The Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park (German: Schweizerischer Nationalpark; French: Parc National Suisse; Italian: Parco Nazionale Svizzero; Romansh: Parc Naziunal Svizzer) is located in the east of Switzerland between Zernez, S-chanf, Scuol and the Fuorn Pass in the Engadin valley. As of 2009, it is the only National Park in Switzerland, though there are plans to create more. It has an area of 174.2 km² and is the largest protected...

The Graubünden or Grisons Canton

Graubünden or Grisons (German: Graubünden, [ɡʁaʊˈbʏndən] ; Swiss German: Graubünda; Italian: Grigioni [ɡɾiˈdʒoni]; Romansh: Grischun [ɡɾiˈʒun]) is the largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland adjoining Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein . The name Graubünden translates as "Grey Leagues," referring to the canton's origin in three local alliances, the League of God's House, the Grey League, and the League of Ten Jurisdictions.The...

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus overlooks Lucerne and the surrounding lakes and towns. Enjoy a slow cog-wheel train ride up the steep hill side. Watch as the grass gradually becomes snow covered as you reach higher elevations. You will hear the sounds of cow bells in the distance. The cows are used to living in this extreme and are not afraid of the heights. When you arrive at the top you will notice it is much colder than when you boarded...

Rhine River

Rhine (rīn) , Du. Rijn, Fr. Rhin, Ger. Rhein, Lat. Rhenus, principal river of Europe, c.820 mi (1,320 km) long. It rises in the Swiss Alps and flows generally north, passing through or bordering on Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea. Its important tributaries are the Aare, Neckar, Main, Moselle, and Ruhr rivers; canals link the river with the Maas,...

Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee): The "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons"

Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee): The "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons"Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)Lake Lucerne (German: Vierwaldstättersee, lit. "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons") is a lake in central Switzerland, the fourth largest in the country. The lake is a complicated shape, with bends and arms reaching from the city of Lucerne into the mountains. It has a total area of 114 km² (44 sq mi), an elevation of...

Mount Titlis: The Peak of Glacier

Mount Titlis: The Peak of GlacierTitlisThe Titlis (3,238 m) is a mountain in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. It is located on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Berne in Switzerland, overlooking Engelberg (Obwalden) and is famous as the site of the world's first revolving cable car. The cable car system connects Engelberg to the summit of Klein Titlis (3,028 m) through the three stages of GerschnialpTrübsee...

Rigi Mountain: The "Queen of the Mountains"

Rigi Mountain: The "Queen of the Mountains"Rigi at the Vierwaldstädtteresee.Rigi is a mountain in central Switzerland and part of the Swiss Alps. It's also known as the "Queen of the Mountains."The mountain is easily accessible by public transportation. It offers many winter and summer excursions such as skiing or sledding. Hiking there is also a favorite. It can be reached from Goldau and Vitznau by the Rigi-Bahnen,...

Lake Geneva: It's always been the place

Lake Geneva: It's always been the placeLake Geneva or Lake Léman (French: Lac Léman, Léman, Lac de Genève) is the second largest freshwater lake in Central Europe in terms of surface area (after Lake Balaton). 60% of it comes under the jurisdiction of Switzerland (cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Valais), and 40% under France (Haute-Savoie). The crescent-shaped lake, formed by a withdrawing glacier, narrows around Yvoire...