Territory, population and total area of ​​Switzerland. Switzerland: description and history

SWISS CONFEDERATION

Motto:“Unus pro omnibus omnes pro uno.” (Latin: “One for all, all for one.”)

Name: from the name of one of the three original cantons - Schwyz, derived from the Old German word “to burn”. The Latin name of the country is often found - Helvetia (Confoederatio Helvetica)

Location: Western Europe

Capital: Berne
The European headquarters of the UN has been located in Geneva since 1946 (and Switzerland itself only joined the UN in 2002)
Lausanne was elected Olympic capital in 1994. Lausanne is not only the headquarters of the IOC, but also of various international sports federations.

The president: Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf

Timezone
Central European time UTC+1 (difference with Moscow 3 hours),
But between 1:00 on the last Sunday in March and 1:00 on the last Sunday in October: Central European Summer Time UTC+2 (difference with Moscow 2 hours)

Currency
Swiss franc (CHF, code 756)
Sellers can accept euros, but are not required to do so. You will most likely receive your change in Swiss francs.
Currency exchange: Banks (open 8.30–16.30), airports, railway stations of large cities, most hotels.

Telephone code: +41
From Switzerland to Russia: dial - 00 - 7 - (code) - subscriber number
There are three GSM cellular operators in Switzerland: Swisscom, Sunrise, Orange.

Internet domain:.ch Large number of Wi-Fi access points. Free Wi-Fi: in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and sometimes in tourist areas. Payment can be made by plastic cards or provider cards. Regular access is at Swisscom phone kiosks and internet cafes.

Territory: 41,284 km² (132nd in the world)

Borders: with Germany (in the north), with Italy (in the south), with France (in the west), with Austria and Liechtenstein (in the east).

Mountains
Switzerland is considered the most mountainous country in Europe.
The Alps occupy 61% of the entire territory of Switzerland. These include the Pennine Alps, the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina Massif. The Pennine Alps include the country's highest point, Peak Dufour (4,634 m), and the country's most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, a real symbol of Switzerland, emblazoned on the Toblerone chocolate emblem. The Rhone and Rhine, flowing in deep valleys, separate the Pennine and Lepontine Alps from the Bernese Alps (with the 4,274 m high Finsteraarhorn) and the Glarn Alps.
Peaked alpine ridges are often covered with glaciers. In total, there are about 140 large valley (the 24-kilometer Great Aletsch glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps), cirque and hanging glaciers.
The main passes are laid through the ridges at an altitude of above 2000 meters above sea level: Great St. Bernard, Simplon, St. Gotthard, Bernina.
Nowadays, the Alps have become a real mecca for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. The best ski and recreational resorts in Switzerland - Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Leukerbad - attract a huge number of tourists every year.
The Alpine resorts have become famous for their tourist attractions. This is the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch at 3454 m above sea level and the highest brewery in Europe in Monstein at 1600 m.
The Jura mountain range in the north of the country occupies 10% of the territory. The wooded ridges of these mountains extend beyond the country's borders - into the territory of France and Germany. The highest point of these mountains is Mont Tendre.
In the center of the country is the Swiss Plateau, almost the entire territory of which exceeds 500 meters above sea level.
Forests cover approximately a quarter of Switzerland's territory. Mainly oak and beech, and sometimes pine groves, they grow in the mountains, valleys and plateaus.
Chestnut trees are often found on the southern slopes of the Alps. A little higher into the mountains coniferous forests rise, which are replaced even higher by alpine meadows. Here a lush floral carpet appears, dazzling with the brightness of its colors. These include spring crocuses and daffodils, and summer rhododendrons, saxifrages, gentians and edelweiss. Further towards the top, the rocky peaks will be covered only by mosses and lichens, while at the foot of the mountains Mediterranean palms and mimosas will bask in the rays of the sun.
Regular visitors to the mountain paths are snow partridge and mountain hare. In recent decades, it has become more difficult to see roe deer, marmot or chamois in the mountains. To protect them, as well as to protect species such as deer, alpine ibex, fox, and ptarmigan, special measures are taken. The Swiss National Park was created.

Rivers and lakes
Switzerland has no access to the sea and is rightfully considered a storehouse of water. 6% of all the fresh water in Europe is concentrated here, and it is in the Swiss Alps that rivers such as the Rhine, Rhone, and Inn originate, carrying their waters to the North, Mediterranean and Black Seas. Swiss river valleys are very picturesque. Waterfalls are often found in the mountains. For example, the largest in Europe, the Rhine Falls, the highest Mürrenbach Falls, and the Reichenbach Falls, notorious as the place of death of Sherlock Holmes.

The longest rivers in Switzerland are:
Rhine, Are, Rhone, Reus, Limmat, Zane, Tours, Inn, Ticino, Emme, Doubs, Beers.

But truly extraordinary beauty is possessed by numerous lakes of switzerland. The most beautiful of them were sung by famous poets and artists. As a rule, they are surrounded by picturesque parks with subtropical vegetation and ancient palaces. Since Swiss lakes are of glacial origin, they are usually elongated and quite deep.
Beautiful sandy beaches stretch along the shores of the lakes, because the water temperature in some lakes reaches +25°C. The diversity of Switzerland's natural landscapes is the reason for another interesting phenomenon. Under the influence of soils and vegetation, the waters of the lakes are painted in all sorts of colors of the rainbow.
Vessels of 15 shipping companies sail on the water surface of the lakes.
There are 1484 lakes in Switzerland.

The largest among them
Lake Geneva (cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Valais) - the largest lake in the Alps - is protected on all sides by mountains from cold winds, so a very warm microclimate has formed here. Even palm trees grow in the famous resort of Montreux.
Lake Constance (cantons St. Gallen, Thurgau)
Lake Neuchâtel (cantons Bern, Friborg, Neuchâtel, Vaud) is the largest lake located entirely in Switzerland.
Lago Maggiore (canton of Ticino)
Lake Vierwaldstät (cantons of Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Uri)
Lake Zurich (cantons St. Gallen, Schwyz, Zurich)
Lugano (canton of Ticino)
Lake Thun (Canton of Bern)
Lake Biel (cantons Bern, Neuchâtel)
Lake Zug (cantons Lucerne, Schwyz, Zug)
Lake Brienz (Canton of Bern)
Lake Wallenstadt (cantons Glarus, St. Gallen)
Lake Murten (cantons Friborg, Vaud)
Lake Sempach (Canton of Lucerne)
Lake Schwyz (Canton of Schwyz)
Lake Hallwil (cantons Aargau, Lucerne)
Gruyères (canton of Friborg)
Joux (canton of Vaud)
Lake Greifensee (canton of Zurich)
Sarner Lake (Canton Obwalden)
Aigeri (canton of Zug)
Baldeg (canton of Lucerne)

But most lakes are quite small. However
Lake Cauma (canton of Graubünden, there are 637 mountain lakes in the canton) is known as the warmest in Switzerland above 1000 m above sea level
Lake Silser (canton of Graubünden) is the highest of the European lakes on which official navigation takes place (1800 meters above sea level)

Climate
The mountains create a huge variety of climatic zones in Switzerland; each valley, depending on the altitude above sea level, has unique weather conditions. However, in general, the Central European continental climate predominates. In summer temperatures are usually from +20° to +25°, and in winter - from +1° to +6°.
The climate of the canton of Ticino is close to the Mediterranean.
The west of the country is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. In Geneva, the average temperatures in July are about +19°, in January -3°. Strong north and south winds predominate.
At the same time, winters in mountainous areas are cold. Average temperature is −10° and below.
In winter, a strong, warm Föhn wind blows in Switzerland, giving its name to a popular consumer electronics device.

