Zurich Switzerland

The reputation of Zurich used to be that it was an coldly efficient, impersonal Swiss city. No more. Nightclubs abound. Popular culture is, well, on the popular side. There is a more cosmopolitan feel to the city. There is still the Old Town of the middle ages to enjoy, and if you speak Swiss German, you can take part in a cafe culture that rivals Paris'. Zurich Switzerland

However, you really do need to be affluent to stay in Zurich, or at least save up enough so you can appear affluent while you are there. From hotels to restaurants, even the well-to-do Swiss find Zurich unrivaled in expense. A tip: hotels in nearby Baden are much more reasonable. But however you visit Zurich, remember one thing. It is NOT the capitol of Switzerland.

Bern (Berne) is the Capitol of Switzerland Bern Switzerland

One of Europe's smallest capitol cities, Bern is located in a looping bend of the Aare River. The Clock Tower at right is just about its biggest attraction, although there is also a pretty good Old Town section. Lots of foreign embassies, Parliment building, museums. Wild bears actually wander around in the forest and occasionally come to drink at the river. No wonder many Americans think Zurich or Geneva is the capitol.

Basel IS Switzerland

On the northern border of Switzerland where it touches the border between France and Germany, there is the very Swiss city of Basel. It caps the beautiful Rhine River, Switzerland's only route to the open sea, and has a state-of-the-art port and boasts many corporate world headquarters, especially in pharmaceuticals. Basil Switzerland

Interestingly, this potentially cosmopolitan city is perhaps the most Swiss in character, perhaps in reaction to the possibilities just across the border. The people of Basel are polite, reserved, very even tempered. Social events tend to be totally organized with absolutely nothing left to chance. When you visit Basel, you get the opportunity to experience a little of what it must be like to be Swiss. Very structured in the highest sense. Oriented toward the rewards of sharp commerce. Very discrete (think Swiss Banker). Nietzsche and Erasmus lived here, and the effects of their philosophies remain a legacy for the people of Bern today.

On the other hand, perhaps, is the rich Old Town section featuring the highest spire in Switzerland sported by Munster Cathedral. Late Gothic in design, with excellent bells that fill the cobbled Munsterplatz surrounded by Baroque buildings and a fountain from the 18th century featuring Moses and dedicated to the Reformation.

Now, the moment we have all been wating for...
I hear the sound of music playing. A nun is spinning in an alpine meadow.
Click Here to see the Swiss Alps in Summer.

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