Switzerland
Switzerland is a symbol of accuracy, stability, reliability, neutrality and quality of life. Switzerland is a country located in Western Europe, with a great variety of natural landscapes and a rich history dating back to 1291 when the three forest cantons entered into ‘an everlasting covenant.’ Most of the country is covered by the mountains Alps (Alpen) and Jura thanks to which Switzerland is considered one of the most popular direction for ski tourism. One of the most beautiful and picturesque countries, Switzerland is famous for the fact that it produces the most accurate watches, the most delicious chocolate and cheese; the banks are reliable and stable as nowhere else in the world; neutrality is respected in politics. The nature is of particular beauty and tranquillity. And the standard of living is the highest! Therefore, the people in the country are calm and placid. Switzerland is the best place in Europe to get rid of stress. In this alpine country with clean air, mountain lakes, a leisurely pace of life, you can find true peace of mind and tranquillity. The local air is a universal remedy for fatigue, insomnia and depression. A walk in the picturesque surroundings will leave unforgettable impressions. Moreover, the country offers a variety of leisure activities depending on the degree of stress. For those whose stress is at the level of nervous exhaustion – rest on the waters in Leukerbad or travel on the slow train ‘Glacier Express.’ Gstaad offers a special program ‘Laziness and Boredom’: travellers are given a pedometer and those who have the smallest number of steps by the end of the day will receive delicious prize. On the famous resort of St Moritz you will be offered yoga classes in quiet ski slopes. Visiting the museum of Marc Chagall’s works in Zurich, the concerts of classical music in Lucerne, leisurely shopping in Lugano will lead you to the placid condition of the body and spirit. Switzerland is attractive to tourists all year round. From December to early April, it is a paradise for lovers of skiing – alpine trails are great. Swiss cities are popular with lovers of attractions throughout the year. The summer season is ideal for exploring the alpine slopes and leisure in the thermal resorts where respiratory organs, musculoskeletal system, digestive system and nervous system are treated effectively.
Zurich
Zurich is the largest of city of Switzerland situated on the north-east of the country, at northern end of Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) the water surface of which lies at an altitude of 406m above sea level. The lowest part of the city is located on the banks of the Limmat River at an altitude of 392m, and the highest one, peak of mountain Uetliberg is at the height of 871m. The old town of Zurich occupies both banks of the Limmat River which emerging from the lake to the north then gradually turns to the west. The historic centre is city Lindenhof, a place of recreation for residents and visitors of the capital who chosen the tour in Switzerland is on the left bank of the river, on the same hill of 428m height above sea level. Despite the fact that Zurich is located quite far from the sea, the climate is humid continental closest to the ocean one. The weather in the city is soft, without sharp temperature fluctuations, but with distinct four seasons. In winter, the value of the thermometer is in the range -2…+3.5°C, and the average temperature of the summer months is about +22°C. In view of climate humidity, it rains often in Zurich (annual average rainfall is 1,136mm), and snowfalls occur too from October to April. Most often, precipitation brings west wind, while with bise wind that blows from the east or the north-east, a cold snap comes to the city.
Berne
Actual capital of the Swiss Confederation, the city of Bern (German: Bern) for almost all of its history was militarily strongest city-state of the region that carried out a pronounced aggressive policy towards its neighbours. But at the same time, thanks to the actions of Bern, Switzerland acquired its modern look. In 1405, the city has experienced a huge fire that destroyed it to the ground. To recover the burned houses, residents spent nearly 200 years, and thanks to their labours today we have a unique opportunity to see the medieval landscape of Bern virtually unchanged – it will deeply engrave in memory of any person who had been on holiday in Switzerland.
After the formation of the Special Union, Bern became the first canton advocating forceful suppression of the rebellion. Subsequently, Bernese troops have made most of the 100,000 Confederate forces sent to the struggle against Sonderbund. After defeating the enemy, the city was elected the capital of the Swiss Confederation by the vote on the draft constitution of 1848 opening a new page in the history of the state.