If you are moving to Switzerland, although the country is landlocked, there are plenty of beautiful lakes that provide a wonderful environment for sporting activities. The fact that the Swiss do well in many yachting competitions is proof that you don’t need a coastline to take up this or any other water-based activity when you move here.
In the time leading up to your move, you will want a professional company who can assist you in all aspects of your removals to Switzerland. Whether you want help with packing or unpacking, assistance with customs paperwork, part or full load removals, and/or insurance, we can help.
Hamiltons has 20 years experience in professional removals to Switzerland and other European and world-wide destinations - as well as destinations within the UK - and our team of experts is on hand to provide a high quality service tailored to your needs.
In fact, there are hundreds of lakes of all sizes in Switzerland which together make up 587 square miles of water. Here’s our guide to some of the biggest and the best and the activities you can do here.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Our Guide to Some of the Well Known Large Lakes in Switzerland
Did you know that there are 40 shipwrecks, and six railway cars that date from the 1880’s in Lake Geneva? This is just one of the many fascinating facts about lakes in Switzerland. If you require removals to Switzerland, read on to find more facts and information on the biggest lakes near you.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and it is roughly 50 miles long and 10 miles across (at its widest stretch). It is known locally in Switzerland as Lac Léman.
In the 1960’s, the lake was so polluted it was considered too risky to swim in certain areas. Fortunately, this has changed and swimming is among the many pastimes here. You can also take up sailing, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, or wind surfing. Yacht racing is popular on Lake Geneva and high-spec catamarans have been designed and built especially for use on the lake.
Another fact about the lake is that, in the early part of the 19th century, Lake Geneva made history as it was selected by French mathematician Jacques Charles Francois Sturm and Swiss physicist Daniel Collodon to measure the speed of sound in natural water using exploding gunpowder.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is in the canton of Ticino, on the southern side of the Alps and lies in both Italy and Switzerland. The entire lake (including the Italian side) is about 70 km long although 13 km of this is on the Swiss side.
Some interesting facts about this lake is that a 1925 Buggatti roadster belonging to an architect was deliberately sunk in the lake in the 1930’s as part of a tax dodge. He never recovered it from the lake and it was found by a local diver in 1967. In 2009 the wreck was finally pulled out of Lake Maggiore and sold at a classic car exhibition in Paris for just over a quarter of a million euros.
Apart from diving, one of the activities you can do in Lake Maggiore is to take a cable car at the town of Locarno. You can also enjoy pleasure boating along the river or take advantage of the year long mild climate and enjoy one of the beautiful walks along the Gambarogno Riviera (on the opposite side of the river to Locarno).
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano, also called Lago di Lugano, is a ‘K’ shaped glacial lake which takes its name from the town of Lugano. It is in Italy and Switzerland and one of the interesting facts about the lake is that the Italian side of the water is regarded as a duty free area.
Overlooking the lake between Switzerland and Italy is Monte San Giorgio, a wooded mountain area and world heritage site. Fossils have been discovered in this area that date back 220 million years.
Meanwhile, if you want to take up one of the sports on the lake, you can find all sorts of activities to do here including canoeing and kayaking, diving, windsurfing, rowing, wake boarding, sailing and paddling.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance covers the largest area of any other lake in Switzerland and is shared with France, Germany and Austria.
It lies on the Rhine on the northern base of the Alps and is used as a source of drinking water for South West Germany. If you love getting out in the fresh air, some of the activities you can do here are take a beautiful lakeside walk, go sailing, or if you want a fun-filled activity, pedalo riding.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne, also called Vierwaldstättersee, is a beautiful lake within the town of Lucerne. It is an important tourist destination where you can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the river and enjoy the impressive mountain backdrop.
You can swim in the lake or, if you would like to take a trip back in time, why not take a historic boat ride on a paddle wheel steamer?
Lake Zurich
The lake’s water is extremely clean and purified water from the lake is used as a water source in Zurich. The lake can get very warm too, reaching temperatures of 20°C and above so it is a great place to swim. It is an incredibly peaceful area and, as well as swimming, there are trails around the lake which offer a wonderful opportunity for hiking.
