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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGE
Table of Contents 1-2
1.0 Introduction to Switzerland 3
1.0.1 Switzerland Location
1.1 History of Switzerland 4-7
1.1.1 From the Beginnings to the Romans
First Settlers in Switzerland- Lake Settlements
Under Roman Influence
o Pre-Roman Period
o The Romans in Switzerland
o Life Under Roman Rule
o The Rise of Christianity
1.1.2 Switzerland In the Middle Ages
1.2 Switzerland National Dish 8
1.2.0 Cheese Fondue
1.2.1 Rosti
1.2.2 Raclette
1.3 Winter in Switzerland 9-11
Festival
1.3.0 International Hot Air Balloon Festival
1.3.1 World Snow Festival
Tourist Activities
1.3.2 Play to the Snow Park
1.3.3 Learn to Ski
Cultural Activities
1.3.4 Basel Autumn Fair
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1.3.5 Swim in the Aare River
1.4 Summer in Switzerland 12-14
Festival
1.4.0 Montreux Jazz Festival
1.4.1 Zurich Festival
Tourism Activities
1.4.2 See Glacier on the Mountain in Summer
1.4.3 Climbing Mount Uetliberg
Cultural Activities
1.4.4 Alpabfahrt(Swiss Cow Parade)
1.4.5 Pick Fresh Cherries Traditions
1.5 Switzerland Fun Facts 15
1.6 Conclusions 15
1.7 References 16
1.8 Appendices 17
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1.0 INTRODUCTION to SWITZERLAND
Motto:
"Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno"
"One for all, all for one
1.0.1 Switzerland Location
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the
confluence of Western, Central and Southern Europe. Switzerland’s administrative capital is
Bern, while Lausanne serves as its judicial centre. Switzerland’s small size—its total area is
about half that of Scotland—and its modest population give little indication of its international
significance. Switzerland is surrounded by five other European countries. The northern
border separates Germany and Switzerland. In the west, France and Switzerland share a
border. Austria and Liechtenstein both lie to the east of Switzerland. Italy is to the southern
border of the Swiss Confederation.
Switzerland's GPS coordinates include a latitude of 46.8182° N and a longitude of
8.2275° E. The country is located in the northern and eastern hemispheres on the globe.
Switzerland is completely landlocked.
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1.1 of SWITZERLAND
1.1.1 From the beginnings to the Romans
The oldest traces of human existence are about 150,000 years old, while the oldest
flint tools that have been found are about 100,000 years old.
The territory of the present-day Switzerland developed in a similar way to that of the
rest of Europe. The first centuries were marked by migration, resulting in the area being
inhabited by different peoples. With the rule of the Romans, Christianity spread, and the
Church with its bishoprics and monasteries became an important landowner. At the same
time, aristocratic families increased their power by conquest, inheritance and marriage
policy. For a short time, the Frankish king Charlemagne controlled a significant part of
Western Europe. In 962 another sphere of power came into being when the German king
Otto I persuaded the Pope to appoint him Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
FIRST SETTLERS IN SWITZERLAND- LAKE SETTLEMENTS
The first such structures were discovered in the winter of 1853/54 at Lake Zurich,
which at the time had an unusually low water level. The best-known lakeside settlement was
the Celtic village in La Tène on Lake Neuchâtel. The culture of the late Iron Age, which
began around 450 BC, was named after this location. Other important excavations were
made at Lakes Neuchâtel and Biel in western Switzerland, at Lakes Zug and Zurich in
central Switzerland and at Lake Constance in eastern Switzerland.
Figure 1- Some of the most interesting archaeological finds in Switzerland are those of the
lakeside settlements with their houses built on piles. The oldest date from the 4th millennium
BC, and shed light on life before the time of the Helvetians, Rhaetians and Romans.
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UNDER ROMAN INFLUENCE
Figure 2- Between the 1st century BC and the first decade AD, the area covered by present-
day Switzerland was gradually incorporated into the Roman Empire. Roman rule ended in
401 AD, but Roman structures remained in parts of Switzerland until the early Middle Ages.
PRE-ROMAN PERIOD
The Helvetians, from whom the Latin name of Switzerland is derived, were a Celtic
tribe and were first mentioned at the end of the 2nd century BC. In the 1st century BC they
populated what is now known as the Swiss Mittelland as well as present-day south-western
Germany. The eastern parts of present-day Switzerland were inhabited by the Rhaetians.
There are theories to the effect that the Rhaetians were descended from the Etruscans.
