The best ski resorts in the world, ancient castles and magnificent chateaus are looking forward to visiting next tourists from Russia. A few days surrounded by the snowy Alps will be the best winter adventure of your life. Today we have to travel from Moscow to one of the most attractive countries in Europe. We will tell you how to get to Switzerland, and which of the proposed methods will appeal to domestic travelers.

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How to apply for a visa to Switzerland yourself - read our article.

The easiest, fastest, but not the cheapest way to find yourself in the company of magnificent mountain ranges is by air. To find the best flights for air travel, we will again use the already familiar service aviasales.ru.

How to get from the airport to Zurich - a detailed guide.

Today regular flights Both aircraft of the domestic carrier Aeroflot and aircraft of European companies fly in this direction. Let's try to find the cheapest and most timely offer. Let us immediately note that you can fly to Switzerland either in economy class or sitting comfortably in a soft business class seat, which is so loved by many businessmen and other wealthy Russians. Accordingly, the range of offers from companies is replete with attractive offers of direct flights and more economical flights with transfers.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of low-cost airlines flying from Moscow to Europe.

So, the most budget option is the offer of the company Pegasus, the cost of which will be only 8900-9400 rubles. True, you will have to spend at least 23 hours on the road, 16.5 of which are waiting for a transfer in Istanbul.

Read our article about what to do and where to go in Switzerland with children.

By paying only 700-1100 rubles, you can find yourself in the cabin of a Brussels Airlines aircraft, which will fly you to the treasured Alps in just 6-7.5 hours. In this case, you will also have to make one transfer in Brussels.

There are also direct flights from Sheremetyevo to Geneva Airport. The domestic company Aeroflot is ready to offer its services to tourists, the cost of a flight on an airplane will be 12,300 rubles. As you can see, the difference in cost is insignificant, and travel time is reduced to 3 hours 45 minutes! Daily flights are scheduled at 10:05 am, 16:20 and 19:00 pm.

By paying a little extra for comfort, you can find yourself in the cabin of a Swiss plane, the ticket for which will cost 4-5 thousand rubles more. At the same time, you will not be able to get to the outskirts of the Alps faster, because the time spent in the sky will be 3 hours 50 minutes.

Are you planning to celebrate New Year or Christmas in Switzerland? Then our life hack will help you.

Train

On this moment There is no direct railway connection between Russia and Switzerland. Therefore, for those who like to travel by train, there is only an alternative in the form of transit trips through France, Germany and Austria. You can get to the capitals of these countries from Russia by bus, train or plane, so we will not dwell in detail on the choice of routes.

Once you are in Paris, make sure to purchase an express ticket to Zurich, which departs every two hours. The first train departs from the Paris platform at 7:09 a.m. local time, and the last is scheduled for 6:55 p.m. You will spend 4 hours on such a trip. There is also an alternative route by which you can get from Paris to Geneva. Five times a day from the central railway station There is a direct train from Paris to Geneva, which will take you to your final destination in just 3 hours 15 minutes.

By train you can reach Geneva, Basel or Zurich from Berlin and from Vienna. Thus, direct trains depart from Berlin to Basel, but to Geneva and Zurich you will have to travel with transfers. Depending on the route, you will spend from 8 to 11 hours on the road. From Vienna you can get to Zurich by one of six express trains, and the journey will take approximately 8-8.5 hours.

Check the prices of all tickets on the official websites. As elsewhere, if you buy your ticket in advance, you can save a lot of money.

Bus

Unfortunately, there are no direct bus services to Swiss Alps from Russia is also not provided. If you like to travel, we recommend using a mixed route, which runs either through Germany or through Austria. The cost of the trip cannot be called modest, and the travel time will be from two to three days, which not all tourists will like.

Now you know how to get to Switzerland from Russia, and what transport will save not only time, but also money. We advise you to carefully think through the entire route so that the trip does not result in large financial losses.

The small area of ​​Switzerland contains an incredibly rich diversity of nature and landscape. The most low point is located on the shores of Lake Lago Maggiore in Ticino (194 m above sea level), and the highest is Pic Dufour in the canton of Wallis
(4634 m).

The Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura Mountains represent the three geographical regions of Switzerland.

