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Traveling to Switzerland

Switzerland is notorious for many reasons: its cold climate, mountainous terrain and its political neutrality, which might have been naturally brought on by its topographical isolation and being one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. In fact, many Swiss people, particularly those living in the Swiss Alps, still retain their culture, traditions and Alpine characteristics, largely unspoiled by the modern world. These people usually live in villages near the Alps, known as Laax.

It is hard to believe, but over 70 percent of its land area is covered by the Swiss Alps, which are known for their jagged peaks and steep gorges. The Pennine Alps range, for instance, has Switzerland’s highest peak, the Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa, which stands at 15,203 feet. This is one of the ultimate travel locations in Switzerland. Of course, not all Swiss mountains are as gigantic in height. The Jura, for instance, are much smaller. They are a beloved travel destination in Switzerland because of its cross-country skiing. The Jura Mountains is where the famous Swiss watchmaking first began. The Mattehorn is another gigantic peak in the Alps that is worth a look. With an altitude of 14,688 feet, it dominates the state Valais Canton.

When traveling to Switzerland, keep in mind it’s going to be really cold. Don't forget to bring a winter coat, especially if you are going during the winter months, or if you are going to the Alps, where it can get intensely cold. The resort of Château-d’Oex, which is nesting in a valley in the Alps, is notorious for its skiing, hiking and hot-air balloon activities.

Switzerland is also famous for its enchanting views of lakes and streams. These bodies of water provide travelers with breathtaking sceneries. The river Rhine is the principal river of the country but there are other river systems are worth mentioning, including Rhône, Ticino, and Inn. The lakes in the Alpine region provide unforgettable natural beauty and any traveler will instantly fall in love with their serene and glassy surface. Among those who should be visited are Lake Geneva, considered to be Central Europe's largest lake, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, which lies at Switzerland’s lowest elevation point; Lake of Neuchâtel, and Lake of Lucerne. Another point of interest is the Staubbach Falls in Bern.

While traveling to Switzerland, you should visit the Gothic Cathedral, designed by Matthäus Ensinger from Ulm. It is an remarkable example of 14th to 16th century architecture. A number of international agencies can also be found in the capital city, Bern, including the Universal Postal Union.

Its second largest city, Zurich, is considered to be the financial center of Switzerland as well as an important commercial and manufacturing center, while the city of Basel is known for its textile and clothing industry. Lausanne, on the other hand, is located in the western part of the country. It is the home to such celebrities as Voltaire, Gibbon, and Rousseau, as well as the center of Switzerland’s iron industry. Notorious for its watchmaking and jewelry industry, Geneva is also the world’s diplomatic center. It is the location the headquarters of the United Nations (UN). The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are also located in Geneva.

 
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