Lac de Neuchâtel
This is the largest lake that is entirely in Switzerland and lies at the southern base of the Jura mountains. Although most of the lake is in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel, it also lies in the cantons of Bern, Vaud and Fribourg.
It is an attractive region with snow-topped mountains and lush greenery. At the northern end of the lake the landscape is dotted with vineyards and there is a large marshland to the south. Some of the activities you can do here are swimming, fishing, sailing, surging, rowing and boating.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons offers weekly removals to Switzerland, although we also provide a special service, for your convenience, where you can specify the collection and delivery dates for removals to Switzerland.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Removals to Switzerland - Your Guide to Swiss Chocolate and Famous Chocolatiers from Switzerland
If you are moving to Switzerland, the chances are you will already know that Switzerland is famous for its chocolate. In fact, the average Swiss eats more chocolate than any other nation - an incredible 23 lbs of chocolate a year compared to the UK average of 17 lbs per person.
Certainly, the Swiss chocolate industry is big business; it is worth an amazing 1.4 billion CHF with around 150,000 tonnes of chocolate produced in the country a year and just over half of this is exported.
For those of you who require removals to Switzerland, you are likely to develop a fondness of delicious Swiss chocolate, if you haven’t already. But, before you make your move abroad, you will need a removals company you can rely on.
Hamiltons Removals has nearly 20 years in the removals industry and offers UK, European and international removals, including removals to Switzerland for households or corporate organisations. We are dedicated to high standards of customer service and provide removals to Switzerland that are tailored to individual requirements and are designed to meet or exceed your expectations.
Here we will look at why Swiss chocolate is so well known, the history of chocolate, and famous names in chocolate.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Why is Swiss Chocolate so Famous?
Switzerland sets the benchmark in high quality chocolate. It makes some of the finest chocolate in the world and there are many famous Swiss chocolate producers including Neuchatel - named after a city in Switzerland of the same name - which produces excellent handmade chocolate.
One of the main reasons why Switzerland is a leading producer of chocolate is the quality of its ingredients. Swiss chocolate uses only the best quality cocoa beans imported from Africa as well as fresh milk from specially bred Swiss cows, which helps make the chocolate extra smooth.
Another reason why Swiss chocolate is so good is the techniques used to make it. Most Swiss products undergo a much longer rolling and folding process, called conching, which helps take the bitterness out of the chocolate granules to create a wonderful silky texture. In addition to this, dark chocolate may be aged for up to six months to help maximise the flavour.
The History of Swiss Chocolate
The origins of Swiss chocolate can be traced right back to the 17th century when the then mayor of Zurich, Heinrich Escher, visited Brussels in 1697 where he tried the latest drink, called chocolate.
However, it was not until the 19th century when chocolate started to be manufactured in Switzerland. Francois-Louis Cailler opened the first ever Swiss chocolate factory in 1819 and, after this, other chocolate factories sprang up. Years later Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate, first as a drink, then in bar form so the chocolate could be eaten.
Over the next few decades, Swiss chocolatiers perfected their techniques and Swiss chocolate built up a world-wide reputation for quality.
Famous Names in Chocolate
François-Louis Cailler (1796-1852) was the first Swiss chocolate producer after studying how to make chocolate in Italy. The first chocolate factory in Switzerland opened in Vevey, in 1819, and he opened a second factory 16 years later. The second factory was later sold to his son Julian and son-in-law Daniel Peter, another famous name in Swiss chocolate making and you can find more about him below.
Daniel Peter (1836 -1919) made milk chocolate by mixing cocoa with condensed milk, produced by his neighbour Henri Nestle. Milk chocolate became popular worldwide and now makes up as much as 80 per cent of the Swiss market.
Charles-Amedee Kohler (1790 - 1894) invented hazelnut chocolate as a drink in 1830 and opened a factory in Lausanne. He later merged with Peter and the Cailliers to form the firm of Peter, Cailler, Kohler. The company was bought by Nestlé a hundred years later, in 1929.
