Small in area Switzerland is comfortably located among the Alpine peaks and green mountain valleys. Compared to other European countries, there are not many large urban settlements in it. We will try to visit the most beautiful cities in Switzerland to consider all their cultural monuments and interesting places.
1
Zurich
With a population of 397 thousand inhabitants, Zurich is the largest city in the Central European country. In total, the agglomeration has more than 1 million inhabitants.
In historical documents, it is first mentioned under 929. Until this time, there was a Celtic settlement Tirikum on this site, whose ruins remained within the city. The city, with its attractions, is considered the gateway to Switzerland, it is also the largest financial center in the world.
The largest city in Switzerland is rich in historical monuments, museums of various orientations and themes. In the historical part, houses of the 13th century have been preserved.
2
Stein am Rhein
A town with a population of just over 4 thousand people is located on the shores of Lake Constance in the canton of Schaffhausen.
Tourists from different countries come to the cozy Stein am Rhein to admire the painted houses of the old quarters. The houses are painted with biblical subjects, historical scenes of the Antiquity period and decorative floral patterns.
In summer, it is nice to stroll along the shady alleys. On Christmas Eve, the city is transforming, decorated with hundreds of lights, and the Christmas tree in the city center complements the fabulous atmosphere.
3
Berne
Our small rating is continued by the actual capital and administrative center of Switzerland. Bern was founded in 1191, and was first mentioned in 1208 in one of the medieval letters.
In the historical district, there are strict buildings with arcades overhanging the streets. The main attraction is the clock tower with a clock showing not only time, but also the location of the stars and zodiac signs.
There are many museums that tell about the history of the country. The city is famous for its fountains-wells with beautiful stone sculptures, erected in the XVI century by the architect Hans Ging.
4
Basel
At the borders of the three European states is Basel, which can rightfully be called the oldest center of music education in Europe. Here is the oldest university in the country.
Above the grandeur of squares and streets rises the city hall, built in the elaborate Renaissance style. The River Rhine flows through Basel, through which beautiful stone bridges spread.
One of the symbols of the third largest city in Switzerland is the fountain on the Fishmarkt square. The fountain is decorated with a statue of the Mother of God, and tourists make a wish, leaving small coins in the fountain.
5
Lugano
At the very southern tip of the country at a brisk trading place at the beginning of the XII century, a handsome Lugano grew up. Now the resort is called the “Old World Diamond”.
The architectural appearance of sunny Lugano was influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Because of this, buildings here are unlike buildings in other Swiss cities. Tourists love to stroll along the promenade, above which stands the statue of William Tell.
Italian style was also displayed on churches located in the historical center. In the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, you can see the famous crucifix and Madonna work by Bernardino Luini.
6
Montreux
Montreux began with a small village of fishermen and skilled winemakers, and today it is a comfortable resort in Switzerland. Nearby is the famous Chillon Castle, one of the most famous architectural monuments in Europe.
Harmoniously located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the city is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, covering it from the winds. Writers come here. Musicians to draw inspiration for new creative masterpieces.
Switzerland is an expensive country for travel and leisure, but in Montreux you can find the cheapest hotel or budget hostels for a budget holiday.
7
Thun
A small town, founded in the Early Middle Ages, has retained its originality and attractiveness. Located on the banks of the picturesque Lake Thun.
The main attraction is the majestic medieval castle. Its towers with sharp spiers rise above beautiful residential buildings.
One of the unique features of the city are two-story streets, so tourists freely walk along the roofs of shops. The sidewalks on the streets are terraces of houses, and the pedestrian part is covered with arches from below.
8
Gruyere
The town of Gruyères, located in the upper reaches of the Saan River, is known to the world for its extraordinary cheese. The city is located on a hill, and with its squares overlook the picturesque river valley and Lake Gruyeres.
The architecture contains medieval buildings, among which the castle of the Gruyere clan stands out. This is the most popular castle in Switzerland. Nearby is the stately castle of Saint-Germain.
