Switzerland entertainment
Choose other country guides
Entertainment in Switzerland
Switzerland has a wide variety of entertainment and recreation to offer the visitor. There are several casinos, the largest of which is located in the Grand Hotel in Lugano. The country is rich in international and traditional restaurants and cafes, most of which are open late and offer a tasty and varied menu. Nightclubs and bars are located in all of the major towns and cities. In the clubs a mixture of music is played from folk to dance music. Shopping is an excellent experience and goods originating from Switzerland are made to a very high standard. There are plenty of independent shops where you can buy a traditional Swiss cuckoo clock. The country offers also much in the way of outdoor pursuits with many lakes and mountains ideal for a variety of sports.
If you're seeking relaxation a trip to the spa is an ideal way to unwind. Most major towns have a local spa; the largest is located in the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa in Interlaken. The spa offers many treatments such as facials, manicures and massages as well as an indoor pool, Turkish baths, open-air saline baths and fitness programmes. Another enjoyable way to relax and soak up the impressive scenery here is to take a trip aboard the famous Glacier Express. This is the world’s slowest train, but it offers some of the most beautiful views. The trip covering 90 miles takes a whole day. You will travel over many bridges and pass through 91 rock tunnels.
Many festivals take place throughout Switzerland, mainly during the summer months. One of the biggest festivals is the Gurten Festival, which takes place over a weekend in July in the capital Bern. It is predominantly a pop concert, which attracts internationally renowned stars like Geri Halliwell, Avril Lavigne and famous Swiss artists such as Jme the guitarist from Geneva. Jazz festivals are also popular and one of the best attended is the Cully Jazz Festival held in Ascona. The festival is held over two weeks and provides workshops for jazz enthusiasts who are willing to improve. Swiss National Day celebrated every year on August 1st is one not to miss. There are concerts, gymnastic presentations and some impressive firework displays including the lighting of bonfires on the hilltops.