Fraumünster Church

City/Region: Zurich

Of the church spires that characterize Zurich's skyline, the thin blue spire of Fraumünster is the most graceful. Overlooking the historic old square of Münsterhof, the former pig market, the church was founded in 853 and its convent inhabited by German noblewomen until the 13th century. Important architectural features include the Romanesque choir and the enormous elaborate organ, but its chief attractions are the five beautiful stained glass windows designed by the 83-year-old Marc Chagall in 1970.

The Swiss National Museum

City/Region: Zurich

Housed in a castle-like building with a distinctive tower, The Swiss National Museum provides a fascinating look at Swiss culture and history and contains a comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Stone Age to modern times. There are works of art, everyday articles such as medieval drinking bowls and costumes, toys, a section on book-inscribing in the Middle Ages, carved altar pieces and stained glass windows from ancient convents and churches, and the wheels found in Zurich that are believed to be the first ever discovered. There is also an exhibit on Swiss clock making, and a weapons and armour display providing insight into methods of Swiss combat from 800 to 1800. Special exhibitions are held annually on themes relevant to Swiss society.

The Rhine Falls

City/Region: Zurich

An excellent day trip from Zurich and close to the town of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) is the largest and most powerful waterfall in Europe, impressive not so much for its height of 75ft (23m), but more for the mighty volume of water thundering over its broad breadth. This magnificent natural wonder is especially remarkable during late spring when the snowmelt adds to its volume. On the hill above the falls is a medieval castle, Schloss Laufen, housing a restaurant, shops and a youth hostel. Rainbow-colored mists rising from the forest and encircling the castle create an enchanting atmosphere. In summer one of the highlights of a visit to the falls is a boat trip across the white-water of the cataracts to the Center Rock, with a short climb up some stairs to the top for an exhilarating view of the rushing water. Breathtaking views can also be enjoyed from three different lookout platforms along a path leading from the castle. The Känzeli Lookout, with a protruding platform at the base of the falls, is the most spectacular. The Rhine Falls is host to the fantasticfireworks display held on Swiss National Day (August 1) that attracts thousands of spectators every year.

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)

City/Region: Geneva

The largest lake in central Europe and shared by both Switzerland and France, the romantic waters of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to its French-speaking inhabitants) have for decades drawn visitors to its shores. Attracted by the alpine panorama, quaint wooden chalet villages, vineyard-covered slopes and sailboats skimming across the blue waters, many famous writers, musical composers, actors and poets came to settle on the shores and the area has become something of an inspiration to the arts. Situated in the westernmost district of Vaud, the region contains a diversity of attractions and activities, from wine-growing villages and mountain ski resorts, picturesque castles, and magnificent cathedrals, to low-key lakeside resorts, boat cruises, and cosy fireside pots of fondue. Sophisticated shopping and cultural life can be found in the cities of Geneva and Lausanne, with sweeping views across the sparkling lake to the Alps and the distinctivepinnacle of Mont Blanc. Among the vineyards and affluent villas clinging to the slopes lie the lakeside towns of Vevey and Montreux, the pearls of the Swiss Riviera. Scenic winding roads stretch along the shores, and train trips offers outstanding views, while below steamers crisscross the waters of Lake Geneva, offering a variety of ways to experience the splendor of its location.

Lausanne

City/Region: Geneva

Picturesquely located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the youthful and energetic city of Lausanne is built above the lake on a sequence of tiers connected by a small metro. The upper or Old Town contains the grand Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame; its turreted towers a well-known symbol of the city. The lower town on the lakeshore was once the small fishing village of Ouchy and is now the prime waterfront area with outdoor dining and cafes, promenades and sporting activities. The gardens around the Quay d'Ouchy are home to the city's foremostattraction, the Olympic Museum, containing a wealth of sporting memories and a collection of unique objects pertaining to the Olympic Games from its beginning until the present. Lausanne relishes its importance as the Olympic World Capital and headquarters of the International Olympic Committee.

Château de Chillon

City/Region: Geneva

One of the best-maintained medieval castles in Europe, the 13th century Château de Chillon is the most visited historical building in Switzerland. With its stunning lakeside location near the chic town of Montreux, jutting out into the water and framed by mountains, it is one of the more frequently photographed castles in Europe. An important fortress in the Middle Ages, it was strategically positioned to control the narrow passage between mountains and lake protecting the major north-south route. It was also the favorite summer residence of the Counts of Savoy. Later it served as a state prison. Visitors can tour the dungeons where the castle's most famous prisoner was chained for four years, the priest François Bonivard, a supporter of the Reformation. The fortress became famous when Lord Byron wrote about Bonivard's fate in an inspired poem entitled Prisoner of Chillon. Besides the dungeons, visitors can wander round the towers and courtyards, discover narrow secret passages, and see the grand knight's halls, frescoed chapel, luxurious bedchambers and rooms containing medieval weapons, furniture and paintings.

Luzern

City/Region: Bernese Oberland

Situated at the heart of one of the most scenic regions in Switzerland, Luzern sits at the tip of the oddly shaped Lake of Luzern and straddles the Reuss River, with superb mountain views, lake cruises and a picturesque old medieval town. Together with the many villages scattered around the lake, the medieval city guarded the main pass on the route between northern and southern Europe. The two surviving covered bridges are remains of its fortifications, most famously the wooden Chapel Bridge with its roof paintings. The Lion Monument, a moving sculpture hewn out of a cliff-face to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died in the French Revolution, is another of the city's well-known landmarks. The car-free medieval quarter with its painted facades, towers and squares; the charming quayside fruit and vegetable market, and the outstanding Transport Museum are just some of the reasons to visit Luzern, as well as it being an ideal base for excursions around the lake and into the beautiful surrounds.

Bern

City/Region: Bernese Oberland

According to legend, Bern was named when its founder, Berchtold, was advised to go on a hunt and to name the town after the first beast caught. The bear has remained the symbol of the capital city ever since. One of the oldest and most charming cities in Europe, its old center was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site for the preservation of its cobbled medieval street plan, with many ornate fountains, towers, a massive astronomical clock, and buildings much the same as they have been for the last 500 years. With its relaxed atmosphere, farmers markets and friendly people, it is easy to forget that this is the Swiss capital, an important city of politicians and international meetings. And with its interesting museums, theaters, long-standing monuments and landmarks Bern is a popular base from which to explore the mountains and lakes of the nearby Bernese Oberland.
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