Switzerland a step away from Expo: the 10 must-see attractions
Switzerland is an ideal destination to visit on your way to Expo 2015 with amazing natural beauty and urban landscapes just a stone’s throw from Milan. The short journey in the picturesque Bernina Express gives a new perspective of the Alps, travelling through the breathtaking Alpine scenery and cosmopolitan cities. Visit some of the art museums, amazing world class architecture and international music festivals.
Put the attractions and events together with the and high quality Swiss standards in travel services and you can understand why Switzerland is at the top of the list of European tourism destinations.
Top 10 attractions
Ticino, summer and festivals
Mountains and Medieval fortresses in Ticino
The Bernina Express
Engadin St. Moritz
The Aletsch Glacier, sculpted by time
Martigny, art and untouched nature
Zermatt, at the foot of Cervino
Lucerne, set between mountains and lakes
Zurich contemporary, the centre stage of Switzerland
Basel: culture and tradition
The Ticino Canton is crammed with a variety of exhibitions, country shows and fetes, as well as entertainment and cultural events. The Festival of Locarno is probably Switzerland’s best-known cinema festival. Its open-air screenings culminate in August with the awarding of the Golden Leopard. Amidst the village’s alleys and streets, the Ticino Canton is full of cultural events, traditional processions and music. From Estival Jazz to the perfect locations for listening to classical music: Ascona holds its Moon and Stars evenings in July, whilst Bellinzona holds them all year round. Not to mention the area’s Castles, history and Carnival, all just a stone’s throw from Lombardy. Discover more about Ticino
Distance Milan - Ticino: 1 hour continue reading
MOUNTAIN AND MEDIAVAL FORTRESSES IN TICINO
The Ticino Canton is home to two treasures admired the world over: for this reason, the castles of Bellinzona and Mount San Giorgio have recently been awarded Unesco heritage status. Ticino is the canton of Italian Switzerland. Its capital is Bellinzona, an area that sits astride the Alps where visitors can enjoy the local food and wine, and its unspoilt countryside. The Castle of Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castelgrande all bear witness to the history of the Canton Ticino, along with squares and palaces that provide illustrious examples of Ticino’s architecture. The fossil museum, the countryside and the lakes of the region all make for a good reason to visit Switzerland. Discover more about Ticino
Distance Milan - Ticino: 1 hour continue reading
Without a doubt, the Bernina Express is one of the world’s most charming railways. For over a century the unmistakeable Red Train has been climbing its way up the slopes of the Alps from Tirano, in Lombardy, to Saint Moritz. The journey crosses the Alps, winding its way into the Grisons Canton whilst affording a sensational view of Alp Grüm, the Val Poschiavo (Puschlav valley), the Morteratsch glacier and Sassal Masone. The Bernina train climbs gradients as steep as 7 percent, and runs along the Rhaetian Railway, the Abula/Bernina stretch of which has had Unesco Heritage status since 2008. A truly original way to visit Switzerland. Discover more about Bernina Express
Distance Milan - Tirano: 2 hours continue reading
Land of pastures and pure air, Engadin is a treasure set amidst the Swiss Alps. St. Moritz is the best-known jewel in its crown and has been a much-loved holiday destination for over a century, thanks to its pleasant climate and spa facilities to suit all budgets. The gentle natural scenery beckons visitors to embark on long walks: Corviglia and Corvatsch are two mountains that lie a short distance from St. Moritz and offer an authentic journey into the Swiss landscape. Those looking for breathtaking scenery should take the funicular from Punta Muragl up to the majestic summits of Engadin, which are snow-capped all year round: it should not be missed. Discover more about Engadin St. Moritz
Distance Milan - Engadin St. Moritz: 2 hours continue reading
THE ALETSCH GLACIER, SCULPTED BY TIME