Rodolphe Lindt (1855 - 1909) Lindt produced the first ever fondant chocolate in 1879. He was an apprentice of his relative Kohler and set up his own chocolate factory in Berne in 1879.
Philippe Suchard (1797-1884) is considered one of the most successful chocolatiers from Switzerland. Suchard opened his first chocolate factory in 1826 and gained international success after the King of Prussia, William IV, made a bulk order. Suchard’s reputation rose and he won prizes in the Great Exhibition in London. He was the first Swiss chocolatier to open a factory outside Switzerland, in Germany.
Jean Tobler (1830-1905) He was a trained confectioner and sold his own specialities and chocolate from other producers. In 1908, with his son Theodor, he developed the famous triangular chocolate, Toblerone, which is made up of a delicious combination of milk chocolate, almond nougat and honey.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons offers high class removals to Switzerland and other European and world wide destinations as well as deliveries within the UK. We provide weekly removals to Switzerland, and also offer a special service so you can set your own collection and delivery dates.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Certainly, the Swiss chocolate industry is big business; it is worth an amazing 1.4 billion CHF with around 150,000 tonnes of chocolate produced in the country a year and just over half of this is exported.
For those of you who require removals to Switzerland, you are likely to develop a fondness of delicious Swiss chocolate, if you haven’t already. But, before you make your move abroad, you will need a removals company you can rely on.
Hamiltons Removals has nearly 20 years in the removals industry and offers UK, European and international removals, including removals to Switzerland for households or corporate organisations. We are dedicated to high standards of customer service and provide removals to Switzerland that are tailored to individual requirements and are designed to meet or exceed your expectations.
Here we will look at why Swiss chocolate is so well known, the history of chocolate, and famous names in chocolate.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Why is Swiss Chocolate so Famous?
Switzerland sets the benchmark in high quality chocolate. It makes some of the finest chocolate in the world and there are many famous Swiss chocolate producers including Neuchatel - named after a city in Switzerland of the same name - which produces excellent handmade chocolate.
One of the main reasons why Switzerland is a leading producer of chocolate is the quality of its ingredients. Swiss chocolate uses only the best quality cocoa beans imported from Africa as well as fresh milk from specially bred Swiss cows, which helps make the chocolate extra smooth.
Another reason why Swiss chocolate is so good is the techniques used to make it. Most Swiss products undergo a much longer rolling and folding process, called conching, which helps take the bitterness out of the chocolate granules to create a wonderful silky texture. In addition to this, dark chocolate may be aged for up to six months to help maximise the flavour.
The History of Swiss Chocolate
The origins of Swiss chocolate can be traced right back to the 17th century when the then mayor of Zurich, Heinrich Escher, visited Brussels in 1697 where he tried the latest drink, called chocolate.
However, it was not until the 19th century when chocolate started to be manufactured in Switzerland. Francois-Louis Cailler opened the first ever Swiss chocolate factory in 1819 and, after this, other chocolate factories sprang up. Years later Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate, first as a drink, then in bar form so the chocolate could be eaten.
Over the next few decades, Swiss chocolatiers perfected their techniques and Swiss chocolate built up a world-wide reputation for quality.
Famous Names in Chocolate
François-Louis Cailler (1796-1852) was the first Swiss chocolate producer after studying how to make chocolate in Italy. The first chocolate factory in Switzerland opened in Vevey, in 1819, and he opened a second factory 16 years later. The second factory was later sold to his son Julian and son-in-law Daniel Peter, another famous name in Swiss chocolate making and you can find more about him below.
Daniel Peter (1836 -1919) made milk chocolate by mixing cocoa with condensed milk, produced by his neighbour Henri Nestle. Milk chocolate became popular worldwide and now makes up as much as 80 per cent of the Swiss market.
Charles-Amedee Kohler (1790 - 1894) invented hazelnut chocolate as a drink in 1830 and opened a factory in Lausanne. He later merged with Peter and the Cailliers to form the firm of Peter, Cailler, Kohler. The company was bought by Nestlé a hundred years later, in 1929.
