Welcome to Switzerland You will find lots of information about Switzerland, the Swiss, our Culture and much more. Feel free to search through our databases for information. Contact us and we'll answer your questions.

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Enjoy Switzerland!

CLIMATE
Average Temperatures		Average Annual Precipitation
Bern	Lugano	Bern	Lugano
January 0° C 32° F	January 2° C 36° F	990 mm (40 in)	1750 mm (69 in)
July 19° C 65° F	July 22° C 71° F

On the plateau and lower valleys of Switzerland a temperate climate prevails, with a mean annual temperature of about 10° C (about 50° F). The temperature decreases about 2° C (about 3° F) for every additional 300 m (about 1000 ft) of elevation. Precipitation also varies considerably according to elevation. Precipitation on the plateau and in the lower valleys is about 910 mm (about 36 in) annually; the higher regions generally receive more precipitation. Much of the precipitation occurs during the winter in the form of snow; the peaks of most mountains about 2700 m (about 9000 ft) or higher are snow-covered throughout the year. Large glaciers are at higher elevations, especially in the Alps. The bise, a cold, northerly wind, predominates in the winter, and the foehn, a warm, dry southeasterly wind, predominates during the rest of the year.

LAND
Area	Highest Point	Lowest Point
41,288 sq km (15,941 sq mi)	Dufourspitze, 4634 m (15,203 ft)	Lake Maggiore, 194 m (636 ft)

Public Transport System

How to get around
The public transportation system is one of the best in the World. You can get to almost all places by public transport. If trains dont go to a village, then the yellow buses, called "Postauto" and run by the national post service, will take you there. Tickets can be bought in any train station.

The service has it's price though. a distance from about 25 kilometers, can cost you up to 20 swiss Francs. If you are traveling within Europe, it's worth looking into interrail or euro domino. offers can be seen at the swiss trains webpage: interrail | euro domino

If you are planing on travelling an extendet time in switzerland, or if your tickets cost more than sFr. 300.-. you can look into a "half price ticket" (cost: 150.- for one year), where you only pay half price on any train and bus fares. see halbtax

Transportation
Switzerland has about 5030 km (about 3126 mi) of railroad track, of which about 60 percent is owned and operated by the government; almost all the federally owned system has been electrified. Most of the rail traffic between France and Italy passes through Switzerland. Buses connect the more inaccessible regions. Roads totaled about 71,120 km (about 44,190 mi) in the early 1990s, and about 3.9 million motor vehicles were in use, of which more than 78 percent were passenger cars. A national system of expressways was under construction; by the early 1990s 82 percent of the system's planned 1854 km (1152 mi) had been completed.

There are three Alpine highway tunnels, including the 16.3-km (10.1-mi) Saint Gotthard Pass tunnel, which was the longest highway tunnel in the world. There are also numerous railway tunnels through the Alps, with more being planned to alleviate highway traffic. In February 1994 Swiss voters addressed air and noise pollution issues by narrowly approving a controversial referendum banning all heavy truck traffic passing through Switzerland. The ban, heavily criticized by many European governments but also hailed as an important environmental measure, will go into effect in the year 2004 and will shift all large trucks traveling through the country to flatbed railroad cars.

Summer and Adventure Sports in Switzerland

Sport is the most popular activity in the spare time of Swiss people. There are a lot of sport clubs called ".... Vereine". There is almost no sport you can not play in a Verein.
Another popular destination for recreation are the mountains. Hiking, biking, climbing and skiing/snowboarding are the most activities done in the mountains. However, there is lots more to discover up in the mountains, such as adventuresports. The most popular places for tourists are found in the resort or regions section.

Swiss Reicipies

Switzerland has a very distinct kitchen. The favorite ingredient is of course cheese. Besides the cheese dishes (Fondue, Racclette), there are various specialties from the four different language regions of Switzerland. Almost every bigger town within those four language regions has it's own special dish. The dishes go from Zürigschnetzlets to St.Gallerschüblig to the famous Tessiner Risotto. The list is long and it's best to try all the different dishes in a small, non touristy restaurant, where you'll get the real thing... Besides all the main dishes, there are various desserts and chocolates which Switzerland is famous for. Chocolate is a must...