The plateau is the calling card of the country with picturesque landscapes and villages. His blue Lakes and the emerald hills between Lake Geneva and Lake Constance have attracted people for a long time, which contributed to a fairly high population density (and even the highest in Europe) - on average per 1 sq.m. accounts for 450 people. Thus, the landscape here is quite urbanized, and human presence is felt everywhere. This region occupies a major place in the country's economy - industry is concentrated here, a huge number of road and railway communications are concentrated, cattle breeding and agriculture are developed (livestock farming is the main branch of agriculture), construction is actively developing - two-thirds of the territory is already built up. However, people, trying to preserve the natural beauty of these places, are actively increasing the amount of green space here.

If the Plateau is the economic center of the country, then the Alps are its heart; the main qualities of the inhabitants’ mentality, traditions and customs were formed here. At the same time, this region occupies most territory of the country and extends for 200 km. The Alps determine the climate and vegetation and at the same time are the continental divide, and it is here that 60% of Switzerland's tourism business is concentrated (mainly ski tourism).

And finally, the Jura - a limestone mountain range stretching from Lake Geneva to the Rhine. There is a rather picturesque folded topography with alternating ridges and valleys with mountain streams. The name of the mountains was given by the results of excavations - numerous remains of dinosaurs of the Jurassic period.

Despite the country's small size, this does not prevent it from achieving high levels in various fields. Along with London and New York, the Confederation is the world's largest financial center, home to about 10% of the world's capital. It is also one of the world's leading countries in the fields of science, technology and education. The main areas of scientific research are chemistry, pharmaceuticals, electrical and metal industries. Switzerland leads the ranking of innovation activity European countries"European Innovation Union Scoreboard 2011" and ranks first in competitiveness at the World Economic Forum, thanks to the economic and political stability and security of doing business in the Confederation. It is one of the most expensive, but also the richest countries. Switzerland entered the top ten best countries for living in the 2009 UN report on the standard of living in 182 countries of the world (according to the website aprofiltraders.ru).

Automobile

You can get to Switzerland quite easily by car - many high-speed routes with excellent equipment provide connections between the country and neighboring countries. European states. We will have to travel through Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Climate

The climate of Switzerland is mainly temperate continental, but varies in places depending on the region. A humid temperate climate prevails in the area north of the Alps, while in the area to the south there is a Mediterranean climate. The country's diverse structure contributes to numerous regional microclimates, and rainfall rates are above the European average.

From March to June and from September to December, the average temperature ranges from 5 to 22°C. In July and August, daytime temperatures range from 18 to 28°C, and in January-February – from –2°C to +7.C (in mountainous areas the values ​​drop to -10°C and below). Temperatures may vary depending on altitude. There is no excessive heat or humidity here. The southern part of Switzerland has subtropical vegetation and a very mild climate all year round. Strong north and south winds should be noted.

Cities of Switzerland

Berne

capital of Switzerland and administrative center of the canton of Bern with a population of about
300 thousand inhabitants. Here are the buildings of the Parliament (19th century) and the government of Switzerland, as well as some other significant objects - the main offices of the Swiss Post and Federal Railways and the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union (a special agency of the UN).
The history of Bern dates back to the 12th century; perfectly preserved historical Center is located on a peninsula formed by the Aare River. Local architectural buildings have the status of monuments of world significance and are included in the UNESCO List of sites. Bern's calling card is the endless arcades of ancient streets (the longest indoor shopping area in the world - shopping in any weather) and a huge number of fountains. The best view of the city will be given to you by the Rose Garden (Rosengarten), where in the warm season (from about May to August) you can admire 220 types of roses, as well as blooming irises, rhododendrons and azaleas. It will also be interesting for flora lovers Botanical Garden, and especially the Alpinum section, dedicated to the various types of vegetation of the Swiss Alps.
Walking through the center, pay attention to the Clock Tower (Zytglogge - 12th century) with an interesting astronomical clock (the main clock in Bern) and another pair of fairy-tale clocks, on which figures of animals appear before the chiming clock. Not far from the tower is the house-museum of Albert Einstein with interiors from the early 20th century. It is also worth visiting the ancient Bern Cathedral (Das Berner Münster - 15th century) - the highest in Switzerland, which also offers magnificent views not only of the city, but also the surrounding area, and even the snowy mountain peaks.
One version says that Bern got its name thanks to a bear, which became the first animal caught while hunting by the founder of the city, Berthold V von Zohringen. In support of the legend, the Bear Park (Bärenpark) was created on the green slopes to the Aare River - completely different from the usual zoo enclosure. Bears take quite large area overlooking Old city, feel at ease, swim in a long elongated pond, and visitors can get a good look at them from different angles.
Families with children will also be interested in the Paul Klee Zentrum Museum Center - an extraordinary creation modern architecture, housing both a large collection of works by Klee himself and the Creaviva Children's Museum, where parents and children can express their creativity in a special studio and immerse themselves in the world of art in a special interactive exhibition. You should familiarize yourself with the proposed program of events in advance on the website of the children's museum http://www.creaviva-zpk.org/en and the center itself http://www.zpk.org/.
For walks in nature, Gurtenpark is a good choice - a park on Mount Gurten, a 30-minute drive from the city, offering magnificent panoramic views of Bern from a higher altitude (864 meters above sea level), and to climb to the very top or descend from there you can use the funicular.

