The Beauty of Switzerland

One of the stops on your Musicians Abroad summer adventure will include Switzerland, a landlocked country located in Central Europe, known for its beauty, picturesque landscapes, high quality of life and neutrality in international conflicts.

Switzerland is characterized by its stunning natural scenery, including the Alps in the south, which are popular for skiing and hiking and rolling hills and lakes in the north. The country is bordered by France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Switzerland has a unique political system based on direct democracy, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making through referendums. The country is a federal state, comprising 26 cantons, each with its own constitution and government. The Swiss Franc is the currency of the country.

The official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. Different regions of the country are predominantly associated with different languages. Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its multilingual population and history. It is famous for its contributions to art, music, and cuisine, including Swiss chocolate and cheese.

Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Villars and Zermatt are some of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, known for their stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Lucerne

Situated in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is a famous 870-foot-long wooden bridge dating back to the 14th century, adorned with beautiful paintings. A poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution, The Lion Monument, is a popular photo spot.

Old Town (Altstadt) is characterized by well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant squares and charming streets. Lucerne is home to various museums, such as the Swiss Museum of Transport and the Richard Wagner Museum, showcasing Swiss culture and history. Lake Lucerne offers boat cruises, swimming and various water sports, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is easily accessible from Lucerne, with several options including the steepest cogwheel railway in the world from Alpnachstad or the aerial cableway from Kriens. The mountain rises about 2,132 meters (6,997 feet) above sea level, providing panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne.

Numerous trails offer hiking opportunities for different fitness levels, with paths offering breathtaking vistas. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking, while in winter, it’s a popular spot for skiing and sledding. The summit features several viewpoints, and visitors can dine at restaurants with stunning views.

Mount Pilatus is linked to various legends, including tales of dragons and the name “Pilatus,” possibly derived from a Latin term meaning “place of the pile.”

Villars-sur-Ollon is a charming resort village located in the Vaud region of Switzerland, within the Alps, situated at an elevation of about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) and is part of the larger area known as the Vaud Alps. It provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Mont Blanc on clear days.

Villars is known for its wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking, climbing and paragliding. Villars has a mix of traditional Swiss chalets and modern hotels, maintaining its charming alpine character. The village hosts various cultural and seasonal events, including markets, festivals, and outdoor concerts throughout the year.

Zermatt

Zermatt, the enchanting mountain village in Valais, is synonymous with the Matterhorn, probably the most famous mountain in the world. Its beauty in both summer and winter amazes the visitor. You will also be stunned by the idyllic charm that the village radiates. Located in the southwest of Switzerland, this car-free town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Switzerland, especially because of the Matterhorn.

Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse is home to many cafés, restaurants, shops and souvenir shops. The town has over 100 hotels and many chalets, but no large hotel buildings. The Matterhorn Museum, Zermatlantis, offers exciting facts about the history and ascent of the Matterhorn and the development of Zermatt. It is impossible to escape the majestic beauty of the Matterhorn at 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) above sea level. Visitors can see the mountain from the village, from the church square or from the church bridge. A self-guided ascent of the Matterhorn should only be attempted by experienced alpinists.

Your time in Switzerland will provide great shopping and unforgettable views almost inconceivable to the human eye. Make time to capture as many images possible of this unbelievable landscape.