There are so many of these heavily armoured stuff-holders that the entire Swiss population could hide away come nuclear war, once all that stuff is moved out of course. Due to strict water quality preservation initiatives, the quality of Swiss tap water is often measured as purer than that of bottled mineral water sold in the country. What is the best time to visit zwitzerland. But, like any destination, this Central … Hurrah! Visitors can look forward to regular-interval timetables with precise connections coordinated by 150+ transport companies, as well as world-renowned scenic rail trips with companies like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Most people wrongly assume that either Geneva or Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. It’s entire population, at 8.1 million, is the same as that of New York City, and the country’s biggest cities are Bern, Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Recycling is the norm & visitors should conform. Moving is made of … Certain shops and merchants may accept Euro, but they are not obliged to do so by law, and visitors can expect to receive Swiss Francs in change. Book your spot on one of our tours that travel through Switzerland ahead of time and enjoy wonderful savings. 30 facts about Switzerland Swiss facts: geography, economy and population. These are just a few of the wonderful things you’ll discover about Switzerland on our European coach tours. Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. The Swiss are world-renowned for their exceptional milk, chocolate and cheese for a reason. Take advantage of that youthful vitality and get out to discover the best of Switzerland. Switzerland is located in Western Europe, with its de facto capital Bern (because Switzerland technically does not have a capital city), with its neighbours Germany in the north, Italy in the south, France in the west, and Austria and Liechtenstein in the east. For one, if you make plans with a Swiss national, arrive on time if you don’t want to offend your hosts; for another, their trains leave on time, so don’t miss your connections! Don’t think “landlocked” when you think of Switzerland; think luxurious bodies of water. 10 Things to know in visiting Geneva Switzerland. No, Swiss is not a language. Switzerland is a mountainous destination that we have all heard and dreamed about. Pass through the Alps or tour the country’s most beautiful lakes, taking all the time you need to take photos or explore the surrounding countryside. READ MORE: Coronavirus: Switzerland promises everyone will be vaccinated by summer Do you have to get vaccinated in your canton of residence, or are you free to do it anywhere in Switzerland? Similarly, individual Swiss citizens also have the opportunity to influence the government by means of quarterly initiatives and referendums. (Sources: SIPRI Database, IFOR Schweiz) 7 Essential Things to Know About Switzerland. Don’t stress the transportation. Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your message. Europe › Switzerland. Instead, you’ll see groups of young men in uniform fulfilling their national service, ready to defend their country if called upon (unlikely, we know). Bern became the capital of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. Swiss milk tastes great. That’s right, shoeless. 7 things you need to know before traveling to Switzerland 1. The country hasn’t engaged in a single military conflict since, and Switzerland has no standing army. But keep in mind that the vaccine is given in two doses, three to four weeks apart. The Swiss public transport system is out of this world. The Swiss are roping in horses for community tasks like garbage and paper collection. ! Switzerland is not part of the European Union, which means the country is not obliged to trade in Euro. Brier Rose Smith said 4 years ago. The Swiss are serious about sustainability and particularly fastidious about recycling. Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a beautiful and tranquil city full of museums, churches and historic buildings. German is spoken by over 60% of the population (actually, they speak Swiss German, which is practically its own language. Peace loving Switzerland is actually a major weapon's exporter. A cup of coffee comes in at 4 CHF, a public transport ticket at 2.5 CHF, a three-course meal at 35 CHF and a movie ticket at 18 CHF. Things You Should Know Before Going to Switzerland Things You Should Know Before Going to Switzerland – Swiss Food. Top Tip! Swiss punctuality is more than just a international punchline, it’s a way of life. Food quality is very high in Switzerland, but since their cuisine is not very rich, it is not really easy to find delicious dishes. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of this recycling culture, and to contribute to the country’s sustainability efforts by dispensing with their own trash in a responsible way. Animals are pretty well looked after here. The country is divided into 26 different areas (called cantons), much like the different states that make up the United States of America. This village is under the infamous North Face of Eiger, a monumental wall of rock that inspires and intimidates in equal measure. Many tourists flock to Switzerland each year just to enjoy the Alps. Across Switzerland there are so many great cycling routes and over 12,000 kilometres of trails to follow. In terms of both geography and population, Switzerland is relatively small. However, you don’t have to go first class to enjoy all the amenities of a Swiss train – second class in Switzerland is far more luxurious than first class in many other countries in the world. Be aware, however, that Swiss trains leave promptly, so time your connections properly if you don’t want to run from one platform to the next. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so they do not have the common “euro” currency. Around 80% of Swiss drinking water comes straight from natural springs and groundwater, the rest from its alpine lakes. There is snow at the top of Jungfraujoch all year round on Jungfraujoch. Switzerland is pricey, but it’s worth it (and there is tax-free shopping!). Switzerland is one of a kind. But Switzerland’s fascinatingly diverse geography means it’s home to plenty of microclimates that allow the tropical plants to thrive in the southern regions, particularly in the canton of Ticino. Established in the 12th century, and named after a bear found in a nearby forest, Bern's most important building is the imposing Federal Palace.Open to the public when Parliament is not sitting, this domed structure is full of stained glass windows and statues. That’s because after men finish their obligatory military service they either have to keep their gun at home or store it in an armoury, for a fee. Did you know that the Swiss gave the world Absinthe, muesli and LSD? The three regions of Switzerland differ greatly in terms of culture and mindset, not just in … If it’s a good thing or not, this is not our area of expertise, so we let that in … VAT in Switzerland stands at 8%, but travellers can ask for Global Blue Cheques at any shop (provided their purchase exceeds 300 CDF, including VAT) to reclaim the tax at the airport. A country made famous by its delicious chocolate, beautiful mountains and high living standards, Switzerland is the kind of place that many would like to visit. This small, rugged European country, known for its irresistible chocolate, sturdy mountain cheese, and breathtaking beauty, has so many things to offer.Some of them you already know … The law says if your guinea pig’s best bud dies then you’ve got to get another to keep it company. You don’t need running... 2. The Anti-PowerPoint Presentation Party (APPP) claims the dreaded presentations cost Switzerland 2.1 billion Swiss Francs every year. 13 things I wish I’d known before moving to Switzerland "Church bells ring all through the night. As you may have guessed, all those guns aren’t just for show. Among other things, Swiss manufacturers are exporting assault rifles, sniper ammunition and tanks to countries like Denmark, Germany, Saudia Arabia or Ukraine. Velcro is a truly Swiss invention and the inventor is said to have been inspired by little seeds that became hooked on to his dogs fur when walking in the mountains of the Jura. Switzerland is neutral, but the country’s military is designed to mobilise at extremely short notice in the event of outside aggression. Things went so far that in 2010 there was a referendum on whether animals should have lawyers. One of my favorite countries. It’s all thanks to the Swiss Cheese Union – think a sort of cheese mafia – who aggressively advertised both Swiss cheese and fondue to ramp up their sales and profits. It all depends on what you want to experience when you’re there? Dogs are allowed in restaurants, and can often be seen eating in them, while ‘social’ animals must be kept in pairs. (Dimitri). The southern canton of Ticino speaks Italian. I didn’t either and figured many of these tips out the hard way. It could be said that Switzerland is aggressively neutral, but that wouldn’t make much sense. We have reviews of the best places to see in Switzerland. Spent a week in Switzerland and loved every minute, the people were very helpful with directions and an absolute joy to chat with, America can learn a few things from the Swedish. Geneva has a special charm its beauty one glimpse of the Geneva bay is enough to fall in love the city. It’s hard to make friends, visitors say, and Swiss culture is more impenetrable than stale Gruyère. The Swiss don’t just make clocks, they follow them. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. Weed growers tinker with other chemicals in the legal drugs so you still feel mellow. You can read more about the refund process here. Things You Should Know Before Moving to Switzerland. More to Switzerland Than Meets the Eye. They have almost nothing to do with money. Things to Do in Switzerland, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 2,348,900 traveler reviews and photos of Switzerland tourist attractions. Or that the country has 208 mountains above 3000 metres? By showing up on time, the Swiss are saying ‘I value you, and therefore, I value your time.’ So what does this mean for travellers in Switzerland? Bizarrely, it works and Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Some of these things might be splendid, some unusual, and a few you should probably watch out for or keep in mind. Others merely become incensed at this fact. Sometimes all you need is a little chocolate to make... 3. The country’s Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States, which represents the various cantons, and the National Council of Representatives of the People. OK, that’s not exactly true. Owners of some pets also have to follow a course on how to take care of them. Find what to do today or anytime in January. You can get the shot anywhere, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) says. It’s kind of cool having a nuclear shelter (which is obligatory by law in Switzerland) particularly as it gives you somewhere to stock your stuff. Visit Switzerland: 14 things you need to know August 2, 2020 City Guides Editor Leave a Comment There are so many things that make Switzerland popular with tourists, and we can list five of them from top of our heads: mountains, lakes, chocolate, cheese and watches. However, the country’s quality of life measures up – it was rated the 4th happiest country in the world in 2017 according to the World Happiness Report. This situation will be reflected in some things I like the most about Switzerland. The western provinces (called cantons) that include Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Lausanne speak French. In 2019, the country exported 728 million francs worth of weapons. You probably... 2. Once you get past the cliched notion of yodelling milkmaids, winding cuckoo clocks and silky-smooth chocolate, contemporary Switzerland is all about epic experiences and travel adventures. It is a tiny country that makes people feel like rather in a large city due to its distance to neighbour countries. Specially-trained horses pull electric carriages that work similarly to an E-bike, generating kinetic power that lessens the load on the horse and stores energy for future trips at the same time! A memorable experience. Below, you will find 12 things I love about Switzerland. The Swiss have four national languages and a great variety of regional dialects, and most citizens are at least bilingual. The four main languages are Swiss German (very different from actual German, with a vaguely French quality on the ear), French, Italian and Romansch. Truth be told, Switzerland is very pricey if your currency does not match up with the Swiss Franc (and few do!). You’ll get the best exchange rate at the banks. Apparently, most main arteries (bridges, tunnels and the like) are wired to blow at the merest sight of a hostile takeover. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. If you want to reward good service, it is accepted practice to round up to the nearest Franc. Switzerland offers a wide variety of beautiful souvenirs that range from embroidered linen and woodcarvings, to pocket knives, drafting sets and other precision instruments that can easily be shipped back home. Swiss people consume too much meat and cheese. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Switzerland is a model of democracy and was neutral during World War II. Here’s a list of some of the facts I’ve found the most interesting. With a whopping 5600 km of train tracks throughout the country, you can travel by rail almost anywhere! Top Tip! Switzerland is regularly voted high up on the list of best places to live in terms of safety, quality of life and income. Image Source: Pexels.com So naturally you can rent guinea pigs until, well, the other one dies too. 37 Bucket List things to do in Europe this year. Feel free to drink as much tap water as you want when you visit Switzerland. Visitors get great deals on Swiss Travel System tickets. Naturally most keep their semi-automatic weapons tucked away at home. Here are the 20 things you didn’t know about Switzerland! Fun fact! Another important thing you need to know is that Switzerland is expensive. Fortunately, I’ve learned quite a lot more since living here from teachers, friends and by reading. With the lake, the Jet d’eau famous landmark of the city and the old town in the back. presence switzerland - its mission is to convey knowledge about Switzerland, to create understanding and empathy for our country and to highlight its diversity and attractiveness. As much tap water is often better quality than bottled water council – 7 members that collective represent head! The law says if your guinea pig ’ s hard to miss them they... 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