Zurich

The administrative center of the canton of the same name and the most Big City in the country by population; occupies the territory at the source of the Limmat River on Lake Zurich. It is both a cultural mecca and the financial center of the country. The city is a combination of tradition and innovation: medieval buildings coexist with high-tech buildings.
Take a stroll along the city's main thoroughfare, the busy Bahnhofstrasse, and from there head along Augustinerstrasse (the large multi-colored windows of ancient houses give it a special charm) to the Old Town. Be sure to pay attention to the Grossmünster Cathedral (Grossmünster - 12th century); St. Peter's Church (it has the largest tower clock in Europe (9th century)); Fraumunster Church (9th century) - famous for the largest organ in Zurich and beautiful stained glass windows by Marc Chagall; Explore the streets with handicraft and souvenir shops of the ancient Schipfe quarter, appreciate the view of the city from the Lindenhof observation deck. Connoisseurs of painting and sculpture should take the time to visit the Kunsthaus Museum, where works by Munch, Picasso, Monet, Chagall, and Swiss painting of the 19th and 20th centuries are stored. and medieval sculptures as well as modern works of art.

Geneva

Geneva has absorbed the spirit of a Mediterranean rather than a Swiss city. It is located on the banks of the big lake Western Europe, at the foot of the mountains, near the border with France. This elegant city with many magnificent parks has earned worldwide recognition as one of the largest centers of international diplomatic activity; traditional location of international organizations such as the UN, World Economic Forum, World Organization Health care, etc. Along with this, Geneva is the center of the watch industry. A watch fair is held here every year - the International Salon of Haute Horlogerie.
Of course, the city offers a huge variety of leisure options. Its symbol is the Jet d'Eau fountain on the lake with its jets reaching a height of 145 meters, and this spectacle is best observed from a place called Bains des Paquis, where the city beach is located, you can visit the sauna or just enjoy the beautiful view from a coastal cafe. One of the popular ways to spend time is also cruises on the lake, allowing you to appreciate the picturesque surroundings with views of Mont Blanc.In the old part, your attention will be attracted by St. Peter's Cathedral (12th century) - the cradle of the European reformation, the architecture of which combines two styles at once - Romanesque and Gothic (there There is also a museum of the Reformation. Also notable is the Reformation Wall (1917) with four giant statues the most famous representatives of that new faith, the reforming fathers - Calvin, Farel, Knox and Bez. You can get acquainted with the history of watches and view a collection of beautiful products from the 15th to the 20th centuries at the Patek Philippe Museum - to this day a world-famous prestigious brand.
The Place des Nations in the center of Geneva is like a solid work of modern art - all the elements that make up the harmonious ensemble at the Palais des Nations (UN headquarters) are so well thought out. Multi-colored granite slabs, dozens of fountains of different heights gushing out from under the ground, and in the center - the Broken Chair monument (1997) - also one of the symbols of Geneva, created in memory of the ban on anti-personnel mines and cluster bombs.
A unique and undoubtedly beautiful creation is the flower clock, created in 1955 and combining 6,500 different flowers and plants that change depending on the season. The watch shows time with Swiss precision, its diameter is 5 meters, and the length of the second hand is 2.5 meters.

Basel

Located on the border of three countries, Switzerland, Germany and France, the city carefully preserves traditions and is considered one of the centers national art, music and architecture, and is also a venue for various fairs and congresses. Basel's historical attractions include the market square, the ornate sandstone town hall and gothic cathedral. In addition, there is a lot modern buildings, created by famous architects - the city is open to everything new. Of the 40 local museums, there are a few must-sees: the Museum of Fine Arts Basel (one of the oldest collections of paintings), the Jean Tinguely Museum (unique metal sculptures), the Beiler Foundation Museum (various art collections and special exhibitions) and the Museum of Cultures (one of the largest collections in the world dedicated to life in European and non-European cultures). Pleasant walks will be provided by the parks and embankments of the Rhine, as well as contemplation of the Zoological Gardens - about 600 species of flora and fauna are collected on 11 hectares of land in the center of Basel.

