Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Holiday Destinations: Switzerland the land of heaven

Switzerland is one of the best places in the world where tourist comes from all over the world because it is a land of heaven. Most of visitors spend their honeymoon and romantic vacations.

It is the best place for summer and winter vacations, due to snow falling many tourist flock from all over the world to see the real beauty of the world.



There are plenty of places but the major tourist attractions are Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, and Interlaken, Basel, Bern, Lausanne etc.



Switzerland Popular Activities

Aerial Activities

Paragliding and hang-gliding is one of the popular activities in Swiss land there are plenty of hot air balloons in the country but Chateau d’Oex is the best known hub for this activity.

Cycling

Cycling is very popular sports in all over the world including Switzerland as well because there are 300 Km of well marked trails most of which offer easy cycling, although challenging trails can be found as well.

Hiking

Hiking is very popular in Switzerland and you found numbers of hikers who are well catered for it. Around 50,000km of well-marked trails leads through all kinds of land in this outstandingly stunning country.

Mountaineering

There are well-established mountaineering schools in Pontresina, Meiringen and somewhere else. IMO, Zermatt is possibly the most well-known destination for skilled mountaineers.

Skiing

Well, Switzerland has some of the best skiing destinations in Europe even in the world where tourist’s flocks from all over the world just enjoy for this activity. Skiing season generally the mid of December to late March. Berner Oberland, Graubunden and Valais have some of the best ski resorts.

Water Sports

Water sports are also the best and famous activity in Switzerland.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Switzerland Travel - Places To Visit In Switzerland - Travel Advice



Switzerland Tour - Places To Visit In Switzerland - Travel Advice


Switzerland is known as the land of the Alps. It borders France, Germany, Italy and Austria. Switzerland offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, no wonder many vacationers at home in Switzerland.

There are many tourist attractions in Switzerland, but I have compiled here few best tourist attractions in Switzerland. Hope you like. Switzerland is rich in history as a country that is neutral, regardless of time of war or peace. So, the Swiss used to host various international organizations like the UN, although the headquarters is in New York, but many offices in Switzerland.

Latin name of Switzerland which means that, the Helvetic Confederation Confoederatio Helvetika, chosen to avoid selecting one of four official Swiss languages (German, French, Italian, Roman)

Switzerland August 1, 1291 marked the day of independence, the story of this country that at first was a joint state, then the alliance since 1848. August 1

The canton of Ticino, Switzerland - The canton of Ticino (Italian, Ticino, pronounced: in German, French and Romansh Tessin) is the southernmost canton of Switzerland on the southern slopes of the Alps. The canton forms with some regions of the canton of Grisons called Italian Switzerland.

It is the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton, but also are official French, German and Romansh former, as in the rest of the country.

Ticino populations are connected by an excellent rail and buses. However, the best option is to move away. There are rental agencies at airports and cities.

Matterhorn, Zermatt is a very popular place of all the peaks of the mountains and people must visit this place if you happened to be in Switzerland . Upon detecting the Matterhorn, which is the noblest of the Alps diValais, you'll be very happy with the breathtaking beauty. Breathtaking views of the town, attract free traffic from the mountain.

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Lake Maggiore - Shared with neighboring Italy, this lake is one of the highlights of the Ticino. In his Swiss banks settle the towns of Locarno and Ascona. The lush vegetation bordering oaks and olive trees. You can browse the lake from one end to another, stopping at coastal towns.

Bellinzona - The capital of the canton is located in the road that connects the two sides three castles alpinas.Tiene Heritage of Humanity. The fort is the oldest Castelgrande, dominates the town and preserves two towers. The old town is worth a visit detained by its Renaissance palaces and churches.

Locarno- The town of Lake Maggiore was an important enclave of the Alps in the Middle Ages was the capital of Ticino between 1803 and 1878. Its old town is home to monumental buildings. On the outskirts, stands the sanctuary Madonna of Sasso, accessible on foot, by funicular or by car and with exceptional views.

Ascona - fishing village of Lake Maggiore was in the nineteenth century, a health center frequented by intellectuals. It has a nice port and a center filled with craft shops.

Centovalli - The valley of the Hundred Valleys of Lake Vogorno starts. It settled charming villages with castles and churches that exhibit a rich display of art from different eras. A train passes through over 40 km, between Locarno and the Italian town of Domodossola.

Verzasca Valley - It is the smallest of that north of Locarno. One of its main characteristic is the medieval bridge Dei Salti, near the town of Levertezzo-with a double arch that crosses the river Verzasca.

Lugano - The Piazza della Riforma is the heart of the financial capital of Ticino. The square is open to the lake and bounded by buildings and palaces, including cantonal government headquarters and City Hall.

Lake Lugano - Also shared with Lombardy, Italy, where several villages sit side with an Italian. You can travel by boat from Lugano. Several cable cars climb to summits offering magnificent views.

Morcote Morcote and Vico - They are two of the most peaceful villages of Lake Lugano. Amongst its numerous hiking through the villages and forests of this region of Ticino.

