Lucerne is ideally situated in the historic and scenic heart of what many believe to be the 'true' Switzerland - picture mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. This charming town straddles the Reuss River on the western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for many excursions in Switzerland. One of the main attractions is crossing the Reuss River on the famous Chapel Bridge.

Getting to Lucerne
Lucerne is located in Central Switzerland, 54 km (34 miles) from Zurich, the nearest airport. Travel time from Zürich is 45 minutes by car and about the same by train. Lucerne is 244 km (152 miles) from Geneva and 92 km (57 miles) from Berne.
By train, take international train connections to Lucerne. << back to top

Interlaken is the captivating "capital" of Switzerland's beautiful Bernese Oberland and a must for every Swiss visit. The small town of Interlaken features various nice hotels and is a delightful destination for memorable holidays and the door to the Jungfrau region. It is surrounded by the cristal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz, sparkling streams, fantastic falls and by the unique Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau mountain range.

The area around Interlaken presents a wide variety of attractions and activities, both in winter and during the summer month.

Interlaken offers spectacular views to the famous mountain trio "Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau" and the Bernese Oberland. These mountains are always present from wherever you are in Interlaken. The famous "Höheweg" promenade that links the urban center of Interlaken West with the much more scattered Interlaken East not only offers superbe views of the Jungfrau summit, it is also one of the best locations in Switzerland for souvenir and watch shopping. The life on the promenade, lined up with street cafés is no less attractive. It is pleasant to stroll beneath the trees, glancing at the pavillion of meteorological instruments or the well-known floral clock in the casino gardens.

Getting to Interlaken
Interlaken is located in Central Switzerland, 180 km (111 miles) from Zurich, the nearest airport. Travel time from Zürich is 2 hours by car and 2.5 hours by train. The resort is 190 km (118 miles) from Geneva and 60 km (37 miles) from Berne.
By train, take international train connections to Interlaken Ost.<< back to top

Montreux is the most frequented resort on Lake Geneva and famous for its beautiful location in the southwestern part of Switzerland. Enhanced by the spectacular background of the Alps, the town of 20,000 inhabitants has charmed many people in the past. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Montreux is regarded to be one of the noblest resorts in Switzerland.

The city of Montreux stretches along the shores of a large bay facing south and rises in tiers to heights covered with woods and vineyards which shelter it from the north and east winds. Besides the historic architecture, the picturesque lanes, historical sights and exclusive shopping facilities Montreux's attractiveness has grown by its numerous international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (July), the International Choral Festival (the week following Easter) and the September Musical Concert.

The mildness of its climate makes Montreux and its neighboring villages a climatic resort all the year round and earns it the name of Vaud Riviera for its lakeshore. On the shores of the lake you will find fig, bay, almond and mulberry trees and even cypresses, magnolias and palm trees flourishing at truly Mediterranean temperatures. This exceptional climate is by far the mildest on the north side of the Alps: vines grow at an altitude of nearly 2,000 ft., walnut trees up to 2,300 ft. and fruit trees up to 3,250 ft.

Montreux has many sumptuous palaces and Edwardian hotels that are reminiscent of the French Riviera. It is pleasant to go up thought old Montreux to the terrace of the church and see the district of Clarens-Montreux-Territet, the lake with the Chateau de Chillon on its rocky islet, the mountains of the Savoy Chablais and the sparkling Dents du Midi.

Getting to Montreux
Montreux is located in southwestern Switzerland on Lake Geneva, 90 km (56 miles) from Geneva, the nearest airport. Travel time from Geneva is 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 10 minutes by train. The resort is 200 km (124 miles) from Zurich and 87 km (54 miles) from Berne.
By train, take an international train (TGV from Paris, by Pendolino from Milan and Intercity from Frankfurt or Munich) to Lausanne and there change for Montreux. There are direct trains from Geneva Airport to Montreux every hour.

Geneva, international meeting place, the smallest of the world's metropolises, peace capital of the world, situated between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and Mount Salève, is a world for everyone, quiet apart from the rest of Switzerland.

Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, numerous museums and libraries, the University, the Opera and the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande. They all have contributed to the city's development. Check out the Horology Museum that highlights the importance of clock and watch making to the Genevan economy or the Natural History Museum, both of which are free. Head to one of Geneva's spectacular rose gardens - Park La Grange, Promenade Gustave-Ador or the Park des Franchises - and contemplate and breathe in the incredible aroma.

The river Rhône bisects Geneva with the main train station in the North and the old part of the town in the South. The Île Rousseau is a good starting point for a scenic walk around the city. Pass by Rousseau's birthplace on the Grand-Rue in the medieval city on your way to the Place de Bourg-de-Four, Geneva's oldest square, once a Roman forum. Take the Rue de la Fontaine to the shores of the lake and marvel at the Jet d'Eau's 140m plume. The St. Pierre Cathedral, composed of Gothic and Romanesque influences, is the cathedral where John Calvin preached in the Reformation. Climb the tower and take in the spectacular panorama of the entire city and lake. Relax in one of the many beautiful parks or gardens that skirt the lake shore.

Getting to Geneva
Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme south-west of Switzerland and almost completely encircled by France. It is the central cross-roads of Western Europe.

