Specialties of Switzerland
Sample the Specialties of Switzerland
Apart from its rich cultural diversity and its long history of tradition and economic success, Switzerland also offers a heaven for tourists from all over the world. There are many products sold across the globe that are uniquely from Switzerland, and are attributed to the ingenuity of the Swiss. If by chance you are able to travel to this rich land in one of your holidays, here is a sampling of what specialties are in store for you.
Swiss Watches
Who hasn’t heard of the trademark Swiss watches? The best and most famous names in watch-making have had roots in Switzerland. These time keeping devices have evolved from mere clocks, to pocket watches, and now to fine quality wrist watches encrusted with jewelry. One of the most luxurious brands of watches known today, under the company Patek Philippe, attributed as being the founder of the modern wrist watch. The headquarters of Patek Philippe and Co. today is in Geneva. Another hip and popular watch brand is Swatch, which was founded in the 1980’s in Zurich.
Swiss Cheese
Here is another treat for you: Swiss cheese! Also known as Emmental cheese, the origins of this flavorful variety of hard cheese is the Emme Valley in Bern. Of the many varieties of cheese known around the world, over 450 have originated from Switzerland, among them are Flixer, Appenzeller, and Gruyere, which is named after a town. They love their cheeses, as a matter of fact, Swiss residents eat as much as 20 kilograms of cheese per person every year!
Swiss Chocolate
If you have had your fill of delicious cheeses, then why not try some genuine Swiss chocolate? Some of the known regions where these sweets were first made in the 1800’s were Ticino and Neuchatel, while other factories were founded in Lausanne and Berne. Some of the most popular brands of Swiss chocolates are Lindt and Toblerone.
Sights in Switzerland
There are also tons of great sights to visit while you are touring Switzerland. At the Berne Museum of History or Historiches Museum Bern, you will find exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Stone Age, the Celts, Early Middle Ages to the Ancien regime, as well as a special section devoted to Albert Einstein. This museum is dedicated to the works of the German genius, who has made an impact on the world with his Theory of Relativity.
While in the capital city of Bern, you may also visit the Natural History Museum, which features animal artifacts, a diverse collection of invertebrates, and is even noted as one of the largest diorama displays in all of Europe. This is an ideal venue for families with kids to visit while in Switzerland.
The Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting is located in Landshut Castle, in the city of Utzenstorf. This building has been standing for more than 300 years, and showcases ancient hunting weapons and their evolution up to the present, as well as animal models of elk, birds, and other game.
Switzerland provides you a cornucopia of venues to see, and no matter what mood you have, there is sure to be a Swiss specialty to please you!
