Swiss Entertainment

Many years of liberty and peace have created a joyous heritage, history and culture for Switzerland. Founded more than 700 years ago, the quality of life in Switzerland is something special.

Though somewhat reserved at times the Swiss are a friendly and hospitable people. Life is secure in the cities and towns, and cleanliness is a top priority. The Swiss share an independent spirit, respect for tradition, four languages and dozens of dialects. Deeply rooted in the country's past, all of this finds expression through the people's fascinating folklore. Rural lifestyles are materialized in the color and decoration of small town markets. Seasons are marked by traditional festivals and warm hearted pageants. Some celebrations are expressed after a successful harvest while others may celebrate the end of another winter.

Festivals

Switzerland hosts hundreds of music festivals, ranging from rap, rock and reggae to classical and choral every year. The International Music Festivals in Lucerne and Gstaad last several weeks and are among the most important events on the classical calendar. The internationally famous jazz festivals of Montreux, Berne and Willisau are just a few of the many held across the country. Other festivals specialize in steel bands, film music, brass bands, organ music, yodelling and country & western. For movie additics, the open-air Locarno Film Festival is one of the most acclaimed in Europe.

Casual or Ritzy?

Accommodations in Switzerland range from the simple to the sophisticated, from one-star inns to five-star luxury. The majority of hotels are small and medium-sized establishments, owned and operated by the same family for generations. Quaint hotels, guest-houses and private houses offer excellent bed-and-breakfast arrangements at decent prices.

Paradise for Shoppers

Shopping in Switzerland is one of life's great delights. The list of excellent buys is long and varied. The finest watches, elegant jewelry, delicious chocolates, exclusive embroideries, fascinating music boxes and multi-blade pocket knives. Swiss shops offer the best that money can buy.

Museums

The most popular museum in Switzerland is the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne. Followed by the Botanical Gardens in Geneva and the medieval Castle of Chillon on Lake Geneva. The most popular zoo is the Basel Zoo where successes in animal breeding have ensured the survival of species threatened with extinction. The most cheese dairy is found at Affoltern in the Emmental region.

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