A distinctive feature of Switzerland is the incredible fusion of cultures of three neighboring countries. Without leaving its borders, you can visit Germany, France and Italy and, thus, traveling around the country, see how amazingly different they are local kitchen, language, architecture, life and nature.

Eastern Switzerland offers its guests numerous lakes and snow-capped Alps. The unique charm of the region is given not only by the beauty of nature, but also by the towns and villages of Thurgau, which have preserved the spirit of the past, the interesting buildings of Appenzell with pointed roofs, the oldest wooden village in Switzerland, Werdenberg, and, of course, the center of the entire eastern part - St. Gallen. Of particular interest are the Rorschach Antique Car Museum and the Freuler Palace in Näfels.

Heading towards Lake Constance (Bodensee - second largest lake countries after Geneva), you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the protected nature of its beautiful hilly and sometimes rocky shores.
In the same area there is also Rhine Falls(Rheinfall), the water speed of which reaches 1100 cubic meters. meters per second, and nearby is the city of Schaffhausen with wonderful examples of architecture from the late Gothic, Rococo and Baroque periods. Directly from there the road can lead you to the Munot fortress (16th century) with very pleasant views of the city itself.

Finally, if you have free time, you can visit Switzerland’s dwarf neighbor in this direction - Principality of Liechtenstein(area 160 sq. km) with ancient capital Vaduz (the Old Town is interesting, the princely castle of the 9th century, a winery famous for both wines and architecture).

Lake Geneva region
These places have captivated many famous people, forcing me to abandon my plans and stay here longer. Mountain slopes with vineyards, the highest alpine peaks, wheat fields on the plain - an unforgettable sight that caresses the eye and soul. come to Lausanne- the administrative center of the canton of Vaud, after Geneva - the second cultural and economic center of the country and “the most Olympic of all cities.” Among the interesting things here is the Church of St. Francis in the Gothic style, old town hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, the castles of St. Mary and Beaulieu, the old bridges over Flon and Louvet, as well as the world's only Olympic Museum (extensive sports exhibition) and the Elysée Museum.

In the same region, at the foot of the Alps, on a rocky islet, lies Switzerland's most popular historical landmark - Chillon Castle, whose legends inspired Byron to write his famous poem “The Prisoner of Chillon.” This romantic structure seems to grow from the waters of the lake, and the history of its appearance goes back to the distant 12th century. In subsequent years, the castle developed, was built and changed, and currently the public is offered 25 buildings that make up the castle complex.
A piece of the region’s soul is also kept in the Aigle Castle (in the canton of Vaud), not far from the resort of Montreux. Connoisseurs will be pleased both by the beauty of the castle itself and by the museum of wine and viticulture, located right there and offering to trace the history of wines and winemaking.

And miraculous miracles await you in the Vallorbe Valley, between Lake Geneva and Neuchâtel, in the Jura Mountains, where The groundwater created stunning underground galleries of caves and grottoes.

Western Switzerland
For most locals, this part begins with the town of La Sarraz. A beautiful castle, turned into a museum, stands on a hill, and around there are hills, fields and green forests, and again charming cities and villages. The largest and picturesque lakes this region - Maggiore(212.3 sq. km) and Lugano(48.8 sq. km), as well as colorful valleys offer guests peace, sun, and lush, almost Italian vegetation. Pay attention to the Brissago Islands on Maggiore - the botanical parks on them with exotic and subtropical plants are extremely attractive. Well, on the lake shore one cannot help but mention the city of Locarno - a first-class resort with a large selection of luxury hotels and impeccable service, one of the sunniest places in Switzerland.

The blessed climate of the canton of Ticino allows you to grow beautiful Merlot on fertile, generous soil, and later get from it no less wonderful wine. The center of the canton is Lugano - it occupies an area between two mountains, and in clear weather it opens from the Alpine mountain road fabulous beauty panorama of the area right up to Milan. Lugano is a garden city, a city of numerous banks, congresses and, at the same time, museums, which has a completely different, southern atmosphere - casual and relaxed. The most unusual attraction here is a 10-minute ride from the station by train - the museum under open air“Switzerland in miniature” (his website www.swissminiatur.ch), where the entire country on a scale of 1:25 appears before you in full view, and everything is almost like the real thing: tiny trains run, mini-cable cars climb the mountains, and, Of course, architectural mini-monuments are presented here in all their glory. In addition, visit the city's Museum of Fine Arts, appreciate the beauty of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (15th century), admire the 16th century frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria and the Cathedral of San Rocco, breathe in the aromas of the products of the Alprose Chocolate Museum and choose entertainment of your choice on the shore Lake Lugano.