By plane...
Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. A train service every quarter of an hour whisks passengers to the city center in just ten minutes; the taxi journey takes about twenty minutes.

By rail...
Geneva is only 30 minutes from Lausanne or Annecy by taking the train and a little more than an hour from Bern, Lyon or Chamonix. Direct and frequent services to all the large Swiss cities and major European destinations guarantee a pleasant journey.

By car...
A well developed motorway network links Geneva with other large Swiss cities and neighboring France, ensuring shortest possible journey times. << back to top

Zurich's proximity to the Alps and to other Swiss cities make it a excellent hub to enjoy leisure activities and from where to start exploring Switzerland. Zurich is considered Switzerland's most important financial, industrial and commercial center. It is also known to be the intellectual capital of the nation and particularly receptive to contemporary trends associated with younger generations. Nestling beside Lake Zurich and along River Limmat, Zurich offers splendid views of the Swiss Alps and is an absolutely charming, interesting, and beautiful place to visit. Its wealth of history, architecture and culture leaves you longing for another vacation! The pedestrian streets of the old town contain most of the major sights, including winding alleyways, 16th- and 17th-century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and rather a lot of fountains (1030 if you're taking notes).

Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's international airport. At the centrally located main railway station of Zurich you have access every Swiss and foreign destination.

Zurich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions on Switzerland. The Opera House and the Tonhalle concert hall attract stars of world stature on the classical music scene. The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city center, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. The Old Town of Zurich is home to historic buildings that host numerous boutiques and antique shops. Zurich is a trendsetting city and offering eating and drinking establishments for all tastes and preferences...

Getting to Zurich
Zurich is conveniently located at the heart of Europe. It is within a short flight from many major European destination, but also easy accessible by train or by car.

By plane...
Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's international airport. A train service every quarter of an hour whisks passengers to the city center in just ten minutes; the taxi journey takes about twenty minutes.

By rail...
Over a thousand trains halt daily at Zurich's centrally located main railway station. Direct and frequent services to all the large Swiss cities and major European destinations guarantee a pleasant journey. Zurich is also an ideal place to start your journey into the Alps and especially if you are headed to Graubünden, it is your ideal point of departure.

By car...
A well developed motorway network links Zurich with other large Swiss cities and neighboring countries, ensuring shortest possible journey times. << back to top

Basel, a city canton with nearly 200,000 people and 2000 years of history, is located in the Three Countries Corner of Germany, France and Switzerland. Strategically situated in the heart of Europe where the river Rhine turns north, Basel has long been an important transport hub and a junction for rail lines from every direction. And the EuroAirport located only 15 minutes from the city offers connections to the international air network.

Basel is not only easy to get to. You will find that the city is just as easy to get around in. Public transport quickly carries you wherever you wish to go, and with the Mobility Ticket it is also free of charge. On walks and rides through Basel you can discover the town's many attractions and places of interest, such as the Old Town with its picturesque streets and historic buildings, the Cathedral and several other churches of historical interest, the Town Hall, still today the seat of the cantonal government and parliament, the old city gates - Spalentor, St. Johanns-Tor and St.-Alban-Tor, which were part of the former fortifications, the Jewish Basel (with the only Jewish museum of Switzerland, the synagogue and a Jewish cemetery) and the Zoological Garden with its extensive vivarium. The multicultural Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine is the home of the alternative cultural scene. The town center, around the Marktplatz, is located on the left side of the river.

Beautiful, lush landscapes, picturesque villages and many culinary enticements surround Basel. The neighboring Cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn, France's Alsace and Germany's southern Baden form an enormous nearby recreational area with endless leisure possibilities. In only a short time you can arrive by public transport at the Roman town of Augusta Raurica in Augst, or in Alsace for a meal, or in one of the well-known wine cellars of southern Baden.

Basel is both proud and very aware of its history, but at the same time very receptive to everything new. This aspect of the people of Basel is exemplified by the many modern structures designed by world-famous architects. They complete the picture of an open and tolerant metropolis and serve as a contrast to the venerable buildings in the historic Old Town. Art ranks high on Basel's list of priorities. It is just as much a part of the city as the river Rhine. It's no wonder that a stroll through Basel often takes you past one of the many art objects that so characterize the city's image. The many galleries also offer an unbelievable variety. Basel also has the oldest university in Switzerland that was founded in 1460, some 30 museums, the country's first musical theatre, a town theatre of international renown, and countless small theatres. Basel is known for its music and jazz festivals with top-class performers and its choice live music clubs. There is no shortage of bars, dance halls and discotheques to suit every taste and big events take place regularly.

Cyclists will feel at home in this bike-friendly town, and can explore the region on the Three-Countries Cycle Route. And are you familiar with the fact that in Basel the sun shines more often than in most other places in Switzerland? Culinary pleasures are also guaranteed. Nowhere in Europe is the concentration of "starred" restaurants as high as in the Three-Countries Region.

The Goetheanum in Dornach near Basel was the first monumental organically sculptured building in reinforced concrete. Events are being organized there on a regular basis.

Getting to Basel
Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland along River Rhein, 86 km (54 miles) from Zurich, 97 km (60 miles) from Berne and 240 km (149 miles) from Geneva.
All trains headed from Germany or France enter Switzerland in Basel. There are direct trains from Basel to all major cities in Switzerland.
<< back to top