The Aletsch Glacier covers a surface area of over 120 square kilometres (46.3 square miles), and is 23 kilometres (14¼ miles) long and almost two wide (1.24 miles). It is located in southern Switzerland, in the Bernese Alps, between the Canton of Bern and the Valais. In 2001 it was awarded Unesco world natural heritage status. Its perennially white landscape makes it an unrivalled destination for mountaineers, and for those who enjoy skiing in the unspoilt Swiss Alps. The Aletsch Glacier reaches the height of two thousand metres (6,560 ft), affording breathtaking panoramas that offer a unique view across the summits of the Mischabel, Eiger, Cervino, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. Discover more about Aletsch Glacier
Distance Milan - Glacier: 2 hours 30 minutes continue reading
MARTIGNY, ART AND UNTOUCHED NATURE
The roots of the Swiss town of Martigny lie in Roman times, when it was the capital of the province of the Graie and Pennine Alps. The town offers plenty of things to do and a number of attractions, from modern art masterpieces at the Pierre Gianadda Foundation to the museum dedicated to the renowned St. Bernard dogs and La Batiaz castle. The stunning beauty of the area of Martigny increases as we explore the surrounding countryside; the Valais Canton is a land of wines and the Chemin du Vignoble, the Wine Road, is an experience which brings history, nature and culture together. At Vernayaz, the River Trient has carved a deep gorge into Mont Blanc, a sight that will fascinate climbers and nature lovers alike. Discover more about Martigny
Distance Milan - Martigny: 2 hours 50 minutes continue reading
ZERMATT, AT THE FOOT OF CERVINO
Zermatt is a Swiss village renowned for its enviable location, set on the slopes of Mount Cervino, one of Europe’s best-known mountains. It is an unmissable destination when visiting Switzerland. Its reputation has been built up around this striking mountain, and is consolidated by the fully equipped ski resort of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise where it is possible to ski all year. This well-known holiday destination set in the heart of the Valais Canton is served by the Glacier Express, which carries passengers on a panoramic train across the south of Switzerland, from the Valais to the Grisons Canton. Discover more about Zermatt
Distance Milan - Zermatt: 3 hours 30 minutes continue reading
LUCERNE, SET BETWEEN MOUNTAINS AND LAKES
Lucerne and its lake, also known as the Lake of Lucerne, are set in a strategic location within Switzerland. From here, it is possible to enjoy views embracing the Rigi Mountains, Mount Pilatus and Mount Stanserhorn, which beckon to visitors to explore all of Central Switzerland. Crammed with ancient monuments and state-of-the-art architecture such as the Art and Congress Centre, Lucerne is well known for events such as the unmissable carnival, and the Lucerne Festival. This wonderful Swiss city is renowned because of William Tell, the pointy towers of the Hofkircke and, of course, the Kapellbrücke, the imposing and sumptuously decorated Chapel Bridge built in medieval times. Discover more about Lucerne
Distance Milan - Lucerne: 4 hours continue reading
ZURICH CONTEMPORARY, THE CENTRE STAGE OF SWITZERLAND
Zurich is a Swiss city that appeals to everyone. Its position makes it a natural crossroads which is easy to reach thanks to its airport, the Central Station and the efficient public transport system. Fraumunster, Grossmunster and Predigerkirche bear witness to the city’s history and its time-honoured religious vocation. Zurich’s Kunsthaus is home to collections of ancient, modern and contemporary art, but there are over 50 museums to visit in town. Zurich is a hub of events for young people, and in August it holds Europe’s largest electronic music festival, known as Street Parade. For fans of vegetarian food, Haus Hiltl is an unmissable alternative destination. Discover more about Zurich
Distance Milan - Zurich: 4 hours continue reading
BASEL, CULTURE AND TRADITION
Basel’s 40-odd museums make it the Swiss city with the highest density of museums. Basel’s attractions are diverse and enjoy a worldwide reputation: the Tinguely Museum established by Mario Botta, the Beyeler Foundation set up by Renzo Piano, the architecture of the Musical Theatre and Basel Zoo. It is a city with a longstanding university vocation, and it undergoes a transformation during the Morgestraich. Masks and traditional legendary characters hold a procession beneath the Romanesque cathedral and charming Marktplatz, both locations which set the perfect backdrop for Christmas markets in winter time. Discover more about Basel
Distance Milan - Basel: 4 hours continue reading