The capital of Ticino - Bellinzona - is a city of three castles. Having once been a bone of contention for Switzerland and the Milanese aristocracy, the city gradually became overgrown with powerful medieval defensive fortifications, which now occupy an honorable place on the list World Heritage UNESCO. Castelgrande Castle (12-13 centuries) towers over the old town in the west, to the east of it is Montebello (13-15 centuries) (one of the most beautiful castles in the country), and even higher, in the mountains, Sasso Corbaro ( 15 c).

The Canton of Valais is a gem that should not be missed when traveling through the region. This 130-kilometer valley in the middle of the Alpine mountain range is one of the deepest. Of course, skiing occupies the main place here, and evidence of this is the huge number first class resorts with large ski areas, perfectly prepared pistes for winter sports fans of any level and developed services - Verbier, Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Nendaz, Saas-Fee, Zermatt. However, the places are also incredibly popular in the summer. The favorite destination of climbers is the Matterhorn peak (4478 m), which has become a symbol of Switzerland, and, in addition, the Dufour peak (4634 m), the Dom (4545 m), the spectacular Aletsch glacier (length 23.6 km) and the Rhone glacier (area 17, 38 sq km!). Don't miss the opportunity to at least admire these wonders of nature.

Lucerne and Lake Lucerne
The city of Lucerne is called the gateway to Central Switzerland. There are interesting sights here, the most beautiful embankments lake of the same name, and nature has endowed this region with the mountains of Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, where you can climb on a guided tour. The medieval Chapel Bridge, decorated with paintings, is the central point of the city and at the same time one of the oldest in Europe. Also noteworthy is the ancient fortress wall and historical houses with frescoes on the facade in the Wine Square area, the Jesuit Church built in the Baroque style (17th century), the twin towers of the Hofkirche (the main church in the city), the panorama of Bourbaki (one of the largest circular artistic canvases in the world - 112 m). And it is here that the composition “The Dying Lion” is located, carved into the rock in honor of the feat of the Swiss Guard during the defense of the Tuileries Palace in 1792 - one of the most famous in Switzerland. And at the same time, while in Lucerne, guests can immerse themselves in a world of innovation and design, for example in the futuristic Culture and Business Center (KKL), which houses a museum of fine arts. You have the right to choose cruises along the lake or climb to the mountains to see stunning views of the lake and the city and its surroundings, or take the panoramic William Tell route from the lake to the Gotthard Pass, and then by train south to Ticino. Also interesting is the “Cherry Road” - to the countryside, to the homeland of Kirsch.

Bernese Highlands
Scattered along the shores of lakes Thun and Brienz, along the valleys and hills, are scattered charming Swiss villages with traditional colorful chalets, cozy guesthouses and hotels, and in the surrounding area - admirable examples of local art - castles and palaces turned into hotels. Around is a majestic mountain range - the peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, the Beatus and Sundlauenen caves, powerful waterfalls Giessbach, Trümmelbach and Reichenbach, Rosenlaui Glacier Canyon. The city of Meiringen with its Sherlock Holes Museum is noteworthy: Arthur Conan Doyle himself once spent a long time here. And right here a large number of high mountain resorts - Grindelwald, Mürren, Gstaad, Adelboden and others.

Grisons
This canton also has something to show its guests. Visit the oldest city in Switzerland - Chur (2500 BC), which, as a terminal for German, French and Benelux railway lines, is the starting point for trips to the mountains (panoramic trains Glacier Express and Bernina Express) or just rail travel . There is also its own winter and summer sports region, connected to the city by a ski lift. As the center of Romanesque Switzerland, Chur is home to three cantonal museums with collections of Alpine culture. From here you can travel around railway to the resorts of Klosters, Davos, Arosa, St. Moritz, the Surselva region, Engadin and Valposchiavo, by bus to Savognin and the valleys of Muster, Mesolcina and Bregaglia. to Benedictine monastery and museum in Disentis (8th century), Benedictine convent- a cultural monument protected by UNESCO (8th century), you can get acquainted with the typical buildings of the Engadin valley in Guarda and Splügen, and at the end take a walk along Swiss national park or explore the picturesque Via Mala gorge.

