earth
Alps
The Alps form a long arc through central Europe. Snow, rock and wooded foothills give this mountain system its varied scenery.
Western Europe
Switzerland
Discover Alps, Castelgrande, Bellinzona, Chapel Bridge and Water Tower and more.
Explore 5 illustrated places, read the stories behind them and look closer on the globe.
Explore Switzerland on the globe →
Places to discover in Switzerland
architecture
Castelgrande, Bellinzona
Castelgrande rises above Bellinzona in the Ticino valley. Walls extending from the castle helped protect the town and block passage through the valley. Together with Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, it forms a layered defensive landscape adapted to the terrain.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
architecture
Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
The Chapel Bridge crosses the Reuss through Lucerne, passing the older octagonal Water Tower. Bridge and tower once formed part of the city's defences. In August 1993, fire destroyed much of the bridge, while its bridgeheads and the tower survived. Rebuilding allowed it to reopen in April 1994. Today's long tiled roof, timber supports and flower-lined railings therefore combine a familiar historic silhouette with a major modern restoration.
Source: Lucerne Tourism
architecture
Chillon Castle
Chillon stands on a small rocky island at Lake Geneva's eastern end, beside an important route through the Alps. Its connected buildings follow the island's narrow shape. Under the Counts of Savoy, the castle helped control passage and collect tolls; later it came under Bernese and then Vaudois authority. Seen from the lake, the walls, tiled roofs and keep form a compact stone silhouette rising directly from the water's edge.
Source: Chillon Castle Foundation
architecture
Zytglogge
The Zytglogge began as a city gate, but Bern's expansion eventually placed it within the old town. Rebuilt after the fire of 1405, it became a clock tower with an astronomical display and animated figures. Its mechanism from 1530 links practical timekeeping with a small public spectacle. The great clock, smaller astronomical dial and figures invite a closer look at how a civic landmark can make the movement of time visible.
Source: Bern Welcome
Keep exploring
Read more about Switzerland · Choose another country or territory · How to play USURPR