Switzerland: a land of many surprises!

Since I've been working in Switzerland for almost a month now, I thought it was able time to find out more about this amazing country...

Switzerland is famous for its stunning countryside, dotted with lakes, tiny villages and hemmed by the mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, as well as its cuckoo clocks and the Red Cross. But there is a lot more to this very different country.

Did you know?

* Switzerland is over 700 years old- far older than most other European countries (Germany, for instance, is just a little over 150 years old.
* It is the only central European country to resist fascism - perhaps due to the fact that the average family owns three guns!
* It is the world leader in the production of: watches, chocolate, perfumes and energy production, of all things.
* Switzerland is the only truly practicing democracy in the world. Its people have the last word on everything, can vote on laws, government spending and even launch popular initiatives that are binding for the government! (I think the British would really go for something like this at the moment...)
* On top of all that, the country has not one, not two, not even three but FOUR national languages: German, French, Italian and Rumantsch, which sounds a little bit like an Italian dialect.

Clearly, Switzerland is a fascinating country, but other than brushing up on your language skills, what is there to see and do there? Basically, it depends on what you want.

For active holidaymakers:

You are in your element! The Swiss are big hikers, bikers and Nordic walkers (a bit like hyped-up power walking) and they have a lot of room to practice their hobbies. Climbers and hikers will benefit from heading towards the hills. Both the Alps and the Jura offer ample opportunities to get out there, experience nature and flex your muscles. One big benefit to staying in the countryside is the abundance of small, personal hotels and chalets, which give guests a real personal touch and feel for the country (see the following blog post for a review of one of the best).

If you're more of a water sports kind of person, you're also in luck. The country is practically awash with rivers and lakes and there are few places where you can't indulge a love of sailing, canoeing or waterskiing. Some of the best recommendations for river rafting and canoeing can be found here. For swimming and sailing, head East towards Lake Constance (known in German as Bodensee) or try Zurich's Strandbad Mythenquai. As I speak, the water is 21 degrees celcius!

For city creatures:

Take a trip to Bern, the country's capital, with its romantic architecture and unique medieval Old Town. Situated on a peninsula over the River Aare, its centre is dominated by the parliamentary building. Here you can find museums, restaursnts, shop and weekly markets aplenty! It also boasts Europe's longest weather-protected shopping promenade (6km!) The city's most popular attractions are the Zähringer fountain, the Zeitglocke Tower and the Bear Pit.

Or you could mosey over to Zürich and explore its crooked, cobbled lanes and hidden inner courtyards and dreamy buildings. Among Zürich's most important landmarks are the city's principle churches, Fraumünster, Grossmünster and St. Peter's church. The city is also popular among young people and boasts splendid eating and shopping opportunities. Those hungry to get to the real heart of the city (or just hungry, for that matter) should check out this site (you can find some real gems this way).

For more information on Switzerland and to read reviews and look at pictures and videos from other holidaymakers visit holidaycheck.co.uk.