Rodolphe Lindt (1855 - 1909) Lindt produced the first ever fondant chocolate in 1879. He was an apprentice of his relative Kohler and set up his own chocolate factory in Berne in 1879.
Philippe Suchard (1797-1884) is considered one of the most successful chocolatiers from Switzerland. Suchard opened his first chocolate factory in 1826 and gained international success after the King of Prussia, William IV, made a bulk order. Suchard’s reputation rose and he won prizes in the Great Exhibition in London. He was the first Swiss chocolatier to open a factory outside Switzerland, in Germany.
Jean Tobler (1830-1905) He was a trained confectioner and sold his own specialities and chocolate from other producers. In 1908, with his son Theodor, he developed the famous triangular chocolate, Toblerone, which is made up of a delicious combination of milk chocolate, almond nougat and honey.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons offers high class removals to Switzerland and other European and world wide destinations as well as deliveries within the UK. We provide weekly removals to Switzerland, and also offer a special service so you can set your own collection and delivery dates.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Removals to Switzerland - Transport in Switzerland
Hamiltons offer first class removals to Switzerland. We have 20 years experience in overseas removals, including shipping to Switzerland in 20 ft or 40 ft containers, and provide weekly removals to Switzerland or a special service where you can specify the dates of your move.
We are specialists in removals to Switzerland and our experienced team will carefully pack, move and ship your possessions, valuables and household goods to your new location. We also provide short and long term storage and can organise the cleaning of the property you are vacating to ensure a stress-free move from start to finish.
Hamiltons provide competitively priced domestic and commercial removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland. In addition to our full and part load service, we can also transport oversized or bulky goods such as harps, pianos, vehicles, and other specialist items.
If you are considering removals to Switzerland, it may be that you are intending to bring your car over to the country. Whether or not you bring your own vehicle, it is most likely you will want to find out about public transport in Switzerland for short or long term journeys. Here we will provide a brief run-down on public transport in Switzerland and what to expect.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Switzerland is Eco-Friendly
When it comes to being green, Switzerland tops the eco-friendly chart, according to Yale University’s Environmental Performance index. And, as well as clean water and sanitation, it takes a tough stance on pollution. Certainly one of the ways to promote cleaner air is to have an excellent public transport system.
Whether you are living in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva or anywhere else in the country, Switzerland’s public transport system is superb, with clean buses and punctual trains. It is a bike friendly country too and has both short and long distance cycle paths. Many Swiss cities offer bike rentals.
However, if you would prefer a more adventurous way of getting about, you can have a go at in-line skating! Switzerland has three routes specifically designated to in-line skating and these are the Mittelland Route, the Rhine Route and the Rhone Route. These all offer a great way to take in some of the country’s fantastic scenery.
Cycling in Switzerland
Although in-line skating is a good way to keep fit, it is not for everybody. A less adventurous way of getting out and about in an eco-friendly way is by bicycle and there is certainly plenty of opportunity for cycling in Switzerland. The country is a very bike friendly nation, which means there’s every chance to get out and about in the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful scenery and get fit at the same time.
In many parts of the country, such as Geneva and Bern, you can hire a bike for four hours free of charge at certain times of the year. All you have to do is show some ID and hand over a refundable deposit of 20 CHF and, after the first four hours, you pay just 1CHF an hour. Basel is another cycle friendly city and has many cycle lanes clearly marked throughout the city. Zurich has several cycle paths, as does Geneva, where you can get a copy of the Velo-Love plan de ville, to find out where the best cycle routes are.
Buses in Switzerland
If you are not planning on bringing a car to Switzerland, the good news is the country has one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems. Some of the more remote and mountainous areas of the country are not accessible by train, but you can reach most villages and hamlets by bus. You will find bus stops outside every main train station and timetables are clearly displayed at the stops. Buses and trams are also available for inner city travel.