• Swiss "french" salad dressing
• Apple Pie
• Basler brunsli
• Beer Bread
• Carrot Cake
• Cheese and Onion Pie
• Chocolate fondue a la chalet suisse
• Cookies
• Engadiner nusstorte (engadine nut-cake)
• Fasnachtskiechli / carnival treats
• Gusstorte
• Ham and Swiss Rolls
• Kloesschensuppe / little dumpling soup
• Maluns / long-fried potatoes (Graubuenden style)
• Oven Omlett
• Raclette (swiss melted cheese with potatoes )
• Roast
• Roesti (swiss-style potato cake)
• Salmon basel style
• Solothurner Hazelnuts Cake
• Spaetzli or spaetzle (egg noodles)
• Stuffed mushroom caps
• Swiss Cheese Kugel
• Swiss Tomatoes
• Swiss-Sauced Broccoli
• Toggenburger Schlorziflade
• Zeughauskeller potato salad

Inexpensive Cellular Service in Switzerland is Possible!

Switzerland, among other things, is known for its beautiful settings, unsurpassed skiing, precision timepieces, political neutrality…and high prices. Until recently, the expensive cellular service options available for tourists and businessmen travelling to Switzerland was no exception. Luckily, there are now alternatives that permit virtually anyone to afford cell phone service while in Switzerland.

Generally speaking, cellular coverage in Switzerland is exceptional. You will find that even in remote villages or on mountaintops there is usually cell phone coverage. Not only is the coverage exceptional, but so is the quality. In Switzerland, as in most countries in the world, the cell phone standard used is the GSM standard (Global System for Mobile Communications). Unlike the United States, the vast majority of overseas countries has adopted this system in order to provide seamless cell phone service from country to country. The GSM standard has been the standard of choice due to its high digital quality and ability to add different platforms to it, such as GPRS and 3GSM. In fact, only recently have cell phone service providers begun to seriously adopt the GSM standard in the US. Does this mean that you can use your US or Canadian cell phone overseas? Most likely, the answer is no. While the majority of overseas providers use either the 900 and/or the 1800 Mhz network for cellular communication, North American providers use the 1900 Mhz network. However, these providers who do happen to use the GSM network also offer cellular phones that will work on all of the networks. In fact, these phones, known as tri-band cell phones, are becoming more and more prevalent. If your current cell phone does not have this capability, you will need to either rent or purchase a cellphone that will work on the overseas networks. Your current cellular provider can give you what is known as a SIM card, which is the brain of the phone, that you can easily slip into the GSM phone. This way, you will be able to retain your current phone number in the US or Canada even while overseas. Bear in mind that you will be paying high roaming fees so, while it may be convenient to be able to keep your US or Canadian number, you will be paying these high rates for the non-essential calls that you are likely to receive. Roaming with your current provider is usually most suitable for the business traveler who absolutely needs to be reachable at a particular number – at any expense.

If you don't currently use a cell phone here, you can also rent one either at the airport prior to your departure or once you land in Switzerland. While both of these options are readily available, they are definitely not the least expensive approach to having cell phone communication whilst in Switzerland - or any other overseas destination for that matter. Cell phone rental companies usually charge a rental fee for the handset, plus on average about $2 per minute for the airtime and usually there are minimum use requirements. You will usually receive a UK phone number through a cell phone rental company.

By far, the least expensive solution, yet also the less known, is to purchase a prepaid Swiss SIM card and to either rent or purchase a GSM cell phone for the US and/or overseas (in other words, a cellphone that uses 900/1800 Mhz at the very least or a tri-band - 900/1800/1900 Mhz if you would like to use the phone in North America as well). Having a Swiss SIM card will allow you to take advantage of the local rates as the Swiss do, which, not only are a fraction of those found through traditional channels as explained above but, will also allow you to receive unlimited free incoming calls from anywhere in the world! Rates to the US are approximately $0.45 and domestic rates are slightly higher. You will get a Swiss cell phone number which means that while you are getting free incoming calls, people calling you from overseas will be paying long distance fees.

