.

Lucerne music festival review:

The place was packed and you could hear a pin drop the acoustics are so good. Pollini played some interesting Stockhausen and Beethoven and we had some excellent seats. The terrace at the top of the venue offers stunning vistas over Lucerne city. It is definitely worth going to see a concert at this Jean Nouvel designed modernist piece of architecture that sits comfortably on the lake.

 (Source: Lucerne Classical Music Festival - TripAdvisor)

Email:

luzern@luzern.com

Phone:+41 (0)41 227 17 17 

 

2. Zurich
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Zurich iss also known as the 'portal to the Alps' for its proximity to the Swiss Alps. It is also a financial hub and has the vibrant  nightlife in Europe as well. Visit the Grossmünster, an Evangelical-Reformist church which is known for its amazing architecture. Go on to Kunsthaus to take in the beauty of Swiss art ranging from the 18th century to the modern era. Its uniquely shaped building is intriguing.

Kunsthaus de nuit (Source: loloieg)

Take a stroll along Lake Promenade and end it with a shopping expedition at Bahnhofstrasse, It is one of the busiest shopping places in the world. 

 Bahnhofstrasse (Source: Zürich Film Office)

Take a leisure boat trip along lake Zurich and trust me on this,there is no better way of discovering the beauty of Zurich then a relaxed boat ride.The ride allows travellers to enjoy some of Zurich's most treasured hotspots and also opportunities for great photos and is a favorite among kids too.

Lake Zurich (Source: Lake Zurich) 

The boat tours usually last for 2 to 4 hours ,so keeping this in mind ,you should head for a quiet evening to the picturesque old church Fraumunster to marvel at the spectacular stained glass work.

Address: Fraumünsterstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland

You can also visit the Parade square which is the heart of the city. This landmark is a lively square with adjacent streets full of shops and restaurants.You can enjoy the real Swiss urban atmosphere here.

Zürich: Paradeplatz (Source: Curnen

Address:Parade Square,Paradeplatz 11,8001 Zurich, Switzerland

Opera House

The world famous Zurich Opera House is not to be missed by any art enthusiast! Please Check in advance to buy your tickets.

Opera House (Source: zoonabar)

Address: Falkenstrasse 1  8008 , Zurich

Phone: +44 044 268 64 00

Email:info@opernhaus.ch

Review:

Its a Zurich landmark I guess, given the number of tourists taking pictures in front of the opera house. Supposedly, maximum European plays get premiered here. Though we didnt spend enough time in Zurich to catch one ! Its a part of the old town walking route, so cant miss it

 (Source: Opera House - Zurich – 33 Reviews of Opera House - TripAdvisor)

Indochine club

This club offers a range of styles. From R&B  to jazz  to the old classics. Check out their Website to find out what's playing on the night of your visit.

(Source: Beraldo Leal)

Address:

Limmatstrasse 275
8005 Zürich

Phone:+41 (0)44 448 11 11

Review:

Used to be a real in-scene club, today the crowd get slightly more mixed. Nice tables around the dance floor, which can be booked based on the order you make. Great and fun crowd!

 (Source: Indochine - Zurich - Reviews of Indochine - TripAdvisor)

 

3. Geneva and Jungfraujoch
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Geneva is the second most populous city of Switzerland and has many beautiful and historic sites, picturesque landscapes, museums, parks and a lot more. Visit the Cathédrale St-Pierre which is located at the highest peak in the Old Town. 

Cathedrale St-Pierre in Geneva (Source: iris)

The most popular attraction in Geneva is the Jet d'Eau, the Rade. It is one of the most prominent sites where the water pumped from the fountain goes as high as 140m in the air.

Jet d'Eau (Source: robbie_shade)

You can also visit the Palais des Nations, Quartier des Grottes and Monument Brunswick. Do check out the Jardin Anglais which is an beautiful garden near the lake.

Monument Brunswick, Geneva (Source: Tony Bowden)

Geneva is also known for its beautiful gardens like Parc des Bastions, Parc des Eaux Vives, Parc de la range, Bois de la Bâtie etc.  where you can spend some quality time with everyone enjoying. Apart from this, Geneva has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment centers where you can have some great time.

