Switzerland is located less than an hour’s drive from Annecy and more generally from Haute-Savoie. As for the number of cross-border workers, it continues to increase year after year. But what do you know about Switzerland? A look back at the country’s history and geography.
What is Switzerland?
Switzerland is a country located in the center of Europe. It was occupied as early as Prehistory by Celtic peoples. If they attempted to migrate westward, they would be repelled in 58 BC by Julius Caesar. During the Middle Ages, the first cantons would sign an alliance, the federal pact. They would be joined by others in 1315, and then in the 15th century.
The principle of neutrality
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Switzerland would continue its expansion. In 1789, the country was occupied by France, which created the Helvetic Republic. After Napoleon’s departure, it would take 2 years to create a unitary state of 22 cantons, the foundation of which would be perpetual neutrality. A status that meant Switzerland would not participate in the two World Wars.
In 1863, the country joined the Council of Europe, and then the United Nations in 2022.
The cantons of Switzerland
Today, Switzerland has 26 cantons, each considered a state:
- Zurich
- Bern
- Lucerne
- Uri
- Schwyz
- Obwald
- Nidwald
- Glaris
- Zug
- Fribourg
- Soleure
- Bâle-Ville
- Bâle-Campagne
- Schaffhouse
- Appenzell Inner-Rhodes
- Appenzell Outer-Rhodes
- Saint-Gall
- Grisons
- Argovie
- Thurgovie
- Ticino
- Vaud
- Valais
- Neuchâtel
- Geneva
- Jura
Each canton has a government, which is responsible for managing the executive, as well as a Parliament, which handles the legislative. Every canton also has its own Constitution.
As a side note, 6 cantons were considered half-cantons until 1999. These were Nidwald, Obwald, Appenzell Inner-Rhodes, Appenzell Outer-Rhodes, Bâle-Ville, and Bâle-Campagne. They are now considered full cantons. Their only peculiarity remains that they retain their constitutional rules and that they only have one seat in the Council of States instead of two.
The main cities of Switzerland
Switzerland has many cities, some of which are particularly pleasant to visit or live in. Here are the main ones.
Geneva
Geneva is nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and has about 204,946 inhabitants. The destination harmoniously blends history and culture. But Geneva is also home to many international organizations, 39 in total, as well as the headquarters of the Red Cross, making it a global crossroads.
But Geneva also offers many activities. You can enjoy the famous Jet d’Eau, the flower clock, as well as museums, such as the Ethnography Museum or the Natural History Museum. The city also hides the longest bench in the world.
Ibis Genève Centre Nations
The Ibis Genève Centre Nations is located 800 meters from Cornavin train station. The rooms are modern, and you will enjoy private parking. Lake Geneva is only 2 km away, and you can reach it on foot.
Royal Manotel
The Royal Manotel is located 5 minutes’ walk from the old town, the train station, and the lake. A map will be provided upon your arrival, allowing you to use public transport for free.
Lausanne
Lausanne is the second largest city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Located in the canton of Vaud, of which it is the capital, it is also the Olympic capital. Indeed, the Olympic Committee has been based there since 1914, and an Olympic Museum was even established there. Today, it is possible to visit it and discover a wealth of information about the multiple summer and winter Olympics, as well as about the athletes.
Lausanne is also known for its training and research centers. It is also a popular destination for business tourism. As of December 31, 2022, Lausanne had 3,418 inhabitants/km².
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Moxy Lausanne City
The Moxy Lausanne City is a 3-star hotel with a very good location in the city center. The Palais de Beaulieu is 1.4 km away. Pets are welcome at the establishment.
Ibis Lausanne Centre
The Ibis Lausanne Centre is a hotel located in the city center and just 10 minutes from the train station. The old town, Olympic Museum, and Lake Geneva are 3 km away. Parking is available on site, and you can use public transport for free.
Bern
The city of Bern is none other than the capital of Switzerland. The medieval atmosphere of the city will captivate you, and you will enjoy strolling through the streets. Near the train station, you will find the Federal Palace, which is the seat of Parliament.
Culturally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Albert Einstein house, to combine it with the Einstein Museum, as well as the Swiss Alpine Museum or the Museum of Communication. As for Bern’s old town, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bern is also considered the gateway to the Alps. Easily accessible by car or plane, it will allow you to quickly reach the ski resorts.
