Watchmaking, Gruyère, chalets... Switzerland is a destination with a strong cultural identity. This country of Central Europe has other facets that will surprise you. Here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Switzerland for an enriching and fulfilling stay.
Dive into the strata of time on a stroll through Bern's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picturesque with its alleys, its houses in sandstone and its medieval decoration, this old part of the city is worth the detour. It houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Historical Museum, as well as the house of Einstein where he lived between 1903 and 1905.
Lucerne is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland and throughout Europe. In the centre of the country, it fascinates by its decoration like a postcard and its prestigious monuments, such as the Jesuit Church and the Palace of Culture and Congresses.
The Natural History Museum of Geneva is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. With about two kilometres of corridors spread over three floors, it takes you on a historical journey, from the origins of our civilisation to the present discoveries.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Nature enthusiasts will plan a visit to the national park in the Engadin. It is the largest nature reserve in the country.
Enchanted by a magnificent water jet, Lake Geneva is a rare beauty. The site offers many activities, such as a boat ride, fishing and much more.
Hiking is one of Switzerland's flagship activities. The country has about 68km of marked paths that will allow you to appreciate the diversity of the landscapes.
The Swiss Alps reveal a grandiose setting, between snow-capped mountains, fir forests and chalets in harmony with the environment. Villanovo have found dream chalets that can accommodate up to 12 people in exclusive neighbourhoods, such as the Esserts in Verbier.
In Switzerland, skiing is practiced in all its forms: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding, there is something for every taste and every level. The country has about 150 ski resorts. Those of Verbier, Zermatt, Gstaad and St. Moritz are among the largest.
Enthusiasts will enjoy paragliding or hang-gliding. In most of the country's ski resorts you can find the necessary equipment.
If you prefer to relax than do sport, go to one of the beaches that the Swiss lakes offer, the most beautiful is that of Estavayer-le-Lac on the South shore of Lake Neuchâtel.