Wonderful Wanderings shares tips on things to do, where to eat and where to stay around the world - plus useful travel gear reviews.
Marrakech Food Tours: What a Medina Food Tour Is Really Like
A first-hand account of an evening Marrakech food tour through the medina, from a butcher's pit oven to the man who burns the city's rubbish to heat the hammam. The operator now trades as Moroccan Food Adventures, not Marrakech Food Tours.
18 Things to Do in Stockholm: Museums, Parks and Boat Tours
The 18 things to do in Stockholm below cover the Vasa Museum, Skansen, ABBA The Museum, the Royal Palace, Södermalm, the parks and a canal boat tour. Three to four days covers the list at a comfortable pace.
Places to Visit in Sweden: 22 Destinations by Season
Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, the walled town of Visby on Gotland and Swedish Lapland cover most of what people travel to Sweden for. Here are 22 places to visit, what each one is good for and the season each one is built around.
19 Things to Do in Malmö: Squares, Museums and the Sea
Malmöhus Castle, the Turning Torso, the old squares around Lilla Torg and the beach at Ribersborg carry a first visit to Malmö. Here are 19 things to do, with what each costs and how to reach it.
19 Best Things to Do in Uppsala: Cathedral, Vikings and Linnaeus
Uppsala's four real draws are the cathedral, the 1477 university, the Viking mounds at Gamla Uppsala and everything Carl Linnaeus left behind. This guide covers 19 things to do, with prices, 40 minutes from Stockholm.
4 Days in Stockholm: Itinerary and Best Time to Visit
Four days in Stockholm covers Gamla Stan, Drottningholm Palace by boat, Södermalm, City Hall and the museums of Djurgården, with a day left for the archipelago. Summer is the time to do it.
15 Things to Do in Gothenburg, Sweden (2026 Guide)
The things to do in Gothenburg are Liseberg, the car-free southern archipelago, Haga, Universeum and World of Volvo. This guide covers 15 attractions with what each costs, how to reach it by tram or ferry, and how many days the city needs.
17 Best Things to Do in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s Old Capital
The best things to do in Veliko Tarnovo start on Tsarevets, the fortress of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and take in Trapezitsa, the church where Bulgaria declared independence, and Arbanasi village.
22 Best Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria, and What They Cost
The best things to do in Sofia start in the 200 m between the Serdika metro and the Largo, where a Roman rotunda, the excavated streets of Serdica, an Ottoman mosque and a communist government complex all stand together.
18 Best Things to Do in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and What They Cost
The best things to do in Plovdiv are the Old Town and the Roman city under it: an intact 2nd-century theatre, a 240 m stadium beneath the shopping street, and 2,000 sq m of mosaic in the Bishop's Basilica.
21 Best Things to Do in Varna, Bulgaria, and What They Cost
Varna's Archaeological Museum holds the oldest worked gold on Earth, made around 4600-4200 BC. This guide covers 21 things to do in the city, with 2026 euro prices, after Bulgaria's changeover from the lev.
40 Interesting Facts About Bulgaria, Fact-Checked
Bulgaria has 40 facts worth knowing, starting with the one that changed in 2026: the country now pays in euros, not leva. It also holds the world's oldest worked gold and the highest peak in the Balkans.
Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria: 20 Cities and 6 Day Trips
The best places to visit in Bulgaria are Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and Varna, plus six sights that are not cities at all: Rila Monastery, Nessebar, Bansko, Belogradchik, Koprivshtitsa and the Seven Rila Lakes.
10 Best Places to Visit in Latvia, From Riga to Rēzekne
The 10 best places to visit in Latvia are its ten state cities: Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Ventspils, Jēkabpils, Rēzekne, Valmiera and Ogre. Each is 40 minutes to four hours from Riga by train or coach.
8 Latvian Traditions Worth Knowing Before You Visit
Latvian traditions run on the forest, the sauna and the song, and 8 of them shape a trip: foraging, preserving, winter swimming, the pirts, Jāņi at midsummer, folk singing, wedding customs and the national symbols.