Friborg, Neuchâtel, Jura
The Yura is a huge natural Park, Where Northern part already borders France, and deep canyons begin in the south. The university Neuchâtel and the lake of the same name, surrounded by vineyards, a view from the Breuer valley to the bend of the Sarine river, the historical Bulle (commercial and Cultural Center region of Gruyères) and Gruyères (the place where the famous cheese is produced) are waiting for tourists! Also interesting are the ancient towns of Saint-Ursan on the Doubs River, La Chaux-de-Fonds (the birthplace of Le Corbusier, there is an international watch museum), Le Locle (the city of watchmakers), Estavaye-le-Lac ( old castle and an eccentric collection of frogs), Motier (Jura Art Museum and Music Box Museum), Romont (Swiss Glass Painting Museum) and La Neufville on Lake Biel. But the most important city in the region is medieval Friborg, the center of the canton of the same name, standing on a kind of border between German and French cultures, and therefore bilingual. More than 200 Gothic facades make up its historical center along with fortifications (14 towers and a city wall).

Things to do in Switzerland

As already mentioned, despite its small area, Switzerland has so many interesting and exciting things to do that tourists definitely won’t be bored. Decide what attracts you - and go ahead to adventures and impressions!

Of course, first of all, it is a mecca skiing and homeland mountaineering. High level service and comfortable conditions, as well as first-class prepared pistes guarantee excellent skiing from November to April, and in some resorts even in summer (Zermatt, Saas-Fee). The most popular resorts: Grindelwald, St. Moritz, Davos, Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, Crans-Montana. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, skating, sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular. The mountains often host fascinating snow sculpture festivals (Grindelwald), the classical music festival "Snow and Symphony", ice polo and cricket competitions, and a ski marathon (St. Moritz).

Another option for spending time is not so popular, but no less attractive, especially in the summer (June-September) - this holiday on crystal clear lakes. Thanks to the wide variety of bodies of water, vacationers can easily find a quiet corner, and will be rewarded with beautiful views in any place. If you wish, you can go fishing or go on a cruise, or just take a boat trip.

Don’t forget about the cleanest mountain air, which can have an amazing healing effect, especially in combination with bathing in mineral springs. Mountain resorts with ozone-rich air: Arosa, Davos, Interlaken, Leysin, Pontresina, St. Moritz, Zermatt. A balneological resorts With thermal waters- Baden, Bad Ragaz, Val d'Ilier, Yverdon-les-Baie, Leukerbad, Scuol, Charmey.

Also for fans active rest- nine national cycling routes, covering 3300 km throughout the country. Among them are trails of completely different difficulty levels: from simple roads with a slight slope along lakes and rivers for family outings to more sporty ones with steep descents for trained and experienced cyclists. Bicycle rentals are available both in cities and at almost any train station in Switzerland. This vehicle can be easily taken with you on a train, on a ski lift or on a boat, which indicates the enormous popularity of this type of transportation and helps you get real pleasure from traveling with a two-wheeled friend (see websites www.veloland.ch, www.swisstrails.ch, www.bikeswitzerlandrentals.com).

If you prefer to wander on foot, there are also well-thought-out hiking trails different levels of difficulty - for short walks on the plain and long hikes to snow-capped peaks, and at almost any time of the year (most routes are open in winter). Special signs will help you navigate your way and not get lost. However, for high climbs to the mountains or to the glacier, it is better not to neglect the services of a local guide.

For a more extreme holiday option, fly adventures: choose between paragliding, hang gliding or horseback riding hot-air balloon. At the resorts you will find equipment for rent, you can take flying lessons from a pro, or just be a passenger. It is best to do this at the resorts of Chateau d'E, Crans-Montana and Flims.

Coming down to earth, you can test yourself or practice your existing golf skills (some of the courses are located right in the Alps - for example, Crans-Montana). On the contrary, bungee jumping, rafting, and canyoning (rafting down mountain rivers on special boats) will help you get excited.

Transport. Features of traveling around Switzerland (toll roads, public transport, discounts)

The most convenient and safest opportunity to travel and explore Switzerland - Switzerland Travel System(Swiss Travel System, abbreviated STS), offering several types of travel tickets Swiss Pass(hereinafter referred to as SP), each of which meets the requirements of a certain category of travelers. Depending on how you want to travel around the country (by land, water or going up the mountains), you can take a train, bus, boat or funicular. SP allows you to move freely around the country for 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month, and is also active on legendary railway panoramic routes(trains Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Wilhelm Tell Express, Golden Pass Line and others - see) and on all types public transport in 37 Swiss cities. In addition, SP pass holders receive discounts on excursions to mountain peaks and for many other services.

