Switzerland Highlights
Bernese Oberland
With its massive peaks, typified by the craggy Eiger, its immaculate villages and its indefatigable mountain rail network, this central area is Switzerland's prime holiday heartland. Its main tourist attractions include the resorts of Interlaken, Wengen, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz; alpine peaks such as the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch; and the scenic sights of the Giessbach Falls and the Schynige Platte.
Valais
This large, predominantly French-speaking canton in southwestern Switzerland has some of the country's best ski resorts, crowned by the mighty Matterhorn, the country's most familiar peak. The major tourist attractions of this, the most mountainous region of Switzerland, also include resorts such as Zermatt, Brig, Crans Montana and Verbier; and the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt railway).
Lake Geneva
Known by the French as Lac Léman, this is one of the most famous lakes in the world, instantly recognisable for its soaring Jet d'Eau fountain and, of course, its lakeshore millionaires' mansions. The main attractions for visitors to the lake region include the cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux; the historic Chateau de Chillon; and Les Diablerets ski resort.
Zürich
Best known for its pecuniary gnomes, Switzerland's financial capital also has a thriving cultural life, with fine museums, art galleries and concert halls. The city's main attractions for visitors include: the Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus (Art Gallery), Opernhaus (Opera House), Tonhalle (Concert Hall), Fraumunster (Cathedral) and Niederdorf, a riverside area of cobbled alleys and courtyards.
Davos/ Klosters
Twin resorts in the southeastern canton of Graubunden, long considered as the favoured holiday destination for the world's rich and famous. It is the Parsenn mountain that has made Davos so renowned: 200 km of Davos' 320 km of piste lead down it into the valley below. The slopes here are so gentle and predictable that they do not even worry beginners. Some visitors, however, prefer quieter Klosters next door, with the same ski slopes but a more authentic alpine charm. However, neither of these two resorts are the places to go to for peace and quiet.
Basel
This ancient city on the Rhine, nestled up against the German and French borders, is best known for its year-round calendar of festivals and carnivals, crowned by the festive Fasnacht. Switzerland's second-largest city is located in the middle of some of Europe's greatest vineyards. The city's main attractions include: the Cathedral, Cultural Museum, Market Place, Tinguely Fountain, the Art Museum and the Museum Jean Tinguely.
St. Moritz
Nestled in the southeastern canton of Graubunden, St Moritz is a winter playground par excellence. It makes an excellent base for outdoor sporting - the place claims to be the oldest winter resort in the world.The main attractions in and around St Moritz include: the Giovannia Segantini Museum, Corviglia (ski slope accessed by cable car from St Moritz-Bad), Muottas Muragl (toboggan run and viewpoint) and Suvrettahang (swish district, millionaires' hang-out).
Ticino
Switzerland's southern region has more than a little flavour of its Italian neighbour. Here the mild climate, beautiful valleys and striking, historically important architecture draw the crowds. Among its many scenic attractions are the two lakes at the foot of the Alps: Lago Maggiore, broad and majestic, and the contorted Lago di Lugano. The canton has a clutch of picturesque, Italianate towns and villages nestled within its valleys, including Lugano, Locarno, Giornico, Bellinzona, Mendrisio and Ascona.
Gruyères
Every year over a million people visit the small town of Gruyères, home of the famous cheese, some 30 km from Fribourg in western Switzerland. The town has only one street, so can be walked through quickly. The château, no longer in private hands, has been turned into a major tourist attraction complete with restaurants and souvenir shops.