Experience Switzerland in autumn and discover unforgettable destinations. Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, and Lausanne are destinations that are very special, not to miss visiting when travelling to Switzerland. This beautiful country, famed for its Alps and the Matterhorn, dairy produce, intricate watches and fine chocolate is delightfully scenic in autumn. The trees scattering dry curled leaves as the feel of a white winter of snow and skiing nears.
Bern
Discover Bern, the capital of Switzerland, a country made up of nine cantons, each a destination with something special to offer its visitors. Bern located on the Aare River, built in the 11th century has retained its arcaded streets and famed Clock Tower which dates back to the 13th century. Known as the city of bears, complete with a “bear’s statue,” ancient bear pits, a flag with a bear, lovely old stained glass windows. It is a delightful destination to wander around and discover at leisure.
Zürich
Walking up the Bahnhofstrasse, you feel the opulence of this wealthy little country as you discover elegant shops filled with extravagant selections of quality items of clothing and art with which to indulge yourself. This is definitely a destination for shopping! Cross the river on the bridge leading into the old quarter of Zurich, and meander through its arts and culture of a bygone era. Visit the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum as well as the FIFA Headquarters. In autumn there are still cruises to take on Lake Zurich to sightsee and enjoy a distant vista of the Alps.
Lucerne
Discover Lucerne, on the Reuss River has the oldest covered bridge in Europe, the Chapel Bridge built in 1333. Through a fire in 1993, much of it needed replacing. The inner bridge walls have a series of painting reflecting the history of Lucerne, painted during the 17th century. The octagonal water tower by the bridge and the bridge are what Lucerne is most noted.
North of the Reuss River is Lucerne old town. It still has some fine structures of half- timber with painted fronts. Some of the old town wall is still in existence, together with eight watchtowers and a gated tower at the bottom of the hill.
It is interesting to visit the large Swiss Museum of Transport next to the lake in the North of Lucerne. Here you find Steam engines, ships, aircraft, and cars on show.
Geneva
Geneva is certainly a beautiful destination to discover while in Switzerland. This French speaking section of Switzerland is headquarters to international organizations, such as the Red Cross and the United Nations. Set on Lake Geneva and boasting the world’s tallest water fountain, the ‘Jet d’Eau de Genève’. This is both an attraction and a landmark.
It is also a city filled with culture and art, boasting several art galleries and museums.
Among them are the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, referred to as MAMCO.
Visit the Patek Philippe Museum, founded in 1839 and home to the most prestigious collection of timepieces, musical portrait miniatures ranging from the 16th to the 19th century. There is a library filled with books on horology and the history of watch making.
Discover Geneva’s Old Town, full of cobblestone streets, cafes, boutiques and many historical landmarks of interest.
Lausanne
The destination of Lausanne is the capital of the canton of Vaud. Known as being the headquarters of The International Olympic Committee, it is also renowned for creating the world’s first hotel school. L’Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne founded in 1893, and located then in L’Hotel d’Angleterre at the district of Ouchy.
The proximity to Geneva from Lausanne is near, as are the resorts of Montreux and Vevey. From the lake at Ouchy, discover the most incredible views of the lake and the Alps. It is an extremely popular destination during the summer months, for swimming and leisurely cruising on the lake.
Lausanne has a large cobblestoned streets old town, with shops, cafes, nightclubs, and many nooks and crannies to wander and discover.