Tourism
Switzerland has traditionally been distinguished by its high development of tourism. A well-developed tourist infrastructure, high-class hotels, excellent railways and roads, and, of course, the amazing nature that has made Switzerland a household name, as well as cultural monuments: witnesses to the glorious past of a freedom-loving people - all this ensures an endless flow of tourists from all over the world.
Alpine skiing and mountaineering are extremely popular in Switzerland. Davos, St. Moritz and Zermatt are among the best ski resorts in the world. Soft snow, wide slopes, breathtaking scenery, coupled with Swiss quality service, have turned Switzerland into one of the best winter holiday destinations. It should be noted that there are excellent ski schools. In the area where the glaciers are located, skiing is possible all year round.
Switzerland is a paradise for hikers. The diverse landscape made it possible to create more than 180 routes of varying difficulty: from walks along the shores of lakes to difficult treks along mountain gorges or glaciers. Clearly marked hiking trails are cleared of snow in winter.
Switzerland is a country of bicycles. There are 3,300 kilometers of bike paths suitable for all skill levels. Nine national cycling routes are united in the Veloland Schweiz Project. Bicycles can be rented inexpensively at most train stations and can be returned elsewhere. In some cities you can rent a bicycle for free with a cash deposit or document.
Climbing has been booming in Switzerland in recent years.
Almost every Swiss hotel has its own tennis court, and there are more than fifty excellent golf courses in the country. In many cities, including hotels, many indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including heated ones, have been built. In addition to beautiful beaches, the Swiss lakes are also home to a huge number of sports activities. These include yachting and sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. To this must be added rafting, canoeing, hang gliding, parachute jumping and horse riding. All this speaks of a very high level of development of sports in Switzerland.

Population
Population 7,700,200 people. (98th in the world)
Historically, different peoples, languages ​​and religious movements coexist in Switzerland. The concept of the Swiss reflects a common history, culture, and a common civic identity. But such a people and language do not exist.

Major peoples of Switzerland
German-Swiss (65%, cantons: Bern, Zurich, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, Zug, Lucerne, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Lands, Schaffhausen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Appenzell-Innerrhoden, St. Gallen, Aargau , Thurgau, in the cantons of Graubünden - 68%, Fribourg - 29%, Valais - 28% of the total population) speak the literary German language and its Swiss variant: Alemannic.
The French-Swiss (18%, cantons: Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva, Jura, in the cantons of Friborg - 63%, Valais 62%, of the total population) use the official French language, and its regional variant is Arpitan (Fraco-Provençal) language.
The Italian-Swiss (10%, canton of Ticino) use the official Italian language and the closely related Lombard language.
Romansh peoples: Romanches and Ladins (1%, in the canton of Grisons - 14.5% of the total population). They speak Romansh and Latin.
German, French, Italian and Romansh are the national and official languages ​​of the Swiss Confederation.
There is an imaginary border between German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland - Röstigraben ("potato ditch." Rösti is the national dish of the canton of Bern made from grated potatoes).

Religion
The Reformation left Switzerland with a rather motley religious picture. Unlike many neighboring states, no one side has gained the upper hand here. Until the 19th century. Cantons with different religions fought fiercely with each other. Nowadays:
Catholics - 47% (cantons: Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug, Lucerne, Appenzell-Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Valais, Jura, Ticino, in the cantons of St. Gallen, Geneva - 2/3, Solothurn, Aargau, Grisons - more than half, Zurich, Basel, Glarus, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Thurgau, Vaud, Neuchâtel - slightly less than half, Schaffhausen - 1/3 of the total population)
Protestants - 37% (cantons: Bern, in the cantons of Schaffhausen - 2/3, Zurich, Basel, Glarus, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Thurgau, Vaud, Neuchâtel - more than half, Solothurn, Aargau, Grisons - slightly less than half, St. Gallen, Geneva - 1/3 of the total population).

CANTONS (CAPITAL, LARGEST CITIES)

Transport
Located in the center of Europe, Switzerland has a dense network of roads and railways. The transalpine railway connection opened in 1882 with the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel, followed by the Simplon Tunnel in 1906. The Lötschberg tunnel opened in 2007.

Railways
A total of 5,100 km of railway network is in use. Almost all Swiss railways are part of the nationwide SBB-CFF-FFS (Swiss Federal Railways) system. In addition, numerous narrow gauge railways are operated, the largest company of its kind being the Rhaetian Railways.
Urban commuter rail networks are concentrated in the country's major cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne and Neuchâtel.
Lausanne is the only city with a metro system (Metro Lausanne), which includes two lines, the first of which is a light metro line and the other a fully automated metro line, which opened in 2008. After its opening, Lausanne became the smallest city in the world with a full-fledged metro system.

Mürren railway system
A train usually cannot climb very steep inclines, so many tracks must be built to gain height gradually. But transalpine communication became possible with the use of circular spiral tunnels. In conditions of extremely mountainous terrain, engineers opted for the more economical construction of a narrow gauge track.
The numerous railway viaducts of the Rhaetian Railway in the canton of Graubünden, mostly built in the early 20th century, have become a tourist attraction but retain the function of a much-needed transport system.
Some railways were built only for tourist purposes, like Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch, the highest station in Europe in the Bernese Alps, at 3454 meters.
The Alpin Metro in Saas-Fee is the highest underground cable car in the world. It leads to the highest revolving restaurant in the world and the world's largest ice grotto on Mount Mittelallalin (3,500 meters)
The highest cable car in Europe leads to the Klein Matterhorn (height 3,820 meters).

Motorways of Switzerland
Total: 71345.6 km
Swiss motorways have a general speed limit of 120 km/h. Speed ​​limits in built-up areas are 50 km/h.
To travel on the "highest category" highway (free-way), indicated by green signboards, you need a "Vignette" coupon for payment of the annual toll. Payment is accepted at border checkpoints, post offices and gas stations.
Local buses cover the entire country. The Postauto system covers small towns and all areas without a railway network.

Air Transport
National carrier - Swiss International Air Lines
Zurich International Airport (Kloten Airport) is located in the city of Kloten (canton of Zurich) and is the largest international airport in Switzerland. In 2003, an automated metro was built to move passengers between the existing airport complex and the new terminal. The Zurich Airport train station (Zürich Flughafen) is located below the terminal. Trains go to various cities in Switzerland: Winterthur, Bern, Basel and Lucerne. However, once you arrive at Zurich train station, most other cities in Switzerland can be reached within a few hours.
Geneva Cointrin International Airport is the second largest in the country. Moreover, it has access to both the Swiss and French sides.
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport
Bern-Belp Airport

Water transport
lines on lakes:
Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman - on Lake Geneva
Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft on Lake Zurich

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (and Candidates)
Benedictine monastery of St. John in Müstair (canton of Grisons)
Monastery of St. Gall in St. Gallen
Old town in Bern
Bellinzona fortifications (canton of Ticino)
Region Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bichhorn (cantons Bern, Valais)
Mount Monte San Giorgio (canton of Ticino)
Terraced vineyards (canton of Vaud)
Tectonic group of Sardona (cantons of Glarus, Grisons, St. Gallen)
Rhaetian Railway (Canton of Graubünden)
La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle (canton of Neuchatel)
Prehistoric pile dwellings in the vicinity of the Alps (Cantons of Geneva, Vaud, St. Gallen)
Urban planning and architectural works of Le Corbusier: Villa Falle, Villa Villa Schwob, Jeanneret-Perret. (All in La Chaux-de-Fonds, canton of Neuchâtel), Villa Le Lac in Corso (canton of Vaud) (candidate)

Swiss culture
The culture of Switzerland arose and developed, on the one hand, in very close contact with neighboring German, French and Italian cultures, but, on the other hand, it was based on the deep originality and uniqueness of the traditions of each canton.
The fine arts of Switzerland are represented by sculpture; remarkable works in this genre were created by Hermann Haller.
The following artists worked in the painting genre: Franz Gertsch, Johann Ludwig Aberle, Daniel Spörri, Frank Buchser, Roman Siegner, Louis Moillier, Niklaus Manuel, Jean Renggli, Thomas Huber, Hans Asper.
German-language literature in Switzerland dates back to the liturgical drama of the Resurrection of Christ and Christmas songs written by the monks of the monastery of Muri (Aargau) in the 13th century. Somewhat later, these works began to appear in the monastery of St. Gall.
The 14th century saw the emergence of medieval court literature, such as the Codex Manes. The Swiss chronicle of Aegidius Tschudi dates back to the 16th century, which became the main material for Schiller’s drama William Tell.
In the 19th century, realism developed in the works of Jeremiah Gotthelf, Gottfried Keller and Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, their traditions are continued by Jakob Christoph Hehr and Joanna Spiri, the author of the famous story “Heidi” about an orphan girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps.
In the second half of the 20th century, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Max Frisch and Robert Walser raised Swiss German-language literature to the world level, and Karl Spitteler and Hermann Hesse were awarded the Nobel Prize.
French-language literature in Switzerland owes its appearance to John Calvin.
In the 19th century, Charles Didier, Henri Blancvalet, Louis Tournier, Philippe Gaudet, Alexandre Vinay and Charles Monnard wrote French.
Many of the writers of the 20th century are known all over the world: Charles Ferdinand Ramus, Philippe Jacotet, Corina Bij, Maurice Chappaz, Jeanne Hersh.

