Switzerland

Types of trips: Geographical Landmarks, Cultural, Historical, Science and Technology, Museums, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Cities, Ecotourism

Best known for: Armed Neutrality, Swiss Army Knife, Founding the Red Cross, The Swiss Alps, Chocolate, Watches, The Matterhorn, Large Hadron Collider at CERN

Why Go?: Despite being a relatively small country, Switzerland is a giant when it comes to cultural variety. Landlocked between Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, the country differs in style and goings-on from town to town, and offers a huge number of places to go and things to see, all amidst the stunning scenery of the Alps, the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Plateau. 

Fact File

Population: 8,000,000

Capital: Bern

Language(s): German, French, Italian, Romansh

Ties to the UK?: Extensive two-way positive political and trade history, a favourite holiday destination for British citizens since the 1800s

Landscape: Hills, Mountains, Lakes, Glaciers 

Climate/Seasons: Weather affected by altitude, but it is generally warmest between April to September and colder between November to March. Overall, the weather is reasonably temperate.

When to Go: There are festivals, celebrations and events all year round, so whenever you visit there will be plenty of things to do! The most pleasant weather would be found at the Southern tip of the country in the summer, but the Swiss Plateau north of the Alps also hosts some good weather. If visiting the higher mountainous regions, avoid December/January as they are the coldest months; March would be the best time to enjoy the higher land and the snowsports that come with them.

Reasons to Visit: The outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland is reason enough to visit, but the towns and cities sprinkled throughout the scenery play host to a rich culture. The variety of museums is great, and the close proximity to other countries allow for many influences to show up in the architecture, food and dress as you travel around. It's a country that you'll never get bored in, with a new tempting destination always just over the horizon. And of course there is the Large Hadron Collider, Science's greatest modern experiment, at CERN.

How to Get There: It's possible to get to Switzerland by air, road or train; air travel would be the fastest, and there are a number of good airports, but land travel takes you through some stunning scenery on your way. Once in the country, it's possible to travel by plane again, but the flights are reasonably expensive - the rail network is reliable and frequent, and would be the best way to get around, but the road network is also good.

Places to Go: Bern, Lake Geneva, Tincino, Matterhorn, Rhine Falls, Swiss National Museum, Grossmunster, CERN

Famous People: Roger Federer, Carl Jung, H.R. Giger, Katerina Graham

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Lake Geneva, Mountain Goats and Deer, Rhine Falls, Jet D'Eau, Ruinaulta, Salt Mines, 

History: Famous for remaining mostly neutral throughout the World Wars

Architecture: Chateau de Chillon, Swiss National Museum, Castle Sargans, Benedictine Monastery St Johann

Culture: Music and Dance festivals, Historical Monuments and Museums, Food

Sport: Skiing, Snowboarding, Mountaineering, Football, Ice Hockey, Tennis

Events: International Jazz Festival, Santa Claus World Championship, Zurich Street Parade, Montreaux Jazz Festival

Watch Out For: Dress appropriately if visiting areas in cold weather, pickpockets could be present in busy city areas

Medical Issues: No vaccinations currently required