Top 15 Interesting Places to Visit in Switzerland
Mannlichen - Jungfrau Region, Bern
What do you imagine when you think of Switzerland? Do you think of cold winds
and short days? Well, you shouldn't. Do you ponder over their wonderful cheese
and ask just how do they get those little holes in them? A step in the right
direction, but go much further. You see, Switzerland is a wonderful land for any
type, whether you are the academic searching for knowledge, the wanderer in need
of enlightenment, or even the adventurer looking for long treks that end with
amazing sights. Resting in the middle of Europe, Switzerland is a deceptively
small country that has many surprises in store for any traveler lucky enough to
see it. It is like a good friend, only too eager to show you just how much fun
you can have while visiting. It is without a doubt an easy task to find those
who can help you start upon your amazing journey in exploring the sweet little
country that is only waiting to please those who want to see it. So why not take
in what it has to offer, to embrace the experience of several delights known
simply as Switzerland? Gathered here are only the fifteen most interesting
places to visit. No doubt, though, there are many more for you beyond just this
list.
15) The CIMA Museum (or Centre International de la Mécanique d'Art)
The town of Sainte-Croix, which proudly displays to visitors with a sign,
“Welcome to the land of mechanical dreams,” is home to the great museum called
the Centre International de la Mécanique d'Art, or International Center of Art
Mechanics. This charming little place is home to the history and displays of the
music box and other mechanical music.
Village of Sainte-Croix
By Roland Zumbuehl
via Wikimedia Commons
It was started by a clockmaker by the name
of Antoine Favre-Salomon, who invented the very first musical pocket watch. It
is kept alive today by the town with many companies and workers over the years,
who kept the capital of mechanized music thriving with their hard work.
Mechanical Musical Playing Piano
By Rama,
via Wikimedia Commons
The museum proudly displays much of the historic work to this day, keeping
entertainment hand in hand with education provided on its tours. They are held in
different times throughout the year, so be sure to check their website or call
ahead for the latest schedule.
Crank Powered Mini Pipe Organ Music Box
By Rama,
via Wikimedia Commons
Regardless of what time you go, traveling there is
always easy. It is only a matter of catching the Yverdon–Sainte-Croix train from
Yverdon-les-Bains railway station, and you'll be at CIMA in no time.
14) Maison Cailler
Of course with certain museums, there must be more than just music. While the
beautiful sounds feed the soul, something should also be there to feed the
stomach. Though a chocolate factory in name, a delicious visit to Maison Cailler
in Broc, Gruyere will educate you as well as satisfy your sweet tooth.
Village of Gruyere
By Jeanhousen
via Wikimedia Commons
It has
guided tours on the humble beginnings of the workshop in 1898, continued all the
way to the 1960's, though it still remains and produces sugary candies today.
The tickets are cheap to get inside for adults, and it also offers senior
discounts to the elderly and even allows children 16 and under in for free.
Maison Cailler
Courtesy of cailler.ch
Sweet! Offering a chance to actually watch the chocolate be made through video
cameras spread throughout the tour, a very in depth look is given to the whole
process, from the beans selected to the very end for wrapping and shipping. As a
bonus, the tour ends with taste testing of the chocolate and the offer to buy
their fine product. True, you may end up eating the souvenir of your visit, but
it certainly will bring up tasty memories when you do.
13) Convent of St. Gall
For the seekers of truth and spirituality, one of the places to see you must
pick is St. Galley Abbey District, located in Saint Gallen. One spot in
particular is of great importance, the Convent of St. Gall and the Baroque
cathedral residing with it. Established in the late seventh century by Saint
Othmar, it was the beginnings of a place to build the arts and science. It was
continued on under Abbot Waldo of Reichenau. This man would ensure the start of
the library in its early form, and drew many monks and learned men to plant the
seed of wisdom and truth who all had the wish to see it grow, as well as prosper. It is a convent holding libraries and archives with
over 160,000 books and a little 2,000 manuscripts. It's no wonder that it was
added to the list in 1983 with such a rich collection. The Abbey Library, also
dubbed the healing place of the soul, or Seleenapotheke, is world-famous and
open to visitors all year round. The only exception to this is the three week
period at the end of November and beginning of December.
Interior of St. Gall Abbey
By 3s
via Wikimedia Commons
All other times it a
treasure trove for the inquisitive minds that love knowledge for knowledge's
sake.