Swiss music
Derived from traditional yodeling, which originally originated as throat-calling among shepherds in the mountains. Liturgical music arose in the 10th century. In the Church of Valères in Sion you can see the oldest working organ in the world. In the 13th century, patriotic songs, shepherd's tunes and tunes on the Swiss folk instrument, the Alpine horn, became widespread. At the same time, minnesingers—lyric poets—came into fashion. They were replaced in the 15th century by professional composers, their works were published in Vienna and Copenhagen. In the 18th century, composers wrote trio sonatas and overtures, spiritual cantatas and pieces for organ, opera buffa and singspiel. At the end of the century, the choral movement was born.
In the 19th century, composers came to the fore: F. K. Schnyder von Wartense, F. T. Fröhlich, Baumgartner. The Geneva Conservatory was founded in 1835, and the Zurich Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1862.
Richard Wagner worked in Switzerland from 1849 to 1858. He conducted performances and symphony concerts. In the second half of the century, a new galaxy of composers came: F. Hegar, X. Huber, O. Barblan, F. Klose, I. Lauber.
In the 1910s, Switzerland became home to famous composers from different countries. I. F. Stravinsky writes “The Wedding” and “The Story of a Soldier” here, F. Busoni, S. V. Rachmaninov, R. Strauss (late 1940s), P. Hindemith (1953-63), B. Martinu work here (late 1950s). The greatest Swiss composer of the 20th century is Arthur Honegger.
Since the late 40s, jazz has been gaining popularity. In 1967, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival was founded, bringing together the best jazz performers.
In 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest was held for the first time in Switzerland.
Switzerland hosts hundreds of music festivals of various genres every year, including:
Jazz festivals in Montreux, Bern and Willisau,
July festivals in Bern, Avenches and Nyon.
Summer open-air pop concerts
Symphony and chamber concerts in Biel and Lugano
International music festivals of classical music in Lucerne, St. Moritz, Gstaad are major events in the world of classical music.
Today there are 7 conservatories in Switzerland
Opera houses operate in Basel, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Biel.
And there are ballet companies in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. The dance troupe of Maurice Bejart is famous all over the world. Lausanne hosts one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.
The Swiss have made a huge contribution to world science. Gustav Jung created analytical psychology, Albert Hofmann discovered and researched psychotropic substances, and Henri Dunant founded the International Committee of the Red Cross. During the Berne period of his life, Albert Einstein developed the main issues of the special theory of relativity.

But Switzerland has left a deep mark on our Russian culture.
N.V. Gogol wrote the second volume of Dead Souls in Vevey in 1836.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Geneva, and then in Clarence on the shores of Lake Geneva, composed the operas “Eugene Onegin” and “Joan of Arc”. And Igor Stravinsky wrote the famous “Rite of Spring” in the vicinity of Montreux. One of the streets of Clarence is called in memory of this: Rue du Sacre du Printemps (Street of the Sacred Spring). The concert hall in Montreux also bears the name of Stravinsky (Auditorium Strawinsky).
As a child, Marina Tsvetaeva lived in Lausanne, and Vladimir Nabokov lived in Montreux for many years. From 1974 to 1976, Alexander Solzhenitsyn lived in Zurich.
In Switzerland, Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, Mikhail Bakunin and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin thought about the fate of the Russian people. In Geneva, where the leader of the world proletariat lived for a long time, a museum and a store of Soviet symbols have been opened, and in Zurich, on the house where Lenin also lived, a memorial plaque has been installed.

Holidays
January 1 - New Year
January 2 is the Day of St. Berthold, the founder of the city of Bern.
April (usually) - Good Friday, Easter, Monday of Bright Week
May 1 - Labor Day
May-June - Ascension of the Lord. Pentecost and Spiritual Day
June (usually) - Feast of Corpus Christi
August 1st - Swiss national holiday
August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
November 1 - All Saints' Day
December 8 is the Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
December 25—Christmas.
December 26th is Boxing Day.

Festivals
Gourmet Festival in St. Moritz
Carnival in Lucerne
Berne Carnival
Carnival in Basel
Montreux Jazz Festival
Verbier Music Festival
Geneva Escalade

Swiss cuisine
Swiss cuisine is recognized and loved all over the world. And although it was not without the influence of its neighbors: Germany, France and Italy, the Swiss were able to create many original dishes:

Swiss chocolate
Fondue is a dish of cheese and wine, which is prepared in a special heat-resistant catnelone dish over an open fire.
Rösti - a dish of grated potatoes with added vegetable or animal fats
Tartiflette
Basel Brunels (Cookies)
Swiss sausage salad
Swiss gingerbread
Swiss cheese soup
Swiss roll
Polenta is a dish made from cornmeal.
Raclette - a dish of melted fatty cheese
Cookies "Lotus Petals"
Meringues are a dessert made from egg whites whipped with sugar and baked.

Switzerland is famous for its wines, the main wine-making region: the shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, and the Rhone Valley.
White wines are widely known: - "Dezaley", "St.-Saphorin", "Fendant", and "Johannisberg", "Twanner".
The best red wines are the exquisitely delicate Rose der CEil-de-Perdrix, the strong Dole, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Red wines of northern and eastern Switzerland: light "Blauburgunder", "Hallauer", "Stafener", "Maienf elder".
The ruby-red wines of the canton of Grisons are distinguished by their luxurious bouquet: “Sassella”, “Grumello”, “Inferno”.

Most restaurants are open from 11.00 to 19.30-20.00, sometimes until 21.30. But restaurants and cafes located outside tourist areas may stop working as early as 17.00 and close for the whole weekend. Establishments located in large cities, and especially within the historical center, are open longer. You must make sure to reserve a table.
At ski resorts, hotel restaurants are open from 7.00 to 21.00-22.00. As a rule, in the morning and afternoon there is a buffet, and after 14.00 there is a menu. Restaurants on the slopes open after 11.00 and close at the end of lift operating hours.

Story
The oldest known inhabitants of the modern territory of Switzerland are the Celtic, Italic and Illyrian tribes. In particular, in the 1st century. BC e. The Helvetian Celts settled in the west of the Swiss plateau, the Vindelici Celts settled in the east, and the Rhetes, related to the Etruscans, settled in the Alps of Eastern Switzerland. The Helvetii were engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, produced iron and minted gold coins, and had already begun to build cities. It was at this time that Aventicum (Avenches), Genava (Geneva), Lauzonium (Lausanne), Salodurum (Solothurn), Vindonissa (Windisch), Turicum (Zurich), Vitudurum (Winterthur), etc. arose.
The first Celtic tribe to be defeated and conquered by the Romans were the Insubri in 222 BC. (south Ticino). A hundred years later, in 121 BC. The Romans conquered the Allobroges (region of Geneva). But the Helvetii themselves in 107 BC. e. raided southern Gaul and defeated the Romans. Half a century later, in 58 BC. e. under pressure from the Germanic tribe of Suevi, the Helvetii decided to completely move to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Fearing the threat to Northern Italy from the Helvetii, Caesar prevented them from doing this, defeated them and forced them to return to Helvetia. And in 15 BC, Decimus Claudius Nero finally annexed eastern and central Switzerland to Rome. During the Roman era, prosperity grew, cities were built (the capital of Helvetia Aventicum - Avenches, Equestris - Nyon, Augusta-Raurica - Augst and Vindosia - Windisch) and roads were built, trade developed, the Latin language and Roman culture spread. Later, Christianity penetrated Helvetia, monasteries were built, and episcopal sees were founded.

