Switzerland is defined as a nation united precisely by its huge diversity and not an ethnic, religious or cultural union. Being one of the world’s richest countries Switzerland occupies the 5th place in per capita income. It is referred as an economic wonder. The most common places of Switzerland Zurich and Geneva have been ranked as the 5th and 8th highest quality life in the world. If one wants to explore everything from art to outdoor adventures, this country is the best to visit. With snow capped mountains, serene lakes, green valleys Switzerland makes it awe aspiring experience. The Swiss mountain range Alps have almost attained a symbolism. Many countries leave an impact on people’s mind, just like that Switzerland has been famous for various things among their tourists. Some of them are listed below:
10. HAS 4 NATIONAL LANGUAGES
Switzerland comprises of 4 national languages traditionally spoken in different regions of the country which are German in northern, central and eastern Switzerland, French in western Switzerland, Italian in southern Switzerland and Rumantsch in south eastern Switzerland. English in spite of not being the official language is still spoken as a common language. German is spoken by 64%, French about 20 %, Italian by 7% and Rumantsch or Romansh is spoken by less than one per cent of the total population. Since many immigrants come to Switzerland from different countries of various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, so the Swiss official languages that of French, German and Italian is spoken as a way to communicate with them.
9. HIKING IN SWISS ALPS
A lifetime experience that would make you go for hiking in the beautiful Swiss Alp mountains every time you visit Switzerland. You could easily hike from hut to hut on the Alps and will find many soaring and awe inspiring peaks in such a larger area. Hiking routes are marked with yellow signs that depict the time taken rather than mentioning about the distance covered. You may not worry about the resting arrangements as there are availability of huts and inns with smaller private rooms. Zermatt, Saas fee, Hotel Edelweiss, Berggatsthaus du trift are the worth areas of hiking. The best time to enjoy hiking is from late June to early September.
8. SWISS COWS
Since Switzerland is a hilly country, you will definitely have an interaction with cows out there in the grazing fields. One of the most rich and historic tradition regarding the cows has been the cow bells which reflected the wealth of the farmer. And the size of these cowbells also were considered as their status symbol which simply means the bigger the size of the bells the richer the owner is. Apart from this, these cow bells are believed to keep away the evils spirits from the pastures. Swiss cows are often known to have luxuries living in fancy barns and go on vacations after the snow melts. You can even have a tour to the cow dairy farm near Chaetae D’Oex. In winters, you can enjoy the Martigny’s cow fights which are a popular event.
7. SWISS GUARD
Known for protecting the Vatican and Pope, the Swiss Guard is believed to be present since the late 15th century. Since Switzerland was a poor country, its citizens worked as Swiss mercenaries all over Europe due to insufficient amount of jobs in the home country. The Papal Swiss Guard the only existing Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guards are famous for the act of bravery during the period of Sack of Rome, where most of them were killed defending Clement VII. The Papal Swiss Guard is not considered as an army in Switzerland as it continues the long tradition of Swiss mercenaries. As the Swiss Guard discharges his duty of faith and courage, May 6 is the official date when new guards take the same oath.
6. SWISS ARMY KNIVES
Originating in Ibach, Switzerland, the Swiss army Knife was produced in 1891 in the company of Victorinox which was turned from the name Karl Elsner company. Since in 1890, Swiss government wanted to have pocket knives for each soldier, Elsner found it as a great opportunity to make profit. Thus, he immediately formed an alliance of fellow cutlers but due to the heavy competition from a German company, the prices of the knives fell and his colleagues left him. But with the financial assistance provided by family and friends, he set out to win the government contract and as a result in 1891 he produced the first Swiss Army Knife. Thus he began producing thousands of knife after the profitable deal with the government. Even today, Swiss governments buys pocket knifes for its soldiers.
In 1909, Elsner mother died so he thought to change the name of his company on her name “Victoria” but in 1921, stainless steel was produced by the company which was known as ‘inox” in Europe, so from then onwards company’s official name came to known as Victorinox.
5. SWISS CHEESE
Switzerland is famous for producing dozens of different cheeses. Fondue which the Swiss people enjoy in winter, apart from that the most prominent cheese flavours are Gruyere and Vacherie Fribourgeois which are melted together with white wine, cherry brandy and garlic. Gruyere cheese is much creamier when produced but becomes more strong with passing time. Other cheese dishes which are a must to try are raclette and alpen macroni with cheese.
4. SWISS BANK
Everybody is well aware of this famous bank which is responsible for storing all the black money of the world. It is known for its secrecy about all the illegal transactions they make along with tax evasion and tax fraud. They even make electronic hacking slightly more difficult. But since Switzerland has a great economy, there is non-interference by the government and the Swiss proceedings are legal. The bank secrecy protects the privacy of the blank clients which means money is safe in the hands of the bank. The value of deposits in Swiss banks by Indians exceeds the value of money deposits of any other nationality.
3. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS
This medical non governmental institution was established in Geneva, Switzerland which provides medical help to people who are affected by war and disease from all over the world and ensure respect for humanity. It received Nobel Prize for peace in 1917 and 1944 for contributing to bring peace during both world wars. The ICRC now is a single part of large connections including Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The governing body of the ICRC is the committee which consists not more than 25 members.
2. SWISS WATCHES
The name itself tells about the high quality used in watches being made over the years having both technical and aesthetic qualities. The watches which are specially manufactured in Switzerland, has the designation of “swiss made” and the logo of the producer. Swiss watches are famous because of being the world’s third largest export and for producing 90% of electronic and 10% of mechanical watches.
During the 17th , 18th and 19th century Asia was the vital market for swiss watches later expanding to China followed by India. Some of the famous swiss brand watches are Gucci, Tissot, Rado, Bulova and the list continues. Whenever you wear a Swiss made watch, your status symbol raises up to a level more.
1.SWISS CHOCOLATE
Switzerland was the country where milk chocolate was introduced in 1875 and is the world’s highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption country. Even today most of the chocolate is consumed by the Swiss people themselves as they produce 150,000 tons of chocolate per year. Swiss chocolates have gained a huge international fame for high quality with many famous international brands such as Toblerone, Cailler, Lindt etc. Chocolate in this small country is not only a business but a art of life and is extremely versatile. Thus, you can enjoy the tasty Swiss made chocolate melting in your mouth.