Things to Do in Riga: Prices, Hours and How Long to Stay
Riga needs three days: the UNESCO Old Town, the Art Nouveau streets of the Quiet Centre and the Central Market in five Zeppelin hangars all sit within a 25-minute walk. Here are 12 things to do, with current prices.
Latvian Coast Road Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary from Riga
A week is enough to drive the Latvian coast west of Riga: Jurmala, Engure, Roja, Ventspils and Liepaja, then two days in Riga. Here is the day-by-day route, with the current Jurmala entry pass, lighthouse hours and parking fees.
What to Pack for Riga in Winter: A Tested 4-Day List
Pack for Riga in winter like a cold, damp city rather than an Arctic expedition: three thin layers, one windproof and waterproof coat, and boots with a grip sole. This is the full list from a 4-day December trip.
One Week in Morocco Itinerary: Marrakech and Essaouira
This one-week Morocco itinerary spends 4 nights in Marrakech and 2 nights in Essaouira, with a 2-day Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert trip in between, based on a December week guided by a friend who lives in Marrakech.
What to Pack for Autumn in Belgium: A Layering Checklist
Belgian autumn is two trips in one: shell weather to mid-October, coat weather after. Here is the layering checklist, the shoe rule and the five extras worth the space, keyed to the rain days in each month.
Keukenhof 2027: Opening Dates, Tickets and When to Go
Keukenhof is open from Thursday 18 March to Sunday 9 May 2027, daily 08:00 to 19:00, with the entrance closing at 18:15. That is the only 53-day window all year, and this guide covers tickets, timed slots and how to get there.
11 Best Restaurants in Aruba: Where to Eat on the Island
Aruba's standout restaurants sit in three areas: Palm Beach for the open-air terraces, Oranjestad for waterfront tables at sunset, and Noord, Santa Cruz and Savaneta for the food Arubans eat themselves. Here are 11 I ate at myself.
What to Pack for Aruba: A Tested 7-Day Packing List
A week on Aruba needs light clothes you can re-wear, water shoes for the rocky snorkel entries, mineral sunscreen that meets the island's oxybenzone ban, and one smarter outfit for dinner. Here is the tested list, plus the ED-card and fee to sort before you fly.
Renaissance Island Aruba: The Flamingo Beach Hotel
Aruba's flamingo beach belongs to Renaissance Island, the private island of the Oranjestad hotel now called Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort (formerly Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino). Here's what the resort, the island and its flamingos are actually like today.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba Review: Casitas and BBQs
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is 49 standalone casitas in a former coconut plantation, each with a kitchen, a hammock and a charcoal barbecue, three minutes from Palm Beach. Here is what a stay is like, and what has changed since.
10 Easy Belgian Recipes to Cook at Home
The easiest Belgian recipes to cook at home are Brussels waffles, stoemp, dame blanche and salade liegeoise, each ready in about 30 minutes. Here are 10 of them, with where each one comes from, how long it takes and what goes wrong.
Best Hotels in Prague: Where to Stay by Neighbourhood
For a first visit to Prague, book a hotel in Old Town or the Lesser Town; New Town is the practical, well-connected base. This guide ranks the neighbourhoods, compares 28 hotels in one table and groups the picks by luxury, mid-range and budget.
30 Most Famous Czechs: Artists, Scientists and Inventors
Czechia gave the world soft contact lenses, the four blood groups, the laws of inheritance and the word robot. These are the 30 most famous Czechs, from Mucha and Mendel to Comenius and Capek, with what each one is actually known for.
21 Interesting Facts About Czechia: Beer, Castles and Robots
Czechia is landlocked, drinks more beer per head than any country on earth at 121 litres a year, gave English the word robot, and holds 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here are 21 facts about the country, each checked against an official source.
20 Things to Do in Ostrava: Blast Furnaces, Mines and Music
Ostrava is Czechia's third city and the only one whose main sight is a steelworks you can climb. Here are 20 things to do, from the blast furnaces of Dolni Vitkovice and the Landek mining museum to the burning Ema slag heap and Stodolni Street.
Beaches in Czechia: 8 Best Swimming Lakes and River Lidos
Czechia is landlocked, so every beach in the country sits on a lake, a reservoir, a flooded quarry or a river lido rather than the sea. The sandiest are Lhota, Mácha's Lake, Lipno, Hostivař, Komárovský rybník, Žluté lázně, Smíchovská náplavka and Kamencové jezero.
