Top destinations in Switzerland: Geneva
Town:
Bern
Basel
Geneva
Zurich
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| Welcome to Geneva |
Geneva is divided
in two parts by
the Rhone river that flows out of the lake Geneva (lac Leman). The old city is located on the southern shore (rive gauche
or left bank), the train station north of the river, and the airport north-west of the city, straddling the French border, but only
a short bus ride away. Most sights are within easy walking distance and the public transport system (with busses and
trams) is very reliable.
This 'smallest of the large capitals', as it is called, offers nearly everything, ranging from extensive banking and shopping
areas to rich artistic and cultural input. Geneva is packed with museums and, to a lesser extent, historical sights. When
you have had it for the day, go to one of the many parks, largely created by the financial input of many wealthy citizens.
Most of the time during the summer, you can watch a free concert in one of the theatres or simply prepare yourself for the
nightlife in Geneva.
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| Remarkable features |
The building of the United Nations is one of the famous buildings in Geneva. This enormous complex, which covers a
surface area equal to that of Versailles, was completed in 1936. Since 1946 it has housed the offices of the United Nations.
Actually, Geneva became the home of many international organizations, after the foundation of the Red Cross in 1864. The
European head office is located here still, together with departments of organizations, such as the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN).
Besides this, Geneva has over thirty museums. Together with the private galleries, they house some prestigious collections,
which bear witness to the creativity and cultural influence of Geneva. For those interested in history and architecture, the
Old Town has a number of exceptional sites and Genevan emblems, such as the Jet d'Eau Fountain' and the Floral Clock.
When you want to breathe in some fresh air, you can find lushy parks and splendid botanical gardens.
'Place Neuve', became the cultural heart of Geneva. It is bordered by the Opera, the famous 'School of Music' and the
'Rath Museum'. In the 'Old Arsenal', the state archives are stored on the first floor. A little bit further on, you can find the
'Town Hall'. This is where administrative headquarters of the local government. During summer, concerts are performed
in the garden. When you feel like it, make an effort to see 'Village Carouge'. Geneva's 'Greenwich Village' is a collection
of winding streets, which houses a variety of craftsmen. Situated nearby is the memorial site, 'The Wall of the Reformation',
which was erected for the leading figures of the international Reformation.
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| Parks & Gardens |
The Botanical Gardens lie a few hundred meters below the United Nations building. The activities of its conservatory have
won international recognition in the scientific world. The park contains rock-gardens, an arboretum, floral exhibition areas,
a 'scent and touch garden' for the blinds, greenhouses, a deer park, aviaries etc. The more energetic visitors can walk the
6 miles along the lakeshore to Port-Noir while the less energetic can take a 'Mouette', one of the small taxi-boats that
provide a ferry service across the lake.
Geneva has the largest surface area of parkland in Switzerland thanks to numerous donations. Throughout summer,
citizens and tourists can admire the splendour of the 40,000 roses that bloom in the parks and along the promenades.
Many of these parks are magnificent settings for the free concerts that are offered in July and August.
Within the centre, you can always find a quiet spot to relax on the green islet, which is dedicated to Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
Genevan citizen and forerunner of the romantic movement. He was born at no. 6 Grand-Rue in the old town, near the
Town Hall.
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| Getting there |
Since EasyJet connected Geneva to London, Amsterdam and a few other European cities, it has become an easy place to
fly to. The airport is on the border with France and there are regular trains to the city center.
Geneva is the hub of many motorway connections so getting there by car is very easy.
Geneva is also linked to many European and Swiss cities by rail. There are frequent trains from the airport at Geneva to the
city. The trip takes some 10 minutes. The railway station is located in the centre of town, within easy walking distance of the
Rhone.
Town:
Bern
Basel
Geneva
Zurich
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Switzerland-4You: be Swiss-Happy!
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| Switzerland at a glance |
Located in central Europe, Switzerland is bordered by Germany, Austria,
Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. A small country, Switzerland's name conjures
up images of chocolate, cheese, watches, banks, and snow-capped mountains.
Switzerland was inhabited by a Celtic tribe called Helvetia in the ancient times. It became
a part of the Holy Roman Empire in 1032 but soon succumbed to the mighty Habsburgs
of Germany. The death of the Habsburg ruler Rudolf I in 1291 led to the formation of the
Swiss Confederation. Switzerland was declared a neutral state following the Treaty of
Westphalia in 1648, and was accorded permanent neutrality in 1815 by the Congress
of Vienna.
A new federal constitution came into force in 1848, and Bern became the capital city.
The Swiss remained neutral in both the World Wars.
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| Outdoor activities in Switzerland |
Three parts (French speaking, German speaking and Italian speaking) of the country all
have a very distinct atmosphere, which makes it an adventure to explore. Switzerland
is nature's playground and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
The Alps and the Jura slopes are great places for skiing. Hiking, mountaineering and
ski mountaineering, paragliding and hang-gliding, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing,
rafting, and canoeing are some of the outdoor activities that you can undertake in Switzerland.
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Text and images – http://www.world66.com
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