Lausanne (Lausanne) - one of the most elegant cities in Switzerland, enjoys a beautiful location on the north shore of Lake Geneva. The Romans founded a first settlement lake in the fourth century, but over time, and after the barbarian invasions, the inhabitants decided to move to the nearby hills for safety. This area is currently the Vielle Ville, the old town. The city began to experience a major boom and developing its economy, crafts and culture.

Lausanne is the center of the cultural and economic life of the French-speaking Switzerland and the headquarters of the Federal Supreme Court and the International Olympic Committee. History, but also the topography have shaped this city located in the resort of Ouchy, at 375 m. altitude, and green hills and wooded. It is the capital of the canton of Vaud.

Lausanne is a city of steep slopes extending over three hills of heights scaled by the lake. The center is the Place St-François. To the north lies the business district, concentrated around the Rue du Bourg. Further north is the Vielle Ville, the old town, dominated by the magnificent cathedral. The neighborhood of Bel-Air, west, leans toward the valley where the river once flowed Flon. The Grand-Pont, a bridge across the valley, offers beautiful views of Bel-Air and the old town, which stands behind him.

Olympic Museum - The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, houses exhibits relating to sport and the Olympic movement. You can find information about ancient and modern Olympic Games. Surrounded by a park where you can see many works of art, always related to sport.

Bern - Bern is the capital of Switzerland. It is also home to utilities such as Swiss Post (state post office) and the Swiss Federal Railways.

Zurich is the largest rail center in the country. Bern has direct links to major cities in Switzerland and European cities like Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Milan.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Verbier, Switzerland

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Verbier, Switzerland

One of the largest resorts in the Swiss Alps, Verbier is preferred by many celebrities. Located in the canton of Valais - Verbier is the largest resort area in Switzerland. More than one million tourists a year come to Verbier.The altitude of the slopes varies from 1500 to 3330m. Verbier gives the opportunity for the enthousiasts of all levels to explore over 400km  downhill runs.19 of the trails are intended for beginners, 20 are intermediate tracks and there also are 5 runs for experts. The resort  have on disposal a total of 35 lifts. The high altitude of the slopes ensures the presence of  snow throughout the active season. Verbier is large alpine village which offers all amenities you can want for your vacation.

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Verbier, Switzerland, map of ski pistes

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Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier has many ski and snowboard schools, companies organizing mountain guides. They propose variety of options- private lessons, group courses and some special ones. The best is you can even see Mont Blanc at an altitude of 1500m.



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Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the resort with best conditions for skiing outside the processed tracks. The slopes are suitable for snowboarding. If you want to get away for a bit of ski atmosphere, you can go to the Mont Gele - one of the few areas in the vicinity, which has no ski slopes yet. This resort has a large ski area which is reached by funnicular that will suit most skiers, with a link to the glacier of Les Diablerets. 


 

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Branson's The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

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Verbier, Switzerland, chair lift

A holiday to Verbier allows you to explore the areas 4 valleys and to take in the magnificent views.  Again, this is classified as the most fashionable and cosmopolitan resort of you skiers out there but don’t be put off by this as it still has a traditional feel that will make you feel extremely welcomed. Verbier’s après ski is legendary with its nightclubs and 60 restaurants.

For more places where you can spend your vacation enjoying skiing and others you can see here.





St. Moritz, Switzerland



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St.Moritz, Switzerland

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St.Moritz, Switzerland, ski pistes


This resort town  is called the “luxury resort of the Swiss Alps”. Saint Moritz is one of the most famous and prestigious ski resorts in world, especially after having hosted the 1928 Winter Olimpic Games and also the 1948 Winter Olimpic Games./ Here we have to note that only 3 cities in whole world have hosted Winter Olmpic Games more than once/. Nowadays its name is associated with finesse and elegance. Many celebrities have properties here. We can come across its name in a great number of novels as well as the famous series of James Bond.

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St.Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace-5 Star Luxury Hotell

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St.Moritz, piste map, Switzerland

 St.Moritz is situated in the Engadine valley. It is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Graubunden. A few kilomemetres south of the town is situated the highest summit in the Eastern Alps- the Piz Bernina. St. Moritz is influenced with both cultures- the german speaking majority and  those who are using the roman languages- mainly Italians. In the beginning the besort becomes famous due to its mineral healing springs, which have been known for more than 3 thousand years. This place is perfect for those who want to spend their time close to nature, among a well balanced combination of mild snow cover, nice weather   and fine altitude. A great advantage is the possibility to practice a lot of sports there, such as: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, bobsleigh, sledging, horse races, polo, cricket, ski jumping, sliding on a frozen lake and others.

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St. Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace
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St.Moritz, ski slopes, Switzerland

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St.Moritz, Switzerland


For more places where you can spend your holiday enjoying skiing and others you can see here.




