www.MySwitzerland.com

 

Welcome Welcome to the holiday destination where much still remains a little more natural than in other parts of the world: not only our unique landscapes and mountain world, but also the down-to-earth people who inhabit Switzerland. It’s a combination that can only be found in Switzerland. “Get natural.” is our guiding motto, and one we wish to convey to all of our guests and visitors: surrounded by a unique natural world and authentic people, every guest who visits Switzerland is sure to become a little more natural. Summer in Switzerland Summer holidays in Switzerland means hiking in the mountains and valleys, refreshing trips on one of the many tranquil lakes or holiday by bike along the expanse of new interconnected cycle routes totalling 3300 kilometres. And for the very trendy? What about rollerblading and a 'health and well-being stop' or perhaps a festival visit! No matter which summer holiday you choose - your only problem is which holiday to choose.

Swiss Cities – where you can only be surprised. Swiss cities never fail to impress visitors by their scope. Nowhere are attractions, cultural centres, innovative gastronomy, insider's tips and new favourite places in such close proximity as in Switzerland. Explore our cities on foot and discover their charm and authenticity.

Graubünden - where Switzerland surpasses itself. Here, in our prime holidaying region, it feels as if you could reach up and touch the sky. A thousand mountain peaks tower over almost as many lakes. The fresh alpine air is scented with the fragrance of herbs, and romantic streams splash contentedly down to the valleys below. This is Heidi’s homeland. And that of Europe’s first National Park: with its bearded vultures and snow-white edelweiss, never has nature been so alluring.

Valais - where Switzerland exudes naturalness. The Matterhorn may be our most famous mountain, but it’s only one of the 47 four-thousand-metre peaks that dominate the sun-drenched panorama. And snaking its way through it all is a fascinating 23-kilometre natural wonder: the Aletsch glacier. This imposing glacial landscape is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and at the same time Europe’s most accessible glacier.
Lucerne / Central Switzerland - where Switzerland was born. You can’t get more stylish than this – experiencing the origins of Switzerland from the deck of a vintage paddle steamer. Back on dry land, it’s full steam ahead through our eventful history in the footsteps of our national hero, William Tell – all the way to the Rütli Meadow, where our forefathers established the Swiss Federation in 1291. Central Switzerland is where it all started.
Ticino - where Switzerland romanticises and dreams. Our southernmost canton lives the dolce vita in picturesque street cafés and typical dreamy grottos. Its deep river valleys are imbued with a wild romanticism, and the seemingly endless expanses of remote forest are a ramblers’ paradise. Nestling between eternal snow and palm-fronded lakes, the little canton of Ticino boasts a wealth of scenic surprises. And plenty of italianità!
Lake Geneva Region - where Switzerland stirs the emotions. The Lake Geneva Region attracts aficionados of the good life: in the renowned Lavaux, romantic cycle routes wind through our most renowned winegrowing region. A panoramic train takes you from lake to lake through the foothills of the Alps. And a breathtakingly steep rack railway rises to the panoramic peak of Rochers-de-Naye, high above the world-famous resort of Montreux.
Fribourg Region - where Switzerland seduces all comers. French charm, a touch of Swiss down-to-earthiness, and a cheese of world renown – just three aspects of the many that have made their mark on this diverse region, with its historical little towns and ancient country - side. Of particular appeal is the walker’s paradise of La Gruyère, where seekers after culture and nature are also well catered for – as are those who appreciate fine food.
Watch Valley - where Switzerland has all the time in the world. Here, where our world-famous watchmakers ply their craft, time appears paradoxically to stand still. The Jura region is a foreigner to the hustle and bustle of daily life – which is why each and every moment is treasured. And thanks to their broad, open terrain, the wild pasturelands of the Freiberger horse breed are a veritable delight for cyclists and ramblers alike.

Winter in Switzerland

As a winter paradise in the heart of Europe, we have more to offer than promises of snow. Whether you want to go carving, winter hiking or tobogganing; whether you are seeking active adventure or restful peace and quiet? Or, just want to enjoy the clear sunny heights above the clouds - Switzerland is a country of snow and surprises, and it is well worth coming to explore.