But the peacetime did not last long. Already in 264, the Alemanni invaded Helvetia and destroyed Aventicum, which was never reborn. Despite the attempts of the Romans to build new fortresses and camps, in 406-407. The Alamanni captured eastern Switzerland. And in 470, western Switzerland was subjugated by the Burgundians. The Alemanni almost completely eliminated Roman influence and the Latin language. Their descendants - modern German-Swiss, along with the German literary norm, still speak the Alemannic language. In recent years, this language has become especially widespread on social networks and online forums. The Burgundians left a much smaller footprint in western Switzerland. On the basis of Latin, the Arpitan (Fraco-Provençal) language developed here - the native language of the second largest people in Switzerland - the French-Swiss, which also exists along with official French. The southeast (the modern canton of Graubünden) came under the rule of the Ostrogoths, and the Romansh language arose from a mixture of Latin and Rhaetan. And the canton of Ticino, which was the possession of the Lombards, adopted Lombard, which is close to official Italian.
The new conquerors were the Franks. In 496 they conquered the Alemanni, and in 534 the Burgundians were conquered. Ticino was conquered in 774. At this time, Christianity was finally established, and new monasteries were built. But in 843 the Frankish Empire collapsed. Burgundy and Ticino are given to the Middle Kingdom, the German king gets Alemannia, where the city of Zurich and the monastery of St. Gallen, the center of education in Switzerland, rise. Alemannia became a duchy in 911, and Upper Burgundy became a separate kingdom in 888.
A new danger arises in the 10th century. In 917 the Hungarians sacked Basel, and in 926 St. Gallen; in 936-940 the Arabs devastated Grisons, Valais and Vaud.
In 1032, the German emperor also received Burgundy; Ticino was part of Italy, which in turn was also subordinate to the German emperor.
Gradually, Alemannia and Burgundy broke up into many separate counties and duchies, some of which were subject to the emperor directly, and some to the Catholic Church. The counts (later dukes) of Zähringen, Habsburgs, Cyburgs, and Savoy especially rose to prominence. They founded new cities: Freiburg, Bern, Thun, Murten, etc. But despite the subordinate position among free townspeople and rural settlers, republican-democratic self-government emerged at this time. The country is achieving relative prosperity.

The preconditions for the emergence of the Swiss state itself were the struggle that flared up in the 13th century between the Habsburgs and the emperors. Namely, in the years 1245-1252, the Habsburgs tried to conquer the canton of Schwyz, which was granted a special charter of liberty by Emperor Frederick II in 1240. Schwyz was supported by Uri and Unterwalden, who concluded an alliance treaty, which was renewed on August 1, 1291 “for eternity.”
This treaty is usually considered to be the beginning of Switzerland as a state, although even the name of Switzerland was still unknown at that time: it appeared later.
In 1307, King Adolf of Nassau confirmed the independence of Schwyz and Uri from the empire, and in 1309, Henry VII of Luxembourg gave a charter of liberty to Unterwalden. However, the Habsburgs did not accept the loss of their lands. In 1315, the large army they assembled entered the territory of the canton of Zug and on the Morgarten Heights, in a narrow valley between Lake Egeri and the mountains, was defeated by a tiny detachment of local peasants and hunters. After this battle of Morgarten, due to the incorrect naming of all allies by the name of one community - Schwyz, the modern name of the country was born.
In 1332, Lucerne joined the alliance; Austria (where the Habsburgs reigned) responded with an unsuccessful war. In 1351, Zurich annexed to protect itself from Austria. After the ensuing war, the Austrian possessions of Glarus and Zug were annexed in 1352. And a year later, in 1353, having defeated the Habsburg allies, Bern joined. The Swiss were forced to defend their independence in wars against Austria in 1364 and 1386. This is how the so-called “Union of 8 Old Lands” was formed.
Meanwhile, relations between the allies remained completely voluntary. There was no single government or a single army. At times, wars even broke out, for example the Old War of Zurich in 1436-1450 between Zurich and the Forest cantons. But nevertheless, in 1415 the allies recaptured Aargau from the Austrians, in 1452 - from the St. Gallen monastery - Appenzell and St. Gallen itself, in 1460 - Thurgau and in 1440 - the Leventine Valley. In 1475, Valais, freed from the power of the Savoy counts, was annexed.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Switzerland became the freest and most democratic country in the world, prosperity grew, trade and industry developed, and the University of Basel was founded in 1460. After the victorious Burgundian War, Swiss mercenary troops became elite military units throughout Europe.
Freiburg and Solothurn join the union. A new agreement is concluded, common to all 10 lands. After the war with the Swabian League (1499), the connection with the Holy Roman Empire was finally abolished. In the Italian Wars, the Swiss took part in Charles VIII's conquest of Naples and Louis XII's conquest of Milan, later becoming allies of Pope Julius II. Louis XII, in turn, transferred Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno, Chiavenna, Valtelin and the southern part of Ticino to the union.
Meanwhile, in 1501, Basel, Schaffhausen and Appenzell joined the Union. The Union of 13 lands was formed. Neuchâtel, the Bishopric of Basel, the Abbey of St. Gallen, the city of St. Gallen, Biel, Grisons, Valais, Geneva, Ticino, Bellinzona, and Vaud were subordinated to the Union on various rights.

At this time, the ideas of the Reformation penetrated into Switzerland. In 1519, Ulrich Zwingli began his activities in Zurich, Joachim Watt in St. Gallen, and Michael Eggensdorf in Schaffhausen. In 1525 the Anabaptist movement emerged. In 1528, the Reformation won in Bern, in Basel, and then Calvin preached in Geneva. This led to the First War of Religion (1529) between the treaty Protestant Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Biel, Mühlhausen, Basel, Schaffhausen and the union of 5 Catholic cantons with Valais and Austria. Switzerland split into two parts.
Meanwhile, in 1526, Geneva entered into an alliance with Bern and Freiburg, the ensuing war with Savoy brought the acquisition of Vaux, the annexation of Lausanne (1536). Protestant academies were founded in Geneva and Lausanne, and Jesuit colleges were founded in Lucerne and Freiburg. The religious struggle was accompanied by expulsions and capital punishments. In 1586, the Catholic cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Lucerne, Zug, Freiburg, and Solothurn concluded the “Golden” Union. In 1597, Appenzell split into two semi-cantons: the Catholic Innerrhoden and the Protestant Ausserrhoden.
All this had a negative impact on the country. Plague and famine became frequent occurrences. But the situation was changed by neutrality in the Thirty Years' War, a position that later became one of the main political ideas of the country. Switzerland became a haven for those fleeing religious persecution and for political exiles. Trade and industry are developing rapidly. But the echoes of the turbulent events of the previous century do not subside. In 1656, the First Wilmergen War broke out between Catholic Schwyz and Lucerne and Protestant Zurich and Bern, and in 1712, the Second Wilmergen War broke out between Catholic and Protestant cantons. But the 18th century highlights the struggle between oligarchy and democracy. This century is the flowering of industry and trade, scientific thought.

The events of the Napoleonic Wars did not pass by either. In 1798, the French, under the pretext of killing two French hussars, crossed the border into Vaud, which they declared the Leman Republic. Very soon Basel was annexed to the republic, and it was transformed into the Helvetic Republic. Valais, Leman, Aargau, Bellinzona, Lugano, Raetia, Sargans, Thurgau and St. Gallen were added to the 13 old cantons. Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Zug were united into the canton of Waldstetten with its capital at Schwyz. Sargans and Glarus are in the canton of Lint, and Appenzell and St. Gallen are in the canton of Säntis. Geneva was annexed to France. And the republic was forced to sign an alliance with France and turned into the main theater of military operations.
In 1803, Napoleon handed the Swiss a new constitution. Switzerland became a union state of 19 cantons. Grisons, Aargau, Thurgau, St. Gallen, Vaud and Ticino were added to the 13 old cantons. After the Battle of Leipzig (1813), Switzerland decided to maintain strict neutrality, but the Austrians, wanting to subordinate the country to their influence, entered its territory.
The Austrians were supported by Bern, Fribourg, Solothurn and Lucerne, who sought to restore the previous order and subjugate the newly formed cantons. But thanks to the support of Emperor Alexander I, a new union treaty was adopted. And the Declaration of 1815 confirmed the eternal neutrality of Switzerland and the inviolability of its borders. Valais, Geneva and Neuchâtel were returned, forming 3 new cantons.

Reference Information
Institutions are usually open on weekdays 8.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off.
Banks are usually open from 8.30 to 16.30, except weekends. Banks work longer than usual one day a week; this must be clarified with each individual bank.
Post offices in large cities are open on weekdays 8.30–12.00 and 13.30–17.00, on Saturdays from 7.30–11.00, and closed on Sundays.
Branches in shopping centers usually operate the same hours as the store itself, including extended hours once a week.

