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MySwitzerland.comThe 256 top tips for 26 Swiss cities.
Cities.
Hockson Floin's
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Welcome. About the webcode.Switzerland is a unique holiday, travel and conference
destination in the heart of Europe. Its cities are stylish
and diverse, its people warm and welcoming. On the
following pages we offer our top tips and suggestions
for a stay in Switzerland’s top cities.
We look forward to your visit!
Jürg Schmid, CEO Switzerland Tourism
Log on to MySwitzerland.com and enter the relevant number in the “Search” field to obtain further information on the corre-sponding offer.
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
The 26 most beautiful
Sw
itze
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FRANCE
It is our pleasure to help plan your holiday. Call us: UK 00800 100 200 30 (freephone)[email protected] 1 877 794 [email protected] 1 800 794 [email protected]
Site
4 Basel 1
10 Bern 2
16 Fribourg 3
24 Geneva (Genève) 4
30 La Chaux-de-Fonds 5
36 Lausanne 6
42 Lugano 7
48 Lucerne (Luzern) 8
54 St. Gallen 9
60 Winterthur 10
66 Zürich 11
72 Bellinzona 12
76 Locarno 13
80 Montreux – Vevey 14
84 Sion / Sierre 15
88 Solothurn 16
92 Baden 17
94 Biel (Bienne) 18
96 Brig 19
98 Chur 20
100 Martigny 21
102 Neuchâtel 22
104 Schaffhausen 23
106 Thun 24
108 Vaduz 25
110 Zug 26
Touristic
regions.Basel Region A
Bernese Oberland B
Fribourg Region C
Geneva D
Lake Geneva Region E
Graubünden F
Neuchâtel / Jura / Bernese Jura G
Eastern Switzerland /
Principality of Liechtenstein H
Schweizer Mittelland I
Ticino J
Valais K
Central Switzerland L
Zürich M
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cities in Switzerland.
DEUTSCHLAND
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Contents | 3
Contents.
141 Basel.
10 Bern.
16 Fribourg.
24 Geneva.
30 La Chaux-de-Fonds.
36 Lausanne.
42 Lugano.
48 Lucerne.
54 St. Gallen.
60 Winterthur.
66 Zürich.
72 Bellinzona.
76 Locarno.
80 Montreux – Vevey.
84 Sion. Sierre.
88 Solothurn.
92 Baden.
94 Biel /Bienne.
96 Brig.
98 Chur.
Switzerland Tourism
P.O. Box
CH-8027 Zürich
608 Fifth Avenue, Suite 202
New York, NY 10020 USA
Switzerland Travel Centre Ltd
1st floor, 30 Bedford Street
London WC2E 9ED, UK
100 Martigny.
102 Neuchâtel.
104 Schaffhausen.
106 Thun.
108 Vaduz.
110 Zug.
114 Moving experiences.
121 Information for holidays,
meetings and confer-
ences in Switzerland.
122 Order of brochures.
Hockson Floin's
Basel.
4 | Basel
On the water.Along the “Basel Riviera”, as the city’s waterfront is affectionately known,
the mood is decidedly relaxed and Mediterranean. Locals and visitors stroll
along the promenade beside the Rhine, charmed by the romantic riverside
atmosphere. The Dreiländereck (“Three Countries
Corner”), where barges set off towards the North
Sea, is also Switzerland’s key gateway for raw
materials.81145
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Basel | 5
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Switzerland’s city of culture.Basel has the greatest concentration of museums in the country: more than
forty in all. Among them are internationally famous names such as the Kunst-
museum Basel (Museum of Fine Art); the Tinguely Museum, devoted to the
Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely; the renowned Fondation Beyeler; and the Mu-
seum der Kulturen (Anthropology Museum). The annual Art Basel fair attracts
aficionados from all over the world, while one of the highlights of the thriving
music and theatre scene is the AVO Session music festival in late autumn.
Basel TourismusCH-4010 Basel
Tel. +41 (0)61 268 68 68
www.basel.com
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Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.6 | Basel
Musem of Fine Art.Feast for the eyes One reason for Basel’s evolution
into a leading cultural metropolis
is the existence here of the oldest
public art collection in the world: the
Museum of Fine Art. In 2009 a new
exhibition brings together – for the
first time, worldwide – the landscape
paintings of Vincent van Gogh.
Old Town.A gentle trip in timeSuch exquisite harmony is rare:
Basel’s Old Town is one of the most
intact and most beautiful in Europe.
As you stroll through the living com-
munity, admiring the fine buildings
and the timeless architecture, you
travel through the ages, taking in a
variety of artistic styles.
Rhine ferries.Just like the old daysSimply ring the bell and the ferry-
man is ready! As in postcards from
150 years ago, four photogenic little
ferries link the two sides of the city.
And in a totally environmentally
friendly manner, too: they use only
the current of the Rhine to propel
themselves to and fro.
Rhine promenade.Going with the flowThe Rhine promenade in the heart
of the city is an urban idyll: stroll-
ers soak up the atmosphere along
the broad river, with its picturesque
rows of houses; lovers linger on
the benches, enjoying the romantic
views; and fitness fans tackle Basel’s
favourite jogging route.
Hockson Floin's
Basel | 7 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
World fairs.Art, watches and jewellerySwitzerland’s leading trade fair and
conference city is always in the
news. In spring, the Exhibition Cen-
ter Basel makes headlines across
the world twice: the Art Basel fair is
seen as the most important event
in the sector, as is the watch and
jewellery fair Baselworld.
Vitra Museum.The finest in designThe Vitra Design architecture park,
with its renowned museum of interior
design, is located on German soil but
can be reached direct from Basel on
bus 55. The buildings are spectacu-
lar: Frank O. Gehry created his first
structure in Europe here, and Zaha
Hadid her first work anywhere.
Beyeler Foundation.Art showpieceThe Fondation Beyeler in the suburb
of Riehen is regarded as one of the
world’s most important art muse-
ums, home to around 200 twentieth-
century masterpieces – especially
from the classic modern period. It
is also famous for its spectacular
temporary exhibitions, and Renzo
Piano’s architecture.
Shopping.Streets aheadShopping in Basel is a delight – and
a wonderful way of exploring the city.
From small, stylish and hip boutiques
to chic department stores, from
exquisite antiquarian bookshops
to outlets selling renowned luxury
brands, everything is within walking
distance on the main streets and
alleys.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.8 | Basel
Town hall.Please step inWith its red sandstone walls, its
colourful frescoed interior courtyard
and its prominent tower, Basel’s
town hall on Marktplatz is easily
the most striking building in the city
centre. It was built between 1504
and 1514, just after Basel joined the
Swiss Confederation, and is open to
visitors.
Christmas market.Spectacle for the sensesAdvent in Basel cannot be beaten
for charm. Fairy lights adorn the
façades, the shop windows are
beautifully adorned, and the whole
city is resplendent under its fes-
tive decorations. The enchanting
Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz
overflows with tempting variety.
Zoo.A wild adventureThis eleven-hectare oasis of green-
ery in the heart of Basel, affection-
ately known as “Zolli”, has been one
of the city’s most popular attractions
since 1874. Nearly 600 species of
animal from all continents live here
in spacious enclosures – such as the
new Gamgoas lion compound.
Spalenberg.Delightful strollsThis Old Town quarter makes for
lovely, leisurely strolls past grand
façades and tiny shops. The bou-
tiques all have their own charm, as
well as a special clientele: Johann
Wanner’s traditional shop selling
Christmas decorations numbers
Queen Elizabeth II among its cus-
tomers.
Hockson Floin's
Basel | 9 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Cathedral.Far-sighted sanctuary High above the Rhine rises the
cathedral. With its red sandstone
walls, colourful roof tiles and slender
towers, it dominates the cityscape –
and the cultural calendar, hosting
top-class events. The views from the
Pfalz terrace behind the cathedral
extend way over the French border
to the Vosges forests.
Bar Rouge.Highlight in the MesseturmOn the 31st floor of the Trade Fair
Tower, the lift stops and you step
into a magical world all in red. If
you’re lucky, the sun will be setting
over the city in a blaze of colour.
But whatever the time, in Basel’s
nightlife scene Bar Rouge is known
as the hotspot with top views.
Dreiländereck.Boundless border regionSwitzerland, France and Germany
meet at the “Three Countries
Corner”, where the nature, culture
and gastronomy of all three come
together. Particularly idyllic: a river
cruise on the Rhine. Especially inter-
esting: the buzzing Rhine port, from
which big barges set off towards the
North Sea.
Acqua.Rendezvous with styleAt this former waterworks and pump-
ing station, urban living is celebrated
in relaxed style. From the restaurant
and bar to the lounge and garden,
the ambience is romantic in a stylish
way, the chilled-out atmosphere
endearingly casual, and the Italian-
influenced cuisine irresistible.
Hockson Floin's
Bern.
10 | Bern
Embraced by the river.The Bernese may like to be modest, but in fact they’re very proud: of the
federal parliament building, for example, the Bundeshaus. And, of course,
of the fact that their Old Town, embraced by the gently flowing Aare, stands
on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites – not
least for the six kilometres of medieval covered
arcades, home to a delightful variety of tempting
shops. 83508
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Bern | 11
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Switzerland’s capital city.Bern has everything that goes to make up a capital city. Alongside its fine
medieval buildings – cathedral, clock tower and town hall – Bern is home to
world-class modern architecture and design. The shopping opportunities
are boundless, especially following the opening in October 2008 of the new
Westside shopping and leisure complex. After a visit, explore Bern’s rich
culture – or simply stroll through the Old Town, watching the world go by from
one of the many cafés.
Bern TourismusCH-3011 Bern
Tel. +41 (0)31 328 12 12
www.berninfo.com
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Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.12 | Bern
Clock tower.For whom the bell tollsEvery hour passers by gather under
the historic clock tower to watch its
charming mechanical figures come
to life. Four minutes before the stroke
of the bell a cock crows, a proces-
sion of musical bears sets off on its
rounds, and a jester mischievously
rings in the new hour in advance.
Marzili lido.All in the AareIn summer, the best thing in Bern is
to go with the flow. Of the River Aare,
to be precise. You change at the
legendary Marzili open-air lido (free
entry), walk upstream, and let the
current carry you back down again.
The Marzili is one of the favourite
rendezvous of the Bernese.
Federal Palace.Epicentre of Swiss politicsThe Federal Palace (Bundeshaus),
with its trademark cupola, is the
seat of Switzerland’s government
and federal parliament. Construction
began in 1852 and was completed
in 1902, with work by 38 artists.
The busy Bundesplatz in front is the
setting for delightful water displays
in warmer months.
The arcades.Staying dry in the Old TownSix kilometres of medieval arcades
lead through the romantic and bus-
tling alleys of Bern’s Old Town, from
the railway station via the Bundes-
platz and down to the celebrated
bear pits. All of which makes them
one of the longest covered shopping
promenades in the world.
Hockson Floin's
Bern | 13 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Rose garden.A fragrant oasis223 varieties of roses, 200 different
irises, and 28 kinds of rhododen-
dron: this may sound like a fairytale
garden, but its appearance is better
still. Located high above the Old
Town, this spacious park also offers
glorious views of Bern’s medieval
houses and the river below.
Westside.Shopping and livingIn October 2008, Bern gained a new,
world-class emblem: Westside, a
shopping centre, leisure complex
and pool-and-spa facility (Bernaqua,
the largest in Switzerland) in one.
The complex, designed by celebrat-
ed architect Daniel Libeskind, is set
in nature and forms a counterpoint
to the nearby Old Town.
Cathedral.Stairway to heavenDominating the Old Town is the larg-
est and most important late-medie-
val sacred building in Switzerland,
its portal decorated with world-fa-
mous, exquisitely worked sandstone
figures. 344 steps lead to the tower
gallery, 64 metres up. The view over
the old town is terrific.
Einstein Museum.Rendezvous with a geniusA representation of the Milky Way
leads into the world of Albert Ein-
stein. This is the largest exhibition
in the world devoted to the great
physicist; as well as throwing light
on his ground-breaking theory of
relativity, the Einstein Museum is
a fascinating tribute to his life and
times.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.14 | Bern
Matte-Lift.Up and down in style The trim historic lift operating
between the cathedral terrace and
the Matte district carries a thousand
passengers a day, and is affection-
ately known as the Senkeltram – the
“plumb-line tram”. The “lift boys” –
eight retirees – add to the charm of
Switzerland’s only staffed lift.
Kornhauskeller.Deep satisfactionThe contrast is thrilling: you pass
through a simple doorway and down
some steps to find yourself in a
vast underground dining hall. The
columns and late-baroque vaulted
ceiling create an almost sacred
ambience, making this one of the
Switzerland’s most impressive
places to eat.
Gurten.Up into natureClose to the city, yet up in seventh
heaven… The mountain on Bern’s
doorstep, the Gurten, rises to
864 metres, offering fresh air, views
as far as the Alps and fun for all the
family. It also makes a much-loved
summit meeting point for gourmets,
music and theatre lovers, as well
as outdoor activity fans.
Paul Klee Centre.Still making wavesPaul Klee, regarded as one of the
most important artists of the 20th
century, spent half his life in Bern.
This magnificent wave-like structure
by the celebrated architect Renzo
Piano houses an inspiring museum
with more than 4,000 works by the
painter, musician, teacher and poet.
Hockson Floin's
Bern | 15 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Schwellenmätteli.The Bernese RivieraThe Aare gushes over the weir, glass
windows reflect the Old Town, and
divine aromas float up from the din-
ing tables. The Schwellenmätteli,
between the quarters of Matte and
Marzili, has evolved from a tavern for
fishermen and raftsmen into one of
the city’s most romantic escapes.
Nightlife.Capital pleasuresOne of the characteristics of the
Bernese is their sociability, celebrat-
ed every evening anew in the many
nightspots of the Old Town. Hip
clubs, stylish lounge bars, alterna-
tive party venues and musical variety
make for an exceptionally varied
nightlife in the capital.
Dählhölzli zoo.Animal attractionsThe Dählhölzli zoo is making more
room for its residents: it may be
home to fewer species, but they live
in an ever more natural environment.
As a result, this animal park, devoted
to European wildlife, has become a
leader in animal welfare – and a visit
is more enjoyable than ever.
MfK.Communication is everythingThe Museum of Communication
(MfK) fully lives up to its name,
inspiring and delighting visitors of
all ages. The fun, hands-on displays
encourage children and adults alike
to investigate and marvel at the pos-
sibilities, power and dangers of the
various forms of communication.
Hockson Floin's
Fribourg.