Best Restaurants in Prague: Where to Eat by Area and Budget
Prague's strongest restaurants fall into 3 groups: modern Czech kitchens, serious steakhouses and cheap pubs and canteens. This guide sorts 14 of them by neighbourhood and price band, from Kantýna's butcher counter to Michelin-starred La Degustation, with the dishes to order and when to book.
Czech Public Holidays 2026 and 2027 + School Holidays
Czechia has 13 public holidays a year, and every one of them is a paid day off. This page lists the 2026 and 2027 dates with weekdays, the school holidays set by the Ministry of Education, and the days on which large shops must close.
Traditional Czech Food in Prague: 14 Dishes + a Food Tour
Traditional Czech food in Prague means hearty dishes such as svíčková, guláš and vepřo knedlo zelo, and a guided food tour is the quickest way to taste several of them in one afternoon, which is why my mom and I booked the Eating Prague food tour.
The People of Bulgaria: What Bulgarians Are Really Like
Bulgarians are warm and helpful once you speak to them, and they almost never smile at strangers in public. Here is what that feels like on a first trip, from the horo dancing in Plovdiv to the greeting that opens with a complaint.
Things to Do in Modena, Italy – Sights, Hours, Prices
Modena packs a UNESCO cathedral complex, the birthplace museum of Enzo Ferrari and the source of the world's balsamic vinegar into one walkable old town in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.
16 Books About Spain to Read Before Your Trip There
Sixteen books about Spain, grouped into history, travel writing, Camino memoirs and novels, from Ghosts of Spain and Homage to Catalonia to The Shadow of the Wind. Every title is still in print or easy to find.
23 Things to Do in Malaga, Spain: A City Break Guide
Malaga packs a climbable cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress, the Picasso Museum, tapas culture and a UNESCO-listed gorge hike into one Costa del Sol city break. Here are 23 things to do, with current admission prices for every paid sight.
Croatia Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Dates, School Breaks
Croatia has 14 public holidays a year. This guide lists every 2026 and 2027 date with its weekday, the school holidays set by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the daylight saving changes and the working days locals still celebrate.
Hungary Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Full Dates
Hungary has 11 statutory public holidays with no weekend make-up day, plus an annual "bridge day" decree that swaps specific Saturdays for a Friday or Monday off. Here are the 2026 and 2027 dates and the confirmed 2026 swap days.
What to Pack for South Africa: Packing List for September
Pack layers for South Africa in September rather than winter clothes. Cape Town averages 19°C/66°F by day and 9°C/48°F at night, so a windproof jacket, a fleece and long trousers cover the Western Cape at the end of winter.
Typical food in Austria: 15 dishes to try, 7 I ate myself
Typical food in Austria is built to keep active people going through cold winters: fried cheese dumplings, potatoes with bacon and egg, boiled beef in its own broth and a shredded pancake big enough for dinner.
What to Wear in Austria in Summer: City and Mountain
Austria in summer needs two wardrobes: light clothes for 21 to 25C city and valley days, and warm layers for the mountains, where a 3,106m summit averages near freezing even in July.
Thule Subterra 75L Review: Discontinued, What Replaced It
Thule has discontinued the Subterra 75L wheeled duffel and replaced it with the Subterra 2. Here is how the 75L held up over two years of checked-bag travel, what changed in the new model, and what the warranty actually covers.
92 Fun Facts About China, All Fact-Checked for 2026
China's population is falling, the Great Wall's official length comes from a single 2012 survey, and the Forbidden City never really had 9,999 rooms. Here are 92 sourced facts about China.
Edmonton Winter Packing List: What to Pack for -30C
Edmonton winters swing from about -3C to -30C in one week, so pack true cold-climate layers: wool base layers, a long windproof waterproof coat, insulated boots and full skin coverage.
What to Eat in Brussels: 20 Belgian Dishes to Try (2026)
The dishes to eat in Brussels are moules-frites, Belgian fries, both styles of Belgian waffle, Belgian pralines and carbonnade à la flamande. This guide gives 20 traditional Belgian dishes, what each one is, and the Brussels address to order it from.