The Swiss Flexi Pass (SFP) is valid for the number of days for which it is purchased within 1 month (3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days, which however do not have to be consecutive). On those days when you activate your ticket SFP, you will receive the same benefits as an SP travel pass holder.

Young people under 26 years of age can benefit from Swiss Youth Pass with 25% discount from full tariff(the benefits are again the same as for a full-price pass).

Ticket Swiss Transfer Ticket allows you to get to any destination in Switzerland and return back. The journey can begin at the Swiss border or at any Swiss airport and is valid for 1 month. The trip from the starting point to the final destination should be completed within one day, and there should be no unnecessary stops on the route - choose the shortest route.
Ticket Swiss Card- This is a kind of “extended” version of the Swiss Transfer Ticket. In addition to traveling to and from your destination, the passenger receives a 50% discount on all further travel by train, bus or boat.
If you are traveling with children, be sure to ask for the free STS Family Card. It provides children up to 16 years of age free pass in Switzerland, provided they are traveling with at least one parent.

If you plan to travel within one or two regions, it may be more profitable to purchase a regional pass (Regional Pass, Adventure Card or Tell Pass), which is valid within one of the following regions (names, prices and validity periods vary depending on the region actions -
see http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/tickets-en/ticket-overview.html):
1. Adventure Card in the regions of Upper Valais - Jury - Graubünden;
2. Regional Pass in the Lake Geneva - Alps region;
3. Pass - Grisons;
4. Regional Pass - Bernese Highlands;
5. Tell Pass – Central Switzerland

Any of the above-mentioned travel passes can be purchased at Swiss railway stations and at city tourist information centers (Tourist Information Office).

You can get detailed information about the STS system, prices and types of tickets on the company’s official website www.swisstravelsystem.com, where you can also develop the optimal route for upcoming trips around the country.

Swiss trains are modern, fast and comfortable, but your experience of the country may include... travel on traditional yellow “postal” buses- the amenities are also thought out here, there are separate types of travel cards and their own tourist routes in any Swiss region (www.postauto.ch)

If you prefer to drive yourself, then know that driving around here is a real pleasure. In every corner of the country, the quality of roads is excellent - the Swiss allocate large amounts of money for their maintenance. In the Alps, changing picturesque landscapes are accompanied by passages through mountain tunnels and bridges built over gorges. If there is a highway on the way (indicated on green signs), you need to purchase a vignette and place it under the windshield (sold at post offices, gas stations and at border checkpoints).

As we have already said, you can also make wonderful trips by bicycle or use it as the main mode of transportation - tourists have nine national cycling routes of different difficulty levels at their disposal. The links www.veloland.ch, www.swisstrails.ch, www.bikeswitzerlandrentals.com will help you get information on routes, services, rentals and prices.

Water transport They are especially popular among tourists, because traveling along the mirror-like surface of Swiss lakes has its own unique charm. The wide range of transport means includes both car and passenger ferries, as well as cruise ships, and small pleasure boats. Remember that Swiss Pass holders are free to travel. In addition to the berths, you can view the ship schedule at public transport stops, and purchase tickets at the ticket offices at the berths and directly on board.

Kitchen

Each region of Switzerland has its own gastronomic “zest” - products and dishes characteristic of this particular area.
The result of mixing different cultural traditions Swiss cuisine has also become. From the French part came traditional fondue (fondue - a mixture of melted cheese and wine with spices in a pot, into which pieces of bread or fruit are dipped on skewers) and raclette (raclette - specially fried cheese with potatoes); from German - excellent sausages and rösti (rösti - fried flatbread made from grated potatoes with various additives); from Italian - well-known pasta, pizza, risotto and other dishes.
Since compliance with the recipes and quality of original Swiss products is carefully monitored by special organizations, many of the products are awarded the quality mark, for example: Welsh rye bread, raclette, Grisons dried meat, Vaud sausages, St. Gallen pork sausages (bratwurst), etc.
You will certainly enjoy Zurich-style veal (Zuerich Geschnetzeltes), French-style smoked beef or pork, a variety of sausages, soups and salads, fish dishes from excellent trout or perch. For dessert - sweets, sugar buns, leckerli honey gingerbread, layered cherry pies, all kinds of cookies and excellent local chocolate. And you can wash down the deliciousness with the local excellent beer or equally tasty local wine (the best are from the canton of Valais, the Lake Geneva region and the canton of Geneva, Ticino and Schaffhausen itself), apple Apfelwein (reminiscent of cider, but less strong), or traditional mulled wine, which also popular here. Stronger drinks - Kirsch cherry vodka, berry or fruit Schnapps, Pflumli plum brandy, pear brandy (like Williams, etc.). Among non-alcoholic drinks, in addition to coffee, tea is very popular. The Swiss really appreciate beneficial features alpine herbs, each blade of grass is collected, dried, and then brewed and drunk hot or cold.

