Attractions
Lausanne
Dating to the time of the Romans, Lausanne is a the second-largest city on Lake Geneva, and the fifth-largest in all of Switzerland. It is also home to the International Olympics Committee.
The Cathedral of Lausanne Considered one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Europe, the Cathedral of Lausanne dates from 1175. While its interior is considered austere, with only a rose window and 13th-century choir stalls as adornment, the exterior comes alive with rich ornamentation, bas-reliefs and sculptures.
Le Château de Beaulieu et Musée de l'Art Brut Built in 1789 and once owned by Madame de Stael, the Château de Beaulieu is now home to the Musée de l'Art Brut, or 'museum of ugly art'. Jean Dubuffet, a painter, collected artwork from prisoners, the mentally ill and the criminally insane, claiming that their work was superior to the "pretentious" avant-garde art scene of the day. You can browse these works—and judge for yourself.
Musée Cantonale des Beaux Arts This museum is devoted to the works created in western Switzerland from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Zermatt
Located at the northern base of the Matterhorn, this charming mountain village makes a great base for those looking to ski or hike the surrounding Alps, including the Haute Route that leads to Chamonix in France. You can hike up the mountains, or save your energy by taking the cable cars and chair lifts to the various peaks and summits.
Interlaken
Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau, a mountain pass often referred to as the "Top of Europe."
Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge The 14th-century Chapel Bridge is the most recognizable landmark in Lucerne and is said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe.
Mount Pilatus The stunning view from Mount Pilatus is well worth the short journey from Lucerne. Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top.
The Swiss Transport Museum With its large collection of trains, planes, automobiles and motorcycles, this transportation museum is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you get tired of the real train engines you can check out the model railroad or the miniature working steam train.
The Old City Wall The medieval town wall was built in the 15th century and was used by knights in defense of the town. Enjoy a great panoramic view of Lucerne from one of the towers.
The Dying Lion Monument Carved in the early 1800s in honor of the 700 Swiss Guards who died trying to protect Louis XVI, this famous monument was chiseled into the sandstone cliffs above Lucerne.
Glacier Garden Built around a glacial pothole from the Ice Age, this museum displays artifacts from throughout Lucerne’s natural history.
The Picasso Museum Arriving uninvited at Picasso’s villa, Life magazine’s photo correspondent David Douglas Duncan found a welcoming Picasso and family. Over the next few years, Duncan produced an intimate portrait of the artist’s day-to-day life; 200 of these photographs are displayed in the Am-Rhyn-Haus, a beautiful 17th-century building.
Munich
Brandenburg Gate Built during the reign of Frederick William II, the gate is considered to be a symbol of peace and unity.
Berlin Wall The 160 kilometer wall was built in 1961 to divide Berlin into East and West. This barrier was destroyed in 1989 by a joyous German crowd. The only standing part is the East Side Gallery.
Reichstag Serving today as the seat of the German Government, the building was pulled down during the Nazi regime and rebuilt in 1999.
Checkpoint Charlie This is opened for visitors from 9.00 am to 10.00pm. The former checkpoint is situated just beside the great divider between the east and the west. A few yards away you can find the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
Ka De We Located in the heart of the city of Berlin, Ka De We is the largest department store in Europe.
Berliner Dom The base of the famous Berlin Cathedral was built in 1905. The beautifully crafted dome is full of mosaics and historical photographs. The sepultures of the old church hold the casket of 80 Prussian kings.
Museum Island An archipelago of world renowned museums is located in the central part of Berlin.
Tiergarten Park Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin and is the site of the annual Love Parade.
Charlottenburg Palace The largest existing palace of Munich, Charlottenburg Palace is used today as a museum. The palace was built in memory of Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick III.
