Switzerland

Switzerland’s commonly known position of neutrality has made it a canvas on which other cultures and countries have painted their influence upon like the Germans, the French, the Italians, and the Austrians.

Yet even with this mixture, the country has come into the 21st century with its own distinctive identity, and when Switzerland comes to mind, many will think of cheese, chocolate, banking, pocket knives, watches, boarding schools, and some of the most fantastic skiing in all the world.

The most visited historic building in the country is the Château de Chillon, a fortress built right on the stunning Geneva Lake and romanticized by writer Lord Byron. The castle is still in excellent condition and dates all the way back to the 11th century, undergoing many renovations and expansions since. It’s a good afternoon’s walk, with many courtyards and dungeons to explore as well as a viewing tower.

Many visitors will flock to Switzerland’s second largest city, Geneva. About a third of the population are expatriates, giving this city a more than international feel to it. The result is a fantastic and lively mixture of cultural events, restaurants, and museums. Geneva is also an ideal spot to hop to the French and Swiss Alps for winter sports

In the central part of the country is Lake Thrun with its castle, Schloss Thrun, on the hill. The castle contains an historical museum and great views from its turrets. Another great castle is Shcloss Oberhofen, which contains a great collection of furniture, portraits, and weapons from the Habsburgs. And still, a third castle built was Schloss Hunegg, containing an interesting mix of neo-Renaissance and art nouveau styles. There’s even a fascinating split level bathroom with a nickel-plated bathtub.

People from all over the world flock to the Zermatt skiing and mountaineering resort for its almost all year-round skiing on its 142 miles of runs. Its most famous peak is the Matterhorn, 14,691-ft tall. The more sedentary come to enjoy the spectacular views of these rugged snow-capped mountains.

Switzerland’s other greatest city is Zurich. It has gone from the world’s banking capital to a modern, artsy city, lush with culture, bars, restaurants, and stores in addition to its charming old town architecture. There are many winding alleyways, 16th and 17th century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and over 1,030 fountains. The Bahnofstrasse is the city’s premiere shopping avenue, and the Landesmuseum, or the Swiss National Museum, can be found directly across from Zurich’s main train station.