Poland Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Dates, School Breaks
Poland has 14 public holidays in 2026 and 2027, all statutory days off since Christmas Eve joined the list in 2025, plus which Sundays shops may trade and school break dates from the Ministry of Education for both years.
Malta Public Holidays and National Days 2026-2027
Malta has 14 official days off a year: 9 Public Holidays, mostly religious feasts, and 5 National Days marking civic history. Here are the 2026 and 2027 dates for both, and what happens when one lands on a weekend.
Public Holidays in Belgium 2026 and 2027: Full Dates
Belgium has 10 legal public holidays plus separate community holidays that only close government offices. Here are the exact 2026 and 2027 dates for both, plus school breaks and the replacement-day rule for weekend holidays.
Switzerland Public Holidays 2026 and 2027 by Canton
Switzerland has only one nationwide public holiday, 1 August. Every other date, from New Year to Christmas, is set canton by canton, so this guide gives the 2026 and 2027 dates for eight major cantons plus what actually closes.
The Best Coffee in Chiang Mai: 6 Cafes and Tea Houses
The best coffee in Chiang Mai is at GRAPH for nitro cold brew, Omnia for beans roasted on site, Impresso for espresso and Akha Ama for coffee grown by the family that sells it, plus two tea houses worth planning around.
78 Verified Fun Facts About Thailand (#12 Is Scary)
Bangkok's ceremonial name holds the Guinness record for the longest place name on earth, the world's smallest mammal lives in Thai caves, and the Thai year is 2569. Here are 78 facts about Thailand, each traced to a named source.
Common Travel Insurance Mistakes Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
Buying travel cover often feels like a quick checkbox before a trip. The problem is that most travel insurance issues do not happen at purchase time;…
4-Day Cape Town Itinerary Full of Fun Sights
This post contains a detailed itinerary for 4 days in Cape Town, including what to do in Cape Town, where to stay, where to eat and how to get around. All based off our experience visiting the city for the first time. Have a look!
How to Travel on a Budget Without Missing Out
Although travel can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, maximizing your trip depends on controlling spending. By preparing and embracing a budget-conscious attitude, you can experience…
18 Best Beaches to Visit in Poland
Poland, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Baltic Sea. These coastal gems offer a unique blend of golden sands, clear waters and scenic surroundings. The first on the list is Sopot Beach, a popular seaside resort town that captivates with its lively atmosphere and the longest wooden pier in Europe. Leba Beach is well-known for its shifting dunes and the nearby Slowinski National Park. Świnoujście Beach, a quiet retreat, is loved for its wide sandy expanse and the soothing rhythm of the Baltic waves. Hel Peninsula, a narrow strip of land extending into the sea, offers peaceful beaches on one side and busy ports on the other. Jastarnia Beach is a haven for windsurfing lovers with its perfect wind conditions and shallow waters. These beaches are most inviting in summer, from June to September, when the weather is warm, ranging from 20 °C (68 ℉) to 30 ℃ (86 ℉), ideal for sunbathing, swimming and water sports; however, for those seeking a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of May and October offer a pleasant climate with fewer crowds.
17 Best things to do in Interlaken: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Interlaken is a small town and popular tourist destination in central Switzerland situated between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west. The coordinates of Interlaken are 46.6863° N, 7.8632° E. The name Interlaken translates to "between lakes" in German, an apt description of its exceptionally scenic setting in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The town sits on a flat alluvial plain known as Bödeli. Interlaken offers postcard views of the famous Alpine peaks Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger in the distance to the south. Interlaken has played a significant role in Switzerland's booming tourism industry over the past century and a half. As of the latest census, Interlaken had an estimated population of 5,924.Interlaken has a long history rooted in its scenic location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in central Switzerland. The first known settlements in the area date back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic era. Interlaken, as it is known today, traces its origin to 1133 when the Augustinian monastery of Interlaken was founded in the area. The monastery brought commerce and authority to the rural valley community that had developed around it. It became the center of local government for the surrounding region. Interlaken gained official market rights in 1365 from the Lord of Unspunnen, which boosted trade, with significant growth followed over the next few centuries. Interlaken was an affluent community by the early 1500s due to revenue from bridge tolls, transportation of goods and its monastery. A fire in 1528 led to the monastery falling into disrepair and abandoned by the end of the century. Its buildings were converted into administrative offices and eventually demolished in the early 1800s. Interlaken reverted to a quiet rural town for several centuries, with the monastery's significance diminished. Its tourism potential started gaining recognition in the 1700s from European visitors attracted to the area's natural alpine scenery. It was not until the late 1800s and early 1900s that Interlaken emerged as a popular tourist destination when the opening of railways provided access to the mountain landscape. The local population grew more than five-fold over the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hotels sprung up to accommodate wealthy Victorian travelers arriving by train to enjoy Interlaken's clean air, incredible views and mountain adventures.
