A look back
That Switzerland is located in Switzerland is due to Julius Caesar: in 58 BC he prevented the Helvetiers to emigrate to France and founded therefor a flourishing Helvetia. The Alps remained of the people. In the 13th century the actual history of Switzerland began with an alliance of townships around Lake Lucerne (Wilhelm Tell, swearing of the oath on the Rütli Meadow).  Successfull defends of the Hapsburgs, new alliances and internal struggles. In 1798 the victory of Napoleon put an end to the old pacts. In 1848, political differences led to a visionary direction which resulted in a, for Europe, revolutionary constitution: a democratic federal State of 26 cantons.

Mentality

The Swiss are very friendly and hospitable people, although sometimes a little distantiated. Life in the towns and cities is safe and secure. The people here cherish their independent authority, their respect for tradition and their 4 national languages and numerous dialects. In the different seasons you will come across countless parties and festive performances and celebrations. The culture of a country is a mix of celebrations and local customs. Switzerland is in this respect, with its various cultures, very rich: Carnival in Basel, Lucerne or Solothurn; Chalanda Marz, dispelling the winter, in Engadin, the Spring Festival of the Zürcher; cow fighting in the Valais; Braderie, typical traditional festivals in French-speaking Switzerland.

Music, art, culture
Also the Swiss culture is very diverse. Larger and even mid-sized cities have their own orchestra, in theatres and opera's world famous artists can be heard. International recognition is enjoyed by the jazz-festivals of Montreux and Willisau, the classical festivals of Lucerne, Gstaad, Sion and the film festival in Locarno, to name a few.

More than 700 museums, excellent art collections, special exhibitions from technology museums to local area museums, enrich the cultural landscape. Important reminders of the past are visible in churches, monasteries and libraries.