Although you will have a different phone number than your domestic one, you can still receive your calls without having to tell everyone in your address book what your phone number is. Simply leave a message on your voice mail with your new Swiss cell phone number and ask people to use that. Also, if you purchase your SIM card prior to your departure, such as through Cellularabroad, not only will you know your number in advance but you can start using your phone just as soon as you arrive in Switzerland.

In sum, there are 3 options for attaining cell phone service, the first, roaming with your current provider, may be suitable for some businessmen. The second solution, may be viewed mostly as a last minute resort since the main advantage is that there are cell phone rental agencies in most international airports. The third option, allowing you to pay the rates that the locals pay and thanks to the low rates, including unlimited free incoming calls, is for suitable for anyone – and leaves you just that much more cash for the Rolex you always wanted.

Restaurants in Switzerland

The density of restaurants in Switzerland is high. The variety is very broad, as many different cultures in Switzerland run restaurants with their national specialities. In Zürich. you can easely eat out every night and not have to pick the same nationality for a cupple of weeks.
Eating aout in restaurants doesn't require any special knowledge, exept the "Stammtisch" and the "Tipping" rules.
The Stammtisch is the table reserved for the regulars. It's a no no to take your seat there.
Tipping is not compulsary in Switzerland. If you liked the Service, it's a nice gesture to do so and very much appreciated. Usually 5 - 10%.

Cruising's Cool for Tiny Travelers

by Fran Falkin

Planning to cruise with a Tiny Traveler? Here's the information you need on babysitting and childcare options.

While a cruise vacation is a dream for many families, those with infants and toddlers may be confused about which lines will welcome the diaper set aboard, and provide care for them. While most ships offer elaborate activities for school age children and even teens, baby care and toddler programs are not as widespread. Here is what you can expect from the most popular family-cruise lines for your tiny cruisers:

Carnival Cruises
Mates as young as 2-years-old can attend Camp Carnival daily from 9am until 10pm and take part in fingerpainting, story time, puppet shows, picture bingo games and more fun activities. Don’t worry if your toddler hasn’t mastered potty training quite yet - just provide the staff with diapers and wipes. While children under 2-years cannot participate in Camp, they can enjoy their own "Fun" programs including family play time where parents can accompany their little ones to the playroom during designated times. After Camp hours, babysitting is available from 10pm until 3am at just $6/hr. Got a picky eater? On Carnival Cruises, toddlers receive a special menu with all their favorite foods, and you don’t have to bring your stroller onboard because you can rent one for a modest fee.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises comprehensive X-Club Youth Program is available daily from 9am to 10pm in the Fun Factory where there are lots of options for Tiny Travelers. Potty-trained 3 to 6-year-olds, under the supervision of trained Youth Counselors, enjoy arts’n’crafts, t-shirt decorating, treasure hunts, games, movies, ship tours and Play Stations. Toddlers under 3-years-old are also welcome in the Fun Factory provided that they are joined by a parent, and there are special Toddler Times set aside, when parents with young babies can come together and meet each other.

Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers a Toddler Time program to potty-trained children as young as 3-years-old. The fun starts in the children’s own onboard playroom called Fantasia to participate in games, storytime arts’n’crafts, PlayStation and other activities during select sailings, typically during the summer and holiday sailings. Additionally, under the direction of Junior Activities Directors, even little kids enjoy pool Olympics, scavenger hunts and fashion shows in age-appropriate groupings. Moms and Dads can borrow children’s books and videos from the onboard Library for in-room use and private babysitting can be arranged through the concierge. Please note that Crystal Cruises does not accept children under 6-months-old on board, and reserves the right to limit those under age 3.

Cunard Line
Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 both welcome Tiny Travelers onboard. On the QE2, the complimentary Nursery, staffed by British nannies who have earned their titles from the NNEB, (the British nanny certification program) care for children from 12-months to 7-years-old. A quiet space with cribs and cots is used for napping, while the play area is full of toys, games and books. The Nursery is open from 8am to 6pm (closed during lunch) and evening babysitting is available after 6pm.

