Discover Switzerland during a spectacular stay

Who said a dream holiday had to be at the far corners of the world? With Villanovo, you don't have to go far to enjoy an exceptional experience! Today, we head to Switzerland, a small country that is far from just being a tax haven! Whether you travel in winter or summer, you will be amazed by the beauty of its landscapes and the dynamism of its cities.

 

 

Switzerland is ideal if you are looking for a destination with green and mountainous natural landscapes. The Alps make up 60% of Switzerland, making it the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Switzerland has 26 districts and a pleasant climate in both summer and winter, which can reach over 30 degrees and drop below 0 degrees in winter.

 

One of the main characteristics of this country is its particularly rich biodiversity and its carefully preserved flora and fauna. There are more than 50,000 recorded species, many of which are endangered, just like in the French mountains. You will, therefore, have understood that mountainous landscapes are omnipresent in Switzerland with thousands of small villages at the foot of the mountains whose charm is fascinating. Switzerland is, therefore, a family destination par excellence with a wide range of activities in summer and winter where you can stay in magnificent chalets. A few family destinations stand out such as Braunwald in Eastern Switzerland, Davos in Graubünden or Nendaz in Valais. In summer you can enjoy sunny walks and meals on the terrace with a view of the mountains, while in winter the ski resorts will welcome you with open arms for stays that are both sporty and relaxing. Among the best sites for hiking, we recommend the Jura ridge path, the via alpina or the alpine pass path. Many parks are also worth visiting, as well as the ancient palafite villages, real archaeological gems around the Swiss Alps and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

 

Switzerland has the advantage of being able to reconcile tradition and modernity at the same time. Beyond its mountains and typical villages, it is a country with many dynamic and decisive cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and also Lausanne, which are world cities hosting many international organisations. Zurich is Switzerland's most populous city and the country's economic capital, while Berne is the federal city whose historic heart is listed by UNESCO. If you are planning a trip to Basel, you will not be disappointed by the cultural character of this city and we recommend that you take a look at the city hall which has a unique architecture. As for Geneva, you will discover the cradle of the Red Cross, but also a bustling city that is home to the United Nations Office, the second largest UN headquarters after New York. Finally, still located on a plateau, the city of Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee. All of these cities are therefore evidence of Switzerland's significant investment at the global level despite its small territory. Numerous medium-sized towns are also worth visiting, such as La Chaux de Fonds and Locle, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their industrial architecture and century-old watchmaking activity. In particular, Switzerland was ranked first in terms of economic and tourist competitiveness. Many things to do await you and you won't regret your choice!

 

This country has always been known in the world for its political and military neutrality, but also for its cultural diversity. Switzerland has four cultural regions and four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. However, German is the most widely spoken language, at around 60%. The country's identity is therefore based on cultural and linguistic diversity, where the sense of belonging of the inhabitants of this nation is based on a common past and similar values such as democracy and federalism. It is, therefore, a country where there is a lot to learn, each region has its own culture whose inspiration can be found in the architecture, but also in the gastronomy beyond the language. So you never get tired of exploring Switzerland and its many facets. 

 

 

Swiss gastronomy is made up of many regional and non-national dishes that reflect these different cultural regions. There are many hearty dishes, particularly those based on cheese, which is typical of mountain gastronomy such as raclette or fondue. Indeed, Switzerland is known to have a variety of different cheeses depending on the region. You will meet many dairy farms all over the country and you will be able to visit cellars. Röstis is also a potato speciality as well as alplermagronen a dish made of macaroni, potatoes, cream and onions. Finally, you will not be able to spend a stay in Switzerland without tasting chocolate. Swiss chocolate is world-famous for its quality and has a long history in the country. The first chocolate factory of Rodolphe Lindt was founded in Berne in 1879.