About Switzerland 

Some things you might already know about our Country

 Switzerland...

...has a lot of mountains

...produces good watches, cheese, chocolate

...is home of famous HEIDI

...has many banks

Some interesting facts you might not know yet

With a population of 7,489,370 and the area of 41,285 km², Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It has borders with five countries: France to the West, Italy to the South, Austria and Liechtenstein to the East and Germany to the North.

The climate is temperate, but varies with altitude. Switzerland has cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters and cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers.

Switzerland's independence and neutrality is a pride of each Swiss-citizen, and have long been honored by the major European powers. The country did not officially become a UN member until 2002.

There is not one Swiss language, but 4 different official languages in Switzerland. Depending on where you are in the country the locals might speak Swiss-German, French, Italian, or, in some hidden valleys, Rumantsch, an ancient language related to Latin.

In Zürich we speak Swiss-German (we write in "high german", spoken though it's a strong dialect)

Switzerland is ruled by a body of 7 ministers - or as we call them: "Bundesräte" - who are representing the four strongest parties and they are bound to a consensus rule. Each of the 7 ministers acts as president of the state in turns of one year.

 

About Zurich

What to Expect

The reputation of the city has long proceded it, known worldwide as the Swiss Financial center, as well as for its cleanliness, effeciency and its high living standard. It is well known as one of the World's smallest cosmopolitan, with just about 365,000 inhabitants, out of which 30% do not hold Swiss citizenship.

Zurich is the largest city of the Helvetian Confederation, but contrary to what some people would think, it failed to be the Swiss capital; as Berne has gained this honor since 1848. Because of the city's close distance to the resorts in the Swiss Alps and its mountainous scenery, it often gets referred to as the "portal to the alps".

In the last decade, Zurich's lifestyle has had a complete make-over. With hundreds of new restaurants, bars and clubs opened, and the change of its former industrial quarter into a nightlife venues, Zurich became more vibrant and trendy. All through the year, Zurich has lots to offer to its young visitors, while preserving its prestige and elegance to receive senior guests with high standards.

So don't be surprise, if you would be passed by Zurich's bankers, who are still here, but  riding a scooter, while wearing the famous-brand suit.

What to See and Do

Most of Zurich's interesting sights are located near its old town, around the river and lakefront. Whether you are interested in history, culture, shopping or nature, you would find something interesting in Zurich to see:

  • The Old Town: Niederdorf, which goes along the river, offers beautiful alleys, restaurants and shopping mainly aimed at younger consumers. On the other side of the river, the hill in the heart of the old town, Lindenhof, has a beautiful view of the city and one time location of a Roman fort.
  • Grossmünster and Fraumünster: The two main old churches are the historical highlights of the city. Grossmünster is a Romanesque church and the symbol of reformed Zurich, while Fraumünster is an Old Gothic church (former convent) with window paintings by Marc Chagall.
  •  Museums: Landesmuseum, Kunsthaus (Art House) and Rietberg Museum offer great and unique collections about: Swiss History, Swiss and international Art and European collections of Asian art, respectively.

  • Nature Lovers: the lake is a beautiful place to spend the evening, especially when the scenery view towards the Alps is clear.  A nice stop at the lake is the small but beautiful Chinese garden, which was offered by the Chinese city of Kunming as symbol of gratitude for helping with technical knowledge.

  • Shopping Paradise: Whether interested in spending some money, buying some gifts or just trying famous brands, a visit to Bahnhofstrasse is a must, one of the busiest and best known shopping streets in the world.

              St.Peter Zurich Grossmuenster

                         Zurich river 

 

Security, Health and Insurance

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries. But it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe. Immunization for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days preceding arrival in Switzerland. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.

Some Tips:

  • No Euros here - Switzerland is an island in middle of the Euro Zone. You might be able to pay with Euros at the airports and some touristic places, but it is important that you have or exchange some francs with you.
  • Make use of trains - the cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport into the town and around Switzerland is by train. Taxis are very expensive, especially during late hours. Parking places in the center are costy and hard to find free.
  • No shopping on sundays - Across the country, most shops close on Sundays, and open only until 8:00pm during weekedays. If you need  something urgently, head to Zurich Central Station, where the shops remain open on Sundays.
  • Drink Tab Water - and safe some money: tab water in Switzerland is perfectly clean, tastes good and is for free - so just drink it and spend your money on the following things instead:
  • Don't Go Home without - It is hard to advice you which brand to choose from out of the swiss specialities, but we recommend you not to leave before trying and getting:
- Swiss Chocolate and Cheese
- Swiss Army knives
- An authentic swiss watch

Links:

Tourism

Zurich Tourism Office

myswitzerland Switzerland Tourism

Transport

SBB Swiss Railway

ZVV Zurich Public Transport