Overview: With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles,
Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury
ski resorts, it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the
world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries. It is the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise
that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and
summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts.
In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border,
visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a
variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering
will find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest
trails throughout the country. In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and
visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and the crowds do
not abate until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring.
With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer
reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty
to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the
perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and
glistening snow. Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with
famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely regarded as the
intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting
incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with
many museums and galleries to boot. Geneva is the principal city
for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world
organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a
romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather
expensive, nightlife.
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