12) Benedictine Monastery with Black Madonna
The Benedictine Monastery located in Einsiedeln, Swizterland is quite a
sight. It has many visitors for a long time, and the number is growing. For over
one thousand years, many pilgrims have come to this place on a journey not only
of physical location, but of spirit as well. The Mercy Chapel and the Black
Madonna inside date from as early as the fifteenth century, and are wondrous
sights to behold. They make this a must-see on your list of places to visit.
Benedictine Monastery - Einsiedeln
Black Madonna
Courtesy of myswitzerland.com
Of course there is also the beauty outside of the monastery as well as in;
the surrounding countryside is a beautiful place to take in. Between a stunning
lake with deep blue waters and the many mountain tops, the area is clearly good
for the body and soul. It shuns no one and welcomes all pilgrims and visitors,
no matter how long or short their stay.
The monks that still live there today
are hardworking and self-sufficient, and have a school, rooms to stay, horses,
and a cellar for the storage of wine. Open invitation stands for anyone who
wishes to join them, if it were just a simple tour or to stay there and work as
well. It's a beautiful place to visit, and maybe even to eventually live as
well.
11) Swiss Sewing Machine Museum
The next of these places to visit is in Fribourg and the Swiss Sewing Machine
Museum.
Fribourg
While knowledge is important, and of course, it was the belief of those
holy men that it was sacred, there is yet another thing that was, and still is,
crucial. After all, cleanliness is close to godliness, is it not?
Inside of the Swiss Sewing Machine Museum
Courtesy of myswitzerland.com
While this museum has a very straightforward name, it isn't all about sewing
(though there is a grand collection of over 250 sewing machines). Misleading
though it might appear, the museum is in fact dedicated to the so-called “art”
of cleaning. With machines ranging from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,
there are all sorts to see and take in. Vacuum cleaners that would be the end of
beating out carpets, different irons from different times and countries for
smoothing out the wrinkles in clothing, and even several scrub boards to the
great washing machine that made life easier for many housewives. It's almost
nostalgic to look at, seeing how much more of a hassle housework was, and this
museum worth a good laugh, especially for the ladies.
10) Lake Geneva
In tenth place is Lake Geneva. It would hardly be a complete list on the
various attractions of Switzerland if only museums, libraries, and religious
grounds were covered in this list. The outdoors is every bit as interesting,
fun, and fulfilling to those that choose to pursue it. Lake Geneva is a
prime example. It rests between Switzerland and France, and is crossed by boat
several times a day by many people, both for business and pleasure.
View of Lake Geneva - Montreux
The shores
offer an exciting night life in the surrounding city, pastures and farms for
calming atmospheres, and beautiful picnic areas to enjoy the simplicity of
nature's true beauty. It's also nice to know that you can skip, or row really,
right over to France. Prices are typically cheaper in France, which makes
crossing Lake Geneva for a day a great opportunity if you wish to get more bang for your buck,
and check out another country
during your European vacation.
Vineyards of the Lavaux Region and Lake Geneva
While there are many things on shore to see, it's
definitely the lake itself that earns a spot on this list, its pureness and
simplicity are too calming and relaxing to risk missing. Vacations of course are
for relaxing, and few places to visit are better for that than the spanning
waters of Geneva.
9) Swiss National Park
Certainly if you are a nature fan, you have to go big eventually. As
beautiful as simplicity is, there is a whole landscape waiting to be explored,
and the Swiss National Park is the place to do it. Located in the Alps, it is the
only national park in Switzerland and is more than 170 square kilometers in size.
Founded in 1914, it just happens to be the oldest park protected in central
Europe and the Alps.
Some of the Breathtaking Views That the Swiss National Park
Has to Offer
By Hansueli Krapf
via Wikimedia Commons
The staff is dedicated completely to the protection of the
area and the wildlife inside, from beasts to flowers. Research ensures that the
job is done correctly, with ongoing study about the land providing those who
work here with information and guidance they are happy to relate to visitors.
With walking trails and booklets on the species of animals, much can be learned
about the area. And of course, the best upcoming event is the anniversary of the
park's founding a century ago. On August 1st, 2014 an opening ceremony and
celebration will be held to honor the hundred years of success, followed by open
theater and tours. For any nature lover, it's an event that should not be
missed.
8) Reichenbach Falls and Rosenlaui
Reichenbach Falls is truly a place for the visitors seeking the cozy feel.
Romantic and close, it's a wonderful place to bring a date or significant other
for some time alone, cuddling in the cool air and admiring the wonders and
beauty around you. Small but natural walkways cut right through the limestone
that make up the waterfall.
