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15/02/2012Living in Switzerland: The main cities

Living in Switzerland: The main cities Explore our guide to popular expat locations including living in Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lugano.

Bern

With a population of 128,393, half the size of Zurich, newcomers to Switzerland may be surprised to learn that Bern is the capital city. Located near the linguistic border between French and German Switzerland, the city combines the plateaus of the western region with the eastern mountains. As the capital, all major Swiss political decisions are made in Bern, a surprisingly international city for its size. The medieval city centre is recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site and still retains elements of its 12th century origins. The city also possesses one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe. Transport connections to other major Swiss cities are very good, with various motorways, an extensive rail network and an airport nearby.

More information about Bern:
Family activities in Basel and Bern
Bern onion festival
Expat groups in Bern


Zurich

Zurich is often considered the economic powerhouse of Switzerland. The city was recently ranked second in a quality of living survey due to its high standards of education, health and transport. Consequently, it is a popular destination for companies relocating employees as well as families setting up a new home. The cost of living is high, especially in the city centre, despite the authorities’ efforts to expand the city by building new suburbs.

The city is arranged in 12 different districts, which contain one to four neighbourhoods each. Main sights include the Kunsthaus, a classic modern art museum, Bahnhofstrasse, considered the Champs d’Elysees of Zurich, and Grossmunster, a 9th century church.

More information on Zurich:
The best of the wurst
The best deals in Zurich
Zurich guide: shopping

Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse at night
Zurich's own Champs d’Elysees by night

Geneva

Geneva is one of Switzerland’s most multicultural cities. It hosts the headquarters of numerous international organisations including the United Nations, the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation. Due to the high numbers of diplomats and high-ranking politicians working in Geneva, as well as the rich history and stunning scenery, the cost of living in Geneva is very high. Main attractions other than international organisations include the large shopping district, a quaint old town and Lake Geneva with its famous fountain. Transport links to Geneva are very good, with a large international airport, connections to the Swiss and French rail and motorway systems. In the winter months many pass through Geneva to the Alps’ best ski resorts.

More information on Geneva:
Geneva's parks and gardens
Geneva marks 500 years of Calvinism
Fondue in Geneva

Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva

Basel 

The city of Basel, located in northwest Switzerland, offers its inhabitants a great geographical position to enjoy Switzerland, France and Germany. It is considered a cultural centre of Europe despite its small size. Small, winding backstreets in the old town connect shopping districts, museums and heritage sites. Picturesque views over the River Rhine can be enjoyed from numerous spots over the city and the river plays an important role in exporting and importing goods, since Basel is Switzerland’s only outlet to the ocean. There is also heavy industry along the main international borders with France and Germany. Transport connections are exceptionally good in Basel due to its sea port, international airport and proximity to both Zurich and Berne.

For more information on Basel:
Basel city guide
Basel Fasnacht
Off the rails in Switzerland

 Lugano

Switzerland’s most southern town, often regarded as the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, is a stark contrast to other regions of the country. The extreme climate ranges from metres of snowfall in winter to high temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius in the summer, which attracts visitors from the German and French speaking regions. Due to this Mediterranean climate in summer, winemaking is a key source of income for the Ticinese (inhabitants of Italian-Switzerland). The Italian influence on the region is evident in its architecture, food, mannerisms and even driving! Lugano is located an hour’s train ride from the world fashion capital of Milan.

More information about Lugano:
Ten Swiss photos
Antiques fairs in Switzerland
Ticino's gold refinery

Lugano by night
Lugano by night

Swiss ski resorts

Switzerland offers some of the best skiing resorts in the world, and thousands of tourists flock to the slopes each season to benefit from the hundreds of kilometres of well-kept pistes. There are numerous skiing locations in each linguistic region.

The winter season begins in November after the first snowfall and can run through mid-May depending on temperatures. Summer skiing is also a possibility in the mountainous regions over 3000 metres, but is a more expensive option.
Reaching the slopes is easy, with airports located in and around the main resorts. Geneva, Berne, Zurich, Lugano and Milano (Italy) airports are well-connected to the mountains via train and bus. However, some resorts such as Zermatt, Murren and Wengen are completely car-free, so driving there is not an option.

More information on skiing in Switzerland:
Skiing in the Franco-Swiss Alps
Keeping fit in Switzerland
Warming up to mountain life

Text credits: Chris Morillon / Expatica 2009

Photo credits: Lake Lugano by Ahmed Rabea;  Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse at night by stephenhanafin; Lake Geneva by Pear Biter; Lugano at night by Jukka1; Winter sunset in Bern by GenevaLife (all Flickr.com)



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