Top 5 Switzerland Tourist Attractions to See

Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation. There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, too, although there are five you should definitely stop to see.


1. The Chillon Castle - Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. Consisting of 100 buildings, it dates back to the 11th century and is the former residence of the Savoy nobility. It also has three courtyards and four great halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond.
2. Zermatt - Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions because it is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most famous peak of the Swiss Alps. Even if you're not into skiing, you can still enjoy the view while dining at a gourmet restaurant or shopping around the town.
3. Geneva Jet D'eau - This fountain in the heart of one of Switzerland's major cities is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high. Built in 1891, it is also considered one of the symbols of the city of Geneva.

While in Geneva, you might want to see other tourist spots, too, particularly the museums. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is one of the most popular museums in Switzerland, and is definitely worth a visit, along with the Cathedral de St. Pierre and other historical buildings.
4. Swiss National Park - Although you cannot pitch a tent and spend the night at Swiss National Park, you can certainly appreciate the different views of the Alps as you go hiking, which is why it is one of the Switzerland tourist attractions worth seeing. It is also Switzerland's only national park, covering almost half the area of the entire country. It is a sanctuary for various wildlife such as elks, marmots and eagles, as well.
5. Swiss Transport Museum - Located in Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is home to an exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobile and other modes of transport and communication. It also houses an extensive collection of the works of Hans Erni, a Swiss painter and sculptor. You're sure to enjoy the Planetarium and the IMAX theatre, too.

Indeed, Switzerland has many sights waiting to be discovered. Aside from visiting Switzerland tourist attractions, don't forget to immerse yourself in the country's rich culture, too by participating in festivals or simply mingling with the Swiss. You're sure to have a wonderful time and many golden memories to take home with you.

Niagra Falls New York - Must Visit Location

The Niagara Falls - among the largest, most impressive and best known falls in the world - lie in the extreme north-west of New York State. Here masses of water from Lake Erie plunge over an almost 200 ft drop to flow into Lake Ontario. First described and sketched by a missionary,Louis Hennepin in 1678, they attract over 12 million visitors a year.


The masses of water are used to produce energy. The present hydroelectric power stations have a total output of 3 million kW. Before the falls were harnessed to produce electricity, water poured down at the rate of almost 1,300,000 gallons per second. A Canadian-American agreement of 1951 on the joint use of the water guarantees a daytime flow of just under half that amount during the summer and just under a quarter at night and in the winter.

Formation The origins of the Niagara Falls go back to the Ice Age, when the river, flowing at a higher level than today over a limestone plateau on the Niagara escarpment, dropped down to the level of Lake Ontario near the present-day town of Lewiston. Then, as a result of retrograde erosion, the falls rapidly moved upstream. Over the last 3000 years they have moved back from the Rainbow Bridge to their present position. The pace of erosion depends on the volume of water going over the falls; but at present rates it can be expected that within a few hundred thousand years the Niagara Falls will be close to the American city of Buffalo.

Geography The masses of water from Lake Erie thunder over a horseshoe-shape rock wall 700 yds long at the Horseshoe Falls, which are in Canada, and, a short distance north-east, over the straight American Falls, 360 yds long. The frontier between the United States and Canada runs along the middle of the river.

Below the falls the Niagara River flows through a deep gorge varying in width between 90 yds and 330 yds. To the north-west the gorge narrows and forms a series of rapids (the Whirlpool Rapids).


The best views of the falls (which are illuminated at night) are to be had from terraces and observation towers on the Canadian side.

Even more impressive is a rather damp boat trip in the "Maid of the Mist" (waterproof coats and hats provided). The boat sails past the American Falls into the clouds of spray under the Horseshoe Falls.


A cableway on the Canadian side, the Spanish Aerocar, crosses the surging waters of the Whirlpool.

Sightseeing helicopter flights are available both on the American side (Goat Island) and on the Canadian side.