Switzerland Holiday Destination

Introduction

Known the world over for its ability to produce coveted watches and divine chocolate, Switzerland also produces endless types of cheese. Furthermore, it is abundant in glass-like lakes, towering mountains and sophisticated cities and uniquely in Europe, it has four official languages – German, Italian, French and Romansh – which also helps add to its varied appeal.
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At a glance

Emirates gateways:
Geneva International Airport and Zurich International Airport.
Time zone: Summer:
GMT +2 hours, Winter: GMT +1 hour.
Currency:
Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards widely accepted and ATMs regularly available.
Languages:
There are four official languages – German in central and eastern areas, French in the west and Italian in the south and Romansh mainly in the southeast (especially the canton of Graubunden). English is also widely spoken.

Highlights

From world-respected festivals to middle-of-nowhere hiking trails, Switzerland packs a lot into its relatively small borders.
• Drink in the beauty of Lake Geneva, Western Europe’s biggest lake, home to great towns such as Lausanne and Montreux – known for its international jazz festival – as well as vineyards stretching up the slopes from the shore.
• Swiss ski resorts are coveted the world over, including Zermatt, which sits in the shadow of the Matterhorn mountain, and the glamorous and gourmet options of Gstaad and St Moritz.
• The charming Jungfrau region has more than 500km of marked trails for hiking, passing crystal-blue lakes along the way with the backdrop of mountains such as the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.

When to visit

Switzerland enjoys a moderate four-season climate with no excesses either in heat or cold. The most pleasant time to visit is early on in the summer, with temperatures around 25C, but these can hike up to 30C. From January to February, temperatures can sink to around -2C but this varies according to altitude. Spring is also a lovely time to visit as the meadows turn green.

Did you know?

• The Rolex Company invented the first waterproof watch in Switzerland in 1927 today, Rolex is one of the best-known, most prestigious watch makers in the world.
• The Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland is the longest in the world. Measuring 57km long, it is located 2.3km under the Alps and took 17 years to complete.
• A Swiss jeweller once crafted a ring made entirely out of diamonds that sold for a whopping $68 million.
• The winter sport of tobogganing was invented in Switzerland in the late 19th century. At the 1928 Winter Olympics held in St Moritz, the toboggan run was one of the first events.
• Zurich is home to over 1,200 fountains. The water flowing out of the pipes is of drinking quality and can be consumed without problem.