The popularized image of Switzerland is almost too perfect and timeless: spectacular Alpine scenery, cozy mountain chalets, dazzling ski runs, window boxes spilling over with red geraniums, tidy cities set on serene lakes, elegant grand hotels. Though you'll undoubtedly encounter these along the way, they don't present a complete picture of this modern country. Switzerland may guard its neutrality and assert its independence, but it is very much an active participant in the world.

If you're going for the scenery or for the skiing, there are few places that can equal it (in quality or high prices). And there are few places as clean, safe and orderly as Switzerland. Likewise, few countries have such diversity in terms of culture and language: German is prevalent in Zurich and the northern, central and eastern regions; French in Geneva and the western region; Italian in Lugano and the southern region; and Romansch, the fourth national language, is the language of the southeastern part of the country, which includes the ski resort area of St. Moritz.

Despite its varied cultures and linguistic traditions, Switzerland is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in the world.

Switzerland is best known for its natural landscapes: stunning mountain scenery; lush valleys and lakes, though its principal cities—Zurich, Geneva and Basel—also attract hordes of visitors as much for their cleanliness and efficiency as their charm.
Throughout the country, visitors will stumble across splendid historical towns and quaint villages, where cows or goats are driven through the virtually car-free streets. Even the largest cities have well-preserved medieval and/or baroque buildings, streets and churches.

Contemporary architecture is also evident throughout the country (Mario Botta and Herzog & de Meuron are all Swiss). Art lovers will be impressed by the wealth of galleries and museums in the principal cities.

We've found that most visitors try to cram too much into a short visit to Switzerland. Although it's relatively small, don't try to see everything in a week—you'll need a minimum of 10 days to see the whole country. The itinerary, which can be taken in reverse order, is designed to let a traveler see as much as possible without being exhausted.

Day 1—Arrive Zurich.
Day 2—If you spent at least half a day touring Zurich on Day 1, then proceed to Lucerne for two nights. If not, see a bit of Zurich in the morning and depart in the afternoon for Lucerne (about an hour's drive).
Day 3—Lucerne.
Day 4—Drive or take the train to Interlaken or a little village in the area by Thuner See and Brienzer See. They're all fairly similar—rural and picturesque. Staying in nearby villages is more relaxing, but if you're interested in a heavy program of activities, stay in the city.
Day 5—Take a sightseeing trip to Grindelwald for the day.
Day 6—Sightsee in the area, then perhaps go to Jungfraujoch or visit Ballenberg, the fascinating open-air museum of Swiss rural habitat (allow at least half a day for a visit there). Overnight in Grindelwald.
Day 7—Go to Geneva for a half-day tour of the city. Overnight in Geneva.
Day 8—Depart Geneva.

Add other towns and attractions as your time allows. It's worth remembering that two-thirds of the population now live in urban areas, so spending time in the cities is a great way to get to know today's Switzerland—and Swiss cities are small, clean and generally not at all like cities back home. Smaller towns, though, are close to the country's outstanding sights and provide a chance to gain insight into the folklore, heritage and character of the Swiss. We recommend Winterthur, Chur and Fribourg, as well as Baden, Biel/Bienne, Sion and Thun. The lake towns in Canton Ticino—Locarno, Ascona and Lugano—are recommended as well, as are such mountain villages as Corippo, in the remote Engadine region.

Facts
Passport/Visa Requirements: Switzerland is part of the Schengen visa agreement: If your country of origin necessitates a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland then you must have one—even if you are currently residing elsewhere, including the U.S. Contact your local Swiss consulate or the Swiss Embassy for information.
Passports are required of Australian, Canadian, U.K. and U.S. citizens. U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens may stay up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.

Population: 7,581,520.
Languages: German, French, Italian, English and Romansh (a Latin-based language).
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant).
Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 41, country code;