Voltage
The mains voltage is 220V/50Hz. Receptacles are primarily designed to accept three-prong plugs (the third is an offset ground pin), but standard two-prong plugs will also work. An adapter for “Euro plugs” with a grounding contact is easy to find in any hotel or store.

The shops
Shops are open on weekdays 8.30 - 12.00, and then 14.00 - 18.30. In large cities, shops usually do not interrupt their work during the lunch break, and on one weekday (usually Thursday or Friday) they are open until 21.00. In Zurich, shops close at 20.00 on weekdays. On Saturday, most shops are open until 16.00-18.00. On Sunday, only shops at airports, major train stations and along major highways are open.
The most profitable purchase in Switzerland can be a Swiss wristwatch. Here you will find a huge selection at much more reasonable prices.
The oldest watch store in Switzerland is Beyer Chronometrie in Zurich, it belongs to the seventh generation of watchmakers.
In April, Basel hosts the international jewelry exhibition BASELWORLD, which brings together more than 2,200 manufacturers of watches, jewelry, and precious stones, for many of whom BASELWORLD is an exclusive place to display their products.
You will also be amazed by the abundance of varieties, types and forms of chocolate.
In addition, in Switzerland it is worth purchasing clothes, bed linen, tablecloths, napkins, embroidered towels, precision instruments, pocket knives, ceramics, antiques and art publications.
Value added tax in Switzerland is 7.6%. But if you purchased goods worth 300 Swiss francs in one store or in one day, and the goods will be exported from the country within 30 days from the date of purchase, you can apply for a VAT refund. To do this, stores will give you Global Blue Tax Free Checks, which must be stamped by customs at the airport when leaving the country. And you have the right to receive the VAT included in the price of the goods in cash at the airport at the Global Blue office, on a specified credit card or bank account, by bank check or in cash upon returning home.

Little Switzerland, a quiet oasis at the crossroads of Europe, is a clear example of how people speaking different languages ​​can live quietly and peacefully, respecting themselves and each other. In Switzerland, traces of various civilizations can be found at every step. The ruins at Nyon and Avenches remind us of the Romans. Romanesque and Gothic architectural monuments can be seen in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne. The main Baroque monuments are the famous cathedral and monastery library in St. Gallen, which are under the protection of UNESCO. There are 600 museums in Switzerland, and every big city has its own theater and symphony orchestra. Multilingual Switzerland has the same “multilingual” cuisine: fondue and raclette in the French cantons, sausages, roasts and rösti (grated baked potatoes) in the German cantons, thin slices of cured meat in Grisons and Valais, polenta and risotto in Italian-speaking Ticino. And don't forget to order local wine with your meal.
The legend says: when God distributed the mineral wealth on earth, there was not enough for one small country in the heart of Europe. To correct this injustice, the Lord gave her castle-like mountains, sparkling glaciers, thundering waterfalls, countless lakes and welcoming, fertile valleys. Thus, Switzerland became the perfect embodiment of divine wisdom. Switzerland is a real myth. Here you will find more contrasts than anywhere else. The amazing diversity of landscape, architecture, languages ​​and culture makes this country a special little world, a pocket-sized Europe.
The Swiss Alps are the birthplace of mountaineering and skiing. In this blessed land of blue lakes and sparkling glaciers, in this fabulous country, which God generously rewarded with natural resources, and people nurtured with their work and care, you must visit to understand what real relaxation and real comfort are...

Geography

In the north it borders with Germany, in the west with France, in the south with Italy, and in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein. The northern border is partly along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which begins in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura Mountains, the southern - along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva. The largest lakes are Geneva and Constance. In Switzerland, three natural regions are distinguishable: the Jura mountain range in the northwest, the Swiss plateau (plateau) in the center and the Alps in the southeast. The capital of Switzerland is Bern.

Time

The time is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Climate

The climate of Switzerland is moderate; in the west of the country there is a great influence of the Atlantic Ocean; as you move to the east and in the mountainous regions, the climate acquires continental features. The maximum air temperature, as well as the maximum precipitation, occurs in the summer months. The maximum temperature during the day, even in the winter months, rarely drops to negative values. The spring months have the fewest days with precipitation. And the maximum rainy days occur in the summer. In the summer months, the maximum air temperature exceeds 25°C; at night, the temperature, as a rule, does not fall below +13...+15°C. The resort of Grindelwald is located in the center of Switzerland's vast, world-famous Jungfrau mountain region, in a deep, picturesque valley. Around the world, Grindelwald is called the "Village of Glaciers". Downward winds, the so-called foehn, are often observed in the resort area. The hairdryer is often accompanied by squally gusts of wind. The foehn is observed more often in March and April and is referred to as the “snow eater.” There is a high probability of a hairdryer in September-October.

Language

Official languages ​​are French, German and Italian; English is widely spoken.

Religion

48% of believers are Catholics, 46% are Protestants, 6% profess other religions.

Population

The indigenous population of Switzerland is approximately seven million. The entire population is divided into four ethnic forms: German-Swiss, Italo-Swiss, Franco-Swiss, and Romansh.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V, current frequency 50 Hz.

Emergency numbers

Ambulance: 111, police: 117, firefighters: 118, roadside assistance: 140.

Connection

Telephone booths are installed everywhere in post offices, bars, cafes, shops and on the streets (calling from post offices is cheaper). Calls on weekdays from 18.00 to 8.00 are cheaper, significant discounts also apply on weekends and holidays. In all machines you can use special telephone cards, which are purchased at the post office, tobacco kiosks, railway stations, gas stations, etc. GPRS roaming is available from the main Russian operators. Swisscom recently purchased 800 Wi-Fi access points. There are almost no free points. Paid ones are quite expensive. Payment can be made by plastic cards or provider cards. Regular access can be obtained at dedicated Swisscom telephone kiosks and Internet cafes.

Currency exchange

The national currency is the Swiss franc. One franc is equal to 100 centimes. Banks are open from 8:00 to 16:00 (some until 17:00-18:00) on weekdays, break from 12:00 to 14:00. You can change money at any bank branch, and in the evening - at exchange offices of large department stores, airports and some travel agencies. Currency exchange offices at airports and railway stations are open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, sometimes around the clock. Most prices are indicated in both EUR and Swiss CHF. Some large stores even accept EUR as payment, but give change in Swiss CHF. Therefore, it is most convenient to pay with plastic cards.

Visa

To enter Switzerland, citizens of Russia and the CIS require a visa. Since December 12, 2008, Switzerland has been a member of the Schengen agreement. From now on, all valid Schengen visas are valid for entry into Switzerland by any means of transport (airplane, car, train, etc.), even if they were issued earlier than the specified date by another Schengen member state. From December 15, 2008, the consular section of the Swiss Embassy in Moscow and the Swiss Consulate General in St. Petersburg will begin issuing Schengen visas. Visas issued before December 12 are valid only for entry into Switzerland and do not grant entry into Schengen countries.

Customs regulations

The import and export of currency is not limited. It is allowed to import personal items duty-free - clothing, photo and film cameras, sports equipment, musical instruments and food products per day. Tourists arriving from EU countries can import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams duty-free. pipe tobacco (for persons at least 17 years old), strong alcoholic drinks - 1 liter. and up to 2 l. wine (not stronger than 15°). The import of drugs, meat and meat products, skins of wild cats, crocodile, lizards and products made from them, and flower plants with soil is prohibited.

Holidays and non-working days

Transport

The main types of urban transport are bus and train. In large cities there are also trolleybuses that run on the same routes as buses. There is a small metro in Lausanne. Intercity transport is mainly by rail; In some places, usually remote from the railway network, there are special intercity buses. There are city trains (like our metro or electric train) and long-distance trains (between cities). On city trains there is a self-control zone, that is, if you did not buy a ticket and you come across a ticket agent, you will pay a fine. On long-distance trains, inspectors always check tickets, but if you do not have a ticket, you purchase one from the inspector at a small premium. A decision has now been made to ban smoking on all trains. Until recently, smoking was only possible on long-distance trains (regardless of class). Usually the carriage is divided into two parts: smoking and non-smoking. Transport in Switzerland is expensive. In large cities, one trip costs at least two francs, in small cities - about one and a half francs.

