There is a lot to see. Because the Swiss have avoided war for more than 700 years, the countryside, villages and cities, plus the many tangible monuments to their heritage, remain impressively intact. This nation has a higher density of castles, forts and historic churches than any country in Europe. Forget those old images of the yodeling Swiss mountaineer wearing lederhosen and suspenders.

Travelers who name Switzerland as a favorite vacation destination cite memories of beautiful valleys filled with charming villages framed by the breathtaking Alps. They comment as well on how clean the country looks and how safe they feel. Visitors appreciate the way the Swiss bid tourists welcome, the efficiency and comfort of the services and the lodgings, and the tasty food and drink. Not to be overlooked: Switzerland has an excellent train system, making it easy to get around this mountainous nation. Switzerland also sets the standards for the world’s hotel industry.

Think of Switzerland as a country with beautiful natural resources and fine opportunities for recreation, but bear in mind that the Swiss are a sophisticated, well-educated people who have made their country a significant player in world trade and finance. Visitors notice this, too, and report they found their hosts intelligent, educated, honorable and excellent company, as well as friendly and helpful. Interestingly, travelers who like Switzerland are more likely to have professional occupations and slightly higher incomes and education.

Thanks to its location in the center of Europe, Switzerland borrows customs, language and cuisine from several bordering nations and cultures. Thus, within very short distances, you will experience the French Swiss, the German Swiss, the Italian Swiss and the Romansh Swiss, all charming and at bottom, all distinctly Swiss. Food, wine and architecture in each area reflect the differences. Not surprisingly, venturers particularly appreciate this exposure to a variety of people and cultures. They will hear several languages and enjoy consistently excellent and varied cuisines and local wines. And, they will hit the slopes for some of the best skiing in the world. Skiing dominates the winter sports scene, but actives also praise Switzerland’s hiking trails and boating activities on its many lakes.

You can swim in the lakes and rivers and eat the fresh fish you catch without fear. Switzerland leads all industrialized nations in environmental enforcement, and active venturers are quickest to applaud this. Centrics appreciate many of the same things, but express a greater interest in Switzerland’s history. Their sightseeing includes old castles and other venues where historical dramas played out. Because the Swiss know how to treat tourists, centrics feel comfortable here and can return home relaxed and serene.

Authentics often visit as part of a group or in the company of friends. They appreciate how hard the Swiss work to make guests feel cared for and welcome, and they — like everyone — delight in the beauty of the mountains, valleys and quaint villages.

If you ski, try Zermatt (the highest glacier skiing), Gstaad (to ski with the international jet set), St. Moritz and St. Cergue. Switzerland also offers fine ice skating, hockey and curling.

The Matterhorn dominates the scenery near Zermatt, and there are plenty of other peaks nearby. Go mountain climbing here.

Plan a long hiking trip, or plan several day trips. Trails are well-marked, and Americans rave about this experience.

Take a ride on the Mount Pilatus Cog Railway. The journey will take you to Jungfraujoch which, at 11,333 feet above sea level, is the highest train station in Europe.

Rent a bicycle and follow one of the nine interconnected and signposted cycling routes that crisscross Switzerland. Those routes extend more than 2,000 miles. There are more than 3,000 miles of regional routes as well.

Via ferrata (meaning, iron road) is a form of rock climbing along routes equipped with fixed wire ropes and artificial hand- and footholds, reducing the risks associated with a climb for the novice, or for anyone in very difficult terrain. The most demanding of Switzerland’s via terrata routes, Leukerbad, is cited for its “steep and strength-sapping climbs.”

Spend an afternoon at a suspension rope park, which involves navigating elevated rope trails, moving from tree to tree. The trails can vary widely in their level of difficulty.

The cities boast an abundance of parks, good for jogging. So, run, then make a meal of raclette or fondue, traditional cheese dishes in Switzerland, followed with a little Swiss chocolate.

A good place for active sightseeing is Interlaken in the Romansh area. Confident drivers will enjoy the Alpine views on the way from Geneva or Montreux. Once there, take the funicular up the Harder Kulm, visit the ibex preserve, see innumerable castles and experience another of Switzerland’s several cultures.

Try this adventure for a real thrill: Rent a bike at one of the cities in the Alps. Coast down the mountain through the beautiful valleys and head toward a city where you can leave the bike and move on. Check with tourist information for details. Cities all over Switzerland offer this opportunity.

Take one of Switzerland’s many scenic Alpine train and motorcoach routes. For example, the William Tell Express journey, operated May to October, is really a boat-and-train combo, starting with three hours aboard a historic paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne.

Celebrate the arrival of spring in Zurich. On the third Monday in April, members of all the guilds dress in costumes to celebrate the new season, and at 6 p.m., they burn Boogg, a straw figure that symbolizes winter.

Take a lake steamer trip on Lake Zurich, which gives you another way to admire the scenery plus access to a number of towns on the lakeshore. Or, take a boating excursion across Lake Geneva if your itinerary takes you there.

Take a guided walking tour of Lausanne which will introduce you to medieval Lausanne. Look for the medieval centers in other cities, too.

Attend the Montreux Jazz Festival, held each year in early July.

If you like castles, you can’t do better than Chillon Castle on the shore of Lake Geneva in Montreux. It’s a trip back to the 11th century.

Switzerland has a long-standing reputation for clock- and watchmaking. In Geneva, the Musee de l’Horlogerie et de l’Emaillerie celebrates the history of the trade, displaying countless fine examples.

It’s hard to choose just one area for scenery, but you can’t go wrong visiting the Bernese Oberland, land of countless valleys, towering granite walls and waterfalls. Alpine legends originate here.

Visit Lake Lucerne, which mirrors mountain scenery and medieval town walls in its clear water. Overnight in Lucerne, or take a day trip from Zurich if time is short. Take a cruise on the lake — make that a lunch cruise.

Visit the Heidihaus (Heidi’s House) in Heidi’s Village (Heididorf) at Maienfeld.

Tour the Nestle chocolate factory in Broc. Tour the cheese factory in Gruyeres.

Attend the onion market fair in Bern in mid-November. Or choose a summer event, the early-August Fetes de Geneve in Geneva.

For more information, consult Switzerland Tourism at www.myswitzerland.com
To find a Switzerland Specialist go to Find a Travel Agent at the home page.

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