If you are travelling within a canton - Geneva, for instance - the bus/tram ticket can also be used for train travel. Travel further afield costs more, but regional tickets are available. For travel in Switzerland, in most incidences, you buy and validate your ticket before boarding or you could risk a fine.
Tram/Light Rail in Switzerland
You can get out and about by tram or light rail services in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Zurich. There is also the availability of metro system in Lausanne and these tickets are sold at machines at all stops. The price of the ticket depends on how far you are travelling and the distance is determined by a zone system.
Trains in Switzerland
Swiss trains are very efficient and are a great way to get out and about within the country. You can also use the train to reach destinations further afield. The national railway company is SBB and goes to most destinations in Switzerland.
Airports in Switzerland
The biggest international airport in Switzerland is Zurich Airport, which handled 24 million passengers in 2011 and is the main centre for Swiss International Airlines. Other major airports are Geneva International Airport and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and smaller international airports are Bern Airport and Lugano Airport.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
We are specialists in removals to Switzerland and our experienced team will carefully pack, move and ship your possessions, valuables and household goods to your new location. We also provide short and long term storage and can organise the cleaning of the property you are vacating to ensure a stress-free move from start to finish.
Hamiltons provide competitively priced domestic and commercial removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland. In addition to our full and part load service, we can also transport oversized or bulky goods such as harps, pianos, vehicles, and other specialist items.
If you are considering removals to Switzerland, it may be that you are intending to bring your car over to the country. Whether or not you bring your own vehicle, it is most likely you will want to find out about public transport in Switzerland for short or long term journeys. Here we will provide a brief run-down on public transport in Switzerland and what to expect.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Switzerland is Eco-Friendly
When it comes to being green, Switzerland tops the eco-friendly chart, according to Yale University’s Environmental Performance index. And, as well as clean water and sanitation, it takes a tough stance on pollution. Certainly one of the ways to promote cleaner air is to have an excellent public transport system.
Whether you are living in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva or anywhere else in the country, Switzerland’s public transport system is superb, with clean buses and punctual trains. It is a bike friendly country too and has both short and long distance cycle paths. Many Swiss cities offer bike rentals.
However, if you would prefer a more adventurous way of getting about, you can have a go at in-line skating! Switzerland has three routes specifically designated to in-line skating and these are the Mittelland Route, the Rhine Route and the Rhone Route. These all offer a great way to take in some of the country’s fantastic scenery.
Cycling in Switzerland
Although in-line skating is a good way to keep fit, it is not for everybody. A less adventurous way of getting out and about in an eco-friendly way is by bicycle and there is certainly plenty of opportunity for cycling in Switzerland. The country is a very bike friendly nation, which means there’s every chance to get out and about in the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful scenery and get fit at the same time.
In many parts of the country, such as Geneva and Bern, you can hire a bike for four hours free of charge at certain times of the year. All you have to do is show some ID and hand over a refundable deposit of 20 CHF and, after the first four hours, you pay just 1CHF an hour. Basel is another cycle friendly city and has many cycle lanes clearly marked throughout the city. Zurich has several cycle paths, as does Geneva, where you can get a copy of the Velo-Love plan de ville, to find out where the best cycle routes are.
Buses in Switzerland
If you are not planning on bringing a car to Switzerland, the good news is the country has one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems. Some of the more remote and mountainous areas of the country are not accessible by train, but you can reach most villages and hamlets by bus. You will find bus stops outside every main train station and timetables are clearly displayed at the stops. Buses and trams are also available for inner city travel.
If you are travelling within a canton - Geneva, for instance - the bus/tram ticket can also be used for train travel. Travel further afield costs more, but regional tickets are available. For travel in Switzerland, in most incidences, you buy and validate your ticket before boarding or you could risk a fine.
Tram/Light Rail in Switzerland
You can get out and about by tram or light rail services in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Zurich. There is also the availability of metro system in Lausanne and these tickets are sold at machines at all stops. The price of the ticket depends on how far you are travelling and the distance is determined by a zone system.