Top 10 Best ski resorts in Europe


 As the ski season is approaching I propose a quick review of  some of the best  ski resorts in   Europe. They have stunning landscapes, wonderful hotels, chalets, clubs and restaurants. Many celebrities like to spend their holidays here. I think there is no doubt why. Most of the sceneries are breathtaking, the resorts have on disposal very good ski tracks. That puts them on the top of the list of ski resorts.


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St.Moritz, Switzerland

   

 2. Courchevel, France

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Courchevel, France


  
 3. Verbier, Switzerland

 

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Verbier, Switzerland

   

   4. Val D'Isere, France

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Val d'Isere, France


    5. Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

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Cortina d'Ampezzo,  Italy

     6. Kitzbühel, Austria

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Kitzbuhel, Austria

     7. Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

     

     8. LechZurs, Austria

 
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Lech, Austria

    9. Les Portes du Soleil, France

Morzine Ski Resort
Morzine chalet, Les Portes du Soleil, France


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Les Portes du Soleil, France

     

    10. Zermatt, Switzerland

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Zermatt, Switzerland

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Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt, Switzerland
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Zermatt at night, Switzerland



Monday, November 7, 2011

10 Places To Visit In Europe During The Winter Holidays

Europe is a wonderful destination through all the seasons but in winter there are lots of  interesting places to visit. My favourite are the Christmas Markets and everything related to Christmas.

1. Switzerland:
Mountains wonderfully covered with snow..Breathtaking views...Just imagine the start of the New Year in  a place like this...

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Switzerland, Europe

 2. Berlin, Germany:


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Ice rink, Berlin's City Hall, Germany

Besides the wonderful Christmas Markets, there is a lot more.....Berlin’s important public square Potsdamer Platz is turned into a winter wonderland this time of year. Visitors can choose from a 40m long ice rink, an Alpine ski hut, a 70m ski slope and a wide range of competitions to enter. Another highlight is having the chance to slide down a long slope on a huge rubber tyre.Opens from early 29th October 2011 to 1st January 2012.

 

 3. Sweden: 

This is an extremely cool place to visit if you're willing to travel. Northern Light is a life time experience.You won't ever forget it. Also you should definitely visit the famous Ice Hotel.

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Northern Lights, Sweden

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Sweden, Europe
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The nature of Sweden, Europe

4. Reykjavik, Iceland:



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Reykjavic, Iceland

Reykjavik is a great place to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. This city is famous for its nightlife. There after the amazing fireworks held in midnight, everybody heads downtown to party. Most of the clubs and bars offer live music until at least 5am the next day.

 

 5. Chamonix: 

This is a place which is most preferred by adventure lovers. It offers many sports and activities specially in winter.Most common are skiing, snowboarding and all other snow sports. The beauty of Chamonix makes it a wonderful resort. Cable-car ride is another interesting feature of this place.

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Chamonix - a wonderful ski resort, Europe

 

6.Prague:

The beauty of this city is really divine. Here you will find many beautiful castles, medieval bridges and beautiful forests. All this is even more beautifil when covered with snow. It's like a fairyland. So for all lovers of the great places and feelings - visit this lovely town.
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Christmas Market, Prague, Old Square
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Charles Bridge, Prague, Europe

7. Eiffel Tower, Paris:

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Eiffel Tower, Paris

Enjoy the beautiful views of Paris, after that skate on this unique small but perfectly formed ice rink - enough to make your winter holiday an unforgettable experience. The ice skating rink is located on the first floor observation deck of the famous French landmark – lodged between two of the tower’s massive steel legs. Up to 80 skaters at a time can enjoy this unusual skating experience but vertigo sufferers might want to give this one a miss! Opens from December 2011 to February 2012.


 8. Best all rounder – Vienna Christmas Market:

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Viennese Christmas fair
The “Christkindlmärkte” in Vienna, Austria is a very popular seven hundred year old Christmas market. Here you’ll find a traditional event with plenty of nostalgia, fun and romance. As well as the usual concerts and nativity displays there is also a crowd-pleasing live advent calendar display and a children’s Christmas workshop located in the City Hall. Wander through Vienna’s atmospheric streets and town square which are filled with the aromas of candied fruits, cotton candy, Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts – surely the perfect way to get you in the Christmas mood?
Vienna Christmas Market: 19th November – 26th December 2011

 

9. Norway:

Norway is another place where you can have a lot of fun in winters.For adventure lovers there are many activities like snowshoeing, take a ride on a husky dog sled, ice fishing and an exciting ride on a reindeer.And for nature lovers this place has beautiful sights like snow covered mountain plateaus, wilderness and sea.So visit this place to have long lasting fun.
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Norway, Europe

10. Edinburgh, Scotland:

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Edinburgh, Christmas market

The annual Hogamany in Edinburgh is a legendary event and is often cited as the world’s best New Year’s Eve party. Join merry Scots and 100,000 other revellers and expect four days of fun and free events. The organisers ensure everyone’s tastes are catered for and festivities include a traditional torchlit procession, street performers, ceilidh bands as well as the famous gigantic street party. Guests are also treated to a large and impressive firework display at midnight – just make sure you bring your warmest clothes.