Switzerland is a landlocked alpine country of roughly 7.6 million people in Western Europe with an area of 41,285 km2. Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 26 states called cantons. Berne is the seat of the federal authorities, while the country's economic centres are its two global cities, Geneva and especially Zürich. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world.

If you think Switzerland is all chocolate confectionary,picture-perfect Alpine countryside, yodelling and cuckoo clocks, then think again. The winter playground of St Moritz,outrageous clubbing in Zurich, culture vultures in Basel,cosmopolitan Geneva - Switzerland is three countries rolled into one. Our Helvetic experts help you break down the cliches and discover something a little bit different.

The Authors

Getting Started

Itineraries

Snapshot

The Culture

Environment

Outdoor Activities

Food & Drink

Geneva

Lake Geneva & Vaud

Fribourg, Neuchatel & Jura

Valais

Bernese Oberland

Mittelland

Zurich

Central

Switzerland

Basel & Aargau

Northeastern Switzerland

Graubunden

Ticino

Liechtenstein

Directory

Transport

Health

Alternative Place

Names

Behind the Scenes

Index

World Time Zones