Things to see and do German-Speaking Switzerland

It has been restored with obvious good will, but renovation, old imitation, really smells too new.

Founded in 1921 with the collections of the Historical Society of the Canton of St. Gallen, it is the most important museum of the history of civilization in Eastern Switzerland. It consists of a History Museum and an Ethnological Museum. The former houses documents relating to the history of the town and the canton, as well as refurbished period rooms (notably the Prince-Abbot's Room). The second houses the collection brought back from all over by the city's merchants.

This art museum was built in 1877, at the end of the classicist period, to house a collection of art objects assembled by the Art Society founded in 1827. It mainly brings together works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The paintings of the Munich Academy, which had a strong influence on Swiss painters, are widely exhibited. Through successive additions to the collection, the museum has been enriched with works from the German and French schools, and later with works inspired by Alpine life.

The Abbey of St. Gallen is very large and still has the same dimensions as when it was founded. On the left, you will notice a door with a coat of arms; it marks the boundary between the buildings belonging to the state (towards you) and those belonging to the church (beyond the door). As you leave the library to the left, you will see the cell of Gallus, who arrived in St. Gallen with relics of two saints, Didier and Maurice, who are today the city's patrons.

The Fronwagplatzin Schaffhausen is a must-see. The former market square is very large and houses the Herrenstube, the house of the Schaffhausen noblemen's society, which was rebuilt in the late Baroque style in the 18th century. At No. 3, you will find a beautiful Baroque portal. There is also the Fronwagturm from the same period with its astronomical clock, as well as two colourful fountains, one of which is the Mohrenbrunnen from the 16th century. All around, numerous shops welcome tourists.

Frauenfeld, capital of the Swiss canton of Thurgau, is a charming town in the heart of the countryside. Its castle, built in the 13th century, overlooks the river Murg, a tributary of the Thur, which gave its name to the canton. Despite this, he was able to capture some panoramic views under a threatening sky before the rain came down. Frauenfeld's tourist office, located at Bahnhofplatz 75, is an ideal starting point for exploring the town and its surroundings.

Stein am Rhein is a charming little town in Switzerland, known for its well-preserved old town. Visitors can admire superb half-timbered houses with painted facades, for which the town was awarded the very first Wakker Prize in 1972. Not-to-be-missed sights include the Convent of St. George, one of the best-preserved late-medieval ensembles, and the Lindwurm Museum, featuring a 19th-century bourgeois interior and farm outbuildings. History buffs can also visit the Klingen castle, built in 1225, which dominates the town.

Housed in the grounds of the Abbey of Tous-les-Saints, this magnificent cloister is home to so many collections that it could be a historical museum, a religious museum, a natural history museum and a fine arts museum all in one! Founded in 1049 as a Benedictine monastery, it has now become a place of culture and learning. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions are held alongside permanent collections on a wide range of themes. During your visit, don't miss the kitchen garden, whose reputation is well established. A must-see!

This is Switzerland's second largest cloister after Einsiedeln; It blends a th century Romanesque style with a Gothic style of the th century. On the front, a part dated 1854 and 1892 (restoration) curiously hosts the library premises. Behind, the oldest part of stone corresponds to the abbey church built in 1100; Very nice with its pure Romanesque architecture. You can walk through the garden of the Gentlemen, a framed courtyard of arcades.

The Munot is the emblem of Schaffhausen. After the reformation of 1529, the town wanted to fortify its defences and decided in 1563 to build a new artillery fortress. But beyond the strategic aspect, the Munot above all represents the power of the city. In the 19th century, the fortress lost its strategic interest and was converted into a quarry. Perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards, the imposing fortress has a circular shape. It allowed an optimal defense thanks to its ditch and its multiple openings.

Nicknamed the "House of the Knight", this building is remarkable for the paintings on its facade, created in the late ^16th century by local artist Tobias Stimmer. Built in 1492, this bourgeois house owes its name to the knight Hans von Waldkirch, who had it rebuilt a century later. The paintings, some of which are scenes from Homer's Odyssey, are considered to be the most important Renaissance-style frescoes north of the Alps. Discovered in 1935, they have been replaced and preserved in the Tous-les-Saints museum.