On Top Of Europe as it is called, Jungfraujoch has the Europe's highest railway station. At an altititude of 3454 metres, It offers breath taking sights. The famous Sphinx peak gives you a bird's eye of Europe. There are plenty of activities as well. The area is known for its beautiful hiking trails. The Lauberhorn Trail, the Harder Klum trail. Besides the holiday resorts, there are also fantastic restaurants on top of the summit.  Jungfraujoch is accessible from various cities in Switzerland. Please check the Website for the train schedules and other details.

Ice Palace in Jungfraujoch, Switzerland (Source: BigJimInDC)

Review:

This was a lot of fun,and the train wasn't even half of it. On the train,you stop a few times to witness stunning views down the eiger's north and south face. The train is very comfortable,and even has TVs inside. Make sure you go on a day with very good weather, because the view is stunningly stunning and beautiful. The alpine sensation and the ice palace walk was also a must do. Make sure you take the fastest elevator in Switzerland up another 350 feet to the Sphinx Terrace- but we don't suggest going out on the balcony up there if you are afraid of heights. Overall, we recommend this attraction.

 (Source: Jungfraujoch - 181 Reviews of Jungfraujoch - TripAdvisor)

Contact details:

Help Desk:

Telephone: +41 (0)33 828 71 71     

E-mail: helpdesk@jungfrau.ch

4. Interlaken
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Interlaken is the prefect tourist destination for those who love to indulge in adventure sports. It is located in Bernese Oberland, between two lakes, Brienz and Thun. This place has opportunities for various types of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, sailing, sledging, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and hang gliding.

Interlaken, Switzerland (Source: Burningphotography)

The Seilpark Interlaken offers a lot of forest adventure activities, which include tarzen swings, zip lines, and wooden bridges. There are also facilities for other adventure activities like rafting, canyoning, paragliding, skydiving, and bungee jumping.

View this video to know more about The Seilpark Interlaken:

Also read this review from a visitor:

 

We just spent a rainy and somewhat chilly day at Seilpark near Interlaken. I could not recommend it more highly. We're a family of 4 with kids ages 10 and 13. The ropes courses and obstacle courses are like nothing we've ever seen - and we tend to seek out adventure activities. I honestly don't think something like this could be found in the US because of all the liability risk. That said, it is exceptionally clear that they take safety very seriously and at no time did I worry about safety. The people working there were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Overall this is a MUST experience.

 

 (Source: Outdoor Interlaken Reviews – 8 Reviews of Outdoor Interlaken - TripAdvisor)

Address:  Outdoor Interlaken AG Wagnerenstrasse 3800 Matten b. Interlaken

Harder Kulm is another must see attraction in this town. This mountain is located 1,322 m above sea level and provides incredible views of the Jungfrau region, lakes and Interlaken. This place has several hiking trails, an alpine wildlife park, and a playground for the children. You can reach here by eight minute funicular trip.

Interlaken Harder Kulm (Source: Dittmeyer)

Harder Kulm is a mountain peak from which you have one the best views of the Bernese Oberland and the entire Jungfrau Region. It is a very attractive trip for a family outing especially with children as the Alpine wildlife park lies nearby.

 

 (Source: Overview of a place to visit: Harder Kulm in Bernese Oberland - Interlaken)

There are several different companies in Interlaken that offer hang gliding and paragliding. Skywing Adventures offers a range of adventure activities, including paragliding, skydiving, hang gliding, bungee jumping, ice climbing, river rafting, canyoning, and canyon jumping.

time to fly (Source: Vitorio Benedetti)

 

was a little skeptical about doing this as i am really scared of heights but i could not have felt safer Dave and Paschi were great fun easy going , i was also really impressed with thier skill and the views you get are so beautiful unlike anything you think off i highly recommend this for anyone single couple young or old i think everyone should give it a go.

 

 (Source: skywings Adventures - 11 Reviews of skywings Adventures - TripAdvisor)

Address:  Hoheweg 37, 3800, Switzerland

Telephone:  0041792668228

Closing Notes

I hope my suggestions have helped you. Have a wonderful holiday in Switzerland.  If you want any other assistance, do let us know, we will be glad to help you! What about some of the best accommodation options in these destinations?

Have a wonderful trip ahead

Chitwan


July 24, 2012  •  Like   •  Add comment   •  Ask question


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