A small alpine state is located in the very center of Europe. It is often called the "land of lakes", but charming Switzerland boasts not only picturesque nature. What is the world financial center famous for yet? Travelers who fall in love with a tourist paradise at first glance recall the delightful historical and architectural monuments, luxurious ski resorts, famous watches and delicious chocolate.
In this article we have collected interesting facts about a wonderful European country, and for both young and adult readers, this information will be fascinating and informative. Natural and man-made masterpieces of a colorful country are studied at school, on the subject "The World around" (Grade 3). What is Switzerland famous for all over the world? We will tell you now!
The Majestic Alps
What should we know about an amazing state, every corner of which remembers an eventful history? You can travel in colorful Switzerland all year round, and each time it presents pleasant surprises. Since most of its territory is occupied by the majestic Alps, a powerful mountain range is what Switzerland is famous for all over the world. It is no coincidence that a small state causes associations with all kinds of ski holidays.
There are resorts for every taste, and a huge selection of steep slopes and convenient descents will bring incredible pleasure to both professionals and beginners. The beauty of the mountain peaks, covered with snow-white bedspreads, fascinates and will forever remain in the memory of those who at least once visited these places. If the Alps disappear from the geographical map of the world, then the fabulous country will immediately lose half of its attractiveness in the eyes of vacationers.
Powerful glaciers
Many travel enthusiasts to the question of what Switzerland is famous for will remember the centuries-old glaciers - the largest in Europe. In total there are about 140 miraculous sights that keep the ideal temperature on the slopes. Thanks to them, tourists can ski all year round. So, in the south of the state is a true masterpiece that captivates the eyes with bizarre shapes.
The most famous Aletsch glacier is an unusual sight: thousands of tons of ice formed a unique canyon, which is recognized as one of the main pearls of the region. It seems that an ice river flows along the bottom of a deep valley with a total area of more than 80 kilometers along mountain peaks near the beautiful ski resort of Zermatt. The immobility and amazing silence of Aletsch is deceptive, since the miraculous monument, famous for its special purity, lives its own life. He slowly moves, and the speed of smooth movement is 200 meters per year.
Unfortunately, global warming does not pass without a trace for the glacier: a natural miracle is decreasing in size, and it is not known what will happen to it in a hundred years.
Country of lakes
What will the locals answer the question: "What is Switzerland famous for - a country where six percent of the world's fresh water reserves are concentrated?" Many, without hesitation, will talk about the beauty of picturesque lakes, which are the same "brand" sign as the Alps. Transparent reservoirs formed during the melting of giant glaciers are recognized as a visiting card of the country and are considered one of the main places of attraction for tourists from different countries. They occupy an important place in the landscape of the state, and each of them is a wonderful corner, a visit to which will be remembered forever.
Therefore, speaking of what Switzerland is famous for, it is worth mentioning the radiant surface of the water, surrounded by a powerful mountain range and at all times attracting great poets and artists. Now thousands of guests are in a hurry to relax on the lakes, the number of which exceeds 1500. All the routes of the proposed tours, one way or another, pass in the immediate vicinity of them.
The fabulous creations of Mother Nature are compared to mirrors, as their waters are perfectly calm. The largest lake is Geneva, and its northern shore with the most famous resorts is called the "Swiss Riviera". Tourists adore the ancient city of Lucerne, which can be found on the coast of the lake of the same name. In the west of the country is a balneological resort, which appeared on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, framed by high mountains. Rest here is not only useful, but also prestigious.
Europe in miniature
But that is not all that Switzerland is famous for. Despite its modest size, the country of contrasts will allow you to visit Germany, Austria, France and Italy in a few days without crossing borders. Depending on where tourists are located, the language, landscape and even cuisine are very different from each other. The state, bordering on different countries, combines the characteristics of the cultures of several peoples. "Europe in miniature" beckons not only with wonderful landscapes, but also with ancient buildings that leave no one indifferent. The country takes care of the heritage, and modern architects make a significant contribution to the development of architecture.
Open-air museum
It is fair to say that much of what Switzerland is known to the whole world is created by human hands. The traditions of four nations at once influenced the architecture of a small state famous for its advantageous location. And on its territory you can see structures made in the most famous styles (baroque, classical, gothic, modern).