16 | Fribourg
Magic of the Middle Ages.A stroll through Fribourg is a journey through time. It is largely thanks to
the powerful Zähringer family that this proud city on the River Sarine has
one of the largest integrated medieval urban centres in Europe. And it is
because of the large number of students here that
the city’s many bistros are home to such a lively
and engaging culture.111551
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
“P
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Fribourg | 17
Switzerland’s city of bridges.Fribourg (or Freiburg, in German) builds bridges: between the Latin and Ger-
manic cultures, as well as between the French and German languages. It is
also home to Europe’s only bilingual university: just one example of the city’s
special role. Bridges also dominate the urban landscape: no less than 15
span the River Sarine. From the old bridge of St. Apolline (built in 1147) to the
wooden Pont de Berne (1653) and the metal, Eiffel-inspired Pont de Grandfey,
they offer a variety of delightful walks.
Fribourg TourismeCH-1701 Fribourg
Tel. +41 (0)26 350 11 11
www.fribourgtourisme.ch
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.18 | Fribourg
City walls.Insight into the Middle AgesThe Old Town, with its narrow alleys,
picturesque squares and sculpted
fountains, stands on a rocky spur
high above the Sarine. It is regarded
as one of Europe’s finest examples
of medieval architecture – thanks to
more than 200 gothic façades
and intact city fortifications with
14 towers.
The “Funi”.A trip in timeThe nostalgic funicular – the popular
“Funi” – has been shuttling between
the venerable Lower Town and the
modern city centre since 1899. This
delightful railway is unique in Europe,
for it uses waste water from the city
as a counterweight to power the
movement of the green carriages.
Lower Town.Picture-postcard pretty As well as churches and monaster-
ies, bridges and fountains, the Basse
Ville – the historic Old Town, beside
the river – even has its own language
and culture: “Bolze”. You can travel
to the depths of the city’s soul by
funicular – the “Funi” – or on foot,
down historic flights of steps.
St. Nicholas.Gothic jewelFribourg’s cathedral is an archi-
tectural masterpiece. According to
legend, its clock tower was never
completed for lack of money. After a
climb of 368 steps you don’t mind –
but you still enjoy, from a height
of 74 metres, the view over the city
roofs to the Fribourg Prealps.
Hockson Floin's
Fribourg | 19 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Espace Jean Tinguely.Art spectacle for the sensesThe “Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de
Saint Phalle”, located in the former
tram depot beside the Art and
History Museum, is a playful and
bizarre, striking and poetic homage
to the city’s most famous couple:
two extraordinary artists who had
an enormous influence on Fribourg’s
cultural life.
City golf.Urban golf courseCity golf is a playful cross between
mini-golf and SwinGolf for groups
and families. Equipped with a three-
sided golf club, a ball and a starting
map, participants set off to discover
the historic treasures of one of the
most beautiful medieval cities in
Switzerland.
Way of St. James.Crosses, churches and chapelsThe official pilgrims’ route to
Santiago de Compostela also passes
through the Fribourg Region. It leads
walkers through Tafers, Fribourg,
Romont – and past impressive
church windows, crucifixes and
chapels, all of which bear witness to
the region’s great religious tradi-
tions.
Art and history.Where art comes aliveThe Art and History Museum (MAHF)
occupies three historic buildings,
housing – among other exhibits – the
largest collection of Swiss sculpture
from the first half of the 16th century.
It is also famous for its archaeologi-
cal finds, and the monumental
sculptures in the museum garden.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.20 | Fribourg
City tour.Art in the open airGood art need not be expensive.
In Fribourg it costs nothing at all:
41 works by contemporary artists are
located in public spaces and can be
viewed free of charge. A free leaflet,
available in French and German,
gives full details of the individual
artworks.
University.Two languages – two stylesThe university is unique in Europe
not just for being bilingual – both
German and French are spoken – but
also because of the two architectural
styles that characterise it. The
Miséricorde complex was built
between 1930 and 1940; Pérolles 2
was completed shortly into the new
millennium.
Gastronomy.Gourmet delightsTraditional cheese fondue may be
the best-known local speciality, but
Fribourg has much more to offer.
Twelve gourmet restaurants are listed
in the celebrated GaultMillau and
Michelin guides – while the large
student population guarantees a
great variety of cafés and bars.
Church music.The city of organs The historic organs of Fribourg’s
churches enjoy a magnificent
reputation throughout Europe. The
composers Franz Liszt and Anton
Bruckner played here, as do today’s
finest organists – especially during
the international organ festival, at-
tended by aficionados from far and
wide.
Hockson Floin's
Fribourg | 21 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Kaeserberg.Switzerland as a model railway“Chemins de Fer du Kaeserberg” is
a new private model railway museum
that is sure to thrill enthusiasts of all
ages. 2,045 metres of track take visi-
tors on a journey through an imagi-
nary Switzerland on three levels, with
accurate models of buildings and
trains all to a scale of 1:87.
La Gruyère.Fairytale castle – and aliensOf course cheese lovers are at home
in Gruyères. But the small town also
delights romantics, with its pictur-
esque medieval hilltop heart and its
fairytale castle. Horror fans, mean-
while, flock to see designer H.R.
Giger’s gruesome creations for the
Alien films, on show in the neigh-
bouring castle.
Murten.Town of gentle pleasuresAt the historic small town of Murten,
founded by the Zähringers, time
moves refreshingly slowly. Stroll
along the only accessible town walls
in Switzerland, glide by boat over
to Mt. Vully, the country’s small-
est winegrowing area – and enjoy
regional delicacies in the charming
restaurants.
Meetings in nature.A different point of viewThe unspoilt landscape around
Schwarzsee is just one of many ar-
eas where everyone can benefit from
an inspiring breath of fresh air. That
is the great strength of the region:
unusual locations for meetings in
nature, by lakeshores, in towns – yet
with the latest infrastructure.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.22 | Vitromusée Romont
Sacred artThe gothic collegiate church of
Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is richly
decorated with stained-glass win-
dows from the 15th to 19th centuries,
complemented by modern works by
Alexandre Cingria, Yoki and Sergio
de Castro. Meanwhile at the convent
church of La Fille-Dieu, the British
artist Brian Clarke has created
a striking masterpiece of timeless
sacred art.
Tours and trailsRomont and its region offer visitors
the chance to see numerous fine
church windows in their architec-
tural context. More than 20 villages,
churches, chapels and other build-
ings containing masterpieces of
stained glass by celebrated Swiss
and foreign artists are linked by
marked trails to be explored on foot,
by bike or by car.
Vitromusée Romont.
The glory of glass.The castle of Romont is home to an exceptional collection of stained glass
from the Middle Ages to the present day. It also houses a unique collec-
tion of works made by the verre églomisé technique of glass gilding. In the
workshop, often busy with artists, visitors can learn
about the processes involved; themed exhibitions
are regularly staged and creative activities laid on
for children.
Office du TourismeRomont et sa régionCH-1680 Romont
Tel. +41 (0)26 651 90 55
www.vitromusee.ch38271
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
In the passenger area of Zurich Airport, you can buy perfumes, liquor and tobacco products at unbeatable
prices. Here your purchases are exempt from alcohol and tobacco duties. What’s more, over 60 shops offer
you a huge selection of fashion, accessories and cosmetics from top international brands along with chocolate,
watches and other Swiss specialities. www.zurich-airport.com
Duty Free ZRH Take off to duty-free paradise.
Hockson Floin's
Geneva.
24 | Geneva
Famous fountain.What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Jet d’eau is to Geneva: much-loved
emblem of the city. The fountain soars 140 metres above the shimmering blue
lake, near the point where the Rhone flows out towards the Mediterranean.
On the north bank stand most of the large hotels,
as well as many restaurants; high above the south
bank is the Old Town, Geneva’s heart, and the
shopping and business districts. 109825
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Geneva | 25
Jet
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Switzerland’s world city.The European seat of the United Nations, the headquarters of the Red Cross,
a longstanding humanitarian tradition and a multicultural social mix make
Geneva the world’s smallest metropolis as well as the “capital of peace”.
Idyllically located between alpine peaks and the ridges of the Jura, by the
lake and on the French border, internationally minded Geneva also has a fine
reputation as a venue for conferences and trade fairs – such as the Interna-
tional Motor Show, Europe’s largest automobile fair.
Genève Tourisme et Bureau des CongrèsCH-1211 Genève 1
Tel. +41 (0)22 909 70 00
www.geneve-tourisme.ch
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.26 | Geneva
Les Mouettes. From shore to shoreThe “mouettes” are shuttle boats
that operate at ten-minute intervals,
offering locals and visitors alike a
pleasant and convenient way of
crossing the lake. These small ferries
are especially popular on hot summer
days, when a ride makes for a
relaxing and refreshing excursion.
Lake cruises. Little lake, big adventureA journey one hundred years back in
time, to the days of the belle époque:
a romantic cruise on a historic pad-
dle steamer around the Petit Lac –
as the narrow, western end of Lake
Geneva is known – is a wonderful,
nostalgia-inducing experience.
And a delight for gourmets, too:
bon appétit!
Jet d’eau.Postcard panoramaIt is the undisputed emblem of the
city: the “Jet d’eau”, a mighty jet of
water that rockets 140 metres up
into the blue sky above Lake Geneva.
This fountain is of course one of
city’s top visitor attractions – as well
as the one of the most popular
photographic subjects far and wide.
United Nations.World without frontiersAnyone passing through the gateway
of the Palais des Nations is entering
international territory without bor-
ders. Every year more than 20,000
delegates gather here, while around
3,000 employees work at the site on
a worldwide mission: peace, security
and the right to human dignity.
Hockson Floin's
Geneva | 27 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
St. Peter’s Cathedral.Best views guaranteedThere are exactly 175 steps up the
north tower of St. Peter’s Cathedral
(Cathédrale St-Pierre in French), but
the climb is well worth the effort: the
panoramic views over the city and
lake are unparalleled. Also in a class
of its own is six-tonne Clémence,
the largest bell in the city, dating from
1407.
Barbier-Mueller Museum.Beauty from far and wideAesthetics played a central role even
in earliest human history. This is
amply demonstrated by the excep-
tional collection of the Barbier-Muel-
ler Museum of objects from distant
lands – ranging from sculptures,
masks and jewellery to ritual
artefacts, ornaments and fabrics.
Le Salève.Geneva’s local mountainTo really see Geneva, head for
France – and take the cable car up
the Salève. Although outside Swiss
territory, this mountain summit
makes a popular outing – and offers
a fabulous 360-degree panorama
over the city, lake, the Jura, the
Prealps, the Mont Blanc massif and
as far as Annecy.
Vineyards.Geneva’s liquid pleasuresRight on the doorstep of the city
begins the Geneva of the vineyards.
For 2,000 years a variety of wines
have been made here; now 13.5 mil-
lion litres are produced each year,
from 1,500 hectares of vineyards.
These are divided into three regions –
a delight to explore on foot or by bike.
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Carouge. A slice of Sardinia The township of Carouge is a superb
example, unique in Europe, of early
modern urban development. Built in
the 18th century on command of the
king of Sardinia by architects from
Turin along Piemontese lines, to this
day it radiates irresistible Mediterra-
nean charm and Italian style.
Quartier des Bains. Centre for art and designThe density is exceptional: nowhere
are there more galleries, museums
and artists’ studios than in Geneva’s
Quartier des Bains. Top institution is
the Musée d’Art Moderne et Con-
temporain (Mamco), home to the
country’s most extensive collection
of modern and contemporary art.
Pâquis baths. Where all Geneva meets When summer arrives in Geneva,
water lovers from the age of one to
a hundred gather at the Bains des
Pâquis. This picturesque lido and
leisure facility was built from wood in
1872, and completely rebuilt in 1932
on 448 piles. Today it is an institu -
tion – along with its hospitality.
Rhone river cruise. Wonderful waterways“Only” 812 kilometres long, the
Rhone is no Amazon – but it is still
one of the longest rivers in Europe,
as well as one of the most beautiful.
A particularly scenic and picturesque
stretch lies between Geneva and the
Verbois dam, which can be explored
on a three-hour cruise.
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Geneva | 29 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Cern.27 kilometres of acceleration Cern, the European Organization for
Nuclear Research, with 20 member
states, is one of the most respected
centres of scientific research in
the world, famous for its 27 kilo-
metres particle accelerator. 3,000
people work here, and a further
6,500 scientists participate in the
experiments.
Plainpalais.A spirit of optimismOnce its own commune, the Quartier
de Plainpalais is now a cosmopolitan
and lively part of the city of Geneva.
In the bars, cafés and the beautiful
Parc des Bastions, students mingle
with the inhabitants – people who
have their roots throughout the
world, but their hearts here.
Old Town.Narrow alleys full of life It’s a delight to stroll through the
alleys of Geneva’s Old Town, with
its art galleries, antique dealers,
antiquarian bookshops, chic bou-
tiques and bistros. The cathedral of
St. Peter may dominate the scene,
but the true centre is the Place du
Bourg-de-Four, the city’s oldest
square.
Shopping.Sweet temptationsEverything a shopper could wish
for… In Geneva, most of the shops,
boutiques and department stores are
located around the elegant shopping
streets of Rue du Rhône, Rue de la
Confédération, Rue du Marché and
Rue de la Croix-d’Or. In fact you
could keep shopping until your legs
give way…
Hockson Floin's
La Chaux-de-Fonds.
30 | La Chaux-de-Fonds
Full of surprises.La Chaux-de-Fonds’s monumental fountain is a fine example of the city’s
free spirit. Here, at the end of the 19th century, artists and designers did
not simply follow the European fashion for art nouveau but reinvented it as
the “style sapin” (pine-tree style). Nature was the
model, inspiring playful ornaments and decorated
staircases that enchant visitors who take the time
to explore the city up close. 306145
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
La Chaux-de-Fonds | 31
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Switzerland’s city of watches.The highest city in Europe owes its existence to the art of watchmaking. In
the 19th century, the long, cold and dark winters encouraged many in this
rural area to take up work in the warm indoors, assembling tiny components
under magnification into precise chronometers. The industry blossomed,
La Chaux-de-Fonds became the economic centre of the Neuchâtel region,
and the world’s most famous watch brands built factories that would meet
the highest specifications for precision and safety.
Tourisme neuchâteloisCH-2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Tel. +41 (0)32 889 68 95
www.neuchateltourisme.ch
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Lac des Brenets. River for romantics Twisting and meandering, the River
Doubs cuts into the labyrinth of the
Jura Mountains. At Les Brenets, a
village on the French border, the river
becomes a long, narrow lake lined
with sheer cliffs – best experienced
from one of the excursion boats that
cruise as far as the magnificent Saut
du Doubs falls.
Cityscape. Clean, straight linesIn 1794 a fire completely destroyed
the city. In the spirit of the Enlight-
enment, it was rebuilt in a coherent
pattern, creating a grid layout that
is unique in Switzerland. Today
La Chaux-de-Fonds is regarded as
Switzerland’s best-preserved
19th-century city.
Maison blanche. Early work by Le CorbusierBorn and brought up in La Chaux-
de-Fonds, Charles-Edouard Jean-
neret – alias Le Corbusier – revolu-
tionised architecture. Two of his early
buildings still stand here: the Villa
Turque and the Maison Blanche.
The latter, with its neoclassical style,
is regarded as a pioneering work.
