The true greatness of Switzerland lies in its smallness. Nowhere in the world is there such expectation awaiting the holiday guest as in this alpine country.

The Swiss people are also as authentic as nature. A ski-lift ride, a wrestling festival (Schwingen) or a visit to a small alpine cheese maker are just some of the experiences, which remain unforgettable.

The mountain summer

How would it be to have an outing along the romantic shores of Lake Toma to the source of the Rhine? Or what about a stroll through the largest chestnut wood in the Alps? Or a trip to the UNESCO Biospheres Reservation Entlebuch with its picturesque upper moors area? The Swiss confederates abound with breathtaking natural landscapes: crystal clear mountain streams cascading over steep waterfalls into deep blue lakes. Wild canyons and still moorlands, unadulterated experiences everywhere, near to nature and authentic.

The undisputed high points of the Swiss summer for example are the Graubündner National Park, the Aletsch Glacier in Wallis or the Vierwaldstättersee, recognised as the cradle of Switzerland and the home of the people’s hero William Tell and Val Verzasca in Tessin which is characterised by emerald green waters plus the free range paradise for horses in Jura.

Do not fail to look into one of the most beautiful and imposing towns: Zurich. This city satisfies everyone with its diverse choice between fascinating art and architecture, impressive history and modern charm.

Either on foot or by bicycle, even mountain bike or your own car you will notice that Switzerland leaves no wish unfulfilled for your summer mountain holiday.

The winter holiday

Where the snow lies silent, life’s everyday hectic is covered with quietness. Whether you speed over the snowy mountain slopes or merely recuperate on the peaks by taking deep breaths, the winter in Switzerland lets you forget everything else. Nowhere do you have a better chance to enjoy winter as in Switzerland. There are 48 peaks that tower over 4,000 metres into the Swiss heavens. Only a little lower there are the highest winter-sport sites in Europe. There are 29 that exceed 2,800 metres above sea level.

Allow yourself a breathtaking view of the mountains while you relax in a cosy, steaming thermal bath. Feel your pulse slow, your muscles loosen up and your head clear. In the Swiss wellness-landscapes you can forget time and enjoy strength reviving “idleness”.Start with the DB Autozug from Hildesheim or Hamburg towards the sunnier regions in southern Germany. From Lörrach it is a short distance to Basle, a city with above average cultural offerings, and with your car you can reach Freiburg within the hour, the sunniest city in Germany, also known as the city of narrow lanes and rivulets.