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Comprehensive Guide to Switzerland
Where can one taste the most delicious chocolate and cheese in the world? Where are the best watches made? Where are the biggest and safest banks? The answer is very simple: in Switzerland! Furthermore, Switzerland is worth exploring for its beautiful nature – the severe snow-capped Alps and scenic lakes make it a great destination for hikers, climbers and last but not least, skiers.
Switzerland is divided into three different parts: German-speaking, French-speaking and Italian-speaking, though fortunately almost all of the Swiss speak English, too. Consequently, the three parts of the country are diverse, and it’s a great pleasure to explore all of them and learn about their cultures and traditions. Switzerland is also varied in terms of geographical character – its hilly north-western part is where most of the cities are located, including Bern, Lucerne, Basel, St Gallen, Lausanne and Geneva, whereas the southern half is covered by the Alps and far less populated.
Switzerland is a favourite destination among skiers. Most of them choose the St Moritz and Davos resorts, located in the south-eastern side of the Alps and known for their outstanding forests and picturesque views. Gstaad, Interlaken, Saas Fee and Wengen are other popular skiing resorts, which offer plenty of attractions. Another well-known skiing area is Zermatt, with the Matterhorn rising to 4,478 metres. Being one of best-known landmarks of Switzerland, the Matterhorn looks like an unbelievably tall rock pyramid, which makes climbers feel anxious to try their abilities. Though the Alps seem very high and inaccessible, and climbing requires a very fit condition and experience, the skiing centres are modern and well-equipped with facilities, thus every skier will find a slope that perfectly suits their individual expectations.
Switzerland is dotted with beautiful towns and cities. Zurich, for instance, located in the northern part of the country, is full of historical sights and other attractions. As the cultural and intellectual centre of Switzerland, it’s the major tourist destination. Among the most impressive monuments, there are the Fraumunster Church and the 13th-century St Peter's Church. Other Swiss cities are also worth visiting. Bern, the capital, is proud of its historical sights. Situated in the south of the Alps, Ticino has a unique Italian character different from other parts of the country. Lucerne draws visitors with its amazing Chapel Bridge and annual Cheese Festival. St Gallen, a north-eastern town, should be visited for its UNESCO site, the Abbey of St Gallen, which houses a wonderful library decorated with Rococo ornaments, a real pearl of architecture. The underground lake in St Leonard is a great natural attraction, attracting a number of tourists to the Valais canton.