Swiss Bernese Oberland – New 4th Edition – A Travel Guide with Specific Trips to the Mountains, Lakes and Villages with New Section Walk Zurich by Philip and Loretta Alspach (Paperback April 2008) (Paperback)
June 16, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel Switzerland Guides
Product Description
Swiss Bernese Oberland – 4th Edition – A Travel Guide with specific trips to the Mountains, Lakes and Villages. The updated 4th Edition recommends 12 trips plus 4 excursions for the independent traveler on selected walks and hikes using mountain trains, lake steamers, funiculars, cable cars. The trips are shown in graphic form and arranged based on methods of transportation and time available. Each trip is one day or less with optional side trips detailing change in elevation and difficulty of each trip. Detailed profiles are provided for the villages of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen, Murren and Kandersteg, plus local Swiss food and wine. A new section profiles four extraordinary walks in Zurich. Additionally, throughout the guide, easy references are provided for useful Internet site links for trip planning. The Alspachs’ have visited the area for over 30 years.
Visiting Switzerland
May 3, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Where To Go & What To See
Switzerland, or officially called Swiss Confederation, is uniquely positioned in Europe. It lies at the crossroads of several different routes which explains why the country’s three main languages are German, Italian, and Romansch. French is also widely spoken in the western portions of the country and English is prevalent throughout. There is no official language in Switzerland, even though it is a very modern country. It is ranked in the top of all living standards. Religious freedom is a guarantee in the Swedish world. Boasting a very high per capita income level might explain one of the highest computer and internet usage rates in the world.
Switzerland dwellers are almost 100 percent insured unlike other countries in the world. Currently the population is about 7.3 million people, but only grows a mere one percent per year. Religiously, the Swiss categorize themselves as Roman Catholic by 42 percent, Muslim at 4.3 percent, Protestant at 33 percent, and others by 5.4 percent. Lastly no religion comes in at at 11 percent so everyone who visits can be comfortable expressing their own religious belief.
The Helvetic Celts were the first to settle in Switzerland and later came under rule by the Roman Empire. Throughout that period major cities like Geneva, Basel, and Zurich flourished as major commerce hubs. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Switzerland was ruled by many different groups, and then later came back under control of the pope under the Roman Catholic Church. On August 1, 1291 three families agreed to a joint rule pact which they pledged joint defense and peace, and is celebrated as Nations Day. Over the next several hundred years Switzerland pursued land through military actions. Then Switzerland was defeated by the French and Venetians. They rebuked expansion policies and the foundation of Swiss Neutrality was born and remains today.
Citizens of Switzerland go by the name “Swiss” and have a very weak federal government. Even with the weak government, the states called Cantons have effective lawmakers and govern themselves quite efficiently. The Swiss thrive in life and many other areas. Switzerland has a very rich history of religious battles and government rule. Those who visit Switzerland may find some intriguing facts with a little research.
Although Switzerland is rich in culture and history; it is the cities, people, and scenery that attract most visitors. Snow skiing, mountain climbing, and touring the cities are some favorite passtimes of many visitors. From the soaring peaks to the beautiful cities, Switzerland is a truly magical place and should be on the agenda of any traveler. Give Switzerland a visit; you never know what adventure awaits you.