Reichenbach Falls
By Audriusa
via Wikimedia Commons
Glaciation has cut through the rock, making only a sliver of the sky visible to the eyes. This area
has other significance to it, and in this case it is a literary symbolic
location that has to be seen by any fan
of Sherlock Holmes. In the reported last tale of the character in the self-named
detective stories, it is here that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would end his series.
In Rosenlaui is the now famous Reichenbach Falls, made so by the supposed death
scene of Detective Holmes, despite his coming back years later to have even more
books and more adventurers.
Rosenlaui from a distance
By Otto Schemmel,
via Wikimedia Commons
Rosenlaui Region
By Earth explorer (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0],
via Wikimedia Commons
This area can be reached by foot from the nearby
Hotel Zwirgi, or by a cable car that will take you straight to the location. A
hot spot despite such a cool place, a trip the Reichenbach Falls is something
that should be included in any literary fans list of things to do.
7) Giessbach Falls and Hotel Giessbach
The Giessbach Falls is without a doubt another great place to see. There is a
walking path for the waterfall that was created in the 19th century, letting you
walk right underneath the falls.
Giessbach Falls
By Hansueli Krapf,
via Wikimedia Commons
It's bound to be cold, but fun experience to
just be able to splash around. For a rest, and maybe a nice little dry off,
there is the Hotel Giessbach. Built in 1873 and finished in 1874, it sits on the
lake Brienz, next to the waterfalls of Giessbach. Home away from home for some,
it's a secluded place perfect for privacy and escape from the everyday world.
Hotel Giessbach
By Bernhard Suter from New York City,
via Wikimedia Commons
With restaurants and bars, ballrooms and events, it's the perfect spot for
someone who wants a pinpoint, event by event for vacation plan, along with
someone who just wishes to walk around and destress from the normal affairs of
life. Groups both small and large are welcome, especially in the winter when
party plans are in full swing for Christmas.
6) Sachseln - Älggi Alp
Ever wonder about the exact middle of a country? If you do, then Sachseln is
right up your alley. In the year of 1988, the Federal Office for National
Topography decided to find the center of gravity of the country.
Sachseln
By Roland Zumbühl
via Wikimedia Commons
Though the
exact location is 46° 48' 4" N, 8° 13' 36" E, the place was moved 500 meters
away, mostly because the exact point was on a cliff that was almost impossible
to get to. A more scenic area was selected, and is now enjoyed greatly by
tourists and locals alike. Perfect for picnics, holidays, trips, and gatherings
of school children, it's well marked and easy to find.
Älggi Alp
Not just a spot on the
map however, since it has several paths to walk or stroll along, a restaurant if
you have no interest in cooking yourself, and plenty of outdoor sights, like
small waterfalls and a petite lake. Best of all, it's an easy to get to this
spot. You can get there by bike, foot, or car at almost any time of the year.
5) The Swiss Museum of Transportation
Another must-see is the Swiss Museum of Transportation in the city of
Lucrene. Very few things were more important to the creation of modern society
than the automobile, or even transportation in general.
City of Lucrene
By Horst Michael Lechner
via Wikimedia Commons
Though cars seem like
they have been around forever, they are a brief blip on the history of
transportation. At the museum, you can view exhibits that cover transporting by
road, water, rails, and even space, as well as the development and history of
different methods.
Old Coach at the Swiss Museum of Transportation
Located in Luzern, or Lucerne in English, and opened in 1959, it is 20,000 square
meters. Numerous tours are available for the different parts of the museum, and
the lengths of these tours vary from the shortest, forty-five minutes, to the
longest, an hour and a half. Interactive areas like the locomotive simulator let
you feel like you're conducting a real train, and train conductors will share
their real life experiences.
Interior of a Convair 990 Used by Swiss Air on Display
By Prijs,
via Wikimedia Commons
Tickets are available at the door, but also can be
purchased online for group discounts. To sweeten the deal, anyone using public
transportation to get to the museum is granted a ten percent discount.
4) Cave Mills of Col-des-Roches
Established over four hundred years ago, the Cave Mills of Col-des-Roches is
located near Le Locle, and is the oldest factory on this list by a long shot.
Subterranean in nature, these water-powered mills where built by the residents
of the region, and offer a unique view on the history of mills and sawmills. As
this is the only cave factory in Europe, it was important to maintain.