Watch museum.Home industry Since the 18th century, La Chaux-
de-Fonds has been known as the
birthplace of the wristwatch, and the
world’s finest brands are manufac-
tured here. The International
Watchmaking Museum has more
than 4,500 historic exhibits, and
covers the industry’s artistic, social
and economic aspects.
Hockson Floin's
La Chaux-de-Fonds | 33 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Col-des-Roches.The cave millsFor four centuries the cave system in
Col-des-Roches was used to house
mighty underground mills. Today the
restored structures are still driven
by the power of natural watercours-
es, and the fascinating site retells
the exciting history of the brave and
inventive people of this region.
Café du Petit-Paris.Cosy comfortsThe oldest bistro in the city is also
possibly the cosiest in the region.
During its renovation, the historic
interior was rejuvenated and the
façade refreshed. Yet the atmos-
phere is modern – and the café
continues to attract and delight a
lively, mixed clientele.
Château des Monts.Beautiful times in the castle Somewhat above the town of Le
Locle stands the Château des Monts,
a glorious castle in the style of Louis
XVI. Inside is a delightful collection
of historic timepieces: an enchant-
ing, ticking world of priceless
wristwatches, grandfather clocks
and miniature mechanical automata.
Farmhouse museum. The first step is the hardestThis impressive farmhouse built in
typical 17th-century Jura style has
many fascinating stories to tell. As
the Farming and Crafts Museum, it
recreates the living conditions of the
early pioneers: those first farmers
who, in the long winter nights,
became watchmakers.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.34 | La Chaux-de-Fonds
Espacité tower. Modern emblem In the heart of La Chaux-de-Fonds
stands the striking, modern Espacité
tower, a symbol of the city. Designed
by the architect Jacques Richter,
it also houses the tourist office. Visi-
tors can take the lift up to the top
and enjoy panoramic views over the
city and its surroundings.
Ancien Manège. Hidden pleasuresLike many buildings in this city, the
Ancien Manège does not immedi-
ately reveal its treasures to passers-
by. Enter the inner courtyard of this
former riding hall, though, and you
will find the unusual architecture
and decorated walls of this historic
gem a delight – just like the cosy
brasserie.
Fine Art Museum.Artistic treasuresIn the highest city in Switzerland,
the arts also enjoy an elevated
status. The Musée des beaux-arts
displays Swiss and international
art from the 19th and 20th centu-
ries – including important works by
local masters turned international
stars, from Léopold Robert to Le
Corbusier.
Petit-Château forest.Wildly wonderful With its park and playgrounds, the
Zoological Forest Park of Petit-
Château offers plenty of variety to
families – and, with its spacious
enclosures, to ibex, otters, wild
boars and brown bears too. Espe-
cially fascinating is the vivarium, with
250 snakes, crocodiles and other
reptiles.
Hockson Floin's
La Chaux-de-Fonds | 35 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Théâtre de l’heure bleue.A gem takes centre stage This theatre is a national institution,
well known throughout Switzerland.
Partly for its history, partly because
of its magnificent old auditorium,
restored in 2003 with great attention
to detail – and not least thanks to its
programme, in which music plays a
leading role alongside theatre.
Hôtel de Ville.Postcard-perfectIt is the most photographed building
in Le Locle: the town hall, built
between 1914 and 1918, to designs
inspired by the neo-renaissance and
Heimatstil movements. Particularly
striking are Ernest Biéler’s monu-
mental frescoes on the façade, and
the interior tempera paintings by
Alfred Blailé.
Crematorium.Inspired by nature As the magically light art nouveau
style spread in the early 20th century,
it blossomed in a unique way in La
Chaux-de-Fonds. The most beautiful
example of this nature-fuelled vision
is the crematorium, regarded as a
masterpiece of the period. It is freely
accessible to the public.
Avenue Léopold-Robert.A mini Champs-ElyséesThe city’s main street is named after
the celebrated local painter Léopold
Robert (1794–1835), but locals
simply call it “Le Pod”. It leads for
1.5 dead-straight kilometres from the
centre out towards Le Locle, and its
maple trees are trimmed at a height
of precisely 1,000 metres above sea
level.
Hockson Floin's
Lausanne.
36 | Lausanne
Star appeal for connoisseurs.Strolling on a warm summer’s evening in the lakeside quarter of Ouchy,
through parks oozing Mediterranean charm, you can feel Lausanne is a city
built for pleasure. But it is also the Olympic capital, a university city, con-
ference destination and cultural centre, whose
influence extends way beyond Switzerland’s
boundaries. Lausanne, you might say, embodies
the perfect symbiosis of business and pleasure. 109827
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Lausanne | 37
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Switzerland’s gourmet city. The tremendous variety of this city of sport, conferences and culture is also
reflected in its cuisine. From the regional specialities served in the charming
cafés of the picturesque Old Town with its narrow alleys and hip boutiques,
to the delicacies served at the Lausanne Palace (1 Michelin star, 17 GaultMil-
lau points), there are delights to suit every gourmet. After all, many of the
greatest cooks work or have worked in Lausanne – not least Fredy Girardet,
crowned “Chef of the Century”.
Lausanne TourismeCH-1000 Lausanne 6
Tel. +41 (0)21 613 73 73
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
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L’Hermitage. Art at the highest level From treasures of the Accademia
Carrara in Bergamo dating from the
15th to 19th centuries, to an exhibi-
tion of artwork by Christo and
Jeanne-Claude… The Fondation
de l’Hermi tage, housed in a
fine patrician house from the 19th
century, presents temporary
exhibitions of the highest quality.
Musée de l’Art Brut. Work from unfamiliar worldsWölfi, Aloïse, Lesage and Hauser?
The creators of the strange and
fascinating pieces in the Collection
de l’Art Brut are scarcely known,
for they produced their artworks in
psychiatric clinics, prisons and other
hidden places. This is outsider art, in
a collection that is unique worldwide.
Lake Geneva cruises.International waters Three zones, one experience… From
the “Petit Lac” (the narrowest stretch
of the lake, between Geneva and
Nyon) to the “Grand Lac” (between
Lausanne and Evian) and the “Haut
Lac” (Montreux to Thonon), the boats
of the Lake Geneva fleet shuttle
between sublime landscapes – and
two countries.
Olympic Museum.Superlatives of sportLiberal use of evocative Greek
marble helps bring the spirit of the
Olympic Games to life here. The
world information centre for the
Olympic movement offers visitors an
overview from the first summer
games of 1896 in Athens to the
present day – and a fascinating and
interactive experience.
Hockson Floin's
Lausanne | 39 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Wine Train.The way to the wine There is no more comfortable way to
experience the Lavaux, the wine-
growing area high above Lake
Geneva, declared World Heritage by
UNESCO, than on the “Wine Train”. It
rolls gently from Vevey to Chexbres,
past sleepy villages and Switzer-
land’s most beautiful vineyards.
Béjart Ballet.World-class dance In 1987 the great choreographer
Maurice Béjart settled here, and from
Switzerland conquered the world.
Béjart died in 2007, but his thirty
dancers continue to be celebrated as
enthusiastically in Lausanne as they
are in the world’s greatest venues –
from the Paris Opera to the Bolshoi
Theatre.
Musée de l’Elysée.The faces of photography This is one of the few museums in
Europe that is devoted entirely to
photography. Housed in an elegant
18th-century villa, the Musée de
l’Elysée successfully covers every
facet of the art, and since its opening
in 1985 has earned a tremendous
reputation worldwide.
Vivarium.All that creeps or crawlsSnakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortois-
es, scorpions, bird-eating spiders…
Lausanne’s Vivarium contains one of
Europe’s largest collections of living
reptiles, amphibians and arachnids.
More than one hundred species,
along with their natural predators,
are kept in conditions close to nature.
Hockson Floin's
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Prix de Lausanne. Springboard for talentThey are between 15 and 18 years
old, highly gifted, ambitious, and
eager to win the “Prix de Lausanne”.
But while no holds are barred at
this international ballet competition
for young dancers from all over the
world, the contest is friendly. Rule
number 1: respect the others.
Jardin 2009. Urban oases“Above and below” is the theme
along Lausanne’s new M2 metro line
from June to September – and the
name of the third “Lausanne Jardins”
garden festival. Along the route, en-
chanting installations by internation-
al landscape architects transform
locations above and below ground
into urban garden oases.
Festival de la Cité. The whole city celebratesYou have to experience it for your-
self: nine days of culture fever that
grip Lausanne during July. More than
120 free events in and around the
Old Town make the Festival de la Cité
one of the highlights of the year –
and the perfect place for locals and
visitors to celebrate summer side
by side.
Lausanne Roule.On a roll As part of Lausanne Estival, guided,
themed cycle tours through the city
are laid on once a week between
June and August – free of charge,
and guaranteed without great
physical challenges. And thanks to
the Lausanne Roule scheme, cycle
hire is also free of charge for the day.
Hockson Floin's
Lausanne | 41 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Chemin du Sport.On the right track 22 stations, one goal: the “Sport
Track” established by the Panathlon
Club with the support of the city and
the IOC is a tribute to the values of
sport. This circuit on the Plaine de
Vidy is also about Lausanne as
capital of the Olympic movement,
with its wide variety of sporting
facilities.
Nuits des Musées.“High mass” of cultureA rare treat for culture lovers: on the
“night of the museums”, two dozen
venues in Lausanne and Pully open
their doors until the early hours to
all who love good art – and unusual
experiences. Numerous events – for
young visitors, too – make for a fun,
lively and relaxed atmosphere.
The painted portal.Masterpiece of gothic art It has defied the ravages of time, and
now – after lengthy restoration – can
be seen by the public once again:
the south portal of the cathedral of
Notre-Dame, the so-called “portail
peint”, is a rare example of poly-
chrome sculptures carved of mo-
lasse stone: a gothic jewel full of
symbolism.
Sports events.Marathon and AthletissimaEdwin Moses, Carl Lewis, Maria
Mutola and Maurice Greene… The
Athletissima, originally planned
as a one-off event to inaugurate the
Pierre de Coubertin Stadium 30
years ago, today regularly attracts
the greatest athletes and delights
the public – just like the Lausanne
Marathon.
Hockson Floin's
Lugano.
42 | Lugano
Delightful dolce vita.Lugano is a city for strolling. You should take your time here. It’s only on a
gentle stroll that you appreciate the charming day-to-day scenes played out
before you in the delightful Old Town. Only strolling do you become part of
this relaxed lifestyle. And if you don’t stroll, you
should at least sit: in one of the squares, at a little
table. And do what everyone does here: eat, chat
and enjoy life.111586
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Lugano | 43
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Switzerland’s city of sunshine.Along Lugano’s picturesque bay between Monte Brè and San Salvatore,
the atmosphere is distinctly Mediterranean. Not just because of the special
climate in which palms and olive trees flourish, but also because of the palazzi
and villas so clearly inspired by the sunny south. And of course because of the
people, who blend Swiss efficiency with an Italian lightness of touch, and take
more time to enjoy life than their neighbours do on the far side of the Alps.
Needless to say, the sun shines longer in Lugano…
Lugano TurismoCH-6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 (0)91 913 32 32
www.lugano-tourism.ch
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San Lorenzo.Renaissance meets baroque The Cathedral of San Lorenzo was
first mentioned in the year 875, and
its architecture is a fascinating
journey through time. The structure
is essentially romanesque; the portal
is regarded as a masterpiece of
the Lombard renaissance; and the
impressive, cherished interior is
baroque.
Estival Jazz. Music is in the airFor three decades, Estival Jazz has
kicked off the summer season, and
in that time has evolved into one of
Europe’s most prestigious open-air
festivals. With an emphasis on con-
temporary performers, it stages free
concerts on the Piazza Riforma and
other squares in Lugano.
Art museums.Threefold inspiration Three top-quality art museums in
Lugano all make for fascinating
visits. The Art Museum puts people
and their feelings in centre stage; the
Cantonal Art Museum houses many
of Ticino’s finest treasures; while the
Museum of Cultures is devoted to
the tribes of Oceania, Asia and
Africa.
Parco Ciani.Place of peace One of the most beautiful parks in
Switzerland, the Ciani lies on the
shores of Lake Lugano, a postcard-
pretty idyll in the heart of the city.
The views extend across the lake to
Monte San Salvatore, the centuries-
old trees offer pools of shade, and
the tranquillity soothes the soul.
Hockson Floin's
Lugano | 45 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Via Nassa.On the fashion trail Via Nassa is to Lugano what the
Bahnhofstrasse is to Zürich: a
paradise for shopaholics and casual
window shoppers alike. But it is by
no means purely devoted to luxury
boutiques: mouth-watering food
shops and popular department
stores also add to the appeal of
Lugano’s top address.
Belvedere / Lungolago.The sculpture gardenAlong the Lungolago, the lakeshore
promenade between Lugano and
Paradiso, lies the Belvedere Garden,
home to 14 celebrated sculptures.
Most are by leading Ticino artists.
They were bought by the city in 1977
after an exhibition, and set up in this
idyllic oasis of tranquillity.
S. Maria degli Angioli.Masterful passion This church originally belonged to a
Franciscan monastery; now it is fa-
mous for housing the most important
renaissance wall painting in Swit-
zerland. Showing the Passion and
Crucifixion of Christ, it is regarded
as Bernardino Luini’s masterpiece.
He also painted a beautiful Madonna
and Child here.
Casinò.Jeux modernesOf course not everyone wins at this
casino. But instead of ostentatious
kitsch or excessive luxury, all visitors
can enjoy a modern ambience of
simple, understated elegance. And,
in this refreshing setting, indulge in
all their favourite games, from black-
jack to chemin de fer.
Hockson Floin's
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Monte Tamaro. The summit of emotionYou cannot help but be moved when
you step into the chapel of Santa
Maria degli Angeli, the extraordinary
work of the architect Mario Botta.
And you are overwhelmed when you
leave it – by the views over the whole
of Ticino. As a bonus, there are idyl-
lic footpaths, and an adventure park.
Monte Brè.Panorama on the doorstepThe ride up on the funicular is an
experience in itself. From the summit
of Monte Brè (925 metres), the views
extend over Lake Lugano, forests
and pretty stone villages as far as
Italy. Following any of the fine foot-
paths is a real treat – but then so
is simply sitting quietly and taking in
all the beauty.
Swissminiatur. Switzerland as model exampleMore than 120 important Swiss
castles, churches and other build-
ings are found in the grounds of
Swissminiatur in Melide: true to the
original, but 25 times smaller. Around
them, 18 trains travel on 3,500 me-
tres of track, cog trains scale famous
mountain peaks, and historic boats
glide over lakes.
Lake Lugano. The Tuscany of SwitzerlandThe lake is also known locally as
“Lago Ceresio” – lake of the cherry
trees. But this is an understatement,
as you soon notice on any boat
cruise. The delightful lakeshores,
which extend into Italy, enjoy a
Tuscan climate that nurtures a lush
vegetation of olives, palms and
chestnut trees.