The Nursery on the QM2 is open to children from 12-months-old, although infants under age 1 are welcome too, if they come with a parent or guardian, who must remain with them. Trained nannies care for the younger set, while the Youth Staff entertains the older children. In-room private babysitting is not available, but evening group babysitting is available in the children’s center.

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are equipped for children of all ages. Beginning with the Flounder’s Reef Nursery, babies from 12-weeks to 36-months-old enjoy the undersea world decorated à la Little Mermaid. After playing in the “activity area,” they can nap in the “quiet room,” and mom and dad can be reached by pager if needed. Age appropriate groups begin at age 3 and entertain potty-trained children with non-stop activities from 9am to midnight. There is no private babysitting on board. The Oceaneer Club focuses on ages 3-7 with characters from Simba to Aladdin to Tarzan and the Mouseketeers. While non potty-trained toddlers are not allowed in the onboard pools, they enjoy fountain play near the Mickey Pool.

Holland America Line
Toddlers from age 3 are welcome to join Club HAL and participate in a full program of fun activities. (Please note that Club Hal begins at age 5 on the ms Prinsendam.) Under the direction of permanent, full-time trained Youth Program Directors in a colorful playroom, potty-trained kids do art projects, play games and enjoy a big-screen TV. Evenings from 10pm to 12am, group babysitting is available for a small fee in the Club. Private babysitting may be arranged through the Front Desk, but is not routinely offered. Reserve your high chairs, booster seats and cribs in advance as supplies are limited.

MSC Cruises
The ship's Mini-Club accepts children from age 3 for arts’n’crafts, baby-dance, games and more under the supervision of trained counselors. Toddlers under 3-years-old are welcome if a parent or caregiver remains with them.

Norwegian Cruise Line
As part of their Freestyle Cruising, NCL offers Freestyle Family Fun which includes group childcare from age 2 on up. The Youth Staff are all CPR and First Aid certified and are "experts" in fun. Activities include storytelling, painting, age appropriate activities and games, and an area provided for quiet time. Your toddler need not be potty trained to participate, but you will be notified by beeper when diaper changing is required. As the beepers only work onboard, one parent must remain on during shore excursions to attend to toddlers needing diaper changing or an occasional hug. There is no private or in-cabin babysitting available, but group sitting is available in the Kid’s Crew facility from 10pm to 1am for a fee.

Princess Cruises
On Princess Cruises, the Fun Zone is open to junior cruisers starting at age 3. The youngest group, the Princess Pelicans, entertains kids up to age 7 with arts’n’crafts, movies and cartoons, dance parties and more in the toddler play area. Pelicans must be potty-trained to participate, but kids under 3, or those needing diaper changing can play at the Fun Zone if accompanied by a parent at all times. There is no private babysitting in the cabins, but group babysitting is available in from 7pm to 1am for a fee. Before you book, take note that youth programs on Tahitian or Pacific Princess ships only run if there are 20 or more children ages 3-17 years old on a voyage. All other vessels come with equipped Youth and Teen Centers.

Royal Caribbean International
The Adventure Ocean Youth Program on Royal Caribbean’s fleet invites babies from 6-months-old. Aqua Babies (6-18 months) and Aqua Tots (18-36 months) along with a parent or caregiver, are welcome to join in on a series of activities developed by the folks at Fisher-Price. At 45-minute sessions, hosted by trained Youth Staff, babies are introduced to shapes, numbers, letters, musical instruments, and other concepts through play. Moms and Dads can pick up some pointers to bring home with them. Aquanauts is the group for potty-trained 3-to-5-year-olds and it is available daily from 9am to noon, 2 to 5pm and 7-10pm, as well as on port days. Here, pre-schoolers explore science and art, listen to stories and play games under the direction of trained staff. Babysitting for children at least 1-year-old is available for a fee and is offered both in the group setting and individually in your stateroom, booked through the Guest Relations Desk at least 24 hours in advance.