Monday, August 17, 2009

Switzerland Tourist Attractions - Where to Go in Switzerland

By Isabella Olsen

Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation. There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, too, although there are five you should definitely stop to see.

1. The Chillon Castle - Also known as the Chateau de Chillon, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland located near Montreux. It was home to the Count of Savoys from the 12th to the 14th century, and consists of 100 buildings, several dungeons, three courtyards and four great halls. Each hall provides spectacular views of Lake Geneva.

2. Zermatt - Are you fond of skiing? If so, Zermatt should be on the top of your list of Switzerland tourist attractions. Other than providing great slopes for the sport, it also offers great views of the Swiss Alps, particularly the famous Matterhorn. You can go shopping and dining around the town, too.

3. Geneva Jet D'eau - Switzerland also has many fountains, especially in Bern, but the most famous one is the Geneva Jet D'eau. Dating back to 1891 and considered one of the symbols of Geneva, it is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high.

Other sights to see in Geneva include the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Cathedral de St. Pierre, as well as several other museums and historical buildings. When taking a break from sightseeing, you might want to dine at one of its excellent restaurants.

4. Swiss National Park - The only national park in Switzerland, the Swiss National Park covers almost half the area of the entire country. It has several hiking trails, too - all of which offer various stunning views of the Alps, which is why it is one of the must-see Switzerland tourist attractions.

5. Swiss Transport Museum - The Swiss Transport Museum is located in Lucerne and is frequented by tourists for its extensive exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobiles and other modes of transport and communication. It is also home to the collection of paintings and sculptures by Hans Erni, and even has a Planetarium and an IMAX theatre.

These are just the top Switzerland tourist attractions. If you want to make the most of your trip, you can always see much more but as long as you visit these spots, you're sure to understand why Switzerland is a popular tourist destination, and one you'll want to revisit in the future.

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