Hockson Floin's
Lugano | 47 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Monte San Giorgio.A mountain of walksMonte San Giorgio, which towers
over Lake Lugano to a height of
1,097 metres, won UNESCO World
Heritage status in 2003. It offers a
variety of classic hikes, as well as
sublime views from the summit – not
least to the romantic village of Mor-
cote, reached by boat from the foot
of the mountain.
Hesse Museum.On writing and paintingHermann Hesse spent the last 43
years of his life in Montagnola. Here
he wrote his most famous works,
and painted. Today this outstanding
museum takes visitors through
the important phases of the Nobel
prizewinner’s life, while the Hermann
Hesse Trail leads to his favourite
places.
Gandria.A place for romantics The former fishing village of Gandria
is still a feast for the eyes. Small and
picturesque, dozing on the shores of
Lake Lugano, it delights visitors with
fresh fish, intrigues them with its
Customs Museum (this was once a
smugglers’ village), and enchants
them along its Olive Tree Trail to
Lugano.
San Salvatore.City emblemYou could even say it stands for
Lugano: San Salvatore, the distinc-
tive mountain towering 912 metres
above the bay and the city. On
the funicular you quickly reach the
summit – and breathtaking views
of the whole alpine chain, as far as
Monte Rosa, the Bernina and the
Italian Apennines.
Hockson Floin's
Lucerne.
48 | Lucerne
Full steam ahead.When the steamship Uri sets off from Lucerne’s harbour basin and glides
out onto Lake Lucerne, even passengers dining in the first-class salon put
down their silver cutlery to marvel at the views. It would be hard to enjoy
in a more stylish way the region and its cultural,
historic and scenic highlights than from on board
one of the lake’s five historic paddle steamers.109845
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Lucerne | 49
KK
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Switzerland’s city of lights.Lucerne is, in a way, the essence of Switzerland. It has everything one could
wish for in a city: a picturesque lakeside setting against an impressive
mountain backdrop, for example. Architectural gems, such as the striking
KKL Luzern by avant-garde architect Jean Nouvel. But also centuries-old
sights, such as the most-photographed subject in Switzerland, the Chapel
Bridge. And of course top-quality museums, theatres and festivals – of
which the Lucerne Festival in particular enjoys an international reputation.
Luzern Tourismus AGCH-6002 Luzern
Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17
www.luzern.com
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Pilatus.A mountain of thrillsThe most impressive way of experi-
encing the 2,132-metre Pilatus,
Lucerne’s emblem, is to make the
“Golden Round Trip”. You sail
by steamship from Lucerne to Alp-
nachstad; climb the mountain on
the world’s steepest cog railway; and
glide back down by cable car and
gondola to the waiting bus.
Lake Lucerne.Full steam, fine style There is no more stylish way to expe-
rience Lake Lucerne than on one of
the five belle-époque paddle steam-
ers. But all of the other boats in the
20-strong SGV fleet also ply the lake
connecting historic sites – as well as
opening up a host of possibilities for
excursions and round trips.
Grand Casino Luzern.Everything under one roofFine prospects all round: the Grand
Casino Luzern, located by the lake
on Europe’s longest waterfront pro-
menade, stages à-la-carte entertain-
ment in a stylish setting. As well as
gaming tables and slot machines,
the casino offers a wide range of live
performances and superb cuisine.
KKL Luzern.Culture in every respectThe architecture alone is breath-
taking: Jean Nouvel’s showpiece
structure with its elegant project-
ing roof is a masterpiece of urban
construction. The interior is devoted
to offering culture, conferences and
cuisine of the highest standard; the
1,840-seat concert hall is one of the
world’s finest.
Hockson Floin's
Lucerne | 51 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Chapel Bridge. No. 1 for photosBuilt in the 14th century as part of
defences to protect the city from
foreign intruders, the Chapel Bridge
now exerts a magical attraction over
visitors from all over the world. Its
34 metre-high Water Tower is said to
be the most photographed monu-
ment in Switzerland.
Musegg Wall.String of towersAlong the Musegg Wall, constructed
from 1386 as part of a ring of forti-
fications around the city, stand nine
defiant towers. Three of them – the
Schirmerturm, Zytturm and Männli-
turm – now positively welcome visi-
tors. The Zytturm is also home to the
city’s oldest clock, dating from the
year 1535.
Lion Monument.The still and moving stoneThe celebrated American writer Mark
Twain called it “the most mournful
and moving piece of stone in the
world”. Many visitors today feel the
same way when they see the dying
lion, carved into the rock to com-
memorate more than 700 Swiss
soldiers who fell at the Tuileries in
Paris in 1792.
City Train.Good prospectsHow about touring the comfy way?
On the small City Train you ex-
perience the City of Lights from a
completely new perspective – in
compact form over 40 highly enter-
taining minutes. The most important
sights are described in a choice
of eight languages – whatever the
weather.
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Lucerne Festival. Heavenly soundsSimply in a class of its own: the
Lucerne Festival cycle – which con-
sists of three separate festivals held
in spring, summer and autumn –
attracts the finest conductors,
orchestras and soloists from all over
the world. An exclusive feast for
aficionados and newcomers to clas-
sical music alike.
Transport Museum.No. 1 in Switzerland Getting people moving: the Swiss
Museum of Transport is the most vis-
ited museum in the country. Rightly
so, for it brings the development of
transport, mobility and communica-
tion thrillingly to life for visitors of
all ages. Other highlights: the IMAX
cinema, the planetarium and the
Swissarena.
Rosengart Collection.Picasso’s second home The outstanding Rosengart Collec-
tion brings together large bodies
of work by Pablo Picasso and by
Paul Klee, as well as paintings by
more than 20 other artists from the
impressionist and classic modern
periods. A must for art lovers and
anyone interested in culture.
Market on the Reuss.The best from the regionEvery Tuesday and Saturday the
picturesque banks of the River
Reuss burst into life. At the flower
and food market that takes place
between 7am and 1pm, traders from
the surrounding region offer a host
of seductive delights – which locals,
let alone visitors, find hard to resist.
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Lucerne | 53 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Hospitality & Design.Top-class architecture A hotel is not just a hotel; certainly
not in the case of “The Hotel”. This
luxury boutique hotel from the creative
workshop of the celebrated architect
Jean Nouvel is only rivalled – in de-
sign terms – by the first-class Hotel
Astoria, from the star architectural
team of Herzog & de Meuron.
Palace Luzern.Charm of the belle époqueDistinctive and distinguished… The
Palace offers tastefully renovated
rooms dating from the hotel’s found-
ing more than a century ago; sophis-
ticated gourmet cuisine, inspired by
the spirit of the south, at the Jasper
restaurant; light international dishes
at Les Artistes; and many other
delights.
Schweizerhof Luzern. The festival hotel Character, individuality, and per-
sonal atmosphere: the Schweizerhof,
family-owned for five generations,
offers top-quality hotel service in a
historic building with period décor.
The fashionable bar regularly stages
top live events; the Restaurant
Galerie serves exquisite lake fish
and seafood.
Radisson SAS Hotel. In the heart of the cityContemporary design and a sophisti-
cated atmosphere: behind its stylish
glass façade, the Radisson SAS
Lucerne offers refined four-star
comfort in the heart of the city. Just
a stone’s throw away lie the Old
Town, the railway station, the KKL
Luzern (Culture and Convention
Centre Lucerne) and the lake.
Hockson Floin's
St. Gallen.
54 | St. Gallen
World-class culture.Such a wealth of treasures deserves protection: a conclusion reached by
UNESCO in 1983, when it designated St. Gallen’s entire abbey district as
World Heritage. Heart of the whole complex, as well as symbol of the city, is
the baroque cathedral with its abbey library. This
is home to 140,000 documents including thou-
sand-year-old manuscripts – as well as the most
beautiful rococo interior in Switzerland. 109785
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
St. Gallen | 55
Ab
bey
lib
rary
, St.
Ga
llen
The Swiss city of books.St. Gallen, the delightful city located between Lake Constance and Appenzell
in eastern Switzerland, blossomed as far back as the Middle Ages into a Eu-
ropean centre of culture and education; the unrivalled quality of its embroi-
dery soon brought wealth and prestige. Today the pretty, car-free Old Town
charms visitors with its brightly painted oriel windows, its smart boutiques
and cosy cafés. The city’s central location in the Lake Constance region
makes it an ideal base for a host of excursions.
St. Gallen-Bodensee TourismusCH-9001 St. Gallen
Tel. +41 (0)71 227 37 37
www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch
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Stadtlounge.Street art with a differenceA red carpet for people out on the
street: the celebrated Swiss artist
Pipilotti Rist and the architect Carlos
Martinez have given an extra cover-
ing to a (new) part of the Old Town,
cars and benches included, with
their “City Lounge” project – making
art an experience for all.
Textile Museum.A richly embroidered storySt. Gallen, the capital of embroidery,
is also the spiritual home of linge-
rie – of which the main decorative
element is of course the embroidery
that has been produced here for
hundreds of years. Its story is told in
the Textile Museum, with its compre-
hensive library.
City of oriels.Colourful – and curious Animal attractions: the 111 beauti-
fully preserved oriel windows on the
historic houses of the car-free Old
Town are not only strikingly ornate,
but also have imaginative names –
such as the Camel, Pelican and
Swan Windows. For some reason,
they tend to show a figure with its
tongue sticking out…
Abbey district.Monumental and magnificent It is the symbol of the city: the
baroque cathedral with the abbey
library, home to countless treasures
as well as the most beautiful rococo
interior in Switzerland. The entire
abbey district in the heart of the
medieval Old Town was declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site as far
back as 1983.
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St. Gallen | 57 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Modern architecture.The city builds for the future Their bold constructions make for
a thrilling architectural tour: Herzog
& de Meuron, with their impressive
Helvetia building on the Rosenberg;
Heinz Tesar, with his daring of-
fice block; and Santiago Calatrava,
whose “Mussel”, among other build-
ings, caused a sensation in the city
and beyond.
Three ponds. St. Gallen’s favourite swimIn 1610, three ponds were created
above the city at Dreilinden. They
mainly supplied the bleaching works,
the mills in the Steinach gorge,
and served for firefighting. Today
the Dreilinden ponds with their art
nouveau facilities make up one
of the most beautiful natural lidos
in Switzerland.
Museum Quarter.Art and culture, cheek-by-jowlNo less than ten museums are found
side by side in the Museum Quarter,
like pearls on a necklace. At their
head is the Art Museum, with mas-
terpieces of Western art spanning
more than 500 years. Also worth
a visit are the History and Folklore
Museum, and the Natural History
Museum.
St. Gallen Festival.Outdoor opera With Verdi’s “Giovanna d’Arco” at-
tracting an audience of more than
13,000 over 12 days, the St. Gallen
Festival 2008 was a huge success.
Saint-Saëns’ “Samson and Delilah”
should do the same in 2009 (June
26 – July 11). Also on the programme:
“Dance in the Cathedral”, and con-
certs of early music.
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St. Gallen Art Hall.Laboratory of the present This is no ordinary museum: rather,
a forum for contemporary art in all
its facets. At St. Gallen’s Kunst Halle
(“Art Hall”), works are put on show
and opened up for debate at the
same time. The lobby also serves
as a popular venue for discussions,
lectures and performances.
Guided city tours.Paths through historyThe best way of getting to know
St. Gallen is to join one of the guided
city tours. These are not just about
the city’s glittering past and its
magnificent heritage. They are above
all about stories, of people that lived
and live here – and of course about
the wishes of those on the tour.
University.The high art of educationOf course it is primarily about study
and research. But the idyllic location
on the sunny side of St. Gallen, the
exciting architecture and the works
by Miró, Giacometti, Tàpies, Oertli,
Gehr, Bill and other famous artists
also make the HSG (University of
St. Gallen) a big draw for art fans.
Sand Sculpture Festival. (Con)temporary artAround 200 tons of extra sand are
brought into Rorschach on Lake
Constance for this event in mid-
August, which attracts the leading
sand sculptors from all over the
world. It is also hugely popular with
spectators – not least because of
the summer party atmosphere at the
festival venue.
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St. Gallen | 59 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Choco-Land.Chocoholic heavenIn the little town of Flawil, the
Maestrani factory welcomes sweet-
toothed guests to Schoggi Land
(“Choco-Land”). Along an 80-metre
visitor gallery and via video terminals,
devotees can learn how fine choco-
late is made, before tasting the prod-
ucts. There’s also a factory shop.
Altenrhein Market Hall.Architectural extravaganzaGilded onion domes, glowing col-
ours, sweeping lines, colourful tiled
columns, shaded walkways… The
unconventional architecture of the
idiosyncratic artist Friedensreich
Hundertwasser is unmistakable. And
a big draw for the public, as is the
extraordinary market hall in Alten-
rhein.
Rorschach.Small port on Lake ConstanceA sight for sore eyes: the sunsets
on the southernmost bay of Lake
Constance are legendary, and leave
romantics lost for words. Strolling
along Rorschach’s lakefront prom-
enade of an evening, or lingering in
one of the attractive garden restau-
rants, you could easily imagine you
were by the sea.
Säntis.This mountain is topsSt. Gallen’s local mountain, the
Säntis, is also the symbol of the
Lake Constance region. From its
2,502-metre summit, the vast pa-
noramic views take in six countries.
Close by, other top experiences
await – a visitor dairy on the alp,
the Nature Discovery Park, count-
less footpaths, and more…
Hockson Floin's
Winterthur.
60 | Winterthur
Photography in focus.The Fotomuseum Winterthur serves as an art gallery for contemporary
photography, as a traditional museum for works by 19th and 20th century
masters, and as a cultural, historical and sociological museum of applied
photography. Together with the Swiss Foundation
of Photography it runs an all-round “Photography
Centre”, with a library, seminar rooms, bistro,
lounge and shop. 79966
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Winterthur | 61
Ph
oto
gra
ph
y C
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Win
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Switzerland’s city of art. With its world-renowned art collections and monuments, its buzzing Old
Town and its energetic live music and comedy scene, Winterthur offers a
cornucopia of culture. And an abundance of greenery, too: for the spacious
parks and gardens give Switzerland’s sixth-largest city a seductive blend of
big-city grandeur and small-town closeness to nature. Winterthur’s reputation
as the “garden city” is a result of the pioneering town planning of the inter-
war years.
Winterthur TourismusCH-8401 Winterthur
Tel. +41 (0)52 267 67 00
www.winterthur-tourismus.ch
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Reinhart Museum.Jewel at the city garden A fascinating collection: the Oskar
Reinhart Museum “Am Stadtgarten”
contains around 600 paintings by
German, Swiss and Austrian artists
from the 18th to 20th centuries,
including important bodies of work
by Liotard, Füssli, Böcklin, Anker,
Hodler, Friedrich, Waldmüller and
Liebermann.