The tourist office offers a wide range of information on tourist and cultural attractions in Liestal and Canton Basel-Landschaft. Visitors can obtain maps of the town, local culinary specialities and information on guided tours. Hiking and cycling maps of the region are also available, as well as information on current cultural and literary events in and around Liestal.

This palace dates from 1557, hence its Italian Renaissance style. It was begun for Luzius Ritter, who was enriched by his mercenary troops, and completed by the city after his death. In 1577 it was given to the Jesuits, who built a church and school nearby. When they were banished, the government occupied the palace in 1804. In turn, it completed the complex in 1841-43 with a semicircular hall, and then with other constructions in the following decades. Today the palace is the seat of the cantonal government.

The Natural History Museum of Lucerne is a lively and interactive museum located near the river Reuss on the Kasernenplatz. The permanent exhibitions "Earth Sciences", "Biology" and "The Wonderful World of Insects" highlight the biodiversity of Central Switzerland and focus on its history and prehistory. These permanent exhibitions are on three floors and are complemented by attractive temporary exhibitions. To be discovered with the whole family.

Housed in the imposing Palace of Culture and Congress (KKL) designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this fine arts museum occupies the top floor. It covers a pictorial period stretching from the ^16th century to the present day, with a particular focus on^19th-century Swiss landscapes, expressionism and contemporary art. Covering an area of 2,100^m2, the museum features three simultaneous exhibitions in a modern scenography with sophisticated lighting.

Discover contemporary art since 1872 at the Kunsthalle. The Kunsthalle Basel is a worldwide reference for the latest trends in contemporary art. Since its renovation by renowned architects Miller & Maranta in 2004, it has also housed the Museum of Architecture, a place dedicated to exploring the captivating themes of architecture and urbanism, offering a unique immersive experience. Enjoy a restaurant with terrace overlooking the Tinguley fountain for the full experience.

The legacy of the wealthy industrialist and collector family Sidney and Jenny Brown-Sulzer has enabled Baden to offer, in a charming white and green house, a remarkable collection of French impressionist artists, to which some 18th century works are added. In this sublime museum opened in 1990, the work of great artists (notably Renoir and Cézanne) can be admired in a pleasant setting (collection of 18th and 19th century furniture), for a visit that cannot be recommended enough.

A small journey into Swiss pictorial art since the th century, with works by Caspar Wolf, Johann Heinrich Füssli, Arnold Böcklin and th century landscape designers. The extension, built in 2003 by Herzog architects and Meuron, houses a collection representative of the history of modern art, from the early twentieth century to the abstract art of post-war art and the artistic effervescence of the 1960 s to the present.

This museum, housed in a mégalithe tower that was part of the castle (th-xii), is a walk in local history (habitat, crafts, etc.). The refinement of its interiors contrasts sharply with its exterior aspect.

Also known as the Oberes Rathuas, this is the seat of the Government of Canton Aargau.

A little outside the historic heart, on Alpine Vorstadt, it is a rather pleasant th century construction of late Gothic style.

Aarau has preserved the vestiges of its historic past, including the charming Rue de la Halde, which dates back to the late Gothic period. This little street is surely the most typical of the old town, with a very homogeneous group of houses, including the former convent of St. Ursula women (^13th century). Further on, between two houses, an austere silhouette of exposed stone: the Turm Rore, another vestige of the fortifications. Strolling along the Halde is very pleasant, as the center is pedestrianized and only accessible by bicycle or public transport.

This construction of the end of the th century is topped by a baroque steeple (th) which does not harm its elegant sobriety. Inside, we admire the modern windows, especially by Hoffmann, and a baroque allegory of justice whose original is located in the museum of the City.

The original building dates back to the beginning of the th century. Rebuilt in late Gothic after a fire in the middle of the xvith century, it expanded with a barn a century later, then took its current form around 1700. Its rooms, furnished in the style of the different periods of the castle's life, make the visit a pleasant journey over time. The whole, on three levels, plus the outside, is in very good condition and proposes a fairly broad panorama of the medieval life, the rooms in the library, the arms room at the workshops. Very nice garden garden.

