I am in love with Switzerland, it happened at first sight. So I really want you to love it too. Although the French part of the country I think the French part of the country is nicer, but believe me, the German part of the country can make your heart beat faster too. After that, you'll be ready to buy a tour to Switzerland.
Bern
For example, the de facto capital is Bern. Switzerland has no de jure capital, but most of its administrative buildings are located there. It's a postcard city: if you were to combine the turquoise of the Maldives with Western European sophistication. It reminded me of of Luxembourg.only the clear emerald water gave away an important part of Switzerland.
More bears, and not just as an intangible symbol. In the center of the city, four cute bears walk freely in an enclosure. It's a fascinating sight. Bears are everywhere there: in the name of the city, on the coat of arms, flag, clock tower, in all souvenir stores. I couldn't resist, I bought a charming magnet for my collection, it will hang with the Berlin bear.
Bern is ideal for leisurely strolls, followed by restaurants with the obligatory fondue tasting and an evening soak in the spa. The city is also popular for its spa resorts with thermal springs and a variety of treatments.
What to see?
Federal Palace
You can visit for free. There are guided tours in English. You will be told the history of the building since 1902. In the palace you will see the whole process of the parliamentary session. In the evening there is a laser show on the facade of the building.
Bern Cathedral
Like the entire old town, the majestic 12th century Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO heritage site. The temple once grew from a tiny chapel and over several hundred years of construction it became a 100-meter cathedral. Inside, the space seems to expand due to the decoration. When you visit, you can take an audio guide for just 5 euros. And for a small donation, you will be allowed to climb the bell tower and admire the stunning view of Bern and the surrounding countryside.
Einstein House Museum
It is believed that it was in Bern that the famous physicist invented the theory of relativity. He lived there at the beginning of the last century. His apartment has been preserved and is now a museum. The premises are modest, but still somewhat iconic.
The Child Eater Fountain
Bern is famous for its fountains. There are even well fountains dating back to the 16th century. I could talk about each one for a long time, I will stop only at one. The sculpture of the fountain represents an ogre devouring a child, with a bag of more children lying next to him. Appreciate the irony of the photo: a group of children sitting near such a fountain. It is impossible to forget.
Zurich
If Bern is undeservedly neglected by some travelers, few miss the largest city of Switzerland - luxurious Zurich. Lakeshore, forests, Alps, cheese, watches and chocolate - a classic description of the country represented by Zurich. But, as befits a large city, there are all kinds of entertainment for every taste and purse.
What is the city famous for?
- Zurich has one of the highest standards of living. The city is often featured in the "Happiest People Live in ..." series.
- The existence of zoos is a matter of debate. In Zurich, the comfort of the animals is treated with the utmost care. That is why on the vast territory of the local zoo they have recreated a part of the tropical Madagascar forest, where animals live without any cages.
- In Switzerland, there is no point in buying bottled water and overpaying. The water everywhere is the purest Alpine water. In Zurich there are drinking fountains on every corner, more than 1000 of them around the city. I recommend carrying a bottle with you and refreshing the water right there.
- Another interesting thing is the number of Nobel laureates who studied at the University of Zurich. There are as many as 20 of them, among them, for example, the famous Einstein.
- Apart from some neighborhoods with migrants, everywhere in the city is pretty clean. Even the roads there are washed with special shampoo - just like in the rest of the country.
What to see?
Old Town
It's a classic. I won't be original, as I get to know almost every new city from its old part. I recommend it to you, too, because it's the place with the highest concentration of authentic and ancient sights. It's easy to get there - it's in the center, near the train station. Even if you go without a guide and without a plan of what to see, the promenade along the streets between the painted houses will win you over. Some of the buildings have been preserved since the 11th century.
Zurich Cathedral
Grossmünster - Zurich's business card with its distinctive feature: the twin towers. 12th century. If you're ready to walk to the top, you'll find yourself at the popular observation deck overlooking the Old Town and the turquoise lake. The colors of water in Switzerland are amazing with their shades of emerald. Walk there and it's as if you see everything under color correction - amazing! In the cathedral you can listen to the organ being played.
Lindenhof
Free Nature Lookout. Lindenhon Square is located on a hill - a great meditative place to take a break from the bustling streets with a beautiful view of the city.
Fraumünster
It's not the most attractive church on the outside, the real treasure inside is, for example, the huge organ - one of the largest in the country. If you have time, be sure to listen to it play. The church's inner gallery is preserved from the 13th century, and the windows are decorated with gorgeous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Switzerland can be traveled and traveled. I would like to add Lucerne, mountain climbing, small alpine villages to the selection. But for now, I recommend stopping by just Bern and Zurich - I'm sure you'll love it there. Registration for a visa to Switzerland and tours can be easily arranged through a travel agent. Have a nice trip.