City Church.Symbol of the Old TownFirst mentioned in a document in
1180, the City Church with its mighty
twin towers dominates Winterthur’s
Old Town to this day. Especially
noteworthy in the interior are the
organ dating from the late romantic
period and the vast wall paintings
by the Bernese artist Paul Zehnder.
Casino Theatre.A laughing matterWinterthur’s Casino Theatre, sup-
ported by a group of prominent
live comedians, cabaret artists and
other performers, has evolved into
something of a national institution.
The particular appeal of the venue is
down to a combination of top-quality
entertainment, fine cuisine and spe-
cial events.
Villa Flora.Masterpieces in the living roomThe collection is world-class, the
setting intimate: Villa Flora, former
home of the collectors Hedy and
Arthur Hahnloser, houses mainly
modern French artworks. The focus
of the collection is painting by Fau-
vist and Nabi artists including Bon-
nard, Vallotton, Matisse and Rouault.
Hockson Floin's
Winterthur | 63 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
City Hall.Temple of democracy Winterthur’s City Hall, with its
monumental proportions, impressive
Corinthian temple front and project-
ing flight of steps, is regarded as
one of the most important historicist
buildings in Europe. It was built in
1869 of sandstone, to a design by the
German architect Gottfried Semper.
Technorama.Feel the forceHere science is easy to grasp – liter-
ally. At Technorama, hundreds of
hands-on exhibits are waiting to be
discovered and explored. Touching
is strongly encouraged, and playing
strictly allowed. At the only Science
Centre in Switzerland, everything
revolves around experiencing things
yourself.
Sulzer Area.A new city quarter rises upFollowing the departure of heavy
industry, the vast Sulzer Area is
being reborn. Offices, business
space, 300 apartments, a cinema
complex and supermarket are to
be built, costing 150 million francs.
Europe’s largest alternative-sports
hall (go-karting, climbing, skate-
boarding…) is already open.
Shopping.Browsing unlimitedIdeal for a stroll: located in the heart
of Winterthur is the Old Town, the
largest connected pedestrian area
in Switzerland, with its colourful
mix of specialist shops, boutiques,
cafés, restaurants and department
stores. Especially recommended
for gourmets are the various weekly
markets.
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City Halle.A heart for musicalsThe venue for “Space Dream”,
“Melissa” and now “Alapilio” is the
City Halle, home of the Think Musical
Company – and headquarters of
Switzerland’s musical scene. The
architecturally impressive former
industrial building from the 1930s
also makes a popular location for
special events.
Bruderhaus Wildlife Park.Face to face with wolvesAt the Bruderhaus Wildlife Park,
deer, lynx, wild boar and other
species live in spacious enclosures
offering a high standard of animal
welfare. Altogether some 60 animals
can be observed in a virtually natural
setting. Recently arrived in the Wild-
life Park are a pair of wolves.
Villa Sträuli.Artistic exchangeVilla Sträuli has always been a place
of cultural encounters. This tradition
is being kept alive at the villa’s
stylishly renovated facilities, com-
plete with artist studios. These offer
a unique space for warm hospitality
and artistic exchange, for thinking
aloud and quiet contemplation.
Sightseeing.A guide in your earA multimedia audiovisual guide lets
visitors explore Winterthur’s Old
Town independently. The two-hour
tour not only covers the most impor-
tant sights, but also has a few sur-
prises in store – including glimpses
of lesser known spots, such as
hidden fountains in secluded back
courtyards.
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Winterthur | 65 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Kyburg Castle.Journey to the Middle AgesOperate a crane on a medieval build-
ing site, be a guest at court, walk (if
you dare) through the grisly torture
chamber… At Kyburg Castle, history
not only comes alive, it gets right
under your skin – which makes the
800-year-old fortress a fabulous out-
ing for the whole family.
Garden suburbs.Award-winning town planningWinterthur almost lost its reputation
as the “garden city” in the 1960s.
But a renewed appreciation of
traditional values – and especially
the protection of the historic terraced
housing developments of the garden
suburbs – won the city the Swiss
Heritage Society’s prestigious
Wakker Prize in 1989.
Short Film Festival.Short but sweetA good short film can be anything –
but not longer than 30 minutes. And
it has to stand out – especially in
Winterthur, which has become one
of Europe’s leading platforms for the
medium. More than 10,000 visitors
make the International Short Film
Festival the biggest in Switzerland.
Pure nature.Greenery on the doorstepFrom Winterthur, nature is only ever
a short hop away. A delightful way
to experience it is on a walk along
one of the themed paths – such as
the Vineyard Trail, the Water Trail, or
the Forest and Glacial Rocks Trail.
Or on a leisurely bike ride – along the
Industry Cycle Trail, for example.
Hockson Floin's
Zürich.
66 | Zürich
Idyll on the water.You might think that Zürich’s most beautiful churches stand on the banks
of the River Limmat simply to pose for photos: St. Peter’s, with the largest
clock face in Europe; the Fraumünster, with its celebrated Chagall windows;
and the mighty Grossmünster with its twin towers.
This idyllic scene can be admired from the popular
Limmat passenger boats, as well as from the Quai-
brücke spanning the river. 109805
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Zürich | 67
Vie
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Switzerland’s trend-setting city.Zürich sets trends that soon spread across the country, even beyond its
borders. Zürich is also a shoppers’ paradise and a metropolis of the arts,
home to legendary nightlife. For the seventh year in a row, the consulting
group Mercer has ranked Zürich as the city with the highest quality of life
in the world. Bars and restaurants play an important role: with food, as
with everything, the quality is there to be seen and enjoyed. For in Zürich,
people have high expectations of life.
Zürich TourismusCH-8021 Zürich
Tel. +41 (0)44 215 40 04
www.zuerich.com
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Bahnhofstrasse. Heaven for shoppersZürich’s elegant Bahnhofstrasse is
one of the most famous shopping
streets in the world. Lined with
exclusive fashion boutiques and
stylish grand hotels, it leads for
1.4 kilometres from the main station
and through the landmark Parade-
platz before ending in style at the
shores of Lake Zürich.
Fraumünster. Chagall’s magnificent windowsThis former convent church is one
of the emblems of Zürich, this
is primarily because of the world-
famous series of stained-glass
windows in the choir by the painter
Marc Chagall. Another important
and impressive stained-glass
window, The Heavenly Paradise,
is by Augusto Giacometti.
Lindenhof.The perfect idyllUnder the lime trees, pétanque play-
ers roll their boules on the gravel.
The sound blends with the splashing
of a fountain. The view here extends
over the roofs of the Old Town and
the Limmat. Formerly a Roman cus-
toms station, the Lindenhof (“Lime
Court”) is now Zürich’s most idyllic
viewpoint.
Old Town.The heart of the cityBetween the main station and the
lake, along the east bank of the River
Limmat, stretches the Old Town,
dating back 2,000 years. Boutiques,
bars, cinemas and antiquarian
bookshops line its narrow alleys. The
first section, the charming Nieder-
dorf, is a delightfully multicultural
nightlife area.
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Zürich | 69 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Sihlcity.Dazzling shopping districtIn 2007, on the vast site of a former
paper factory, a whole new urban
quarter came to life: Sihlcity. Chic,
stylish and packed with variety, this
highly original complex combines
shopping and cinemas, culture and
cuisine – and manages to blend
sophisticated elegance with cosy
charm.
Zürich West.Where night becomes dayThe former industrial area around
Escher-Wyss-Platz today runs to
a very different rhythm. Thanks to its
hip clubs, fine cinemas, fashionable
restaurants and the Schiffbau cultur-
al complex, Zürich West has evolved
into the city’s leading nightlife zone –
and doesn’t rest until dawn.
Kunsthaus Zürich.The finest in art The temporary exhibitions at Zürich’s
Kunsthaus (Art Museum) attract
worldwide attention. But the top-
quality permanent collection is also
internationally famous: ranging from
the 15th century to the present,
it includes dazzling groups of works
by Edvard Munch and Alberto
Giacometti.
Rietberg Museum.On distant cultures Switzerland’s only museum devoted
to non-European cultures has an
internationally renowned collection
of works from Asia, Africa, the
Americas and Oceania. A spectacu-
lar new extension that opened in
2007 beside the historic main
building more than doubled the
exhibition space.
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Uetliberg. Over the roofs of ZürichIt is the favourite recreation area
of the people of Zürich, yet comes
as a surprise to many visitors: the
871-metre Uetliberg boasts views
over the lake and the roofs of the
city that are simply breathtaking. A
narrow-gauge railway takes you
up; head down on foot or, in winter,
by sledge.
Zürich Zoo. Nature trail in a rainforest Zürich’s zoo has long been one of
the city’s most visited attractions,
and for the past five years has of-
fered an extra draw: the Masoala
Rainforest. Following set trails
through a large tropical hall, visitors
walk through a world of chameleons,
lemurs and birds from Madagascar.
Boat trips.Gliding over the waterAt Bellevue the lake empties into
the River Limmat, which flows right
through Zürich. The two features
dominate the city; and what better
way to experience it than from the
water? Options include the river-
boats Felix and Regula and, just as
entertaining, the cruise boats on the
lake.
National Museum.The history of SwitzerlandThe Swiss National Museum is home
to the country’s largest collection
of Swiss cultural artefacts, dating
from prehistory to the present. Built
beside the main station in 1898 in a
combination of styles – following the
historicist tradition – the museum is
reminiscent of a fairytale castle.
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Zürich | 71 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Lake and river lidos.Wondrous transformation It even happens to the venerable
Women’s Baths on the Limmat: in the
evening, Zürich’s river and lake lidos
turn into fashionable and wonderfully
atmospheric clubs and lounge bars.
By day they revert to venues for
swimming; and the Women’s Baths
are, once again, reserved for female
guests…
Guildhalls.Dining with traditionWith their colourful ornamentations,
Zürich’s magnificent historic
guildhalls are a much-loved feature
of the city. For many years they
have welcomed not just members of
the traditional craft guilds, but also
gourmets: nearly all the guildhalls are
home to renowned restaurants.
Opera House.The public’s favouriteAs the venue for numerous premieres
and first performances, the Zürich
Opera House has a history full of
highlights. Its unmistakable atmos-
phere has made it a favourite among
the international opera-going public.
Part of its appeal is due to Heinz
Spoerli’s prestigious ballet company.
Tonhalle.Sweet sound of successThe Tonhalle Orchestra is Switzer-
land’s oldest symphony orchestra.
With around 100 musicians, it has
developed over recent years into
one of Europe’s leading ensembles,
and continues to win plaudits under
its prestigious leading conductor
David Zinman. The concert hall’s
acoustics are world-famous.
Hockson Floin's
Bellinzona.
72 | Bellinzona
Switzerland’s city of castles.Bellinzona’s fortifications were built in the late Middle Ages as a barrier across
the valley. Today the “Tre Castelli” are the symbol of the Ticinese capital, and
part of UNESCO World Heritage. The largest of the three castles, Castel-
grande, was restored in 1991 and can be reached
from the Old Town by lift. Sasso Corbaro and
Montebello have museums that tell of the days when
strategic Bellinzona was heavily fought over. 111585
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Bellinzona | 73
Ca
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Strolling through time.A walking tour through Bellinzona opens up new horizons. For the monu-
ments, artefacts and traces of the city’s long history are not only to be seen
in the castle museums and at the Villa dei Cedri. Even on a simple stroll
through the Old Town one encounters them. Anyone venturing beyond the
city walls, meanwhile, discovers examples of outstanding contemporary
architecture, magnificent gardens and countless idyllic spots by the River
Ticino.
Bellinzona TurismoCH-6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31
www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
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Villa dei Cedri. Between reality and symbolism This aristocratic villa from the 19th
century showcases artists whose
work moves between realism and
symbolism: Giovanni Segantini, for
example, and de Dragon. Contem-
porary artists are also featured. The
collection of graphic art is particularly
interesting, with woodcuts by Félix
Vallotton.
Santa Maria delle Grazie. Epic and graceful Decorating a large wall running
across the church is a vast fresco
that brings a spontaneous decora-
tive gracefulness to the elegance of
renaissance painting. The Crucifixion
in the centre is framed by 15 scenes
from the Life of Christ, painted be-
tween 1495 and 1505.
Saturday market. Charming meeting pointThere’s a light-heartedness in the
air that everyone can feel… At the
Saturday Market in the Old Town,
locals stop to chat among the vege-
table displays, flea-market stalls and
café terraces, and make plans for
the weekend – while their infectious
enthusiasm rubs off on visitors.
Old Town.Slow is beautifulThe Piazza Nosetto with the town
hall is the heart of the magnificent
Old Town. Around the Via Teatro,
too, and the Piazza Governo, one
can discover beautiful town houses,
stone gateways, wrought-iron
balconies and inn signs from long
ago. A slow stroll is well worth the
effort!
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Bellinzona | 75 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Rabadan carnival.Celebrating on the street One subject dominates conversation
in Bellinzona in February: Rabadan.
Carnival is celebrated here in
extravagant style, with riotously
colourful processions, traditional
carnival musicians at every corner,
street theatre, and plenty of music
and dancing through to the early
hours.
Alp Transit.Tunnel visionVisitors can experience the longest
railway tunnel in the world at the
fascinating Gotthard South Infocen-
tre in Pollegio. Built out of material
excavated from the new Gotthard
Base Tunnel, it houses a cutting-
edge, multimedia exhibition about
the colossal project and the
Gotthard region.
Monte Carasso.A project of the futureLearning from nature: that is the
goal of the Curzútt-San Bernardo
Foundation on Monte Carasso
above Bellinzona. Young people are
involved, developing a sensitivity for
history and the landscape. Walkers
also enjoy this tranquil spot, with
its fine views and the little church of
San Bernardo.
Fortini della Fame.Dufour’s defensive towersVisitors passing through Camorino
encounter these curious cylindrical
structures. They were erected in
1854 as part of General Dufour’s line
of defences against the Austrians. At
a time of great poverty, 500 unem-
ployed people were taken on to build
them; hence their name of “hunger
fortresses”.
Hockson Floin's
Locarno.
76 | Locarno
Switzerland’s festival city.Locarno’s International Film Festival sees the latest movies screened at the
most elegant of venues – while the main prize, the Golden Leopard, is one
of the most coveted cinema awards in Europe. But Locarno isn’t just about
film. The popular open-air “Moon and Stars” music
festival in July repeatedly attracts top international
stars – turning the Piazza Grande into the world’s
most beautiful concert hall. 111588
Further information:
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Locarno | 77
Film
fe
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An ideal climate.The Piazza Grande may be the heart of Locarno, but it is not the only attrac-
tion in the city with Switzerland’s mildest climate. Magnificent palazzi in the
upper town house priceless art collections; the old arcades offer tempting
shopping, the shores of Lake Maggiore encourage relaxed strolling. High
above stands the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso, with fabulous
views. Locarno’s Mediterranean atmosphere is best enjoyed on foot, by bike –
or on eco-friendly Segways or electro-bikes, available for hire.
