Attractions

The diversity of this landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Best known for its financial institutions, fantastic skiing, fine cheeses and chocolate, watch making industry and scenery, Switzerland offers something for everyone.

Economy

Switzerland is one of Europe's wealthiest countries. Renowned for its political and economic stability, the country has very low unemployment and a high percentage of the work force is multi lingual and highly skilled. Switzerland's easy accessibility makes it an ideal centre for many multi-national companies. Preferential tax benefits and interest rates, combined with the strength of the off shore banking industry further explain Switzerland's economic appeal.

Tourism

Switzerland is well known for its tourism industry. In addition to the many winter appeals of the country the lakes and summer climate ensure that Switzerland remains a year-round destination for the International tourist.

Climate

The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28°C and from January to February the range is -2 to 7 °C. In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C. Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary.

Health

Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but very expensive and health insurance is recommended. Immunisation certificates are only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within two weeks prior to arrival in the country.

Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein receive free or reduced cost state provided health care cover with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC replaced the E111 in 2006. Each family member will need a separate card. You can apply for this card online (www.ehic.org.uk) or pick up an application at any British post office. The EHIC will not cover you for non-emergencies or emergency repatriation.

Travel

Switzerland's position in the centre of Europe, well developed tourism and large international business community mean it is very well connected with the rest of Europe and the rest of the world. There are numerous airlines operating from many UK and European airports to Switzerland including British Airways, EasyJet, Swiss Air & BMI Baby who all fly to Geneva International Airport.

Visas

According to your nationality, time and purpose of travel you may require a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa.

Tourist (Schengen) Visa
Those not exempt need a Schengen Visa, named after the agreement that abolished passport controls between Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It allows unlimited travel throughout the entire zone within a 90-day period.

Applications are made with the consulate of the country you are entering first, or that will be your main destination. Among other things, you will need medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

If you enter Switzerland overland, it is unlikely that your visa will be checked at the border, but major problems can arise if you don't have one later on.

Tourist visas cannot be extended except in emergencies (such as medical problems); you'll need to leave and reapply from outside Switzerland when your visa expires.

Useful Links

• www.myswitzerland.com/en
• www.sbb.ch/en

Swiss Property Hotspots

Geneva
Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and many other global organizations, and overlooked by Mont Blanc, the continent's highest mountain, Geneva is a beautiful and dynamic city.

Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city considered it's most important financial, industrial and commercial centre. It's proximity to the Alps and to other Swiss cities make Zurich an excellent hub to enjoy leisure activities and from where to start exploring Switzerland.

Swiss Alps - St Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the best-known and most prestigious ski resorts in the world, especially since having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1928 and in 1948. Today the name 'St. Moritz' stands for a 'chic, vibrant and elegant' town, second home to the rich and famous, enjoying a special atmosphere and a dry, tingling champagne climate!

St. Moritz is also the starting point for some of the scenic trains of Switzerland such as the "Glacier", "Bernina", "Palm" Expresses as well as the "Engadin Star".

Swiss Chocolate

Switzerland is a small mountainous country, whose climate is anything but tropical.

It never had any colonies in cocoa-growing countries in South America, or Africa, or anywhere else. It's surprising then that it has become one of the world's leading chocolate manufacturers.

Chocolate arrives in Switzerland
Heinrich Escher, mayor of Zurich, was introduced to chocolate in Brussels in 1697 and brought it back home, where it was discreetly consumed at the feasts of the various guilds which ruled the city, until the Zurich Council banned it in 1722 as unfit for virtuous citizens. (It had a reputation as an aphrodisiac.)

The Swiss in general had to wait several decades before wandering Italian "cioccolatieri" brought the drink to Switzerland. The first chocolate manufacture was set up around 1750 by two Italians in a former paper mill near Bern, the Schermenmuhle. It was not a great success: the locals did not take to it, and the mill was soon given over to producing flour instead. Nevertheless, before the end of the century other factories appeared in western Switzerland - Vevey, Morges and Lausanne - and in the Blenio Valley in canton Ticino. The first chocolate shop in Switzerland opened in Bern in 1792.

Today most Swiss chocolate is consumed by the Swiss themselves (54% in 2000), and Switzerland has the highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption world wide (11.6 kg per capita per annum).