Swiss cheeses undoubtedly deserve special mention. Of the huge number of their types, the most popular are Emmental and Gruyere. In addition to the frequent and abundant presence in national cuisine, any of them can be bought separately in a grocery store, or you can watch the manufacturing process, if you wish, take part in it yourself and taste the finished result at one of the many cheese factories (for example, the Gruyere cheese factory near the town of the same name in the canton of Fribourg, Engelberg at the Benedictine monastery, Emmentaler in the town of Affoltern im Emmental, 40 km from Bern).

Shopping

What should you bring for your family and friends from your trip? The choice is worthy - from the already mentioned delicacies (cheese, chocolate of all shapes and tastes) to high-quality and stylish watches (Bucherer, Chopard, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Omega, patek Philippe, Rado, B- Swiss, Swatch – prices from very high to quite budget options) or a cuckoo wall clock (a popular Swiss souvenir). Figures of cows in alpine meadows are also typical for Switzerland.

Regular flights on the Moscow-Zurich and Moscow-Geneva routes are carried out aircraft Aeroflot and Swiss airlines.

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Regular flights on the routes Moscow-Zurich and Moscow-Geneva are carried out by aircraft of Aeroflot and Swiss airlines. The latter also flies from St. Petersburg to Zurich.

It is possible to get to Switzerland with a transfer at airports such as major cities like Vienna, Prague, Paris, Amsterdam and Dusseldorf.

In the active part tourist season, and it is directly related to the ski season, charter flights from Moscow to Geneva, Basel and Sion are added. Next, by changing trains you will get to the main ski resorts in Switzerland .

Airplanes from Ukraine International Airlines and Swiss fly from Kyiv to Zurich. The latter also mastered the Kyiv-Zurich route. Airplanes of the airlines “Austrian Airlines” (transfer in Vienna) and “LOT” (transfer in Warsaw) fly in the direction Odessa - Geneva.

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HOW TO GET TO SWITZERLAND

Planes to Switzerland

Several flights are operated daily to Switzerland from Russia on the Moscow–Zurich and Moscow–Geneva routes. You can also get to Switzerland by plane in transit, with transfers in other European cities. The international airports of Zurich, Geneva and Basel accept flights from all over the world, Lugano and Bern - only from Europe.

In addition, during the ski season there are flights from Russia charter flights to Switzerland.

Zurich International Airport ( ZRH) located 12 km north of the city. Telephone help desk airport: +41 43 816 22 11; official website: www.zurich-airport.com.

Geneva Airport ( G.V.A.) is located 5 km northwest of the city center. Airport help desk telephone number:

41 22 717 71 11; official website: www.gva.ch.

Both airports have railway stations, from which it is easy to get to anywhere in Switzerland.

Tickets to Switzerland

The search form on our website will allow you to select and book plane tickets to Switzerland online. Here you can also view flight schedules and ticket prices to Switzerland, choosing the cheapest option. Keep in mind that the earlier you book your ticket, the cheaper it may cost.

Enter the appropriate cities in the fields " Point of departure" And " Destination"; indicate the departure date and other required information, and click " Find" You will see a complete list of flights between the cities you selected, with prices indicated. If there are no direct flights between the specified points, then you will be offered the optimal (both in price and time) routes with transfers.

You can purchase tickets to Switzerland without leaving your computer. By clicking on the " Buy", you will be taken to a website that contains all the necessary information about payment and delivery of the ticket.

How to get to Switzerland by land

There are no direct trains to Switzerland from Russia. You can get to Switzerland by rail with one change in Germany if you have a Schengen transit visa. The trip will take about one and a half days. Price train ticket to Switzerland from Russia is comparable to the price of an air ticket.

You can get to Switzerland by bus with a transfer in Germany, but you will have to spend two days on the road and will need a Schengen transit visa. The distance from Zurich by road to Moscow is 1950 km, to Berlin - 905 km, Paris - 610 km, Vienna - 765 km, Prague - 685 km, Munich - 320 km, Milan - 275 km, Rome - 850 km.