For this reason, the country is compared to an open-air museum. There are a huge number of medieval castles located everywhere - high in the mountains and on the lake. The Spitz Citadel is the oldest, the Montebello castle complex is recognized as the most popular among tourists, and Oberhofen, which has a fabulous charm, is the most beautifully preserved.
Modern architectural structures
Among the modern structures, it is worth highlighting the Sphinx Observatory, which is located at an altitude of more than three thousand meters, near Bern. It looked very unusual, it was intended only for scientists, however, enterprising local residents made the fabulous corner accessible to tourists looking at amazing views from the observation deck.
Another curious structure is the "Hunched House", the asymmetry of which causes a sense of danger. Tourists admit that, in terms of aesthetics, a building that is almost devoid of sunlight looks rather strange. The architects who designed the abstract building, could not harmoniously fit their brainchild into the environment, but attracted attention. And such tricks in a creative environment are very common.
The most accurate watch in the world
Natural and man-made sights are not all that Switzerland is famous for. It’s rather difficult to briefly talk about everything, but one cannot fail to mention the most accurate watches in the world, which are produced in the country. Their production totals several hundred years. Inside the complex mechanism there are up to three hundred smallest details, and some time measuring devices are piece and very expensive goods. Some watches are assembled for about two months, and do it using manual labor and precision equipment.
Switzerland is considered a world monopoly in the luxury watch segment: it produces approximately 30 million copies a year. The most famous companies are Rolex, Swatch Group, Richemont.
Favorite Swiss food
If we talk about the traditional culinary of the country, then we must admit that it was influenced by German, Italian, French cuisine. Residents of the state answer differently to the question of what dish Switzerland is famous for, but most call fondue. It is based on hard cheeses that melt in white dry wine. To a delicious dish, croutons and a small fork are served, on which a piece of dried bread is pricked, and then it is lowered into a hot mass. It is believed that the first fondue appeared in the city of Neuchatel, and therefore it is called Neuchatel. Almost all recipes of Swiss cuisine use locally produced cheese - fatty and buttery. It is often melted in a pan, serving dear guests, as if the main decoration of the table, a hot product.
What else is Switzerland famous for? Different provinces have their favorite dishes. For example, in Zurich they like kreffl (puff pastry pies) and huhli (a sweet treat reminiscent of pudding). Bern's chefs are famous for their fragrant sausages and delicious sauerkraut, bean and fried potato appetizers. And tourists who visited Basel, with pleasure remember the most tender almond cookies with the beautiful name "lotus petals".
Wine and Chocolate
Few people know, but Switzerland is also famous for its wonderful wines, which absorbed the aroma of the clean air of picturesque valleys and the light of the gentle sun. Sparkling drinks, offering the whole palette of taste, at various competitions receive high marks and receive awards.
In addition, with the mention of Switzerland, chocolate immediately comes to mind. A wonderful country is considered the birthplace of a popular delicacy, in which milk was added. It seems that the aroma of the confectionery is hovering everywhere, and on the narrow streets here and there are shops selling sweet aphrodisiac.
The world leader in the production of chocolate is not just breathing it, he lives it. Local residents consume an incredible amount of a product that produces the hormone of happiness (approximately 12 kg per person). There is a lot of cocoa butter in the delicacy, only Swiss milk and elite cocoa beans are added to it. Manufacturers carefully keep old recipes and strictly monitor the quality of products.
Country of banks
Every businessman knows that Switzerland is a country of banks, the activities of which are closely monitored. If the slightest violation of the law is detected, then the organization revokes the license. In financial institutions that have never put their customer deposits at risk, 10 percent of global capital is stored. Perhaps this is why a small state is one of the richest countries in the world, and the stock exchange in Zurich takes third place. It is no coincidence that the first private banks arose in Switzerland, which is the most respectable financial center in Europe.
The capital of the crypto world
More recently, the country that created all the conditions for doing business has turned into the capital of the crypto world. Bitcoins are considered here as assets, and cryptocurrency activities are regulated by the provisions of the Criminal Code. It is curious that the authorities are integrating the cryptocurrency that they use to buy goods into people's daily lives. So, the inhabitants of the town of Zug pay utility bills with the help of bitcoin.
The materials presented in our article can be used in a lesson on the topic "What Switzerland is famous for" ("The World around us," Grade 3 of the school curriculum).