THE ROMANS IN SWITZERLAND
In the beginning of the 3rd century BC and after the defeat of Hannibal, the Romans
conquered the area of present-day southern Ticino. Some 75 years later, the Romans also
conquered the Rhone Valley (including Geneva) in order to control the route from Italy to
Spain.
In 58 BC, Julius Caesar prevented the Helvetians from leaving the Swiss plateau
when they wanted to avoid the Germanic incursion from the west by migrating to the south of
France. They were stopped by Julius Caesar at Bibracte. He sent the Helvetians back and
settled them as a "buffer people" under the control of the Roman army. After Caesar’s death,
the Romans, now under Emperor Augustus, increased their influence over Swiss territory.
The Rhaetians came under Roman rule in 15 BC.
However, the attempt by the Romans to penetrate further northwards - into what is
present-day Germany - failed. Up to the 5th century AD, the Rhine formed the northern
border of the Roman Empire.
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LIFE UNDER ROMAN RULE
When it was under Roman domination, Switzerland was not a single political entity.
The area was divided into five Roman provinces. Roman rule was not oppressive. When a
new province was conquered, the local authorities retained their functions and their standing
and the population was Romanised step by step.
The area that is now Switzerland was an important transit route under the Romans,
who improved and maintained the roads over several of the passes. Towns were built along
the main transport routes.
By 260 AD, Roman Switzerland had experienced an economic and cultural boom. The
acculturation between the Celtic tradition and the new Mediterranean influences was free of
conflict. Urbanisation and the construction of numerous roads led to new ideas and lifestyles
becoming prevalent, such as the many public baths, which were built even in the small vici
(villages).
In late antiquity, Switzerland once again became a border area. Emperor Diocletian’s
reorganisation of the Roman provinces in the 3rd century resulted in northern Switzerland
being assigned to the new province of Maxima Sequanorum, and a tight chain of fortified
towns, forts and watchtowers being set up along the Rhine (Danube-Iller-Rhine limit). After
the Goth invasion of the Western Roman Empire, all Roman troops were withdrawn from
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areas north of the Alps in 401 in order to protect Italy and thus they gave up control of
Switzerland.
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THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY
Christianity first came to Switzerland with the Roman soldiers. The oldest written
evidence for these dates from the 4th century.
In 381, Christianity was declared to be the only religion of the Roman Empire. Small
churches were built in the fortified towns and dioceses were established in the main
administrative centres.
After the departure of the Romans, Western Switzerland remained Christian under the
Burgundians, while the Alemanni stayed pagan until the 7th century. It was only St. Gall,
who accompanied the Irish monk Columbanus to Zurich and Lake Constance, who
succeeded in winning the population over to Christianity. While Columbanus moved on to
Italy, St. Gall remained in what is now eastern Switzerland (the city of St. Gallen is named
after him) and founded the Abbey of St. Gall. During this period, many other monasteries
were founded and these developed into important centres of learning and culture.
Both dioceses and monasteries played an important role in the development of
agriculture. The Church also played an important role in politics. In order to strengthen their
power against the local nobles, the German kings often gifted estates to monasteries and
dioceses to ensure that these remained favourably disposed toward them and, because of
their properties, be able to exercise greater authority.
1.1.2 Switzerland in the Middle Ages
In the 14th and 15 centuries there developed a loose federation with rural and urban
members. By the end of the 15th century it was strong enough to affect the balance of power
in Europe. Various wars were fought in which the Confederates displayed courage and
ingenuity, and they gained a reputation as a formidable opponent in combat. The
Confederation was enlarged in various ways with some areas joining voluntarily and as
equal members while others were more or less forced. The members of the Confederation
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mainly administered the affairs of their own regions but representatives of each area also
met regularly to discuss issues of common interest.
1.2 Switzerland National Dish
1.2.0 Cheese Fondue
The name comes from fondre, the French for 'to
melt' – can be made in lots of variations and
with different cheese mixtures. The most
common combinations include grated Gruyère,
Vacherin Fribourgeois and/or Appenzeller
cheese. The cheese is melted with white wine
and served warm in a wide-topped pot known
as a caquelon. To eat the fondue, diners dip
small cubes of bread on a long-handled fork
into the pot. The pot sits over a burner with an
adjustable flame level, keeping the cheese
warm and melted.
