Adventure Holidays
adventure holidays
Switzerland is well known as a land of cheese and chocolate, and often conjures up an array of cliched images, from yodelling goatherds to cows with large cowbells.
However, there is much more to discover in this fascinating country. Switzerland is the best place for winter sports in the world. Why? Because in the 19th century, almost 150 years ago, this is where they were invented!
It covers an area roughly the size of Wales, is landlocked in the Alps, and surrounded by France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. This goes some way to explain the country’s four linguistic regions – German, French (called Suisse Romande), Italian and Romansh. Until national reconciliation in 1848, Switzerland was the most consistently turbulent, war-torn area of Europe.

Although two centuries of tourism have left their mark, and the Swiss are content to abide by a quaint stereotype. To explore the real Switzerland requires patience and time, but is infinitely more rewarding than accepting the chocolate-box, alpine stereotypes.

adventure holidays
The land is divided into three geographical areas: the Jura Mountains, Mittelland (Middle Land) and the Alps. During the Ice Age, the land was grafted by glaciations blessing Switzerland with many beautiful lakes, which together with the mountains, form spectacular scenery. The mountains are the nation’s heart and soul. Stretching from Slovenia in the east to France in the west, they form one of the world’s largest collections of snow-capped peaks. The Swiss Alps represent roughly 20 per cent of the entire range and have been carefully protected and developed to support mountaineering, hiking, skiing and other adventure sports.

The weather is temperate but varies with altitude. Switzerland boasts cool to warm humid summers with occasional showers and cold, snowy winters. This is the perfect climate for those seeking an adventure with stunning views and unrivalled scenery, at any time of year.