Switzerland is synonymous with visions of Alpine meadows flanked by bright red trains that pass through the powdery white snow. But did you know that this country’s no-interference policy has kept it out of the war zone since 1505? However, this isn’t what puts Switzerland on every traveler’s bucket list. It is its reputation for creating some of the finest products in the world. Here are a few typically Swiss reasons to travel there now!
Watches
You don’t buy a Swiss watch because it can tell time; you buy it for its exceptional craftsmanship and precision in watchmaking. Switzerland is known to have dominated the watch market for years; actually began manufacturing watches only in the second half of the 16th century. Soon, the Swiss became the world’s most important watch manufacturers, and numerous innovations followed, including waterproof watches. Today, you can tour the Watch Valley to explore several watch manufacturers and museums.
Cheese
Home to over 450 varieties of cheese, Switzerland’s cheeses are produced from the milk of picture-perfect black and white cows grazing on the lush green meadows of the Alps, as seen on the pretty packaging. Two of Switzerland’s most well-known cheeses originate from names of the regions they are
produced in Emmental- whose name comes from the Emmental Valley in the Canton of Berne, and Gruyère, named after the town Gruyères. Don’t miss a chance to indulge in some cheese fondue during your visit!
The Alps
Hordes of skiers, hikers and climbers flock to the Swiss Alps during summer and winter every year. The most popular Alpine Mountains in Switzerland are the Matterhorn, the Eiger and the Jungfrau. Matterhorn in Zermatt at 4,478 meters high is a skier’s paradise, although the Jungfrau Region is the most accessible for skiing. You can either take a train journey all the way up to Jungfraujoch (the ‘Top of Europe’) and visit the Ice Palace or simply gaze at the breathtaking view of the Aletsch glacier.
Chocolate
If you are a chocolate lover, Switzerland is your haven. Switzerland is where milk chocolate was invented, and is home to some of the most popular chocolate brands, such as Lindt and Néstle. Enjoy visiting chocolate factories, free tastings, dipping into chocolate fondue and even hopping on to a chocolate train, for an unforgettable chocolaty experience like never before.
Trains
When it comes to train journeys, none can match the scenic vistas of Switzerland's diverse landscapes. The Glacier Express takes you on a leisurely ride through valleys, rivers and gorges, passing through 231 bridges and 91 tunnels from St Moritz to Zermatt. On the Golden Pass Line, which travels through Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisimmen and Montreux, you can see numerous lakes, green pastures, chalets and waterfalls. However, it is the chocolate train that will leave you wanting more; it takes you to a cheese factory in Gruyere Castle where you can feast on Europe's finest cheese before heading to the Cailler-Nestlé factory and drowning in chocolate.
Find out more about how you can experience Switzerland
By Sajda Latif