1.2.1 Rosti
Rosti is a kind of potato cake served as a
main course or side dish. The potatoes are
first cooked in their jackets, then peeled and
grated before being fried in butter to form a
round flat cake. As a main course, the rösti
can be garnished with your choice of
ingredients, such as fried egg, cheese,
vegetables, mushrooms or meat. Rösti is also a tasty accompaniment for many main
courses, such as sausages, Geschnetzeltes (creamy meat stew) or fish. What makes rösti
unique is the Röstiraffel – a coarse potato grater invented in Switzerland in the late 1800s.
1.2.2 Raclette
Raclette is a typical dish from the canton of Valais.
Traditionally, half a cheese wheel is heated on one side and,
as it melts, the cheese is scraped off onto a plate. An easier
way to do it is with slices of Raclette cheese, which are
melted on small pans in a special grill – a staple in almost
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every Swiss home. Raclette is eaten with potatoes, garnished with pickled onions and
gherkins. It is best paired with a local white wine such as a Fendant.
1.3 Winter in Switzerland
FESTIVAL
1.3.0 International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Participants come from dozens of countries to launch over 70 balloons into the air. The
whole event lasts nine days, and while it centers on the balloons, there is also skiing,
snowboarding, lodge events, chalets to explore, food, and vendors. In addition to the balloon
events, the festival also offers on-site family-friendly workshops, helicopter rides, balloon
flights, exhibitors, and other entertainment.
Children 15 or younger get free admission to the whole event, and adults can pay by the
day or purchase a pin that grants them entry to all days of the event.
Figure 4- One of the most thrilling and unique Swiss festivals
1.3.1 World Snow Festival
Figure 5- The Snow
Festival takes place on the
natural ice-rink in the
centre of Grindelwald and
this year is it back for 2023
with the theme “Tradition”.
The festival originally
started around 40 years
ago when a large sculpture of Heidi was carved in the snow by Japanese artists and became
a really talking point and inspired other “snow artists” to follow suit. Every January
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Grindelwald plays host to the World Snow Festival and over the years this event, although
small, has become one of the highlights of the Winter season in the village. The World Snow
Festival in Grindelwald is a celebration of art with ice figures and sculptures made from
snow.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
1.3.2 Play to the Snow Park
Another exciting activity that family tourists can do is visit the Snow Park in
Trubsee.While there, visitors can play sledge, toboggan, and trampoline. For sledges, this
activity is safe for children because the tracks are not steep.
Other tourist activities that are no less interesting are riding a snowmobile, snowtube, and
Zipline Trubsee flyer. For the last activity, children under the age of eight are not allowed to
cross the 500 meter long zipline.
1.3.3 Learn to ski
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One of the most popular tourist activities to do when winter arrives and the snow falls is
skiing. Tourists will be loaned ski equipment such as skis, shoes, sticks and helmets. There
are also guides who will train and assist guests.
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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
1.3.4 Basel Autumn Fair
Covering almost the whole city, the Autumn fair is one of the oldest fairs in Switzerland.
It’s a special time full of pleasure and fascination celebrating autumn season and harvest
with great food, wines, arts and crafts and rides on merry-go-rounds! Make sure you visit an
enhanced set of the fair in the Messe Basel - Fressmeile, a magical fair stand with delightful
local cuisine. Amusement rides, sport competitions, street theatre plays and more to come
during the festive days.
1.3.5 Swim in the Aare River
It turns out that the Aare river in the city of Bern, Switzerland, is indeed very useful as a
place for local people to swim. Many people take advantage of the sunny weather to play in
the water while exploring the beautiful scenery of Bern. Besides that, this river is also one of
the customs of Switzerland or traditions in that country.
The Aare River is also one of the locations for various kinds of water tourism activities for
all local residents in general. There will be many activities on the river, such as rafting,
swimming, and even surfing.
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The fact has been mentioned, that swimming in this river has turned out to be a part of
lives and Swiss tradition.
1.4 Summer in Switzerland
FESTIVAL
1.4.0 Montreux Jazz Festival
The Montreux Jazz Festival opened on 18 June 1967 and was founded by Claude Nobs,
Géo Voumard and René Langelwith considerable help from Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun of
Atlantic Records. The festival was first held at Montreux Casino. The Montreux Jazz Festival
is a summer music festival held on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s second in size only to
Canada’s Montreal Jazz Festival.
The festival is all about music, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy as well.
There are food vendors everywhere, local performers, and thousands of people to party with.
1.4.1 Zurich Festival
The Zurich Festival is the city’s largest festival. It last 3 days during the 1 st weekend of
July and takes over the entire town center. There’s tons of food, fireworks, music, and
dancing to keep you going all night.
