Sensational Switzerland

Swiss agriculture is renowned for its high-quality products. It has the world’s lowest livestock density limits and voluntary animal welfare programs enhance consumers trust. Dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt emphasize animal welfare and sustainable practices.

At the foot of the pre-Alps, the medieval town of Gruyeres has lent its name to its delicious cheese, Le Gruyere AOP, first produced in 1155. Today the cheese is still made in the same traditional way, following an ancestral recipe in the village cheese dairies of French-speaking Switzerland.

The Emmentals Show Dairy produce original cheese wheels with each one weighing about 240 pounds. Around 17,600 pounds of raw milk are turned into cheese each day.

In a country that is both mountainous and dense, grape vines often form the link between urban areas and cascading forests. The Lavaux wine region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for terraced vineyard and scenic beauty.

Wine is produced from nearly 37,000 acres of vineyards in the south portion of the country. White grape varieties are grown on 43% of areas and red grape varieties on 57%.

The Cailler chocolate interactive museum guides you through the history of their candy making process, Records show that in 1806 that Vevey was already the home to seven factories and the hub of chocolate production. At the end of the tour, awaken your palate by tasting a variety of flavors, totally a win-win experience.

Swiss bread is famous for its quality and diversity. Success revolves around the countries wheat breeding program which is more than a century old and continues to produce new varieties for the breads of tomorrow.

Farm wives and daughters invite you into the kitchen. Whether it’s fried dumplings, apple turnovers or an assorted cream pie, the menu selections are always yum, yum.   

An absolute gem is the description of paragliding to lofty heights, admiring spectacular views of mountains and lakes. At first glance I thought I was seeing giant snowflakes outside my hotel window in Interlaken.

The Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass at an elevation of 6,762 feet. The name means minor watershed, as it divides the two arms of the Lutschine River. Before railroads connected the area, it provided access for local livestock and dairy farmers as an important export route to Italy and over the Grimsel Pass.

Haus zum Ritter, constructed in 1492 and rebuilt in 1566 is recognized for its façade paintings by Tobias Skinner that celebrate civic virtues. It’s the most significant Renaissance fresco north of the Alps.

Catholicism and Protestantism remain the main religions. Many of Switzerland’s festivals, customs and traditions have spiritual roots.

Rhine Falls is located on the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich. It’s the most powerful waterfall in Europe. This is a favorite sanctuary of boat tours and features viewing platforms on both sides of the river.

Switzerland owes the high productivity of its economy to the liberal market system, political stability and close ties with foreign economics. Tourism is a key economic sector, generating

2.6% of gross value added. This is a multifaceted country which showcases a seamless blend of tradition and modernity that carries far beyond the each day’s final fade.

Switzerland has around 48,000 farms with the average size about 54 acres. Owners emphasize crop rotation, resulting in fewer pests and decreased need for pesticides, specialization and environmentally friendly practices.

The principals of agricultural policy (direct payment programs) in Switzerland, include maintaining land, food supply, biodiversity, landscape, production systems and resource efficiency. Dairy cows are primarily raised on grass. Animals must have adequate bedding, space, outdoor access and comfortable housing.

A small strawberry tart with GRTA safran chocolate topped off Stella d’Oro (sweet wine) is insanely good and highlights the excellent taste of Swiss culture.

With the passing of time, the alphorn almost totally disappeared as an instrument used by Swiss shepherds. It was only with the romanticism of the 19^th century and the revival of folklore and tourism that the alphorn experienced a rebirth and even became a national symbol.