The "Switzerland Travel System" is a system of universal travel cards valid for all types of regular transport (trains, commuter buses, lake boats, public transport) and giving a discount on many types of tourist transport. These passes are worth it if you intend to make at least two long trips in Switzerland. At the same time, on a number of mountain tourist lines, including those leading to the main peaks of Switzerland, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau, these tickets, at best, provide only a 25% discount on the rather high fares of these trains - about 100-150 francs per trip. All these tickets are sold by a number of Russian travel agencies, but most of them are also available in Switzerland.

Tips

Despite the fact that in a restaurant a service charge is included in the bill, if you want to thank for good service, you can leave a few coins to the waiter or round up the payment amount. It is customary to leave 1-2 francs for porters in hotels.

The shops

Shops are open on weekdays from 8:30 to 18:30, some large ones on Thursday until 21:00-22:00. On Saturday, all stores are open from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Traditional “Swiss purchases” include watches, chocolate, the famous penknives and music boxes.

National cuisine

Swiss cuisine emerged as a result of a complex, long and contradictory development under the influence of many peoples living in the country. The influence of French, Italian and German culinary traditions is especially great. A distinctive feature of the local cuisine is the abundance of cheese and dairy products, as well as meat with a variety of seasonings. You should definitely try the traditional “foie gras” or “cheese fondue” - Gruyère or Emmental cheese melted in boiling white wine, seasoned with spices. This dish should be eaten hot, dipping pieces of white bread into the cheese and always washed down with white wine. Another popular cheese dish is “raclette,” which is a specially fried cheese with crispy pickled cucumbers and jacket potatoes.

Extremely popular are "Bernäs Platter" - fried pieces of beef and pork with green beans or sauerkraut, as well as "Lürich Leschnetzeltes" - thin pieces of veal in sauce. Delicious sausages of all kinds are consumed everywhere, especially those from the cantons of St. Gallen and Bern, as well as huge two-meter sausages from Zurich, excellent bacon and specially prepared “resti” potatoes, which are best served in combination with white Munich bratwurst sausage, are famous. It is also worth trying the famous Zurich-style chopped veal with traditional Swiss potatoes “Rosti”. In the Lake Geneva area you will be offered traditional perch fillets fried in oil. The fillet is served with lemon wedges and garnished with boiled potatoes or roasted almonds. The thick vegetable soup “Minestrone” is very unusual and tasty, which includes tomatoes, beans, rice, potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower, leeks and grated Sbrinz cheese - the Swiss analogue of Parmesan. Minestrone soup is a traditional dish in Ticino. Another famous first course is Graubünden barley soup, made from smoked beef, cabbage, and, of course, barley. Alpine pasta is a somewhat unusual combination of pasta and potatoes, seasoned with sour cream and grated cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions.

In the southern cantons, almost exclusively Italian cuisine is used with its “pastas”, “pizza”, “carpaccio”, “scampi” and “risotto”, with an abundance of herbs and olive oil.

For dessert, try the Zuger Kirschtort cherry cake. It is made of puff pastry and delicate buttercream, soaked in cherry liqueur and sprinkled with nuts. Swiss chocolate and the desserts Hühli and Krefli are also famous throughout the world. It is worth trying the specially prepared very strong ristretto coffee.

Swiss wines and beers are great. Among the white wines, “Johannioberg”, “Ferdan”, “Lavyu” stand out, among the red ones - “Lamey”, “Coron” and “Dol”. The liqueurs Kirsch, Pflumli and Williamin are good, but they are very strong.

Attractions

Switzerland is an example of a classic tourist country - elegant cities and famous resorts with cozy hotels, majestic mountains, pristine lakes and picturesque hillsides. Here, all the beauties of nature and outstanding creations of human hands are concentrated in a small space.

Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud, lies on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The city is famous for the majestic Gothic Cathedral of St. Francis (1145-1275), overlooking the old part of the city with its original houses and old bridges over the rivers Flon and Louvet. The north side of the cathedral tower offers a unique view of the city and lake. You should definitely visit the Olympic Museum with an extensive sports exhibition, the Elysee Museum, the castles of St. Mary (currently the cantonal government sits here) and Beaulieu, the Palais de Villiers fairground, Mon Repos Park and the university. The city has many theaters and various museums, and the rich Cinematheque of Switzerland is also good. The large Bel-Air-Metropol trading house with a 67-meter-high tower, excellent “folklore” restaurants, the old ports of the Oukhi region and the beautiful lake shore stretching for several kilometers attract the constant attention of tourists.

Geneva, founded in 500 BC. e. on the right bank of the Rhone since the Celts, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is famous for its elegance and magnificent parks along the lake. On the left bank of the Rhone, the city center rises with St. Peter's Cathedral (1160-1232), the Town Hall, the Arsenal, the Opera House (1879), the Conservatory (1856) and the famous Jet D'O fountain (1891) , located on a picturesque lake, surrounded by magnificent gardens and parks. One of the interesting and unique attractions of Geneva is the clock made of flowers on the Promenade du Lac with the largest second hand in the world (its length reaches 2.5 m, diameter - 5 m, 6.5 thousand living people are used to create the clock colors). On the right bank of the Rhone is “international Geneva” with the UN Palace, the international work center, the International Red Cross and other organizations. The UN Palace (1936), located in a large beautiful park and larger than Versailles, is a real small “state within a state” (it even has its own post office and issues its own stamps) and the largest exhibition center in Europe - up to 5 thousand events are held here annually various conferences and congresses.

Zurich is the most important commercial and financial center of Switzerland, as well as the largest banking center in Europe, the center of commercial and industrial institutions, a shopping paradise and the “cultural Mecca” of the country. The city center is located on both banks of the Limmat River, which flows into Lake Zurich (length - 39 km, depth up to 143 m). It is best to start exploring the city from the historical center of Niederdorf, with its pedestrian zone and picturesque narrow streets, paved with cobblestones and built up with houses in the Gothic style. In the evenings, the area turns into an entertainment center - street musicians play, beer and wine flow like a river, people sing and dance here until midnight.
The financial center of the city and one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe is Bahnhofstrasse. Numerous shops and the best supermarkets of the city are concentrated here - Globus and Gelmoli, as well as divisions of Gnomen von Zurich - one of the largest banks in Switzerland and the world. Adjacent to Bahnhofstrasse is Parade Square, where the pompous buildings of the Swiss Credit Bank (1876) and the Savoy Bor-en-Ville Hotel (1838) are located, as well as the famous Sprüngli confectionery.

Basel- the second largest city in Switzerland, located on the border of the “German” and “French” parts of the country on both sides of the Rhine. The city was founded by the Romans in 44 BC. e. on the site of a Celtic settlement, and in written sources “Fort Basilea” is mentioned already in 374. Today it is a large industrial, commercial and banking center of the country. A large number of educational institutions are concentrated here, including the oldest university in Switzerland, large shopping centers and banks, and at the same time - the first national musical theater, many art galleries, second-hand bookstores, a huge number of bars and taverns. The center of old Basel is the Marktplatz (“Market Square”), which to this day amazes with its riot of colors and abundance of goods on sale. Here is also one of the symbols of the city - the beautiful Town Hall (1507-1513) with a bright red painted brick facade, a gilded bell tower, a roof made of glazed tiles and a statue of Minatius Plancus. In the building of the former Franciscan church Barfüssenkirche (14th century), the Historical Museum is currently open, and on the nearby Fischmarkt square there is the most beautiful fountain in Basel, decorated with a statue of Our Lady (1390). Another symbol of the city is the Münster Cathedral (1019) with two spiers and a gallery with a colonnade surrounded by huge chestnut trees. The area in front of the beautiful wrought-iron temple gates is paved with paving stones, and a powerful telescope is installed in the courtyard, with which you can admire a beautiful panorama of the city. Another landmark of Basel is the Spalentor gate (1400) made of red sandstone, flanked on both sides by two round crenellated towers.