17 Best Restaurants in Antwerp to eat like a local
Antwerp is a historic port city in northern Belgium along the Scheldt River. Today, as Belgium's second largest city, Antwerp is an important seaport and centre of diamond trading. With over 500,000 residents, Antwerp boasts a multicultural energy and youthful creative spirit. Antwerp has developed a vibrant and eclectic dining scene reflecting its history and diversity. Belgian cuisine originated by blending French culinary influences with heartier Germanic fare using local ingredients. Signature dishes like moules frites, waffles, chocolate and beer define Belgium's food culture. The restaurants in Antwerp showcase an incredible diversity of cuisines and dining experiences that blend traditional Belgian fare with global influences.
Travel Pony review: a money-saving hotel booking site
When I book accommodation for my travels I always pay a lot of attention to the reviews and the price. I usually don’t go for the…
16 Best Castles to Visit in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to numerous historic castles that attract visitors interested in the country's medieval history and architecture. The castles are spread across different cities and regions, often located in strategic positions on lakesides or hilltops. The castles were built from the 10th century onwards, serving as fortresses, administration centers and noble family residences. Some of the most notable castles in Switzerland include the 13th-century Gruyères Castle, which was home to the Counts of Gruyères, Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva, originating from the 11th century when it was occupied by Savoy rulers, Spiez Castle, which is a medieval fortress on a hilltop above Lake Thun dating back to the 10th century, the 12th-century hilltop Lenzburg Castle overlooking the Aare River valley and Grandson Castle on Lake Neuchâtel built in the 11th century known for its eventful history of battles and sieges. These castles allow visitors to explore Switzerland's rich medieval past through their settings, historic architecture and informative museums.
30 Most Famous Swiss People: Artists, Chefs and Scientists!
Switzerland has produced several notable figures across different fields. Switzerland's famous sons and daughters have contributed to world culture and knowledge, from pioneering scientists like Albert Einstein to legendary artists like Alberto Giacometti. This diverse group of famous Swiss represents some of the country's most significant achievements. These famous Swiss artists, chefs, scientists and other luminaries provide an overview of Switzerland's impact beyond its borders. These iconic Swiss have left indelible marks in their chosen disciplines, whether changing how people understand the universe through physics, redefining sculpture and painting through new aesthetics or revolutionizing cuisine. Their stories represent the Alpine nation's rich intellectual, cultural and innovative traditions.
17 Traditional Swiss Foods and Where to Eat Them in Bern
Swiss cuisine is diverse and rich, shaped by the country's French, German and Italian influences. Several signature dishes represent Switzerland's culinary heritage. Visitors can experience authentic Swiss specialties in Bern, like cheese fondue, melted cheese dish with bread for dipping and raclette, melted cheese served with potatoes and pickles. Other Swiss specialties found in Switzerland include rösti (hashbrown potato pancakes), landjäger (dried sausage), bircher muesli (oat and fruit cereal) and rich chocolate creations. The Swiss locale of Bern on the shores of Lake Bern provides the perfect backdrop to savor Swiss delicacies like papet vaudois, a potato and leek dish, älplermagronen, a hearty alpine macaroni with cheese and potatoes and zuger kirschtorte, a cherry-kirsch cake. Sampling these traditional foods offers insight into Switzerland's diverse culinary heritage.
