When one thinks of the great foodie destinations of Europe; Spain, Italy, and France seem to come to mind first. But Switzerland has culinary charms of its own. In addition to the renowned cheeses of the region (which hardly resemble the hole-ridden Swiss cheese of American supermarkets), Switzerland produces some of the finest chocolate in the world and local winemakers quietly create quality ... Read Full Article
Insider’s Guide to Bern
Regal and ethereal, the city of Bern (or Berne) looks as though it jumped out from a medieval picture book; this is probably because its streets and buildings have remained mostly untouched since the 1400s. Bern is one of the great Switzerland cities. It doesn’t hurt to have the Swiss Alps as backdrop, either; their peaks retain snow even in the summer. Uniquely, the city has sights that will ... Read Full Article
Grindelwald, Switzerland for Year-Round Adventure
The mountain town of Grindelwald is wreathed in the magic that only the Swiss Alps can provide. It’s the land where long-horned cows with giant brass bells lazily wander the slopes. Hollywood has tapped into the region’s natural beauty for films such as The Golden Compass and the James Bond movie, In Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Below are some tips to help guide you through Grindelwald, ... Read Full Article
Perfect Little Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland is one of those perfect little Alpine cities that could double as Santa Claus’ summer home. In fact, he probably does live there, near Albert Einstein’s old home and within laughing distance of the 'Zytglogge' so everyone can hear him enjoy the puppets and bells of the world famous clock tower. When Santa isn’t sitting around listening to the Zytglogge while ... Read Full Article
Insider’s Guide to Zurich
Insider Guide to Zurich Switzerland The old cliché remains true: Zürich, Switzerland runs as steadily as a Swiss watch. One of the most expensive cities in the world with a quality of life to match, Zürich is best known for its theaters, restaurants, nightclubs, and upscale shopping but there is more to see in Zurich. So here is our complete Insider's Guide to Zurich Switzerland that will help ... Read Full Article
A Jewel on Lake Lucerne: the Park Hotel Weggis
There are many beautiful resorts on the shores of Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, but the Park Hotel Weggis stands out as a jewel among all other hotels. Not only does this hotel possess a peaceful ambiance, but the service, food and spa are virtually unmatched. About Weggis The lakeside resort of Weggis is located on the sunny side of Mount Rigi. This area, known as the ... Read Full Article
Zermatt, Switzerland: a Mile-high Playground
Few places in the world have the utter charm of Zermatt, Switzerland. Tucked into a high valley at 1,682 meters (5,520 feet--almost a mile), and surrounded by magnificent alpine scenery, the little Swiss town near the Italian border cherishes its long mountaineering tradition. Zermatt was “discovered” in the mid-19th century by British climbers who were eager to meet the challenge of ... Read Full Article
Mystery of the Black Madonna
The History of the Black Madonna The Black Madonna has been a figure of mystery for centuries. Some say she’s simply a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from black wood, or perhaps has soot on her skin from the smoke of thousands of candles. But speculation goes much deeper than that. Throughout Europe, especially in France, about 500 Black Madonnas, painted or carved in wood or stone, stand ... Read Full Article
An Insider’s Guide to Basel, Switzerland
Located on the banks of the Rhine, at the border between Switzerland, France and Germany, Basel is a culturally rich city. It is home to world-class museums, outdoor sculptures, theaters, and concert halls. Basel also hosts Art Basel, an international art show for modern and contemporary artists that draws over 60,000 visitors to the city during the four-day event. And, tourists flock to ... Read Full Article
Geneva Switzerland’s Bohemian Les Paquis Neighborhood
When one hears the name “Geneva,” images of a large lake, high-end shops and pristinely manicured public parks typically come to mind. However, there is a more eclectic side to Geneva that many tourists never experience: Les Pâquis. Once used as a wide-open area for grazing cattle, Les Pâquis is now Geneva’s most eclectic neighborhood. The eight square block area bordered by Parc Mon- ... Read Full Article