The capital of the country is Berne, founded in a steep bend of the Aar River in 1191 by order of Duke Berthold V. The historical center of the city is a chain of streets Spitalgasse, Marktgasse and Kramgasse, abutting the Niederbrücke bridge. The main attractions of the city are concentrated here, in the old center - the Prison Tower (1256) with a bell tower (1643), the famous street fountains (16th century), the Clock Tower (1191, chimes with moving figures - 1527- 1530), Gothic Cathedral (1421-1573) with the tallest bell tower in Switzerland (about 100 m), stained glass windows of the 15th century, statues of the 16th century. and the main portal of Küng's work (1457). It is impossible not to visit the City Hall (1406) with a large reception hall with wooden ceilings from the 15th century, as well as the “Bear Crypt” that gave the city its name.

Lugano- the largest and most significant city in the Italian-speaking canton of Tessin, located on the shores of the lake of the same name in the southeastern part of the country. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Monte Bre (923 m) and Monte San Salvatore (912 m), which form a magnificent panorama around the city and its mild climate. In the old part of the city there are architectural monuments of enormous historical value - the Palazzo Civico palace in the magnificent Parco Civico park, where open-air concerts are constantly held, Villa Malpensata, the church of Santa Maria dell'Angioli (16th century) with frescoes of the Crucifixion Christ" and "The Last Supper" by Bernardo Luini, located near the station, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (1517), the Church of San Rocco (1349) with the famous altar and frescoes by Discopoli, and many other unique buildings. The distinctive features of this hospitable Swiss city are the arches, the blood-red geraniums in the parks and the orange tiles of the roofs. There is an extensive pedestrian area in the center. From Piazza Ciocarno you can take the funicular to the mountains.

Resorts

Zermatt- a ski and climatic resort, one of the most prestigious resorts in Switzerland, located in the upper reaches of the Visp Valley, at an altitude of 1620 m at the foot of the Matterhorn Mountain, and is surrounded by 36 “four-thousand-meter peaks” of the Main Alpine Range. This is a great place for skiers of any level, which has the longest winter season in the country, traffic is prohibited here, so the air is unusually clean. Instead of cars, horse-drawn carriages are used in the summer and sleigh teams in the winter, plying between Walliser's old village houses and 117 elegant hotels. By all international standards, Zermatt is among the top ten resorts.

Saas-Fee- one of the highest mountain resorts in Switzerland. Considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, Saas-Fee is located among the 13 highest alpine peaks over 4000 m surrounding this picturesque valley. The height of the resort is 1800 m, there are 120 km of roads. pistes at altitudes of 1800-3500 m, 30 km. flat slopes of all levels of difficulty, the grandiose Mittelallalin ski complex, an outdoor skating rink, a sports center with a lot of amenities, special tracks for sleds, flat skis, snowboards, outdoor skating rinks, restaurants and bars, discos, a cinema, etc. At an altitude of 3500 m. is the “highest” revolving restaurant in the world, and a few steps away from the restaurant is the world’s largest museum, the Ice Pavilion, and a chapel where wedding ceremonies are held.

Grindelwald located 15 minutes drive from Interlaken. This is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in the country. Mountain glaciers here descend almost to the resort itself, which creates excellent conditions for winter sports - here one of the longest skiing seasons in the country. Glaciers brought other glory to Grindelwald - here you can visit the “Blue Ice Grotto” and the exotic Glacier Gorge, a meteorological station and an observation deck from which you can admire the endless panorama of the Alps and the nearby peaks of the Eiger (3970 m), Munch (4099 m) and Jungfrau (4158 m.), standing one after another. 213 km are laid on their slopes. pistes with heights of 1034-2971 m, 47 lifts, including the longest gondola lift in Europe to Mannlichen (2230 m), 25 km. flat ski tracks, an 8-kilometer toboggan run from Bussalp (1800 m) and high-mountain hiking trails with a total length of more than 300 km. On the other side of the valley lies the interesting ski area Föst (1050-2500 m).

To the ski valley Portes du Soleil includes 12 French and Swiss stations: Champéry, Le Crozet, Champoussant, Morjan, Torgon, Avoriaz, Chatel, Morzine, Les Gets, Montrion, Saint-Jean d'Alpe, Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance. Champery, located 10 km. from Val d'Ies at an altitude of 1580 m, is famous for its colossal length of slopes - 650 km, served by 228 ski lifts, there is also an indoor skating rink (60x30 m), a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center with a solarium, a sauna and a modern physiotherapeutic complex.

Les Diablerets, often called the “alpine paradise”, is located at an altitude of 1300 m on a mountain site, offering a grandiose panorama covering a vast area from Lake Geneva to the French Alps. At altitudes from 1200 to 3000 m, 120 km are broken. pistes, 50 lifts, and a well-planned public transport system (included in the price of the ski pass) you can continue skiing on the slopes of Gstaad, Leysin, Chateau d'Eau, Saanen and Villars. There is a sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool and skating rink, a sports club (badminton, squash), bowling and billiards halls, tennis and golf courses, as well as a riding school. One of the advantages of the resort is its proximity to Geneva, as well as to the most important cultural centers such as Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, Les Mosses (1450 m, black pistes), Chateau d'Eau and Gstaad. The whole world is also famous for such mountain resorts as Falera, Leysin with its famous revolving restaurant “Kuklos”, “family paradise” - Villars, “virgin” Anzer, cozy Pontresina, located in a wind-protected valley with its own microclimate Arosa and balneological resorts Schwäfelberg-Bad and Yverdon.

Swiss Confederation

Switzerland is a mountainous country located in southern Central Europe, in the heart of the Alps. It borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein.

The name comes from the name of the canton of Schwyz, derived from the Old German “to burn”.

Capital

Square

Population

7300 thousand people

Administrative division

Switzerland is a federation of 23 cantons (3 of them are divided into half-cantons).

Form of government

Federal parliamentary republic. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament and government.

Head of State

The president is elected by parliament for a year from among the members of the government.

Supreme legislative body

Federal Assembly (bicameral parliament), consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons and elected for a term of 4 years.

Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne.

Official language

German, French, Italian, Romansh.

Religion

50% are Catholics, 48% are Protestants.

Ethnic composition

65% are Germans, 18.5% are French, 10% are Italians.

Currency

Swiss franc = 100 centimes.

Climate

Due to its geographical location, Switzerland is influenced by four climatic zones: mid- and North-Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental. In Geneva, the average temperature in January is about 0 °C, in July + 19 °C, at the foot of the Jungfrau mountain - 14 °C and 0 °C, respectively. The Alps are a barrier to cyclones carrying moisture, so the level of precipitation in the intra-Alpine regions is significantly lower than in the outer regions. On the Swiss Plateau, 800-1200 mm of precipitation falls, in the Alps - up to 2500 mm.

Flora

Switzerland- one of the richest in diversity of flora and fauna in European countries. Here you can find species that grow and live both in cool arctic Scandinavia and hot subtropical Spain (for example, palms and mimosa). The alpine slopes are characterized by wide belts of spruce, fir, and beech forests, as well as at an altitude of 2400-2800 m - subalpine and alpine meadows, rhododendron, and juniper. In lower areas there are deciduous trees.

Fauna

The fauna is represented by mammals: chamois, marten, hare, marmot, fox, etc. For birds, the climate of the Alps provides a unique opportunity for rapid seasonal migrations, so there are a large number of them here. There are many swans and ducks on the lakes and floodplains. A Swiss National Park has been created along the border with Italy.

Rivers and lakes

Large rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Po, Adige and Rhone take their source from glaciers in the mountains of Switzerland. There are 1,484 lakes in Switzerland, the largest of which are Geneva, Constance, and Lago Majors.

Attractions

Castle in Thun; castle in Neustahl; medieval city fortifications, St. Vincent Cathedral and the 15th century town hall. in Bern; Viflen Castle in Morges, town hall (1504-1514) in Basel, monastery in St. Gallen, Chillon Castle, etc. There are 600 museums in the country, the most popular are the historical one in Zurich and the art museums of Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich. Switzerland is famous for its climatic and mountain resorts and winter sports centers.

Useful information for tourists

There are no endemic infectious diseases in Switzerland. Vaccinations against such are not required upon entry, with the exception of those who have been in an epidemic area 14 days before arriving in Switzerland. Swiss medical institutions are among the best in the world. For a doctor's visit or hospitalization, you must pay a deposit in cash, traveler's checks, or provide medical insurance. You will be sent an invoice after your hospitalization, but you may be asked to pay on the spot.
The most popular items among buyers are jewelry, watches and chocolate. All major jewelry companies have their representative office in Geneva. For Switzerland, watches have become the embodiment of precision, elegance, and a kind of world standard.
It is usually not customary to tip, except in restaurants, where the tip is 10% of the order price. We advise you to read the bill carefully, not to save money, but to respect tradition, and never exceed a 10% tip. They are handed over only after the change to the centime is brought.