Trains in Switzerland
Swiss trains are very efficient and are a great way to get out and about within the country. You can also use the train to reach destinations further afield. The national railway company is SBB and goes to most destinations in Switzerland.
Airports in Switzerland
The biggest international airport in Switzerland is Zurich Airport, which handled 24 million passengers in 2011 and is the main centre for Swiss International Airlines. Other major airports are Geneva International Airport and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and smaller international airports are Bern Airport and Lugano Airport.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Removals to Switzerland - Museums, Art and Culture
If you are moving overseas and require removals to Switzerland, you will want to find out about things to do in your free time to help you adjust to your new lifestyle. If you are interested in art and culture, we have compiled a brief guide to some of the country’s top museums, art galleries and opera houses.
Hamiltons is a high quality removals firm specialising in first class household and corporate removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland. Our rough guide to Swiss art and culture is designed to help you settle in to your new home and for your to find out more about the attractions near you.
We offer weekly full or part load removals to Switzerland either from the UK or to and from any other European or world-wide destination. We also offer a special service for removals to Switzerland where you can specify the dates of your move.
Your household possessions and valuables will be expertly packed, loaded and transported to your destination. For removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland we also professionally pack and move oversized and bulky goods such as art work, sculptures, musical instruments and other valuables.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: A Guide to Some of the Country’s Top Museums
Whichever Canton you are moving to in Switzerland, you will most likely want to visit some of the local museums to find out more about the country’s history and delve into the region’s past.
If you are settling in the district of Lausanne, you can get into the Olympic Spirit by visiting the Olympic Museum which has films, interactive exhibitions and fascinating objects dating from ancient times to the present day. The museum is in a picturesque location in Ouchy on Lake Geneva.
If you are moving to the Canton of Aargau and enjoy history you won’t be disappointed as the region has around 70 museums. Among them is the Hallwyl Castle, which is one of the country’s most important, and beautiful, moated castles. Lenzburg Castle is another attraction and is a 900 year old mountaintop building just waiting to be explored. If you are interested in a more mystical museum, you can find a 14th century witch’s tower in the town of Bremgarten near the River Reuss.
Lovers of history will also enjoy the 13th century Oberhofen Castle on the shores of Lake Thun, where you can find out more about Bernese residential culture from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The castle park is simply stunning and lends itself to many a photographic opportunity - just don’t forget to bring your camera!
Removals to Switzerland: Some of the Country’s Best Art Galleries
Many artists have emerged from Switzerland including the 18th century landscape artist Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1733-1794). He was born in Burgdorf in Switzerland but travelled to England to create much of his work and was eventually buried in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.
Another of Switzerland’s most famous artists was Paul Klee (1879 - 1940). Born from a German father and Swiss mother, he is thought to have been Switzerland’s most original painter. You can see some of his works in the Rosengart Museum in Luzern along with works of art by other 19th and 20th century masters including Cezanne, Picasso, Monet and Matisse.
There are a variety of art galleries and museums in Switzerland housing many different works, from fine art to contemporary collections. Among them is the Geneva Art and History Museum, one of the country’s most important museums. The museum houses 7,000 exhibits, which includes an archaeology section, fine arts, musical instruments and a 20th century art collection.
For something different, the Museum of Photography, overlooking Lake Geneva in Lausanne, is well worth a visit. In fact, it was one of the first museums in Europe dedicated purely to photography. It has about 120,000 original photographs from the early days, right through to contemporary photographers.
Removals to Switzerland: Music and Opera Houses
From folk music to 20th century composers, such as Frank Martin and Arthur Honegger, there are all sorts of opportunities to discover more about Swiss music. The country’s most famous modern day composer is musician and harpist Andreas Vollenweider, whose 17 albums have sold over 15 million copies world-wide.
If you enjoy live performances of music, ballet and opera, Switzerland has several opera houses. These include: Bern Theatre, an opera house and theatre, Grand Théâtre de Genève, which shows live concerts, opera and dance performances and Theater Basel, which is home to the city’s ballet and opera houses. Theater St Gallen hosts about 390 performances a year of ballet, opera, music and theatre and Zurich Opera House has been the home of Zurich Opera since the late 19th century.
