Switzerland or A Paradise on Earth

The popularized image of Switzerland is almost too perfect and timeless: spectacular Alpine scenery, cozy mountain chalets, dazzling ski runs, window boxes spilling over with red geraniums, tidy cities set on serene lakes, elegant grand hotels. Though you'll undoubtedly encounter these along the way, they don't present a complete picture of this modern country. Switzerland may guard its neutrality and assert its independence, but it is very much an active participant in the world.

If you're going for the scenery or for the skiing, there are few places that can equal it (in quality or high prices). And there are few places as clean, safe and orderly as Switzerland. Likewise, few countries have such diversity in terms of culture and language: German is prevalent in Zurich and the northern, central and eastern regions; French in Geneva and the western region; Italian in Lugano and the southern region; and Romansh in St. Moritz and the southestern region. Despite its varied cultures and linguistic traditions, Switzerland is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in the world.

Switzerland is also known as "Confoederatio Helvetica", therefore the abbreviation CH. "Confoederatio" stands for "confederation", "Helvetica" derives from the Latin word "Helvetier", the name of the people who lived in the area which became later Switzerland.

The white cross on the red back  has a religious background. The cross represents the cross, Jesus was put on, the red colour represents his blood.
Each arm of the cross has to be of the same size and must be 1/6 longer than wide.

The capital of Switzerland is Bern City, also the capital of the canton.

Year	Fact
1848	The Swiss Federation changes from a Union of States to a Confederation. Its first Federal Constitution ("Bundesverfassung") is set up.
1864	Foundation of the International Red Cross
1872	Start of the construction of the railway across the alps ("Gotthardbahn").
1882	Opening of the "Gotthardbahn".
1932	Swiss physician Auguste Piccard sets record when he reaches a height of 16'940 m with his balloon. This was the first ballon equipped with a preassure cabin.
1-feb-1959	Vaud was the first canton to give women the vote, followed by Neuchâtel (27-sep-1959) and Genève (6-mar-1960).
1960	Jacques Piccard (son of Auguste Piccard mentioned above) sets record when he dives together with american Don Walsh in a Bathyscaphe (special type of submarine) called "Trieste" as low as 10'916 m below sea level.
1971	Swiss people vote for the women's suffrage.
1978	Some villages leave the state Bern and found the new state Jura.
2-oct-1984	The combined federal assembly ("Vereinigte Bundesversammlung") elected Elisabeth Kopp as the first woman as Bunderat (executive authority). Ms. Kopp had to step back on 12.1.1989 due to some possible illegal activities of her husband.
30-apr-1989	Appenzell Ausserrhoden was the last canton to give women the vote; Appenzell Innerrhoden had to be forced by the Swiss federal court ("Bundesgericht") to give women the vote (27-nov-1990).
1992	Swiss people vote against becoming a member of the EEA (european economic area).
31-jul-1992	Claude Nicollier (born 2-sep-1944) takes off on board of the space shuttle Atlantis (ST-46) and becomes the first Swiss in space.
10-mar-1993	The combined federal assembly ("Vereinigte Bundesversammlung") elected Ruth Dreifuss as the second woman as Bunderat (executive authority).

The scent of alpine flowers and spicy herbs is in the air again and the faint ting-a-ling of the cow and the goat bells accompanies hikers from alp to alp. Mountains and valleys are magnificently decked out. The natural experience of Switzerland is unique and so varied that you can hike and experience new things for weeks: snow-reliable mountains, slopes galore, winter hiking through fairytale landscapes, and resorts packed with character.

In some parts of Switzerland, people still live their lives in symbiosis with nature - a close interaction that continues to benefit both. For countless generations, the farming population has lovingly tended and vitalized the charming Alpine landscape. Some of the farmers know everything about local mushrooms and are experts at their cultivation, others seem to speak the language of marmots. It's truly fascinating to see how a mountain farmer leads his daily life.

Mysterious moors, rushing waterfalls cascading down the mountains, jagged rock formations, and lush Alpine meadows covered with flowers never fail to enchant the onlooker. Quaint inns devoid of luxury - but with all the more charm and ambience - offer more than just accommodation. Here you will find total relaxation, leisure time to breathe deeply, to marvel at the simple things in life, which make Switzerland so wonderful.

Comments

[Constantinos]

I spent a holiday in Switzerland a few years ago. What impressed me most was the efficiency of all their services and the hospitality of the Swiss people in addition to the amazing beauties of this country: forests, lakes, mountains, valleys, meadows and plains - the landscape is never the same. Also great food, great wines and great museums! I stayed in Zurich but travelled around the country: Bern, Lucern, Lugano and Locarno, Geneva and Lausanne. Thanks for the brief history survey.

[Phivos]

This is an amazing trip to a wonderful country full of beauties! Your pictures Anastasia are stunning. Bravo!

[Lakis Ioannou]

I wouldn't expect Switzerland to have 2 women presidents considering the women were given the vote in relatively recent years.

[Christina]

I have never been to Switzerland but I will now put it on my dream places-to-visit list.

[Andreas]

I have been living and working in Switzerland for 35 years and sometimes I feel more swiss than greek. However, my heart will always remain greek and many times even after 35 years I miss my country very much. Switzerland is a very beautiful country, maybe the most beautiful in central europe. I am happy here but I sometimes wish I had never left Greece.

[Alexia M]

Amsterdam is only a short flight away from Zurich, so I have gone there a few times for a long weekend. I love the old town in Zurich with the narrow streets, the impressive cathedral and the great restaurants which I find very expensive! I have also attended the tourist forum in Geneva 5 years ago and I still remember how much I loved that flower clock!!! Great blog, Anastasia and super photos!

[Karolina]

I have spent some of my best years at college in Switzerland and when I look back, I feel very nostalgic.I know you know the feeling! The Swiss people may be hospitable and very polite but not easy to make friends with. But once you do, they are your friends forever. Thanks for reminding me my collage years.