A beautiful mountainous country with many lakes (1484) is located in the heart of Europe, bordering Italy, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Austria. Capital - Bern . Population - 7.1 million people. Main cities - Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne. Consists of 26 cantons. The climate is temperate; neither extreme heat nor extreme cold or very high humidity are typical here. In July-August - 18-28C, January-February - from -2C to +7C. The determining influence on the climate is exerted by the Alps, which act as a pan-European climate barrier, as well as by two characteristic winds - the cold Biz and the warm Fen. The lowest point of the country is the city of Ascona, Lake Maggiore (196 m above sea level) - with a Mediterranean climate, the highest point - the peak of Dufour (4634 m above sea level) - with an arctic climate zone, and these 2 points - Ascona and Dufour - 70 km from each other. The majestic Matterhorn mountain peak and the 20-kilometer Alecht glacier are located in the canton of Wallis, while apricots, peaches, tomatoes, and grapes grow in the valleys of the canton. And in Stalden, rain is as rare as in the desert. From November to February there are practically no sunny days in Geneva - a gray heavy fog hangs over the city. Moreover, in 40 min. driving from Geneva to Montreux - the sun may be shining at this time. The canton of Graubünden has 150 valleys, its rivers flow into 3 different seas - the North, Mediterranean, and Black. On the territory of Switzerland there are 4 largest lakes - Geneva, Constance, Neuchâtel, Maggiore; 4 longest rivers - Rhine, Are, Rhone, Royce; 4 highest mountain peaks - Dufourspitz (Monte Rosa), Dom (Misshabel), Weisshorn, Matterhorn; 4 largest glaciers - Aletsch, Gorner, Fischer, Inferior Aare.
Language: official - German (north-eastern part of the country), French (western part of the country) and Italian (southern part of the country). In the canton of Graubünden, Romansh (of Latin origin) is also spoken. English is also used throughout.
Religion: the majority are Catholics (46%), Protestants (14%) and other denominations.
Time: European, 2 hours behind Moscow.
Visa: Since December 2008, Switzerland has entered the Schengen area, and therefore a “Schengen” visa is issued.
Currency: Swiss franc - CHF. Also, many hotels, restaurants, and shops accept Euros, but change is returned in Swiss francs. All known credit cards are accepted. Banks are open from 8:30-16:30, except Saturday and Sunday. Once a week - according to an extended personal schedule.
Office hours: mail - Mon-Fri from 8:30-18:30, lunch 12:00-13:30, Sat - 8:00-12:00. Other government agencies - on weekdays 8:00-12:00 and from 14:00-17:30, weekends - Sat, Sun. Shops - Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, one day a week open until 20:00, Sat - 9:00-17:00, closed - Sun and holidays.
Public transport, railways, airports: in big and small cities there is a very convenient tram and bus system. Tickets are sold from vending machines at each stop. You cannot purchase a ticket in the vehicle itself. There is a hefty fine for traveling without a ticket.
Swiss railways are over 150 years old. The most common types of trains in Switzerland are EU (Eurocity) and IR (InterRegio). The carriages on almost all trains are air-conditioned; most long-distance trains have a mini-bar, a restaurant, a “quiet” carriage, and some have a family carriage with a playroom for children. On some popular panoramic routes, panoramic and dining cars are booked in advance. On buses, ships and railways they use a special ticket SwissPassWith different conditions and varieties of its action . Swiss Pass holders also receive discounts on mountain excursions and other travel services.
Airports: international - in Geneva and Zurich, regional - in Bern, Basel, Lugano. From any airport it is easy to get to almost any point in the country by rail. At Geneva airport there are 2 exits - to the territory of Switzerland and to the territory of France.
Mains voltage: 220V. Electrical sockets are different from those used in most countries, and an adapter can be obtained from many hotels.
Tipping: A service fee is usually included in restaurant, hotel and taxi bills.
Extreme phones:
Police - 117, Fire - 118, Ambulance - 144, Emergency roadside assistance - 140, Information about the situation on the roads - 163, Avalanche bulletin - 187, National information - 111, International operator service - 1141. You can call numbers 117, 118, 144 from pay phones for FREE. The rest of the phones are paid.

Switzerland is located almost in the very center of Europe and borders Germany in the north, Italy in the south, Austria and Liechtenstein in the east and France in the west. Thus, three European cultures are represented in Switzerland: French, German and Italian. The capital of the country is Bern, located in the eastern part of the country, with a population of 150 thousand people. Zurich is considered one of the largest cities in Switzerland - the most important financial and industrial center of the country, with a population of 340 thousand inhabitants. Major cities include Geneva, famous for its Swiss watch and jewelry manufacturing companies, Basel, the third largest city in Switzerland, considered the center of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and Lausanne, home to two universities and the International Olympic Committee with the famous Olympic Museum.

About 60% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains: the Alps, located in the central and southern parts of Switzerland and the small Jura ridge in the northwestern part of the country. Thanks to its geographical characteristics, Switzerland has become one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world. Economically, Switzerland specializes in the production of biotechnological, electrical and pharmaceutical products. The banking and insurance sector also plays a very important role in the country's economy.

The Rhine and Rhone, the largest rivers in Europe, have their sources in Switzerland. Switzerland also has picturesque lakes. Among them are Geneva, Neuchâtel, Lake Lucerne, Zurich and Lake Thun.

GEOGRAPHY
The total area of ​​the country is 41,293 sq. km.
Capital – Bern
Bordering states: Austria (165 km), Liechtenstein (41 km), Germany (363 km), France (572 km) and Italy (741 km)
The highest point of the Alps in Switzerland is Peak Dufort (Monte Rosa, 4634 m).
The lowest point is located in the south of the country in Lago Maggiore, 193 m

CLIMATE
Switzerland has a continental climate with significant variations depending on altitude. Winters are cold, with temperatures reaching zero on plateaus and valleys, and -10°C and below in mountainous areas. The average summer temperature in the lowlands is +18-20°C, slightly lower in the mountains.

POPULATION
Switzerland has a population of about 7.3 million. Of these, 20% are citizens of other countries. Switzerland has 4 official languages: German (63%), French (19%), Italian (8%), Romance (1%), the remaining 9% speak other languages.

PASSPORT AND VISA
A valid passport is checked for each tourist. A visa is not required for citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, UK, Vatican City and Caribbean Islands, excluding Dominican Republic and Haiti.

MAIL
Postal services are available in every small Swiss village. There are two ways to send letters: A (first class) and B (second class). The cost of sending class A is 1 CHF and class B is 0.85 CHF.

TELEPHONE
Switzerland international code +41, then the subscriber number
When calling a local number you must dial 0: Arosa 81, Baden 56, Basel 61, Belinzona 91, Bern 31, Biel 32, Brig 28, Davos 81, Friborg 26, Geneva 22, Interlaken 36, Lausanne 21, Locarno 91, Lugano 91 , Lucerne 41, Neuchâtel 38, Olten 62, Schaffhausen 53, Schwyz 43, St. Gallen 71, St. Moritz 82, Winterthur 52, Zurich 01, Zug 42.
Emergency calls: 117 police, 118 fire, 144 Ambulance

GASTRONOMY
Swiss cuisine is very diverse. Depending on the restaurant, the price of a dish varies from 10 to more than 100 francs. Typical Swiss cuisine is raclette, fondue and rosti. This, of course, is not the entire list of national dishes; many others can be offered to you in different regions of the country. Fondue is a dish of several types of melted cheese, which is served in the middle of the table along with spices and white wine (you can add cherry schnapps to the dish). Raclette is the national dish of Switzerland, which is melted cheese, but unlike fondue, no spices are added to it. Boiled potatoes, pickled cucumbers and small onions are served with raclette. Roshti is made from grated potatoes with the addition of vegetable or animal fats. Historically, this dish was a traditional peasant breakfast in the canton of Bern.

Switzerland can also be proud of its excellent wines. The art of winemaking has a long tradition in the Cantons of Valais, Vaud, Geneva, Ticino, and some Cantons in Eastern Switzerland.

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