 

Graubünden – where winter dreams come true! Put together your very own “feel-good” programme – the 2,200 km of pistes and the hair-raising sledge runs, plus the snow huts ranging from traditional to 5-star de luxe guarantee plenty of choice for those looking for action this winter.
Valais - where winter makes you feel good. From outstanding cuisine in the many mountain restaurants to the wide range of sports in sparkling white landscapes, get to know the Valais in winter and discover an active side to feeling good. On wonderful winter walking trails, exhilarating sledge runs and peaceful cross-country trails through enchanting winter landscapes. And after a busy day, relax in one of the many revitalizing thermal baths – wellness in the Valais is an integral part of winter. Not forgetting the rich cultural heritage of the region, often relived in unique events of sometimes quite fascinating nature. Where everybody takes part, heart and soul – come and join in too!
Lake Geneva Region - where everything is pure and simple. Are you suffering from the stresses of everyday life? Are you struggling to find time for family and friends? Do you dream of relaxation, fresh air and stunning scenery? Lake Geneva Region can make all of your dreams come true – the Nordic atmosphere of the Jura is much-loved by winter walkers and cross-country skiers alike, while the alpine regions combine fun and fashion with sport. Great ski areas, wonderful sunshine and breathtaking panoramas. Do you fancy a spot of shopping, wellness or culture? Then take time out to visit one of our cities. Lake Geneva Region – pure and simple!
Bernese Oberland - where everything is peaceful and quiet. Totally in – snowshoeing through mysterious forests and across the gleaming landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Speeding down special carving pistes or wowing the spectators while telemarking or freeriding. Totally different – in Interlaken, the locals wear scary masks when celebrating the “Harderpotschete”, while at the “Übersitz” in Meiringen, brave “Trychler” use giant cowbells to scare away the demons and at the “Pelzmartiga” in Kandersteg, evil spirits are chased out of the valley. All this to ensure that our winter guests are able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Bernese Oberland holiday region, here where Switzerland lives up to its name
Pays de Fribourg – where you feel in snowshoe paradise. The Préalpes Fribourgeoises have a great infrastructure for all winter sport activities at unbeatable prices, in particular for snowshoe fans! This wonderfully natural outdoor activity has seen a big increase in popularity over the years, and no wonder! With over 100 km of well-marked and easily accessible routes, the magical winter countryside in the Pays de Fribourg attracts everyone – young or old, beginner or expert alike.
Ticino – where everything is about contrast. Feel the spring even in deepest winter in Switzerland’s sunshine canton! While winter sports fans tackle the glistening slopes up above, camellias blossom along the lake shores below. In the valleys, breathe in and enjoy the fresh natural scents – with a touch of espresso in the narrow village streets. The Ticino is a region full of contrasts, and particularly fascinating in winter.
Central Switzerland – where you feel the essence of Switzerland. Geographically the heart and historically the oldest part of the country, Central Switzerland is justifiably considered one of the country’s most diverse holiday and tourist regions. The landscape is dominated by spectacular mountains, which are covered by a magically fleecy blanket of snow

 

'Summer or Winter for Gay & Lesbian Surrounded as it is by EU countries, Switzerland has always remained alone, but never aloof. It’s a unique and diverse destination, unafraid to go its own way. It is a cosmopolitan nation with a vibrant gay and lesbian community -indeed, the people recently voted to have gay and lesbian partnership registered. Have a look at our brand new brochure and get all the insider tips from the Gay Times and DIVA magazine team!

Exploring Education

Over the last 5 years the Embassy of Switzerland has produced secondary school teaching resources, which are offered free to schools. The focus of each resource was of particular relevance to both Switzerland and the UK.

The first two teaching resources - Exploring the Alps and Exploring Fresh Water - were linked to the annual international themes adopted by the United Nations.

Following the success of these two resources, the Embassy of Switzerland focused the next teaching resource on the vitally important subjects of democracy. Supporting PSHE teaching, Exploring Democracy meets the Citizenship requirements of the National Curriculum. Democracy and the democratic process as practised in the UK are explained, with comparative examples from the Swiss system, which is very different.

The last in the series, Exploring Sport, has now been requested by nearly 3,000 PE teachers in secondary schools. It introduces young people to six unusual sports to encourage everyone to get active and enjoy themselves. The pack was produced as one of Switzerland’s contributions to the UN International Year of Sport and Physical Education. It also examines themes such as fair play, respect and physical fitness.
Exploring Democracy and Exploring Sport are both still available, together with a range of other free teaching resources, from the Embassy of Switzerland in London at mailto: Ursula.Schneiter@eda.admin.ch.

The Exploring Education programme was funded by 'Presence Switzerland', the organisation sponsored by the Swiss government to promote Switzerland abroad.
All packs were produced by 'Rapport Learning' the educational specialists.

Contacting Us

Switzerland Travel Centre Ltd. Registered in England 03649940
1st floor, 30 Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

www.MySwitzerland.com