Switzerland
Spiez Castle
Switzerland
Switzerland, a country in Central Europe, is known for its mountainous landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages. Its cities feature medieval quarters, including Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden Chapel Bridge. The country is famous for its ski resorts, hiking trails, banking and finance industries, as well as world-renowned watches and chocolate.
The Bernese Oberland region is home to resort villages such as Interlaken, nestled between two lakes, and Grindelwald, lying beneath the iconic north face of the Eiger. Eastern Graubünden offers upscale ski resorts like Saint Moritz and Davos. In the west, Geneva combines diplomatic institutions with French influence and views of Mont Blanc, while Zurich is a global finance hub with a historic old town and the Swiss National Museum. Nearby Lucerne offers a picturesque lake setting, a cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus, and steamship rides for panoramic mountain views.
RÖSTI
This famous potato dish originated as a farmer’s breakfast in Bern but can now be found throughout Switzerland. Today it is regarded as a national delicacy. These Swiss-style hash browns are often eaten as a side dish to accompany many other Swiss foods, often replacing fries or other potato sides. At its most simple, it consists of fried grated potato, although many people add other ingredients, often according to their region, including cheese, apple and onion.
SWISS FONDUE
Swiss fondue, whose name literally means “melted” in French, is an iconic dish also found in France and Italy. The Swiss version typically features a communal pot of melted cheese blended with wine and garlic, into which diners dip bread and sometimes olives, onions, or pickles using long-stemmed forks. Fondue is both a social and fun experience, making it ideal for groups, and is especially popular at ski resorts where the warm, rich cheese is a welcome treat after a day in the cold.
ZÜRCHER GESCHNETZELTES
A recipe local to the German-speaking region of Zürich, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes simply translates to “Zürich style sliced meat”. The official dish is more precise than its name, always being made using veal and occasionally veal liver. At its most basic, it consists of strips of veal, brown sauce, onion, cream and white wine. Mushrooms and veal kidney are often added to it and this hearty, meaty dish is traditionally served with Rösti, rice or noodles.
Zurich chocolate shops
Homemade ice cream, hot chocolate, truffles and Swiss chocolate bars will all tempt your sweet tooth on this small-group walking tour. Stroll the atmospheric streets and cobblestone lanes of Altstadt, or Old Town, with a local guide — an expert in Zurich’s artisanal shops and the Swiss confections the country is famous for. Indulge in an array of tasty treats for a delightful afternoon. Numbers are limited to eight people for a more intimate experience.
Highlights
- 2.5-hour walking tour of Zurich chocolate shops in Old Town (Altstadt)
- Learn about the history of Swiss chocolate and how it’s made from your informative guide
- Become a chocolate tasting expert, sampling bars, nougat, pralines and truffles at various shops
- All tastings of chocolates and other sweets included Small-group tour limited to eight people ensures more personalized attention from your guide
Tour Including Lake Cruise
See the best of Switzerland’s business and cultural hub on a 5-hour tour of Zurich. Follow your guide to the city’s top attractions, including the shopping haven of Bahnhofstrasse, the Opera House, National Museum, and charming Old Town. Ride uphill by cogwheel train for panoramic views over the city and then take a 1-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. Top off the trip with a stop at Lindt & Springily chocolate shop.
The Palace of Nations
The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva, located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was built between 1929 and 1938 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. It has served as the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva since 1946, when the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed a Headquarters Agreement with the Swiss authorities, although Switzerland did not become a member of the United Nations until 2002.