Romansch

Train announcements in Romansch are rare in the regions where it is not spoken, but in St Mortiz and the canton of Grissons, Romansch can still be heard. Take a listen:

cheese

Yes, we not only produce wonderful cheese you can eat, but we also are the cheesiest people on earth.

The Lavaux Region

It is said that there are three suns that shine on the Lavaux Region: The first is the sun from the sky; the second is the sun reflected from the Leman Lake; the third is the sun from the grapes in the vines.

The Lavaux region produces mostly crisp white wines, which are best enjoyed on the boats which circle the lake. Walking through the terraced vineyards, tourists are routinely enchanted by the quaint one-way road towns with their cafes, cremery stores, and, of course, wine shops.

In recent years, the Lavaux has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that the encrochment of tract housing on the beautiful scenery will be stopped indefinitely. It also means that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the region and the taste of the wine!

The quiet life

It's easy to fall in love with Switzerland. The streets are clean, the scenery is bucolic, and the life is pleasant. Although Switzerland is a modern country with the problems of all modern countries, it is also a land filled with people who like to be still and silent, enjoying their mountains, trees, and rivers.

Taking a drive or a train trip through the lower Alps in the summer is particularly freeing. The cows are in their pastures, moving slowly, chewing the dandelions, and softly ringing the bells around their necks.

You can hike over to a dairy farm, ring the "doorbell", and order fresh dairy products from the farmer. Whole wheels of Gruyere, Appenzeller, Comte, or the local delicacy Tomme. It's easy to find a quiet spot by a lake or river to have a late picnic with a chilled bottle of white wine from the Lavaux region.

Switzerland is truly for those who like to feel part of their environment, part of the land.

Innovation and Technology

Switzerland is not only mountains and chocolate! We are also a very modern country. With the headquarters of many technology companies from around the world, we are the Silicon Valley of Europe.

The EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausane) is a leader in computer and information systems, engineering, mathematics, and science. The EPFL encourages collaberation between students, professors, and researchers, resulting in a dynamic curriculam for its 10,000-strong international student body.

Skiing!

Of course, when people think of Switzerland, they think of skiing. It is true that we Swiss people learn early - I first learned to ski at the age of 2. Plus, the scouts and school trips, skiing really does become part of the culture. Rare is the Helvetian who does not know how to ski or does have his or her favorite spot.

One of the fanciest spots to go is Zermatt. Placed at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a city with no cars or buses. In order to get there, you must park your car and climb into a small mountain train, which takes you directly into the center of Zermatt. Horse-drawn sleys and golf carts are the mode of transportation in Zermatt, making for a very quiet experience. The streets and sidewalks are covered in snow, so bring boots! This is not a town for high heals, even if also boasts the most expensive boutiques known to man.

Skiing and shopping are not the only activities available in Zermatt. Mountain climbing, hiking, and ice climbing are also popular. The old town is particularly beautiful. Simply sitting in a chalet, eating fondu and drinking white wine is also a worthy activity in Zermatt. The Swiss are not as focused on enterprise as many people seem to think: we like to relax and people watch as much as anyone else!

Click here for more information on skiing in Switzerland.

Cities on hills

Many great cities on built on seven hills: Rome, San Francisco, and Lausanne are among them. Lausanne has a varied history from Roman conquerors, to Christian Reformers, to English Romanticism, to modern Technology companies.

Lausanne joined the Swiss federation as the capital of the Vaud canton in 1803. After years of being in the center of Roman, Reformationist, and Napoleonic wars, it is certain that the citizens of the city were eager for the promise of peace and prosperity.

In recent years, Lausanne has become a center for international companies. Because of its prestine environs, excellent educational system, clean and comfortable quality of the life, it is very attractive for foreign companies to settle here. The headquarters of many international companies are located here, including Phillip Morris, Logitech, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Lausanne has ample opportunity for sports enthusiasts. Lausanne-Sport, its soccer team, plays in the Swiss league. There is an annual sports competition, Athelismma. Lausanne also has a triathalon, marathon, and is part of the cycling race around Switzerland. The classic 19th century boardwalk at its harbor, Ouchy, is a lovely place for a summer evening stroll, as well as people watching.

With the French Alps in the distance, Lausanne also boasts a world-class view. The crisp Lemand Lake, which empties into the Rhone River in Geneva, is usually dotted with sail boats in the summer time. The magestic view of the snow covered Alps in the winter is always breathtaking. Climbing higher into the city center, the terra cotta tiles of the buildings, along with the green evergreen trees, the white mountians, and the blue lake, create a painting worthy of being hung in the Louvre.