Wednesday, November 14, 2007

switzerland

switzerland



The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Still, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public transportation.
Capital City:
Berne
Major Cities: Baden, Basel, Bellinzona, Bern, Biel, Brig, Chur, Fribourg, Genève, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lausanne, Locarno, Lugano, Luzern, Martigny, Montreux-Vevey, Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Sierre, Sion, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, Zug, Zürich
Bordering Countries:
Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein
Inhabitants:7'261'200
Languages:
German, French, Italian, Romansch
Climate: Because of its central position, the weather is influenced by the four main European air currents - from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, the northern subpolar region and the Mediterranen south. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs considerably from region to region.
Landforms:
Alps and Pre-Alps cover 60%, Central Plateau 30% and Jura 10% of the country.
Land Area:
41,284 km2


Albinen next to Leukerbad Homepage


Switch off and relaxSituated on the sunny side of the Rhone valley Albinen is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Valais. Just 6 km away are the renowned thermal springs in Leukerbad. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of our village, along with the fresh mountain air, lots of sunshine and a fantastic view. It is easy to relax and recover in our village, away from everyday stress. Not only is it suitable for tranquil holidays but also is conveniently situated for an active family vacation.
Albinen in summerFor an unforgettable mountain excursion an extensive and well-developed system of walking paths opens from spring to autumn. In the unspoiled natural surroundings you can roam through colourful meadows, shady larch forests, idyllic hamlets and view superb alpine landscapes, with a little luck, marmots or chamois can be observed. Mountain bikers can live out their dreams by finding very well prepared routes. With its central position in the Valais, Albinen is open to multiple holiday possibilities for visitors. Famous places such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Rilke - The burial ground in Raron are attainable within a one-hour drive.
Albinen in winterIn a deep snow covered winter landscape Albinen looks particularly attractive. Revitalize yourself by walking around the village and nearby alpine surroundings. Skiers and snowboarders are transported free of charge to the ski lift at Torrentbahnen only 14 minutes away. If you prefer to take your car, free parking is available. The skiing area Torrent at 2800 meters has snow guaranteed during the winter season. The ski runs are suitable for beginners as well as advanced skiers. A visit to the thermal springs after skiing assures the ultimate after-ski relaxation. A combined ski and thermal springs pass can be bought, enabling both activities to be available at a reduced price.Facts:
Only 6 km from thermal springs resort Leukerbad
Regular bus service
50 km of ski run and cross-country skiing (1540 m - 2800 m), 11 skilift facilities (including Leukerbad)
Free ski bus
50 km marked walking paths
30 km marked mountain bike routes
The Albinen ladders: In old times this was the shortest way to Leukerbad. This includes 8 ladders of 100 m height. Today a footpath has been integrated but only recommended for those who do not suffer from fear of heights or dizzy turns.
Guided village tours - from June to October
Museum in the old mill.


Anzère is part of the central Valais community of Ayent at the foot of the Wildhorn massif. It nestles amidst larch and pine forests and enjoys an almost Mediterranean micro-climate. Anzère is still a young resort: before 1960 it was simply a collection of five small chalets. Thanks to its favoured location, Anzère quickly grew to become a modern but compact holiday village. The surrounding countryside is dotted with alpine huts, usually built in stone or timber toasted a rich brown by the sun. Because the Ayent-Anzère occupies such a sunny location and has one of the driest climates in Switzerland, farmers in the region have constructed a network of suonen, the irrigation channels ('Bisses’ in French) so typical of the Valais. Three main suonen, 70 km in length, traverse the community. The first suonen date from the middle of the 15th century, and there is an interesting little suonen museum in Anzère.
SummerThe gentle slopes and babbling waters have made the suonen popular as walking trails, including the three-hour tour from Anzère to the reservoir at Tseuzier (and beyond via the Rawil Pass to Lenk in the Bernese Oberland). There are mountain trails up to the Wildhorn Glacier at 3247 m, and a total of 166 km of marked footpaths in the region. Anzère in summer is ideal for mountain bikes (5 routes, 80 km). It also offers climbing, riding, fishing, a hang-gliding school, mountain huts, tennis courts, a heated open-air and indoor pool, mini-golf, beach volleyball and a giant children’s playground. Close by are wine cellars, golf courses, thermal baths and an observatory.
WinterThe ski region stretches from altitudes of 1500 m to 2500 m.There are 12 lift facilities and a wide range of courses and trails for downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders and winter hikers. Toboggan enthusiasts will find a super toboggan run, and there are plenty of opportunities for winter hikers and snowshoe walkers. Every week mulled wine is ladled out of a huge cauldron, providing a chance to make new friends.
Highlights
Tseuzier Reservoir: a beautiful lake in a partially wooded basin, accessible from Ayent along a narrow road or from Anzère along a suonen trail with views into the Liène Valley.
Sitten (Sion): the capital of the canton with its historic townscape is a popular destination for shopping, culture and gastronomy. It is also the centre of Valais wine-growing with plenty of wine cellars.
Siders (Sierre): this nearby town has the most hours of sunshine in Switzerland and is a favourite destination with its lovely old town and museums.
Lac Souterrain de St-Léonard: the biggest underground karst lake in Europe (300 metres long), accessible to boats.
Grande Dixence Reservoir: at an altitude of 285 metres, this is the highest reservoir in the world, situated in the Hérémence Valley (viewings inside from mid June to end September).
The primeval forest of Derborence: a nature conservation area of mighty larch and pine trees in a rocky valley basin at the southern foot of the Diablerets Massif.
Top Events
Course de Côte Ayent-Anzère: mountain motor racing on the slopes of Anzère, a national competition with entrants from abroad (July).
Tour des Alpages in Anzère: 17 km of mountain paths for hikers and runners followed by a folk festival with tastings etc. (July)
Wine festival (Vinifête) in Anzère: wine-tasting organised by the winegrowers of Ayent (August).
Alpine marathon: 42-kilometre-marathon from Anzère via Crans-Montana to Leukerbad; the gradients are gentle so this event has become a people’s run (August).