Entrance to the Cave Mills
By Roland Zumbühl (Picswiss), Arlesheim,
via Wikimedia Commons
Now open to the public thanks to the hard work of
volunteers, it is a testament to the determination of man and how many times
perseverance, and maybe even pure stubbornness, can pull something through to
the very end at success. Not only are the mills themselves viewable to the
everyday public, but a museum has been set up to teach all visitors about the
historical significance of the mills, how they came to be, and even how they
looked thanks to the restoration of much of the original equipment.
Col-des-Roches Canyon
By Tschubby
via Wikimedia Commons
Be warned
though, the mills have always been, and will always be very chilly. With a
temperature of only seven degrees Celsius, or almost 45 degrees Fahrenheit,
you'll want to bring a sweater.
3) Salt Mines of Bex
Another fascinating place to see is the Salt Mines of Bex. Salt was known as
white gold, and for very good reason. It was a much more desirable commodity a
few hundred years ago than it is today. One of the only ways to preserve food
and keep it from going bad, those that had salt to sell had money, and so, in
many ways, salt was money. Naturally, the salt that was left in the Canton of
Vaud was highly valued.
Bex
By Sandro
Senn
via Wikimedia Commons
Millions of years ago, the tunnels were underwater. Salt
deposits were left behind when the sea receded, and in 1684, mining started in
order to take advantage of the wealth left behind by those ancient waters.
Bex Salt Mines
By Tomasz Wachowski
via Wikimedia Commons
Tours of the tunnels and mines are offered to anyone eager to see the area
and learn about how the mines were used. Visitors can see depictions of how salt
mining was done in the year 1684. Even today, the mines provide a rich abundance
of the mineral, yielding 10,000 tons of salt every year. Break out the French
fries for the salting, you're certainly going to be able to enjoy a lot of them
in a place like this.
2) The Swiss Path
Next up is the Swiss Path that surrounds Lake Urn in the middle ground of the
country. In 1991, on the seven hundredth anniversary of the Swiss Confederation,
a 35 kilometer long path was made and named the Swiss Pass. It begins at the
birthplace of the confederation, Rutli Moutain, and comes to end at Brunnen at
Platz der Auslandschweizer.
© Lucerne Tourism
Platz der Auslandscweizer
By Roland Zumbühl (Picswiss), Arlesheim,
via Wikimedia Commons
The Swiss Path curves around Lake Urn, stretching
almost all the way around the body of water. Not only for walking, it is
wheelchair accessible, and has several stopping points where you can find inns
to rest or spend the night before continuing your journey. It is possible to
push through and finish in a day, but the relaxed mood of the place encourages
travelers to take their time. The path is easy to access, and many modes of
transportation will get you here, including car, train, and even ship. As well
as the many other sightseeing perks, there are several religious sites for the
spiritually inclined traveler, including a chapel for pilgrims by the name of
Maria Sonnenberg. The land is beautiful and fun to cross over, but it is the
deep meaning inherent in many of these places that makes the Swiss Path one of
the best places to see in Switzerland.
1) The Matterhorn
Finally, definitely the biggest and easily the best attraction in Switzerland
is the Matterhorn, located near the town of Zermatt.
Zermatt
By Chensiyuan
via Wikimedia Commons
With a summit that is 4,478
meters high, it is one of the tallest peaks in all of the Alps and remains a
considerable challenge to anyone who wishes to tackle it. The Matterhorn claimed
the lives of four of the seven men who made the very first ascent in 1865.
High Grounds Near Zermatt
It
has since become much safer with the installation of rope-ways, rails, ladders
and even cottages for less experienced mountain climbers who want to make the
attempt. Still, it is not for the faint of heart, though the thrill you feel
when reaching the peak can give you a pleasure like no other.
Panorama of Matterhorn - Landmark of Switzerland
Even tackled more
casually up to a certain point, there is fun in this beautiful mountain. Found
on the border of Switzerland and Italy, it is one of the truest symbols of the
country.
Cable Car Transport to Matterhorn
By Papa Lima
via Wikimedia Commons
Final Words
Switzerland clearly has much to offer for both new visitors, and those who
have been there before. Between the rugged and beautiful outdoors, rich and abundant
history, and unique and interesting activities available, no traveler will be
lacking in things to do once they get here. Whether you prefer the excitement of
the outdoors, the peace of spiritual pursuits, or the satisfaction of learning
even more fascinating pieces of history, you can find something to please your
mind, body, or soul. Choose to pursue the activities that are most appealing to
you, and then see if you can work some of the other sights and attractions in as
well. You may be surprised by how much fun you'll have. Just remember to pause and
savor a chocolate or two along the way.
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