Switzerland is more than skiing!

Many people only visualize ski slopes when they hear Switzerland; however this country has much to offer beyond the slopes in the urban cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Lausanne. These cities offer wonderful and interesting art, colorful old towns and beautiful waterfront settings worthy of a visit on your way to the slopes.

Zurich is located in the north and is Switzerland’s largest city and a major transportation hub. Like most Swiss cities, Zurich visitors and residents alike enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich, provides the opportunity for romantic walks, bike rides and cruises. A great way to see the town is on a riverboat which functions similar to a city bus.

Known as one of Europe’s most “fountainous” cities, Zurich is sprinkled with more than 1200 fountains, a stream of cafes and streets with a
colorful ambiance. One of the city’s art treasures is a set of Chagall stained-glass windows depicting Bible scenes located in the Fraumunster

Church in the center of Zurich.

There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through Backer Park which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and lush in all of Zurich. Once you have had your fill of the outdoors, head to the very interesting Indianermuseum where you can trace the history of the Native American culture. For a different type of culture, go over to Langstrasse, Zurich’s red light district. As dusk falls, it is great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or get in a few laughs at Volkshaus Zurich comedy club.An hour south of Zurich lays the beautiful city of Lucerne. A covered, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centrepiece of the city’s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and some dating from the 17th century, hang under the bridge’s rafters, showing scenes from Lucerne’s history. Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in appreciation for the protection the Swiss Guards provided him.Historic houses are decorated with frescoes which line the numerous picturesque town squares such as ‘Weinmarkt’ square.

Picasso fans will want to see Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection which showcases several dozen black-and-white candid photographs of the artist.

Here you will see Picasso in the bathtub, getting a haircut, playing dress-up and horsing around with children.

Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland’s first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was chiselled from rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792, is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland.

Tradition and modern life stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre, the KKL, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the architectural highlights of the town. The Center is also a landmark of Lucerne and a venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi – the queen of mountains – is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are worthy experiences.

The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The “cherry road” leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees.

Lausanne is perched elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The museum here
displays a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. The evolution of sports equipment is evident here containing Carl Lewis’ track shoes and Sonia Henie’s ice skates.

Lausanne’s city centre spans several hilltops, linked by bridges spanning deep, river less gorges. Place St. Francois dominates the hilltop district known as the Bourg, formerly the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its upscale markets and boutiques. To the north the hill of The Old Town, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the nineteenth century broadened the city scope to the east and west. The pedestrian walking zone lies north of the train station and provides great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.

The waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners, office workers and roller skaters. The locals nicknamed their town the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its hills as it seems to be a trek each direction.
If you are a shopper, items to purchase in Switzerland may include pottery, watches, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liquors (Williamine, the best thing that can be done with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless-steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods, shoes and of course chocolates!Whether you enjoy displays of modern art or wish to explore Old World charm, the cities of Switzerland seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore and ski the alpine peaks, there is more to this country to be found in its glorious urban areas.

Zurich, the world famous Europe city situated in the north side of Switzerland is the lovely city for any age. It’s a really romantic city. It is a largest city in Switzerland, also the most economical center. The city of Zurich in Switzerland is a major tourist destination. Switzerland is a very clean and organized place with only a few other cities to give competition. It is a beautiful land with its majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, stunning snow capped fields, amazingly beautiful gardens and parks, friendly people, and elegant Switzerland hotels. A skiing paradise has the most favorable and pleasant climate all through the year. With the Alps receiving snowfall all the year round, the country enjoys a cool climate, with the best seasons being spring, summer and autumn. Summer season sees a maddening rush of tourists to Switzerland. The country has a lot to offer and especially for the outdoor enthusiasts there is no dearth of opportunities.

Of the many cultural and beautiful cities, Zurich Switzerland is the largest city of the country. The variety of leisure activities, treasured attractions, and the multicultural elegance all make it one of the finest Swiss cities. Located in the heart of Europe and in the center of Switzerland, attracts a lot many visitors. By the side of the Lake Zurich, it is not only a beautiful tourist center but also the country’s economic and cultural hub. The most populated of the Swiss cities has a long time relationship with banking, business and chocolate. Sometimes called, as the ”little big city”, Zurich is the commercial, financial and engineering capital of the country, with over a million visitors of all kinds visiting it.

Visitors who love to enjoy fine things in life, the sophisticated travelers who are looking for a holiday that can savor their tastes Zurich is the place. From the fabulous, picturesque Swiss Alps, to some of the most beautiful, charming, and interesting places the city has it all. For a holiday in Zurich Switzerland holiday, the summer months of July and August are perfect. It is the time when the summers are at their peak and the city experiences the best weather. Spring and autumn seasons are also good but winters are too cold and remain overcast. Switzerland’s popular and largest city is known for its vast range of cultural attractions and finest hotels in Switzerland.

A metropolis city it has on offer an exceptional combination of attractions. On a tour to the city one will come across over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries. There is more with the city home to international fashion labels and designs, and a colorful lively nightlife scene. The city’s old town has its pedestrian streets lined up with most of the major sights, such as the zigzag alleyways, historic century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and fountains. Getting a peek at the city’s rich history, treasure full of architecture and culture, leaves one in awe and certainly longing for another visit here.

The city of Zurich in Switzerland is a major tourist destination. It is an ideal tourist destination and is blessed with a wide-ranging accommodation. There is a wide range of hotels in Switzerland meeting all the tourist needs.The city of Zurich is very well known for its exquisite Zurich hotels. Falling in all categories hotels in Zurich City have a class of their own. Offering the finest of lodging experience, the city hotels are most sought after by the visitors and tourists. If you are looking for a cheap accommodation, then check into any Budget Hotels Zurich. Although these hotels do not boasts of the best of facilities but are great money saver.