Where is Switzerland?
The Swiss Confederation is a landlocked country in Central Europe and is divided into 26 cantons. Bern is the seat of government and thus the de facto capital. The Alpine country of Switzerland borders Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south and France to the west. There are four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. With around 9 million inhabitants and an area of 41,285 km², Switzerland is one of the top 10 most densely populated countries in Europe.
Highlights from Switzerland
How many mountains are there in Switzerland?
The Alps make up around two thirds of Switzerland's surface area and are of great historical and geopolitical importance. The Swiss Alps have the highest density of four-thousand-meter peaks in Europe - 73 mountains, 19 of which border Italy. The Alps also form an important central European climate and watershed, and the majority of Swiss tourism takes place in the Alpine regions. Take a live look at the impressive mountain landscape with the webcams in Switzerland and experience the magic of the Alps from the comfort of your own home!
Which sectors characterize the Swiss economy?
The watch industry - Switzerland's flagship, synonymous with quality, precision, design and innovation - mechanical engineering and the textile industry make up the bulk of the Swiss economy. The latter had its heyday in the 19th century and only plays a minor role today. Switzerland is also known for the manufacture of precision instruments and apparatus, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and food production. Medical technology is also becoming increasingly important today. However, Swiss trade, healthcare, education, banking and insurance account for the largest share of the workforce. Science and research also play an important role in Switzerland, which has few natural resources: several universities and two technical universities, the ETH in Zurich and the EPF in Lausanne, serve as state research institutions. Globally important institutes such as the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) and the European laboratory of the American high-tech company IBM have their research base in Switzerland. Favored by its central location in Europe, the mountainous landscape and the beauty of the country, tourism has also been an important economic sector in Switzerland for around 150 years. With the webcams in Switzerland, you can gain live insights into the alpine regions, which inspire vacationers in both winter and summer.
Where can you ski in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and offers numerous renowned ski resorts. Winter tourism already existed in Switzerland at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century: in 1864, the hotelier Johannes Badrutt invited English summer guests to spend the winter in St. Moritz and promised them sunshine - a bet he won. With the steady growth of tourist resorts and ski areas, such as Arosa, Adelboden, Bettmeralp, Brigels - Breil, Chur, Davos, Engelberg, Grindelwald, Riederalp, Villars-sur-Ollon and others, Switzerland has developed into one of the best-known winter sports nations to this day. Zermatt, located at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, impresses with over 360 kilometers of slopes and guarantees snow all year round. St. Moritz in the Engadin combines luxury with tradition and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Flims Laax is particularly popular with freestylers and is home to the largest halfpipe in Europe. Is there already snow in your favorite Swiss ski resort? The live webcams will show you!
What can you do in Switzerland in summer?
Hiking in Switzerland in summer is a unique experience. Switzerland offers a dense network of over 65,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails that lead through impressive Alpine landscapes, idyllic valleys and along crystal-clear lakes. The panoramic trails in the Bernese Oberland are particularly popular, including the routes around the Matterhorn in Zermatt and the famous Five Lakes Trail on the Pizol. The Graubünden region also attracts visitors with a variety of routes, such as the Swiss National Park Trail or the Panorama Trail in the Upper Engadine. Use the webcams to see this impressive Swiss Alpine landscape for yourself and be inspired by the breathtaking panoramic views. The numerous mountain and pre-alpine lakes offer clear, often turquoise-colored water and are ideal places for swimming, sunbathing or stand-up paddling. Many lakes are surrounded by picturesque beaches or green lawns and often offer water sports such as sailing or diving. In the cities, swimming in rivers is particularly popular: the Aare in Bern, the Limmat in Zurich and the Rhine in Basel offer experienced swimmers currents that are perfect for refreshing swims.
What events are there in Switzerland?
Switzerland hosts numerous events that delight international visitors and locals alike. One outstanding event is the Montreux Jazz Festival, which attracts music lovers from all over the world to the shores of Lake Geneva every July. Art Basel in June also attracts art lovers and is considered one of the most important art fairs in the world. Film fans flock to the Locarno Film Festival in August, which is known for its open-air screenings on the Piazza Grande. In addition to these major events, there are also lesser-known but equally fascinating events in Switzerland. The Zürcher Theater Spektakel, for example, presents innovative theater productions and performances from all over the world in August and September. Another highlight is the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, which has been bringing classical music to the idyllic Alpine resort since 1957.
Book your dream accommodation!
Date range
Adults
2
Children
0