21 Interesting Facts About Switzerland
Switzerland is a multilingual country with four national languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh. The Alpine mountains cover 65% of Switzerland’s landscape, influencing its culture…
10 Best Lake Beaches to Visit in Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country surrounded by other nations but features beautiful beaches along the shores of its scenic lakes. Switzerland has no coastline, yet visitors can enjoy the swimming, sunbathing and relaxing beaches offered during summer. Many of the beaches in Switzerland feature amenities like restaurants, changing facilities, lifeguards and equipment rentals. The beaches offer views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Some of the most popular beaches in Switzerland include Bains des Paquis in Geneva, which is located on the shore of Lake Geneva and is known for its relaxing saunas and proximity to the city center. Visitors can enjoy Tiefenbrunnen Beach, which has a diving board and calm waters nestled against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Lido di Lugano provides amenities like restaurants, pools and sports facilities for an active beach day. Baby Plage in Geneva offers shallow swimming areas and playgrounds perfect for families. The sandy Lido beach on Lake Maggiore has beach parties and lively social events throughout the summer. These beaches showcase the diversity of beach experiences available across Switzerland.
Prices in Switzerland: Is Switzerland Expensive?
Switzerland is considered an expensive country to live in and travel to due to the country’s high standard of living, strong Swiss money, high wages that…
18 Best things to do in Bern: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Bern, often referred to as the "federal city", is the de facto capital of Switzerland, located slightly west of the center of the country and north of the Bernese Alps. The city's coordinates are 46.9480° N, 7.4474° E. The city is part of the Bern-Mittelland administrative district and is governed by a city council (Gemeinderat) with five members and a mayor (Stadtpräsident). Bern is surrounded by the Aare, a major river of the Swiss Plateau and is known for its historic old town (Altstadt) in the center, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The city is on the Swiss plateau in the canton of Bern, the second most populous of Switzerland's cantons. Bern is the fifth-most populous city in Switzerland, behind Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne. As of the latest census, Bern had an estimated population of 133,883.The city of Bern has a rich history dating back more than 800 years. It was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1191 and joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353. In 1848, Bern was chosen as the capital city of the Confederation. Over the centuries, Bern has evolved into a modern service center, hosting the headquarters of international organizations and companies. Bern is a political center and cultural and educational hub. The city offers a rich and varied range of cultural activities, including theater performances, art exhibitions and concerts. It is known internationally as a center of science and research, particularly in the fields of cutting-edge technology, climate and medicine. Bern is a sporting city, home to top clubs like Young Boys Bern and SC Bern and has hosted international sporting events such as the EURO 2008 football European Championship and the ice hockey world championships.
19 Best things to do in Basel: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland, the capital of the region. It is near the convergence of the Swiss, French and German borders, with suburbs extending into France and Germany. Its geographical coordinates are 47.5596° N, 7.5886° E. It is the largest city in the half-canton of Basel-Stadt, which is virtually coextensive with the city itself. The city lies along the Rhine River, at the mouth of the Birs and Wiese rivers, marking the entrance to the Swiss Rhineland. Basel has a population of 173,422 as of the latest census.The history of Basel dates back to the middle Paleolithic period, with the first traces of a settlement found around 130,000 years ago. The Celts fortified the area in the first century BC and the Romans later founded the Colonia Raurica at the same location. Basel was admitted into the Swiss Confederation in 1501 and became a center of humanism and the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. The city's growth was further propelled by the silk-weaving and dyeing industries, which gave rise to today's pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Basel has gained a reputation as a leading architectural metropolis, with its multi-functional stadium "St. Jakob-Park" winning the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious award for architects, in 2001. Today, Basel is a financial and commercial hub and a celebrated city of culture.