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
The Best Western Plus is a 4-star establishment located 5 minutes from Bern train station. In the restaurant, you will taste local culinary specialties. You will have the opportunity to use public transport for free.
Hotel Schweizerhof
The Schweizerhof hotel, a 5-star establishment, is one of the most luxurious in the city of Bern. On the other side of the street, you will find the train station and the main tourist sites. You can recharge your electric car on site.
Zurich
The city of Zurich is divided in two by the Limmat, a river that runs through the old town. The cradle of Dadaism and a pioneer in modernism, Zurich is one of those cities that leaves no one indifferent. You will find excellent restaurants, as well as luxury boutiques and art galleries.
There are many activities in Zurich. You can choose to take a dip in the lake, but also to gain altitude to admire the panoramic view from Uetliberg. As a side note, Zurich has been awarded the title of the city with the best quality of life in the world for 7 consecutive years.
Motel One Zürich
The Motel One Zürich is located in the heart of the city of Zurich. The family rooms will allow you to have a pleasant stay at the establishment. Pets are welcome.
Trip Inn Zurich Hotel
Located 1 km from the Swiss National Museum, the Trip Inn Zurich Hotel welcomes you 24/7. In the morning, you can opt for a continental breakfast. Parking is limited, so it is necessary to reserve.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a historic city in Switzerland, nestled in a setting at the foot of the Dragon Mountain and on the shores of Lake Lucerne. A picturesque city, Lucerne is primarily a tourist destination.
You will find the Chapel Bridge, which dates back to the Middle Ages and is considered the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Among the must-see places in Lucerne is the dying lion carved into the rock. It pays tribute to the Swiss who died at the Tuileries in 1792.
Going to Lucerne also means enjoying restaurants, shops, and strolls through the narrow streets of the city center.
Ibis Styles Luzern
The Ibis Styles Luzern is just steps from Lake Lucerne, in the heart of the city. The comfortable rooms are spacious and family-friendly. Parking is available for guests.
Hotel de la Paix
The Hotel de la Paix is also located in the heart of Lucerne, in close proximity to the Lion Monument. The restaurant, highly appreciated by locals, will offer you a varied cuisine and many local culinary specialties.
The major ski resorts
Switzerland has many ski resorts, some of which are very popular with skiers of all levels. Moreover, their reputation is well established. We present to you the most important resorts in the country.
Zermatt
Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. But it is also primarily a ski resort perched at 1600 meters above sea level, 100% pedestrian. 200 kilometers of slopes await you, including 75 km of blue slopes.
Zermatt is a resort that caters to intermediate and experienced skiers. The ski area is the highest in Europe and is also the only one that remains open year-round.
But Zermatt is not just about skiing. In summer, it is possible to enjoy many hikes. In total, the network of hiking trails extends over 400 km. This will give you plenty of choices depending on your level.
Alpenhotel Fleurs de Zermatt
Located in a very popular area of Zermatt, the Alpenhotel Fleurs de Zermatt will welcome you in bright rooms. The Gornergrat train is accessible in less than 5 minutes on foot. The hotel includes 2 pools and a wellness center.
Alpen Resort Hotel
The Alpen Resort Hotel is located close to the ski lifts. A shuttle to Zermatt train station is offered from 7 am to 9 pm. Note that in winter, you will have access to a ski storage room, which will allow you to store your equipment.
Wengen
Wengen is another must-visit ski resort in Switzerland and is also accessible only by train. A stop on the Alpine Ski World Cup every January, its reputation is well established. And apart from alpine skiing, you can also enjoy your stay by trying snowshoeing, curling, or ice skating. In summer, try mountain biking, climbing, or opt for traditional hikes.
If you are an experienced hiker, we recommend the panoramic hike of the Grauseeli Loop. Lasting 7.5 hours, it will offer you a panoramic view of the Schilthorn region. For those who are less accustomed to long walks, you can easily shorten it by taking the Schilthorn Mürren – Birg cable car.
It is said that the Jungfrau region inspired J.R.R. Tolkien during his youth. The locations also served as models for the Star Wars films.
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