This basilica was founded in the th century by Queen Berthe de Bourgogne. Through its plan on the ground, this sanctuary would be the most important specimen of the Lombard Romanesque style in Switzerland. In baroque times, the original façade, with two towers, was transformed and a single central steeple was erected in the nave axis. 1571 stained glass windows preserved at Bally-Prior Museum.

This gate of the old ramparts, flanked by a tower, dates back to the 13th century but was extensively modified in the 16th century. You will recognize it by its 15th century clock and its imposing size: at 61 m, it is the highest of its kind in Switzerland. Don't miss the picture of the Danse Macabre by the painter Felix Hoffmann on its southern side. The five lower floors of the tower were once used as prison cells, the warden's apartment was on the tenth floor, while the top floor houses a carillon consisting of eleven bells.

Between Lake Lucerne and the Gotthard massif, the Urserntal valley offers 13 ski lifts with over 74 km of pistes. It's just as pleasant for family activities in winter as it is for walks on Lake Uri in summer. The tourist office advises on natural and traditional outings. Take a trip to Lake Uri or take the Schattdorf-Haldi cable car up to the peaks and enjoy a cheese speciality in one of the alpine restaurants.

There is hardly anything visible from the old castle, however, the Schützenhaus rococo building of 1752 and the former Zeughaus armoury of 1710, in immediate proximity, have been preserved. The traditional Landsgemeinde (show voting) of Obwald was here.

Interesting historical museum if you want to deepen your knowledge of the region, but which has no major interest.

Preserved in the women's convent, it is one of the oldest sculptures of Christ visible in Switzerland. It dates back to the early th century.

This is one of the most beautiful examples of late Baroque style in Switzerland. It was built between 1739 and 1742 by Franz Singer. Inside, beautiful decoration Régence.

Zug is the icing on the cake! The town is dotted with cherry trees, and of course it's the specialty. You'll find jams, cakes and even dishes made from this delicious fruit. The tourist office will guide you to the beautiful sights of the old town and the secret spots by the lake. The Zug Tourist Office organizes guided tours of the Old Town on Saturdays from late May to late September. It's the ideal way to find out everything there is to know!

The Kantonales Museum für Urgeschichte or the Museum of Prehistory in Zug opened its doors in 1997 and was expanded in 2003. This young institution recalls the everyday life of the time, with life-size scenes and numerous models of settlements, all made clearer by texts. The exhibitions retrace the six important periods of history, from the Paleolithic to the High Middle Ages, through an interactive tour.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Zug exhibits contemporary works with an emphasis on Swiss surrealism and fantasy art, but not only. The variety of works is impressive, as is the quality of the exhibitions, which are numerous throughout the year. During your visit, you can admire the most important collection of modern Viennese artists, of which Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele are the main representatives. A must-see for the whole family.

Located on the edge of the old town of Zug, the building underwent extensive restoration work between 1979 and 1982. Since then, Zug Castle has become a museum of cultural history for the city and canton of Zug. The building, which was originally built in the Middle Ages (early 13th century), now has a more baroque appearance. The museum bears witness to the town's past in three main areas: religious life (statues, etc.), the bourgeoisie (furnishings, costumes, portraits, etc.) and craftsmanship (goldsmiths, pewter, clocks, etc.).

The Vitznau-Rigi Regional Museum is housed in a former school building with soft colours and green shutters. The museum is dedicated to the history of the construction of Europe's first mountain railway, the Vitznau-Rigi Railway. The museum also deals with other themes such as the development of tourism in the community and the major stages of navigation on Lake Lucerne. Fun and games!

Founded in 1120, and rebuilt in 1730 after a fire, it still houses a religious college with 200 boarding students. It is one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland and its influence on the valley was essential until the French revolutionaries, as good anti-clerics, came to put it in order in 1798. Today, the monastery still houses a community of Benedictine monks. Public guided tours of the abbey are organised every week and can be booked online.

