Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. Its tallest peak is the Dufourspitze at 15,203 ft (4,634 m) on the Swiss side of the Italian border, one of 10 summits of the Monte Rosa massif. The tallest peak in all of the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,771 ft; 4,807 m), is actually in France. Most of Switzerland is composed of a mountainous plateau bordered by the great bulk of the Alps on the south and by the Jura Mountains on the northwest. The country's largest lakes—Geneva, Constance (Bodensee), and Maggiore—straddle the French, German-Austrian, and Italian borders, respectively. The Rhine, navigable from Basel to the North Sea, is the principal inland waterway.
Climate and Weather
The temperature is moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, so Switzerland can be visited at anytime of year. Summer is warm to hot lasting from about June to September, and although good for outdoor activities it is also the most crowded time for a holiday. Ski resorts open in late November and remain so until the snow begins to melt in April.
Population
With a population of 7.58 million, the four ethnolinguistic groups (Germanic, French, Italian, and Rhaeto-Romansh) that make up the native Swiss population have retained their specific characteristics. Originally, the country was inhabited by Celtic tribes in the west and south and by Rhaetians in the east. With the collapse of Roman rule, Germanic tribes poured in, among them the Alemanni and Burgundians. The Alemanni ultimately became the dominant group, and the present Alemannic vernacular (Schwyzertütsch, or Schweizerdeutsch) is spoken by nearly two-thirds of the total population as their principal language. As of 2002, 65% of the population was German; 18% was French; 10% was Italian; 1% was Romansh; and 6% was comprised of various other groups.
Transportation
Switzerland boasts one of the best public transport networks in Europe. Almost any place can be reached comfortably and conveniently, with trains and buses reaching even the most secluded areas. Boats circulate on all major lakes and a number of river trips are also possible. Visitors from outside Switzerland can obtain special transport passes, such as the Swiss Pass or the Swiss Flexi Pass, which allow unlimited travel on the entire network of railways, buses, and boats. Switzerland has three international airports: Zurich-Kloten, Geneva-Cointrin and Basel-Mulhouse. There are also a number of regional airports, including Bern-Belp, Grenchen, Lugano-Agno, Samedan-St Moritz and Sion, served by charter or regional airlines.
Top Attractions
1. Fraumünster Church.
2. Swiss National Museum.
3. Rhine Falls.
4. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).
5. Lausanne.
6. Château de Chillon.
7. Bern.
Best Travel Time
Generally, June is the best time to travel to Switzerland, followed by September or October, when the mountain passes are still open. Summers are usually over crowded with tourists; hence trips during this time can be avoided.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Viande sèchée (dried beef or pork) from Valais and the Grisons where it is called Bündnerfleisch, served with spring or pickled onions.
• Pieds de porc (pigs’ feet).
• Rösti (shredded fried potatoes).
• Fondue Bourguignonne (cubed meat with various sauces).
• Leckerli (spiced honey cakes topped with icing sugar, decorated in Bern with a white sugar bear).
National drinks: • Kirsch, Marc, Pflümli and Williams (spirits).
Local Products/Shopping
Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches.
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Top Attractions 
Generally, June is the best time to travel to Switzerland, followed by September or October, when the mountain passes are still open. Summers are usually over crowded with tourists; hence trips during this time can be avoided.