Ente Turistico Lago MaggioreCH-6600 Locarno
Tel. +41 (0)91 791 00 91
www.maggiore.ch
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Monte Verità.The hills of UtopiaAt the beginning of the 20th century,
a group of free-thinkers founded a
movement here of “liberation from
all bonds”. Today Monte Verità (“Hill
of Truth”) is known as a European
centre for esoteric philosophies, and
under new direction is once again
becoming a haven of free thinking.
Cardada/Cimetta.Swift and scenicUltra-modern and super-swift: in
just five minutes, the cable car
from Orselina to Cardada/Cimetta
(1,340 metres) carries passengers up
to spectacular mountain views. Like
the base and summit stations, it was
designed by the celebrated Ticino
architect Mario Botta, and inaugu-
rated in 2000.
Piazza Grande.World stageThe Piazza Grande, focus of inter-
national attention during all manner
of events such as the famous film
festival, is also the gateway to the
charming Old Town. And it makes
a delightful setting for sipping an
espresso, enjoying the sun and ad-
miring the elegant façades.
Castello Visconteo.Perfect backdropThe atmosphere in this castle on the
edge of the Old Town is magical.
Built in the 12th century, it was long
the residence of the Visconti family
from Milan. Equally enchanting are
the fine halls and a magnificent
15th-century inner courtyard that is
often used as a setting for gala
evenings.
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Ascona.Lifestyle village This picturesque village on Lake
Maggiore was once so trendy that a
car was named after it: the Opel
Ascona. The resort seems to be
returning to the limelight: among the
five-star hotels, new, hip restaurants
and clubs are opening and flourish-
ing – such as Ecco and Seven.
Isole di Brissago.Floating gardens The setting is heavenly. On the larger
of the Brissago islands, Ticino’s
botanical gardens are an explosion
of exotic flowers. Even rare subtropi-
cal plants flourish here, thanks to the
special microclimate – and perhaps
because even they think that the
island is paradise…
Valle Verzasca.Valley of delights The best-known photographic
subject in this wild and romantic
valley is the double bridge at
Lavertezzo, where the Verzasca has
carved natural plunge pools in the
rock. Further down, thrill-seekers
bungy-jump James Bond-style from
the dam; high up, Alpe Odro offers
traditional, authentic charm.
Valle Maggia.A matter of the heartFalling in love with the Maggia valley
is easy: 700 kilometres of footpaths
lead through beautiful, wild forests
and unspoilt side valleys, past 40
clear mountain lakes, the charming
sculpture schools at the beginning
of the long valley, and, at the end,
Mario Botta’s acclaimed chapel in
Mogno.
Hockson Floin's
Montreux – Vevey.
80 | Montreux – Vevey
A piece of heaven.Could this be the path to happiness? The lake promenade between
Montreux and Vevey is said with good reason to be the most beautiful in
Switzerland: “This must be heaven”, sang an enchanted Freddie Mercury.
The promenade leads all the way to the legendary
jazz festival, founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs –
and now so popular that it would be impossible to
imagine Montreux without it. 8841
Further information:
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Montreux – Vevey | 81
Jazz
Fe
stiv
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Switzerland’s cities of wine. To one side lies chic Montreux, venue of the celebrated jazz festival; to the
other, unassuming Vevey, former home of Charlie Chaplin, and headquarters
of the multinational food manufacturer Nestlé. In between lie 15 kilometres
of palm-lined lakefront to stroll along, and in the background, the country’s
most beautiful vineyards. Such is the Swiss Riviera, with its magnificent
belle époque hotels, and a culture much influenced by the winemaking that
has set the gastronomic tone here for thousands of years.
Montreux – Vevey TourismeCH-1820 Montreux
Tel. +41 (0)848 86 84 84
www.montreux-vevey.com
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Lake promenade. A heavenly stroll It is said to be the most beautiful
lake promenade in Switzerland,
and even inspired Freddie Mercury:
“This must be heaven”, he sang.
And anyone strolling along the lake-
shore of a warm summer’s evening,
between the palms and colourful
flowerbeds, feels they have found
a little piece of paradise.
Shopping.Market in the Old TownVevey’s Old Town comes to life early
on Tuesday and Saturday mornings,
as the market traders set up their
stalls, and the first locals appear and
let themselves be beguiled by the
colourful flowers, fine sausages and
cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables
on offer. Meanwhile, the chic bou-
tiques slowly awaken…
Lavaux.Sun-blessed vineyards St. Saphorin, Dézaley, Epesses: wine
lovers roll these names adoringly
around their mouths as they extol the
fabulous situation of the Lavaux, one
of Switzerland’s largest connected
winegrowing area. No surprise, then,
that UNESCO recently declared
these magnificent slopes a World
Heritage Site.
Château de Chillon.Fairytale castle on Lake GenevaEmperors, popes, princes and poets:
once, everybody who was anybody
met at Chillon, for centuries the seat
of the counts of Savoy. Today the
fabulous medieval lakeside castle
with its breathtaking scenic back-
drop is open to all – and a visit is a
truly historic experience.
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Rochers-de-Naye.Boundless viewsSet your sights high… A breathtak-
ingly steep cog railway climbs
from the palm-lined shores of Lake
Geneva up into the kingdom of
the marmots at Rochers-de-Naye
2,045 metres). The finest views are
from the panoramic restaurant
in the rock wall, reached via a tunnel
through the mountain.
Alimentarium.Nutrition as adventureDiscover, experiment, eat: at Alimen-
tarium, Vevey’s Food Museum,
everything revolves around nutrition.
Fascinating for adults, and great fun
for children – who can cook up the
perfect menu plan at the “computer
restaurant”, and try their own hand
at cooking in the “kitchen-lab”.
The Poets’ Path. Where words work wondersThe benches along this trail have
stories to tell; and everything one
sees here suddenly takes on a new
meaning. On the Poets’ Path be-
tween Montreux and Vevey, walkers
stroll from bench to bench, finding
inspiration in verses, quotations, and
short extracts of work by poets and
thinkers.
Chocolate train.A first-class experienceExplore Switzerland’s sweeter side…
The Chocolate Train carries you
exclusively in first class, either in
belle époque Pullman cars from 1915
or in modern panoramic carriages,
from Montreux to Broc – and into the
world of Cailler-Nestlé, pioneers of
milk chocolate.
Hockson Floin's
Sion.
84 | Sion
Va
lère
Ca
stle
, Sio
n
City of castles.You can see them from far off: the two towers of the ruined castle Tourbillon
and the fortress of Valère reaching up into the sky. This is Sion, the oldest city
and the economic centre of Valais, located in the heart of the region. Nestling
below the two rocky outcrops is the charming
medieval town centre. The wine from the surround-
ing vineyards, meanwhile, is much appreciated by
those in the know.
Sion-Région TourismeCH-3960 Sierre
Tel. +41 (0)848 848 027
www.sion-region.ch 79971
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
We
ing
eb
iet,
Sid
ers
Sion | 85 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Gastronomy.Treats with a local flavourA raclette in a medieval vaulted cellar
restaurant, a Valais platter in a
garden hostelry, “brisolée” (roast
chestnuts with cheese) at an
authentic inn – and a glass of wine
from the region… Gastronomy is
valued highly in Sion. As is quality –
easily verified at any tasting in a wine
cellar.
Old Town. Switzerland’s oldest cityThis city is in need of support. Or so
it appears, anyway, when you see the
picturesque centre snuggling up to
the outcrops of Valère and Tourbillon.
But appearances are deceptive: the
city with its four magnificent castles
may be medieval, but it remains dis-
tinctly young at heart.
Museums.The essence of the regionFascinating museums cover vari-
ous aspects of Sion and the Valais.
Among them are the three cantonal
museums, devoted to natural history,
fine arts, and history – the latter
located in the Valère fortress, with
exhibits including ecclesiastical
artefacts, furniture, weapons and
uniforms.
Discovery tour. Historic Old Town“La Balade découverte” is a sign-
posted tour that offers an excellent
way of discovering the history-filled
Old Town with its castles, historic
monuments, lively squares, tempting
shops and restaurants.
Hockson Floin's
86 | Sierre
Sierre.
Ch
âte
au
de
Vill
a, S
ierr
e
Switzerland’s city of vines. Sierre enjoys more hours of sunshine per year than any other Swiss region. It
is no surprise, then, that vines flourish around the “City of the Hundred Hills”,
as the Romans called Sierre. Indeed, one of Switzerland’s largest connected
winegrowing area produces the best wines far and
wide, cherished by enthusiasts and gourmets alike.
One reason, perhaps, that the celebrated poet
Rainer Maria Rilke came, saw – and stayed.
Sierre-Anniviers TourismeCH-3960 Sierre
Tel. +41 (0)848 848 027
www.sierre-anniviers.ch 111589
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Sierre | 87 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Gastronomy.Wines to move youA Vineyard Trail runs between the
two wine museums – one at the
Zumofenhaus in Salgesch, the other
at the Château de Villa in Sierre. The
latter’s cellar serves 500 varieties of
Valais wine; also unrivalled – gastro-
nomically – is Sierre’s Didier de
Courten, with 19 GaultMillau points.
Pfyn Forest.A treasure to cherishOn one side lie the calcareous
Bernese Alps, on the other the granite
massif of the Valais Alps; between
them, the Rhone flows through the
largest pine forest in Europe, the
Pfyn. The Pfyn-Finges Region with
its Natural Park offers the ultimate
in eco-tourism: a pure experience of
nature.
Culture city.Alive and thrilling Conditions in sun-blessed Sierre are
ideal not only for winemaking (the
Vinea wine fair provides proof of this
every year). Cultural life also blos-
soms here – from open-air events
such as the Tohu-Bohu Festival and
the Feu au Lac to the Sismics comic
festival and the Rilke Festival.
Rainer Maria Rilke.Final home of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 – 1926),
world-famous writer and adoptive
Valaisan, regularly stayed at the
Hôtel Bellevue, now the town hall of
Sierre, and spent his final years living
in the Muzot tower, located above
the city. Today his memory lives on
at the Rilke Museum and at the Rilke
Festival.
Hockson Floin's
Solothurn.
88 | Solothurn
The mysterious eleven. The cathedral of St. Ursen is the symbol of Solothurn, and one of the reasons
why everything in this city revolves around the magic number eleven. For the
building has eleven altars, eleven bells and a flight of steps divided into three
sets of eleven. Altogether, Solothurn has eleven
churches, eleven historic fountains, and eleven tow-
ers. But just one brewery, “Öufi”, which of course
means “eleven” in local dialect. 8893
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Solothurn | 89
St.
Urs
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Switzerland’s baroque city. By early evening, with its soft, warm light, visitors have invariably fallen under
the spell of Solothurn – known as Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city,
thanks to the elegant legacy of French ambassadors over the centuries.
The alleys of the Old Town are scattered with magnificent buildings, sculpted
statues and historic towers – a delight to explore on leisurely strolls or admire
from the atmospheric street cafés. Mild summer evenings, meanwhile, are best
enjoyed at one of the idyllic river bars on the River Aare.
Region Solothurn TourismusCH-4500 Solothurn
Tel. +41 (0)32 626 46 46
www.solothurn-city.ch
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Culture city.Film, literature and operaCulture sets the pulse of the city.
The Film Festival attracts top names
in the Swiss film and media sectors,
while the Literary Festival is also
nationally important. The Classic
Openair, meanwhile, draws opera
fans and classical music lovers from
far and wide to the “ambassadors’
city”.
Clock Tower. Hour of the Grim Reaper Solothurn’s clock tower was built
in the 13th century and is the oldest
structure in the city. In 1545, the
famous astronomical clock and dial
were added, along with the moving
figures. Ever since, the Grim Reaper
has marked each passing hour by
turning over his hourglass.
Fine Art Museum.Important collection Thanks to generous bequests, this
museum houses one of the most
valuable collections in the country.
Emphasis is on Swiss art of the 19th
and 20th centuries, and includes
important works by the local artist
Cuno Amiet that mark the transition
from art nouveau to the modern
period.
Old Town.Charm and grandeur Solothurn is regarded as Switzer-
land’s most beautiful baroque city,
blending Italian grandeur, French
charm and down-to-earth Swiss-
German tradition. The picturesque
Old Town with its impressive grand
façades is car-free, and famous for
its eleven churches, eleven towers
and eleven fountains.
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Waldegg Castle.Summer residence Of all the country seats of the Solo-
thurn patriciate, Waldegg Castle
is the most beautiful and extensive.
Two tree-lined avenues lead up
to the elevated former summer resi-
dence of the Besenval family, with
its rich interiors, its lush gardens –
and the longest baroque façade in
Switzerland.
Verena gorge.Place of peace and inspirationIn the stillness of the Verena gorge,
north of Solothurn, stands a hermit-
age. Even today a hermit goes about
his devout work here. This idyllic
gorge, with its chapels of St. Verena
and St. Martin and its hermitage, is
a popular excursion for local people
as well as for visitors.
Weissenstein.Above the cloudsSolothurn’s local mountain and fa-
vourite recreation area rises to
1,280 metres above sea level, on the
first and highest of the ridges of
the Jura – and above a sea of clouds,
whenever the city is under fog. Up
here, outdoor activity fans, families
and hikers are in seventh heaven.
Aare cruise.River trip to the storksA trip on the River Aare is a delight-
fully relaxed and varied experience.
Past the nesting storks in Altreu,
under the impressive old wooden
bridge in Büren, through the lock in
Port – until, on the way back, Solo-
thurn’s Krumme Turm (“crooked
tower”) and St. Ursen Cathedral
come back into view…
Hockson Floin's
Baden.
92 | Baden
Th
ea
terp
latz
, Ba
de
n
City of variety.The Romans were here. Then came Goethe, Nietzsche and Dürrenmatt – and
everyone else from the region. They all wallowed in the thermal water that
bubbles out of 19 springs here at 47 °C, and which made this small city on the
Limmat into a lively spa. Today the city’s bathing
quarter is an oasis of tranquillity; while higher up,
the Grand Casino, theatres, bars and event venues
buzz with activity.
Info BadenCH-5401 Baden
Tel. +41 (0)56 200 87 87
www.baden.ch 109767
Further information:
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Baden | 93 Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2).
Limmatsteg.A new connectionA cable ferry once linked the two
communities of Baden and Ennet-
baden; in its place today stands a
strikingly elegant footbridge that
spans the Limmat with an effortless
lightness. The Limmatsteg is a prime
example of classic steel construc-
tion, and fits superbly into the river
landscape.
Trafo Centre.Music in the industrial quarterElectricity has always been in the air
here. But what was once a trans-
former building is now an event
space offering superb acoustics in
an original, stylish and atmospheric
setting. The Trafo Centre also has
the ideal infrastructure and facilities
for theatrical events and parties.
Langmatt Museum.From home to museumFormerly home of the descend-
ants of the industrialists Sidney and
Jenny Brown-Sulzer, Villa Langmatt
now houses an important collection
of French Impressionist art, includ-
ing works by Renoir, Cézanne and
Monet. The magnificent grounds
are used as an event venue – and a
rendezvous for picnics.