One of the unusual sights is the fantasy museum “Aliens”, created on the idea of Giger. Nearby you can visit the cafe-bar, made in the same unusual style.
9
Appenzel
The town of Appenzel plunges into the atmosphere of traditional Switzerland with its centuries-old traditions and customs. This is the only city in the country where annually on the central square there are meetings of all the inhabitants of the canton.
Traditional painted houses of shepherds and farmers were erected on the streets, and state flags were hung on the balconies. Central street is a pedestrian. Tourists rush here to see a medieval pharmacy with a row of small windows decorated with flowers.
The town, whose population now amounts to 5 thousand inhabitants, is depicted in the chronicle of the middle of the XVI century.
10
Friborg
In Friborg founded in 1157, residents speak three languages, and for many centuries they have been perfectly understanding each other. Interestingly, the language border runs along the banks of the Zane River.
Among the monuments of architecture, tourists in the first place. Allocate the oldest Cathedral of St. Nicholas. It was founded in 1283, and the first parishioners took at the end of the XV century.
The Dutch religious leader Peter Kaniziy, who founded the Jesuit school in the city, lived and worked in Friborg. She later grew into a university. Many historical figures were born here who glorified Switzerland both culturally and politically.
11
Schaffhausen
The country's northernmost city was founded in 1040, and became the only victim during World War II. The U.S. Air Force carried out a bombardment, stating later that they had done it by mistake.
Schaffhausen is located on the banks of the Rhine at the very edge of the Swiss plateau. Fort Mouton, the main city attraction, rises above the houses. The castle was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1379. Half an hour from the city is the famous Rhine Falls.
The beauty of nature and architecture of the Middle Ages is complemented by green fields of vineyards, and the wine prepared by local winemakers is highly appreciated by gourmets.
12
Zermatt
At the very border with Italy, among the majestic mountain peaks, is the famous Zermatt resort. It is famous for its cozy and comfortable hotels, as well as modern ski slopes.
Above the houses and hotels towers the highest mountain in Switzerland, Dufour peak, and next to the largest glacier of Mount Matterhorn. The Matterfisp River flows through the resort town, taking water from the Horner Glacier.
In total, about 5 thousand inhabitants live in Zermatt, but it is almost impossible to calculate the exact population of the Alpine commune, since the town is always full of tourists.
By the way, do not miss on most-beauty.ru an interesting article about the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
13
Lausanne
during archaeological excavations in the territory of modern Lausanne, archaeologists discovered traces of the Paleolithic people, and for the first time it is mentioned in documents under 15 BC.
The city is divided into 17 districts, within which there are 47 objects of cultural and historical heritage. In the old part, majestic arched bridges and beautiful churches rise.
Lausanne is famous for its green areas, free from residential buildings and cars. The city is famous for its sports traditions, because it is not for nothing that the office of the International Olympic Committee is located here.
14
Geneva
Tourists and travelers note that Geneva has a special atmosphere that differs from other cities in Switzerland. This amazing world is visited annually by thousands of tourists.
There really is something to see here, and in terms of the number of museums, Geneva is the undisputed leader among other cities in the world. The Rhone River divides the country's second largest urban settlement into two parts. On the one hand are historical monuments, restaurants and museums, on the other - a business part with banks and company offices.
The architectural appearance of Geneva reflected the influence of almost all Western European cultures, decorative traditions and styles.
15
Lucerne
In the heart of the Swiss plateau on the shores of the lake of the same name lies the city of Lucerne.
Historians claim that the city settlement was founded here during the period of Roman rule, but the official date of foundation is considered to be 1178. The most beautiful city in the country lies at the foot of Mount Pilatus, and its streets overlook the embankments of Lake Lucerne and the Royce River.
The historical part is pedestrian. Here you can see the old painted houses, and the real business cards of Lucerne are the Kapelbrücke bridge and the majestic Wasserturm tower.
Summary
The country of ski resorts and reliable banks has been attracting tourists and travelers for many centuries with its monuments of medieval architecture and beautiful natural places. The cities of this country are comfortable to live in, and the streets and squares have their own particular flavor and originality.