To help you prepare for your vacation in the region, don't hesitate to stop by the Engelberg tourist office on your arrival. The helpful staff here in the town center will give you a wealth of information to help you plan your stay. You'll be able to book your hotel, excursions and lift packages with them, and take advantage of the latest seasonal special offers.

The Federal Charter Museum is dedicated to the Confederation, presented in two ways: the history of the old Confederation and the myths associated with it. The famous Federal Charter signed on August¹, 1291 between the cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden is at the heart of this exhibition, which also features the Grütli Oath (1307), the story of William Tell (1307), the battles of Morgarten (1315) and Marignan (1515), and the Brunnen Pact (1315).

The Schwyz town hall was built between 1642 and 1646 and its façade was richly decorated by Ferdinand Wagner to mark the 600th anniversary of the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1891. The fresco depicts the famous Battle of Morgarten, which took place in 1315 between the Swiss Confederation and the soldiers of Duke Leopold I of Austria, Lord of Habsburg. The Swiss victory established the Brunnen Pact, an agreement between the Swiss cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. Inside, you can admire the rich woodwork.

Just 10 minutes from Dreiländereck, the Fondation Brasilea has been flourishing in the former Rheinschifffahrt workshops since 2005. The 1964 building still overlooks the Rhine, retaining its industrial character. Discover an immersive exhibition of Brazilian art, offering a unique sensory experience. Exhilarating concerts, lectures and lively evenings to the rhythm of the samba set the pace here. The Fondation Brasilea breathes new life into this industrial port, inviting you to Brazil.

If you want to know everything about the activities and agenda of the region, the tourist office of Alstaten will be your ally. German is spoken in this region and it will be easier for you to be guided to the sights by the office. You may want to visit the observation tower at the edge of the Spitzmäde nature reserve or the Schollenmühle, a former peat factory whose oldest buildings date back to 1918.

The tourist office offers a wealth of brochures, maps and advice to help you plan your stay. You can also get information on local events, restaurants and accommodation.

Einsiedeln is a charming town in Switzerland, famous for its Benedictine abbey and picturesque lake. Einsiedeln offers a wide range of leisure activities, whether for cyclists, families with children or gourmets. You can also take advantage of the many shops and shopping centers in the area. Don't miss a visit to Einsiedeln Abbey, one of the town's landmarks.

In summer, Zurich beach is only located on the lake with a floating swimming pool and first-class facilities. Attended by a diverse clientele ranging from families to gays. The official gay beach is near the restaurant.

The Abbey of St. Gallen is a remarkable architectural ensemble that dates back to 747 and consists of several buildings grouped around the monastery square. Its main components are the magnificent Baroque cathedral and the former cloister, whose wings house the abbey library, one of the oldest in the world. A perfect example of the great Carolingian monastery, the complex has been one of the twelve Swiss sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. THE recommended visit to St. Gallen.

5 minutes from the Opera House, the oldest badi in the city was built in the 19th century on the shores of the lake. As elegant as it was at the time with its wooden structures, it includes mixed and single terraces, pleasant access to the lake, a sauna, a good restaurant serving tapas and even a bar with a trendy musical program. Quite chic.

A stone's throw from Burkliplatz, this badi consists of two wooden pools (one mixed, the other for women), set on the lake with a clear view where the Alps point to the horizon. Wellness activities are offered: yoga, massages, shiatsu and sauna in winter. In the evening, the music starts and the atmosphere rises while remaining zen.

100% reserved for women, this Art Nouveau style river badi has a nostalgic charm and a superb view of the old town. During the day, women meet to sunbathe and swim in complete privacy, while in the evening, the place turns into a trendy bar, the Barfussbar (the "barefoot bar") where men are more than welcome!

This Capuchin convent was built in 1606 by the town's inhabitants. The site is best known for its location on a lakeside peninsula, its magnificent rose garden and the grotto dedicated to Saint Anthony, which still attracts pilgrims. Spiritual retreats are held here, where you can take part in the convent's religious and community life. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. To help you make contact, you'll be assigned a brother or sister to accompany you.