Children’s Museum.A fun way to learnA chamber of wonders, waiting to
be explored… This museum houses
20 rooms that bring the history of
childhood to life. Themes covered
range from toys and games to family
and upbringing, sport, school and
the media – with plenty of opportuni-
ties for hands-on experimentation.
Hockson Floin's
Biel/Bienne.
94 | Biel/Bienne
Old
To
wn
, Bie
l
City with time.Switzerland’s only officially bilingual city is known as Biel to German-speak-
ers and Bienne to French-speakers: a linguistic status that makes for a very
special charm. While the modern city extends down to the lake, the intact
Old Town with its 15th-century gothic church
nudges up against the hill. As the gateway to the
Three Lakes Region, Biel/Bienne also has plenty
to offer to outdoor activity fans.
Tourismus Biel SeelandCH-2501 Biel/Bienne
Tel. +41 (0)32 329 84 84
www.biel-seeland.ch 8748
Further information:
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Cultural quarter.The “museum mile”The Centre PasquArt is known as
one of Switzerland’s most beautiful
art museums. And it is not alone:
its neighbour, the Neuhaus Museum,
promises fascinating and varied
insights especially into the art
history of the region. Alongside, the
Schwab Museum displays archaeo-
logical treasures.
Old Town.Source of inspirationStreet cafés, watch shops, medieval
house façades… The Old Town of
Biel/Bienne has retained its charm
over the centuries. A world of its own
located between the modern city and
the villas on the slopes of the Jura,
it has inspired thinkers including
Goethe, Pestalozzi and Rousseau.
Landing stage.Gateway to a watery worldThis is known as the Lakes Region
for good reason: with Lake Biel, Lake
Neuchâtel, Lake Murten and the River
Aare, it is dominated by water – and
characterised by idyllic nature all
around. The best way to explore is
on one of the excursion boats, which
depart from the city’s landing stage.
Taubenloch gorge.Magical momentsThe Taubenloch is one of the most
popular outings in the Biel/Bienne
region. Wild, romantic yet easily
accessible even for families, the
gorge is wonderfully refreshing on
hot summer days – and in winter
delights visitors with its fairytale ice
creations draped over rocky over-
hangs.
Hockson Floin's
Brig.
96 | Brig
Old
To
wn
, Bri
g
City at the Simplon.When Napoleon built a road over the Simplon pass, he not only created the
first alpine crossing suitable for vehicles, but also paved the way for Brig to
become an international transport hub. The patrician houses in the Old Town
are overshadowed only by the Stockalper Castle,
one of the most important baroque palaces in
Switzerland. Today Brig is an ideal base for explor-
ing the many hiking areas all around.
Brig Belalp TourismusCH-3900 Brig
Tel. +41 (0)27 921 60 30
www.brig-belalp.ch111512
Further information:
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Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Brig | 97
Stockalper Castle.Home of the “King of the Simplon”Alongside salt and ore, Kaspar
von Stockalper initially traded in
mercenaries – earning himself a
large fortune. Much of it went into
the Stockalper Palace, the largest
17th-century secular baroque
building in Switzerland. Its garden
is popular with bookworms as
well as for romantic rendezvous.
Brigerbad.Super-size water funThe biggest and the best: Brigerbad
is home to the largest outdoor ther-
mal baths in Switzerland, as well as a
fine campsite. Adults love relaxing in
the soothing, stress-relieving water,
while children of all ages enjoy the
thrilling adrenaline-fuelled descent
down the 182-metre water slide.
Swiss Guards.500 years for the pope Little Naters holds a national record:
no other commune has supplied
more Swiss Guards to the Vatican
over the past 500 years. This fact
is celebrated at a museum, opened
2006, located in the old military for-
tress above Naters, which has told
the fascinating story of the pope’s
guards.
Simplon Express. On the little blue train Once around the Stockalper Castle,
then straight through Brig and off
to Naters: the Little Simplon Express,
the quaint tourist train in royal-blue
livery, trundles cheerfully past the
sights. Sometimes it lays on extra
rides: Valais PostBus offers special
excursions at reasonable rates.
Hockson Floin's
Chur.
98 | Chur
Old
To
wn
, Ch
ur
City with style.Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland, and well worth discovering. The capital
of the holiday region of Graubünden boasts a rich history, yet looks firmly to
the future – witness the striking pieces of modern architecture. And although
it cherishes its living traditions, it has plenty to
tempt the most cosmopolitan visitor: chic bou-
tiques, stylish lounge bars, magnificent galleries,
and much more.
Chur TourismusCH-7001 Chur
Tel. +41 (0)81 252 18 18
www.churtourismus.ch 109768
Further information:
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Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Chur | 99
Old Town.Southern charmChur may be the gateway to the
Graubünden mountains, yet the Old
Town has an almost Mediterranean
feel – with its atmospheric corners,
tempting boutiques, its huge weekly
market and 800-year-old cathedral,
not to mention striking modern
creations by the celebrated architect
Peter Zumthor.
Art Museum.A star offeringGraubünden’s fine art museum is
home to some 6,000 works that
bear witness to the region’s – and
Switzerland’s – rich creative output
from the 18th century until today.
Highlights include important works
by Angelika Kauffmann, Ferdinand
Hodler, the Giacomettis and Ernst
Ludwig Kirchner.
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt.A jewel rebornRecently reopened after restoration,
Chur’s cathedral is seen as one of
the country’s most important monu-
ments. At its heart is a late-roman-
esque basilica, built between 1150
and 1272. The tower, with baroque
spire, was added in 1600; the sacra-
ment house and carved high altar are
late-gothic.
Giger Bar. Alien atmosphereThis nightspot in the industrial area
is no museum – but it is much more
than an ordinary watering hole.
Guests sit on black, skeletal chairs
at the bar, in a décor inspired by the
grisly creations of H.R. Giger. The
artist and Oscar winner (for the film
“Alien”) was born in Chur in 1940.
Hockson Floin's
Martigny.
100 | Martigny
Vie
w f
rom
th
e vi
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ard
s o
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the
tow
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ign
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City of cultural delights.Rousseau, Goethe and Liszt are among many who could not resist – seduced
by the delights of a region blessed with enough sunshine to produce apricots,
asparagus, sweet chestnuts and fine wines. Modern visitors are just as
charmed by the wealth of art on show. A good way
to begin is with a walk around the city, admiring
sculptures by Swiss artists such as Hans Erni –
followed by a visit to the many tempting galleries.
Office de Tourisme de MartignyCH-1920 Martigny
Tel. +41 (0)27 720 49 49
www.martigny.com 81146
Further information:
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La Bâtiaz Castle.Back to the Middle AgesIn solitary splendour high above
Martigny stands the castle of La
Bâtiaz. Frequently the site of fierce
fighting, it was burned down twice.
Today it offers a sensational view
over the Rhone valley, while its
tavern serves medieval menus to
budding knights, lords and ladies
of the castle…
Gianadda Foundation.Rich collection The reputation of the Fondation
Pierre Gianadda rests primarily on
the top-quality international art exhi-
bitions it regularly stages – devoted
to artists such as Picasso, Manet,
Matisse, Gauguin and Van Gogh.
The foundation is also home to a
sculpture park, a Gallo-Roman
museum, and much more.
St. Bernard Museum.Where Barry lives on The hospice at the Great St. Ber-
nard pass is regarded as the home
of the eponymous breed of dog. In
2006, a museum opened in Martigny
devoted to the cuddly creatures and
to the legendary dog Barry, who died
in 1814: famous throughout Switzer-
land, he is said to have saved more
than 40 lives.
Mont Blanc Express.Through a wild wonderlandTo Europe’s highest mountain, in less
than two hours… Since 1907 this
narrow-gauge railway has offered
passengers a spectacular journey:
up the Trient valley, past thundering
waterfalls, deep gorges and within
sight of the vast glaciers of the Mont
Blanc massif. Inside, it’s cosy and
warm…
Hockson Floin's
Neuchâtel.
102 | Neuchâtel
Old
To
wn
, Ne
uc
hâ
tel
City of tranquillity.It could be the lakeside location, or the almost Mediterranean atmosphere;
but whatever the reason, life feels more relaxed in Neuchâtel. The city is
happy to take things gently: on the long lakefront promenade, for example, or
at the colourful market held three times a week on
the Place des Halles in the heart of the Old Town,
tempting passers by to linger and taste the delights
on offer…
Neuchâtel TourismusCH-2001 Neuchâtel
Tel. +41 (0)32 889 68 90
www.neuchateltourisme.ch 83506
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Neuchâtel | 103
Old Town.The lightness of being Perhaps it is the location between
lake and mountains that makes life
so pleasant; maybe also the many
cafés, museums, lively squares and
pedestrian areas. Beyond doubt
is the fact that the Old Town, with its
dramatic castle and collegiate
church, is one of the most beautiful
in the country.
Jaquet-Droz collection.Lifelike automataHighlight of the Art and History
Museum is the group of three moving
figures by Pierre Jaquet-Droz, the
brilliant watchmaker and creator of
world-famous mechanical automata.
“The draughtsman”, for example,
draws portraits of Louis XV and a
dog; “the writer” completes whole
sentences.
Laténium.Where history comes aliveReliving the history of Neuchâtel:
at the Laténium archaeological
museum and park, visitors stroll
from the days of the Neanderthals to
the Middle Ages, passing en route
some 3,000 archaeological artefacts
displayed in the fascinating and
spacious museum. Great fun for
children.
Boat cruise.Three lakes, many wine villagesDeep-blue waters, picturesque
villages, vineyard-covered slopes
in the background: a ride on one of
the nine boats that ply Lake Neu-
châtel and Lake Murten is a delight.
The atmosphere is unique; the ride,
especially through the Thielle or the
Broye canal, unforgettable.
Hockson Floin's
Schaffhausen.
104 | Schaffhausen
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City of oriels.171 oriel windows adorn the alleys of Schaffhausen’s Old Town – looking out of
houses with names such as “At the sweet corner” or “At the higher happiness”.
The emblem of this little city, however, is the Munot, the medieval hilltop fortress
in the heart of Schaffhausen. The view from on top
is well worth sampling, as is the local wine – and of
course a visit to the famous Rhine Falls, the mightiest
waterfall in Europe.
Schaffhauserland Tourismus CH-8201 Schaffhausen
Tel. +41 (0)52 632 40 20
www.schaffhauserland.ch8895
Further information:
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Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Schaffhausen | 105
New Art Spaces.Big names, big worksThe giant “Hallen für Neue Kunst”
on the banks of the Rhine are the
leading museum for the “New Art”
that changed the development of art
in the Western world around 1970.
They display large-scale installations
by American and European artists,
including a two-storey sculpture by
Joseph Beuys.
Allerheiligen Museum.The full pictureThis museum housed in a former
Benedictine monastery in Schaff-
hausen’s picturesque Old Town
combines archaeology, history, art
and natural history to offer a fas-
cinating all-round experience. The
1,000-year-old cloister, meanwhile,
is the largest open to the public in
Switzerland.
Night-watchman tours.Stories after darkShadows flee, steps ring through
the alleys of the Old Town: the
atmosphere is perfect for the night-
watchman’s stories. Some are hair-
raisingly horrifying, others amusing;
but this alternative glimpse of the
city at night – and into its history –
shouldn’t be missed.
IWC Museum. Perfection in miniature One of the world’s most famous
watch brands stands for Schaff-
hausen just as the Eiffel Tower
stands for Paris: IWC. Since June
2007, the manufacturer’s main
building has been home to a small
and stylish museum with 230
selected exhibits that reveal a
passion for the art of watchmaking.
Hockson Floin's
Thun.
106 | Thun
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City of the Alps. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rise majestically over the lake. Across it glides
a paddle steamer, watched by the castle that keeps a lookout over the city from
its high rock. Many visitors have found inspiration in Thun – including Goethe,
Brahms and Heinrich von Kleist, who wrote “The
Broken Jug” here in 1802. Thun still bewitches visitors
today, as they stroll through its charming Old Town
with its distinctive elevated pavements.
Thun Tourismus-OrganisationCH-3600 Thun
Tel. +41 (0)33 225 90 00
www.thun.ch 83525
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Thun | 107
Old Town.Small, stylish and charming For most visitors, it’s a case of love
at first sight. Thun’s fairytale castle
with its four corner pinnacles
dominates the late-medieval Old
Town; the main street with its raised
pavements charms newcomers;
the pubs and inns ooze charm.
Beyond the rooftops sparkle the
snowcapped peaks.
Pure nature. Gateway to the OberlandFrom Thun you can reach the
nature-filled Bernese Oberland in no
time. Elegant boats ply the waters
of the lake against a breathtaking
mountain backdrop; trains regularly
leave for Interlaken, Spiez, Gstaad
and Adelboden; while buses make
easy day trips to the Jungfraujoch
and Schilthorn.
Bälliz.Shopping delightsHere shopaholics as well as casual
browsers are in for a treat. The
centrally located, traffic-calmed
quarter of Bälliz has a delightful
range of boutiques and shops as
well as cafés; on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, the alleys and streets are
transformed into a colourful market.
Wocher Panorama.360 degrees of ThunIn 1810, Marquard Wocher sat on a
high terrace in the heart of the Old
Town and painted a detailed and
intimate panorama of Thun, 7.5 me-
tres high and 38 metres long. It is the
oldest surviving work of its kind in
the world, and can be admired in the
magical grounds of Schadau Castle.
Hockson Floin's
Vaduz.
108 | Vaduz
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City of the Prince. The Liechtenstein capital, Vaduz, offers a great deal in a compact space.
A superb, award-winning museum of fine arts, for example; a charming new
pedestrian area to stroll around, the fascinating Goethe Trail to explore,
traditional inns to sample, and a busy calendar of fun
events to participate in. Emblem of Liechtenstein,
however, remains Vaduz Castle, perched high on a
rock, where the princely family lives to this day.
Liechtenstein TourismusFL-9490 Vaduz
Tel. +423 239 63 00
www.tourismus.li 79986
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Vaduz | 109
Liechtenstein Centre.The country at a glance An impressive multimedia display
shows the essence of this tiny
country on a giant screen at the
tourist office. Visitors can buy
much-sought-after Liechtenstein
stamps and other souvenirs, and see
the geographical centre of the
country, from which road distances
were first measured in 1864.
Museum of Fine Art.An artwork for works of artThe gleaming black cube of the
Museum of Fine Art is unmistakable,
its façades reflecting the Old Town,
nature, and the castle. The interior is
equally spectacular, housing an
outstanding exhibition of work by
international contemporary artists as
well as the Prince’s priceless
collection.
Triesenberg–Malbun.Excursions into historyA variety of adventures await visitors
throughout the small principality. In
Triesenberg, for example, history
comes thrillingly alive – along the
Walser Legends Trail, on the walking
tour around the heart of the village,
and in the Walser Museum. Malbun
lies just 20 minutes from Vaduz.