Switzerland Holidays Guide
Planning a trip to Switzerland? This Switzerland Holidays Guide will help you with information on what to do in Switzerland, how to get there, what practical…
18 Things to do in Zurich: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a global center for banking and finance. It is in north-central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich, between hills to the west and east. Zurich stretches along both sides of the Limmat River, which flows north from Lake Zurich before turning west. The city's geographic and historic center is a small hill called Lindenhof. Zurich constitutes Switzerland's primary metropolis, with a total population of 356,467 as of 2023.There is evidence of a Zurich settlement dating back over 6,400 years when a permanent town was established in the Roman era. The Romans founded it as Turicum, a tax collection point on the Limmat, forming the border between two Roman provinces. Zurich gained independence in 1218 and joined the Swiss Confederacy in 1351. It adopted the Protestant Reformation in 1519 under the leadership of Ulrich Zwingli and later emerged as a leading financial and industrial center in the mid-19th century. The city grew rapidly, absorbing neighboring districts.
16 Best things to do in Gruyères: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Gruyères is a town in the pre-Alpine foothills of the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland. It is recognized for its medieval architecture, including the iconic Gruyères Castle and for giving its name to the famous Gruyère cheese. The town is situated at an elevation of 810 meters (2,660 feet) above sea level and coordinates 46.5778° N, 7.0625° E. It is part of the district of Gruyère, an important tourist location in the upper valley of the Saane/Sarine River. As of the latest census, Gruyères has an estimated population of 2,282.
18 Things to do in Geneva: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Geneva is located in western Switzerland at the southern tip of Lake Geneva. It sits on the Rhone River north of the Swiss Alps and the Jura Mountains. Geneva is surrounded by France on three sides, with the Rhone forming the border between Switzerland and France as it flows out of the lake. Geneva's location on the lake and along major Alpine transportation routes has been an important center of trade, finance and diplomacy for centuries. The city has a population of 191,877 as of 2023.Geneva's recorded history stretches back over 2,000 years to when it was a border town of the Roman Empire. It later became the seat of a bishopric in the 4th century AD. Control of the city changed hands several times between Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire over the following centuries. By the 16th century, Geneva had developed into an independent, predominantly Protestant republic. Geneva was considered the "Protestant Rome" after religious reformer John Calvin made it the center of his reform movement.
17 Best things to do in Thun: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Thun is a town and municipality situated in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is where the Aare River flows out of Lake Thun, 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) southeast of Bern. The geographical coordinates of Thun are 46.7580° N, 7.6280° E. The town is surrounded by various municipalities, including Amsoldingen, Heiligenschwendi, Heimberg, Hilterfingen, Homberg, Schwendibach, Spiez, Steffisburg, Thierachern, Uetendorf and Zwieselberg. Thun is the capital of the Thun District in the canton of Bern. The town covers a total area of 21.60 square kilometers (8.34 square miles). As of the latest census, the population of Thun is 43,665. The population is diverse, with Swiss citizens and residents from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and other European and non-European countries.
17 Things to do in Lucerne: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Lucerne is in central Switzerland at the outfall of the Reuss River into Lake Lucerne. The city occupies both river banks and the lake's lowest reach, with the city center straddling the river downstream. Lucerne is surrounded by mountains, with Mount Pilatus to the southwest and the Bernese Alps to the southeast across the lake. The city has a population of 85,197 as of 2023, making it the most populous city in the canton of Lucerne.Lucerne grew out of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 8th century and became an important trade center after the opening of the Gotthard Pass in the 13th century. Lucerne joined an alliance with Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1332 to gain independence from the Habsburgs, later leading the Catholic cantons after the Reformation. Lucerne expanded its territory in the 15th century but lost political power after being defeated by Protestant forces in the Second War of Villmergen in 1712. Napoleon occupied it in 1798 before regaining its status as the capital of its canton. Lucerne thrived and now is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
20 Best things to do in Montreux: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Montreux is a town located on the shoreline of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. The geographical coordinates of Montreux are 46.4312° N, 6.9107° E. It belongs to the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The town is part of a region known as the Riviera, which has been a significant tourist destination since the 19th century due to its mild climate and scenic beauty. The name Montreux translates to "rocky promontory" in Latin, a fitting description for its location at the foot of the Alps. The town is between the lake and mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The highest point in Montreux is Naye, with an elevation of 2,021 meters (6,631 feet), while the lowest point is Lake Geneva, at an elevation of 374 meters (1,227 feet). Montreux, As of the latest census, Montreux had an estimated population of 26,225.
EN
Nederlands
Français