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The musical fireworks displays are the highlight each night, but there’s plenty to do and
see during the day. Pedestrians rein as all city traffic has to stop during the festivities.
Needless to say, if you are in Zurich, then you certainly won’t want to miss this epic festival.
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TOURISM ACTIVITIES
1.4.2 See Glacier on the Mountain in Summer
One of the destinations you can go to if you want to enjoy the fresh cold air, see glaciers,
or play snow in Switzerland during the summer is Glacier 3000. Besides being treated to
views of Mount Eiger, Jungfraujoch, and the Matterhorn, tourists there can also ski besides
enjoying beautiful glaciers.
Another tourist spot that can be visited is the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt.
1.4.3 Climbing Mount Uetliberg
Figure 6 Figure 7
Offering stunning views of the entire city as well as Lake Zurich, Mount Uetliberg high
above the Swiss plains is perfect for an afternoon of adventure. Go up to the observation
tower for a great view of the city and Lake Zurich, and you can even see the Swiss Alps on a
clear day.
After a long day of hiking and sightseeing, head back into town for dinner. Old Crow
Zurich is one of the best bars in town—head after dinner for a signature cocktail that you can
only find at this bar.
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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
1.4.4 Alpabfahrt (Swiss cow parade)
The customs of the Swiss state of this parade are that the cows will go straight through
the village of Aplen using large bells and flower crowns on their necks and heads. Then
residents and tourism will fill the streets to see the beautiful cows to walk along the
mountains.
Well, this parade is one of the annual traditions in the Alpine village area, and with this
tradition tourists can get to know the country’s atmosphere. Usually this cow parade will also
be held from September to November. This tradition will also bring all tourists through the
heart of the Alps to open up many unique experiences.
Even this tour seems to be able to display local knowledge that is unmatched by local
guides who understand Switzerland better. Not only are there beautiful cows, but this
tradition will also feature traditional dances and traditional musical instruments.
1.4.5 Pick Fresh Cherries traditions
These activities are usually carried out in May-July. After picking the fruit, visitors can
directly eat it. This tradition is a celebration of the start of the cherry harvest which is carried
out with a carrying ladder competition consisting of men, women and children.
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After racing bringing ladder, the festivities will be further enhanced by fine delicacies such
as cherry sauce, cherry cream and cherry beer.
Figure 8 : The Zug canton which is also called Switzerland’s Cherry Country has a 300 year
old tradition called Chriesisturm
1.5 Switzerland Fun Facts
3rd Happiest Country of the world
Lowest Crime Rate
1.6 Conclusions
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Overall, I have learned that all country has their own cultural activities according to the
season. In Addition, from this discussion about festivals and tourist activities, I found that
every country in the world has various kinds of festivals, cultural activities and tourist
activities that are based on environmental factors that are different in each country. For
example, tourist activities in a snowy country we can enjoy skiing, whereas in a country that
doesn’t have snow maybe we can enjoy the beauty of the beaches. That’s what I can
conclude, but I agree that every festival, culture, and tourist activity in every country is very
interesting and entertaining for local residents and tourists who come. I also learned that
location is one of the first important aspects for the development of tourism. The natural
secrecy always attracts people.
Besides this, tourism has been developing much more in cool temperate region than the
hottest climatic region. People tends to feel more comfortable where climate and season is
pleasant.
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1.7 REFERENCES:
Websites:
https://studyinginswitzerland.com/festivals-in-switzerland/#:~:text=Alpabfahrt
%20marks%20the%20beginning%20of,the%20adornments%20the%20cows
%20wear.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland#Culture
https://www.google.com/search?
q=switzerland+exact+location&rlz=1C1CHBF_enID1038ID1038&oq=switzerland
+exact+location&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30i625j0i390l3.13795j1j7&sourceid=c
hrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-id/planning/about-switzerland/history-of-
switzerland/?
_gl=1*kfshwm*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTAyMDAzNzcyLjE2NzcyNDYzOTg.*_ga_F6N1LV
HY7B*MTY3NzI0NjM5OC4xLjAuMTY3NzI0NzIxNy4wLjAuMA..
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/schweizer-
kueche/schweizer-spezialitaeten.html
https://www.veenaworld.com/blog/10-facts-about-switzerland
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1.7 Appendices
Appendices 1 & 2: Bern, the capital of Switzerland and the populous city.
Appendices 3 & 4: Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus Cable Car
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