National Museum.A fascinating overviewThe Liechtenstein National Museum
documents the principality’s cultural
development. 8,000 years of settle-
ment, and influences from all over
the world, have left their mark, mak-
ing this small country what it is
today – with princely rule of course
playing a central role.
Hockson Floin's
Zug.
110 | Zug
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City with prospects. Even the residents of Zug never tire of the sunset… When the sun goes down
over the lake, the horizon turns blood-red, and all eyes turn to a show of
colour that is said to be as spectacular as any sunset in Switzerland. Equally
charming is the historic centre of Zug, best experi-
enced by strolling its narrow alleys, lingering on
the lakeshore and sitting at a street café to watch
the world go by.
Zug TourismusCH-6304 Zug
Tel. +41 (0)41 723 68 00
www.zug-tourismus.ch 8627
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Zug | 111
Old Town.Jewel by the lake The historic centre of the city – the
area around Kolinplatz, with the
famous Zytturm (clock tower) – is
also the cultural, social and gastro-
nomic heart of Zug. This is where
people come to experience some-
thing special – for example, the most
beautiful sunsets in the country.
Railway station.Let there be lightWhen evening falls in Zug, the
station begins to glow. A soft play
of light, gentle as a warm breeze
from Lake Zug, bathes the façade
in shades of red, blue and green,
making the building appear to float
and stopping passers by in their
tracks – just as the artist James
Turrell intended.
Höllgrotten caves.Heavenly underworldIn the midst of the wild, forested
Lorzentobel valley, the mountain
suddenly appears to open up, reveal-
ing a passage into a colourful world
of small subterranean lakes, stalag-
mites and stalactites. But these “hell
caves” do not live up to their name:
a visit is a heavenly experience.
Zugerberg.Paths to happinessHare, fox and deer: three local
animals have given their names to
three wonderful family walks up
on the Zugerberg. Altogether there
are 80 kilometres of marked trails
here, leading through protected
natural areas with a rich variety of
flora and fauna – and breathtakingly
beautiful views.
Hockson Floin's
SATISFACTION, SWISS MADE. SWISS.COM
Fly SWISS. Say cheese. –
Switzerland offers the highest quality of life anywhere in the world. Also in the air. We take care of you from start to fi nish: from web check-in right through to serving you a savoury cheese to round off your dinner. You’ll feel at home, even when you’re thousands of miles away.
055_300_190x260_STBrosch_e 1 29.9.2008 15:38:43 Uhr
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Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Switzerland Travel Centre | 113
Design & Lifestyle HotelsTake delight in our Design & Lifestyle
Hotels whose innovative architecture
promises to make your stay an un-
forgettable experience. Switzerland’s
most beautiful Design Hotels are to
be found not just in pulsating cities,
but in spectacular landscapes too!
Wellness HotelsActive regeneration and wellness are
to be had in abundance in all our
first-rate Wellness Hotels. Here, you
get to enjoy bracing mountain air and
idyllic scenery in an incomparable
atmosphere – to say nothing of all
those trendy spas.
KidsHotelsA huge adventure playground for all
those who want more – be it more
originality, more authenticity, more
diversity or more family fun! Every-
thing you need is just around the
corner and fun closest of all!
Welcome to Switzerland – the
family-friendly holiday destination!
Historic HotelsOnce upon a time there was a castle,
a palace, a villa… And today, you too
can spend a night within these hal-
lowed walls! Let yourself be trans-
ported back into the past in one of
Switzerland’s 41 Historic Hotels.
Budget HotelsSwitzerland is a great holiday destina-
tion even for those on a budget.
Whether it is a simple guesthouse or
four-star hotel you are looking for,
Switzerland has some great offers
from as little as CHF 50, CHF 65 or
CHF 80 per person per night in a
double room, breakfast included!
2211
Switzerland Travel Centre: book your hotel here.
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Further information:
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Moving experiences.
114 | Moving experiences
Safe and swift.Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) runs one of the most comfortable, safest
and most punctual railway systems in the world. And one of the most
popular: only in Japan is train usage greater (measured in distance
travelled per person). No other country has such a dense transport
network; it’s no surprise that nearly half of Swiss
are regular users, and hold a Half-Fare Card.
Fast, comfortable travel – to every corner of the
country. 17
Further information:
Hockson Floin's
Moving experiences | 115
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Faster still to the holidays. Switzerland’s holiday regions are now quicker to reach than ever. Thanks to
the new Lötschberg Base Tunnel, time flies on the train as much as on the
plane: from Zürich it takes just 3 hours 15 minutes to reach Zermatt. The SBB
continually optimises connections to the holiday regions, offering an hourly
or half-hourly service on all routes. The journey to Ticino in the sunny south
has also been shortened by nearly half an hour – thanks to hourly services
using InterCity tilting trains (ICN). And the punctuality of Switzerland’s public
system is, of course, legendary.
Hockson Floin's
Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.116 | Moving experiences
Discover Switzerland
by train, bus and boat. Travel the easy way and enjoy
stress-free journeys by train, bus and
boat on the world’s most compre-
hensive public transport network.
The direct trains from abroad or from
the airports in Zürich and Geneva
will get you to your holiday destina-
tion both fast and in comfort. The
Swiss Pass entitles you to unlimited
travel by train, bus and boat all over
Switzerland, including the scenic
routes, trams and buses in 41 cities.
Also included is free admission to
450 museums and a 50% discount
on most mountain railways and cable
cars. The Swiss Card covers your
journey from the border or airport to
your holiday destination and entitles
you to a 50% discount on all other
journeys. Children accompanied
by at least one parent travel free.
Swiss Travel System tickets and
passes can be purchased at major
railway stations in Switzerland or
from our comprehensive network
of sales outlets abroad.
www.swisstravelsystem.ch
Our scenic routes. The highlight of any trip to Switzer-
land is likely to be a ride on one of our
wonderful scenic routes like the
Glacier Express, Bernina Express or
the GoldenPass Line.
Bern
701
Further information:
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Or call us on our free international numbers (see page 2). Moving experiences | 117
RailAway offers. tion from April 26 to September 27.
Further highlights follow in the
autumn: the Fondation Pierre
Gianadda in Martigny and the Art
Museum in Zürich are both staging
temporary exhibitions that are
expected to be hugely popular.
Want to know more? At railaway.com
you can find further excursion
ideas, such as combination tickets
to pop u lar musicals and theatre
pro ductions. The big trade fairs are
covered, too – including Geneva’s
famous International Motor Show in
March.
RailAway AG
www.railaway.com
As contrasting and interesting as
Switzerland’s cities are the fun and
varied combination tickets offered
by RailAway. The “Plausch” and
“Sport und Erholung” brochures, for
exam ple, include offers carrying
discounts of up to 20 % on rail travel,
each of which incorporates an extra
– for example, admission to the Swiss
Museum of Transport in Lucerne.
Of course there are also plenty of
deals taking in cultural attractions
in Swiss cities. The “Kunst” brochure
covers more than 15 famous and
less well-known art museums
waiting to be discovered. This year,
the Art Museum in Basel is staging a
ground-breaking Van Gogh exhibi-
Rhaetian Railways. In the summer of 2008, UNESCO
added the Albula/Bernina line to
the list of World Heritage. This makes
the Rhaetian Railways one of just
three railways in the world to get this
honour!
Museum of Fine Arts Bern
701
Further information:
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Visit MySwitzerland.com/cities for the latest offers.118 | Moving experiences
Mountain experience.The Swiss mountain peaks are
extremely well accessible with
mountain railways and cable cars.
Enjoy the views from above! The
Swiss Pass entitles to a discount of
50 % on most mountain top rides.
Museum Pass.Switzerland offers a wide variety of
museums, historic castles and
modern exhibitions. The Swiss Pass
is also valid as Swiss Museum Pass
and entitles to free admission to 450
museums in the whole of Switzerland
(museumspass.ch).
Well connected. Swiss trains run like clockwork and
follow regular-interval timetables. That
means that they always leave at the
same minute after each hour or half
hour on all routes. Timetable informa-
tion is easily available on www.rail.ch.
Travel light.When arriving or departing by plane,
you can send your bag directly to/
from the train station of your choice
(rail.ch/check-in). The Fast Baggage
Service allows you to send your bag
within one day from one resort to the
other (rail.ch/baggage).
Hockson Floin's
Discover Switzerland the relaxing way and enjoy varied excursions by train, bus or boat on the world’s densest pu-blic transport network. Take a fast Inter-City train from the airport to your holiday destination, enjoy a ride on our world famous scenic routes like the Glacier Express, take a cable car up to a snow-capped mountain peak and visit some of Switzerland’s outstanding museums: It is all possible with the Swiss Pass.
The Swiss Pass offers unlimited travel in the whole of Switzerland at very attrac-tive rates. It includes trains, buses, boats,
city transportation, our scenic routes, free admission to 450 museums and 50% discount on most mountain peak excursions. And take your children under the age of 16 along for free: Just ask for your free Family Card.
You can find more inspiring information on our various excursion possibilities, our entire offer of travel passes and tickets and a list of our worldwide sales points on www.swisstravelsystem.ch.
Swiss Passes are available to people with a permanent residence outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
See all of Switzerland with a Swiss Pass.
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Where do you see the Swiss Post in ten years?
“ Right there where I need it.”
There for your tomorrow.
Swiss Post, offi cial partner of Switzerland Tourism
Winterbr_ch_t_F_190x260_e.indd 1 24.4.2006 13:54:22 Uhr
Hockson Floin's
News and info about Switzerland.
Travel to Switzerland.
Travel within Switzerland.
Booking accommodation.
Shopping.
Equipment tips.
Hotel ratings by guests, for guests.
Do you want to know more about
day-to-day life in Switzerland?
Here you’ll find the latest about
Swiss politics and society, the
economy, culture and science in
nine languages.
Tips and information on how to
get to Switzerland. Whether you
are travelling by plane, train or
car, Switzerland offers excellent
international connections.
Convenient, comfortable and
carefree: a dense public transport
network and optimal connections
guarantee flexible travel and
enjoyable explorations throughout
Switzerland.
From designer hotels to wellness
retreats and farmstays:
Switzerland’s accommodation
options at a glance. With, of
course, an easy and convenient
booking facility.
A small gift for those back home?
A personal souvenir from the
holidays? A host of ideas, from the
celebrated Swiss Army Knife to
precision watches and Swiss
chocolate.
High-quality, reliable equipment is
essential for active holidays, and
Swiss quality brands provide the
very best. An overview of our Swiss
outdoor partners.
Find out quickly and simply about
a hotel by means of personal
assessments. You too can rate your
hotel – and so help maintain the
quality of Swiss hospitality.
Information for holidays, meetings and conferences
in Switzerland.
Seals of quality.
Information for holidays, meetings and conferences in Switzerland | 121
Through the “Swiss Tourism
Quality Seal” programme, the
leading tourism organisations
and a total of 2,400 tourist
establishments are committed
to a clearly defined quality of
service for their guests.
CreditsDevised, designed and published by:
Switzerland Tourism, Zürich
Cover photograph: Old town UNESCO
World Heritage, Bern © Bern Tourismus
Photographs: Schweiz Tourismus, Cit-
ies, Christof Schürpf, Lausanne Tourisme,
Hugo Hafner, Giger Bar, Andrea Badrutt,
Nicola Pitaro, Chur, Chur Tourismus, ©
G. Benoît à la Guillaume, © Vincent Bour-
rut © 2009 ProLitteris Zurich: Niki de Saint
Phalle, sculpture in the garden of MAHF
and other artworks on p. 19; artwork of
Jean Tinguely, p. 19; artwork of Dan Fla-
vin, p. 28; Le Corbusier “Les Musiciennes”,
1953 © FLC / 2008 ProLitteris Zurich,
p. 34; Markus Raetz, “Kopf I”, 1992, p. 90
Printed in Switzerland by
Swissprinters, Ringier Print Zofingen AG
Print run: 154,000 copies
Published: February 2009
An emphasis on sustainabilitySwitzerland is known as a country of
unspoilt nature, for its environmentally
sensitive policies towards natural resour-
ces, for its thoughtful care of the land-
scape and for its eco-friendly public trans-
port system. This emphasis on sustain-
ability also makes for a better quality of
holiday for our guests.
25
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Order the current Cities brochures.
122 | Order of brochures
Order now the current Switzerland Tourism brochures.
Family holidays. Conventions.
Meetings.
Incentives.
Summer holidays.Winter holidays.
Golf holidays.
Wellness holidays.
Affordable hotels.Specialities &
gastronomic
experiences.
Historic hotel &
travel experiences.
Design & Lifestyle
Hotels.
BaselTel. +41 (0)61 268 68 68
www.basel.com
BernTel. +41 (0)31 328 12 12
www.berninfo.com
GenevaTel. +41 (0)22 909 70 00
www.geneve-tourisme.ch
La Chaux-de-FondsTel. +41 (0)32 889 68 95
www.neuchateltourisme.ch
LausanneTel. +41 (0)21 613 73 73
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
LucerneTel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17
www.luzern.com
St. GallenTel. +41 (0)71 227 37 37
www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch
ZürichTel. +41 (0)44 215 40 04
www.zuerich.ch
WinterthurTel. +41 (0)52 267 67 00
www.winterthur-tourismus.ch
LuganoTel. +41 (0)91 913 32 32
www.lugano-tourism.ch
FribourgTel. +41 (0)26 350 11 11
www.freiburgtourismus.ch
100
Order by phone on our free international numbers (see page 2) or online:
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Train travelwww.rail.ch
www.victorinox.com
www.swissdeluxehotels.com
www.globalrefund.com
Postal, payment and passenger transport serviceswww.swisspost.ch
Telecommunicationswww.swisscom.com
Swiss Chocolatewww.chocolatfrey.ch
American Express in Switzerlandwww.americanexpress.ch
Switzerland Cheese Marketingwww.switzerland-cheese.com
Air travelwww.swiss.com
The trade association of the Swiss hotel industrywww.swisshotels.com
Gateway to the Alpswww.zurich-airport.com
Strategic Partners.
Official Partners.
www.juraworld.com
www.swisstravelcenter.ch
Car rentalwww.europcar.ch
www.topevents.ch
www.mammut.ch
www.premiumswitzerland.com
www.bucherer.com
Holiday houses and apartmentswww.interhome.ch
www.gastrosuisse.ch
www.stoeckli.ch
Partners.MySwitzerland.com/sponsorsRecommended by Switzerland Tourism.
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There are people who have hobbies, and others who pursue their passions.
Basel Bern Davos Geneva Interlaken Lausanne Locarno Lucerne Lugano St. Gallen St. Moritz ZermattZurich · Berlin Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hamburg Munich Nuremberg · Vienna · www.bucherer.com
08_1665_Touris_Staedtebr_e.indd 1 18.12.2008 10:20:40 Uhr
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