There are also various internationally renowned music festivals in Switzerland, the most famous of which are the annual Montreux Jazz Festival, held in July on the shores of Lake Geneva, and the Lucerne Festival, which takes place in summer.
For removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland, contact the experienced team at Hamiltons who will be able to help and advise you at every stage of your move.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Hamiltons is a high quality removals firm specialising in first class household and corporate removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland. Our rough guide to Swiss art and culture is designed to help you settle in to your new home and for your to find out more about the attractions near you.
We offer weekly full or part load removals to Switzerland either from the UK or to and from any other European or world-wide destination. We also offer a special service for removals to Switzerland where you can specify the dates of your move.
Your household possessions and valuables will be expertly packed, loaded and transported to your destination. For removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland we also professionally pack and move oversized and bulky goods such as art work, sculptures, musical instruments and other valuables.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: A Guide to Some of the Country’s Top Museums
Whichever Canton you are moving to in Switzerland, you will most likely want to visit some of the local museums to find out more about the country’s history and delve into the region’s past.
If you are settling in the district of Lausanne, you can get into the Olympic Spirit by visiting the Olympic Museum which has films, interactive exhibitions and fascinating objects dating from ancient times to the present day. The museum is in a picturesque location in Ouchy on Lake Geneva.
If you are moving to the Canton of Aargau and enjoy history you won’t be disappointed as the region has around 70 museums. Among them is the Hallwyl Castle, which is one of the country’s most important, and beautiful, moated castles. Lenzburg Castle is another attraction and is a 900 year old mountaintop building just waiting to be explored. If you are interested in a more mystical museum, you can find a 14th century witch’s tower in the town of Bremgarten near the River Reuss.
Lovers of history will also enjoy the 13th century Oberhofen Castle on the shores of Lake Thun, where you can find out more about Bernese residential culture from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The castle park is simply stunning and lends itself to many a photographic opportunity - just don’t forget to bring your camera!
Removals to Switzerland: Some of the Country’s Best Art Galleries
Many artists have emerged from Switzerland including the 18th century landscape artist Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1733-1794). He was born in Burgdorf in Switzerland but travelled to England to create much of his work and was eventually buried in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.
Another of Switzerland’s most famous artists was Paul Klee (1879 - 1940). Born from a German father and Swiss mother, he is thought to have been Switzerland’s most original painter. You can see some of his works in the Rosengart Museum in Luzern along with works of art by other 19th and 20th century masters including Cezanne, Picasso, Monet and Matisse.
There are a variety of art galleries and museums in Switzerland housing many different works, from fine art to contemporary collections. Among them is the Geneva Art and History Museum, one of the country’s most important museums. The museum houses 7,000 exhibits, which includes an archaeology section, fine arts, musical instruments and a 20th century art collection.
For something different, the Museum of Photography, overlooking Lake Geneva in Lausanne, is well worth a visit. In fact, it was one of the first museums in Europe dedicated purely to photography. It has about 120,000 original photographs from the early days, right through to contemporary photographers.
Removals to Switzerland: Music and Opera Houses
From folk music to 20th century composers, such as Frank Martin and Arthur Honegger, there are all sorts of opportunities to discover more about Swiss music. The country’s most famous modern day composer is musician and harpist Andreas Vollenweider, whose 17 albums have sold over 15 million copies world-wide.
If you enjoy live performances of music, ballet and opera, Switzerland has several opera houses. These include: Bern Theatre, an opera house and theatre, Grand Théâtre de Genève, which shows live concerts, opera and dance performances and Theater Basel, which is home to the city’s ballet and opera houses. Theater St Gallen hosts about 390 performances a year of ballet, opera, music and theatre and Zurich Opera House has been the home of Zurich Opera since the late 19th century.
There are also various internationally renowned music festivals in Switzerland, the most famous of which are the annual Montreux Jazz Festival, held in July on the shores of Lake Geneva, and the Lucerne Festival, which takes place in summer.
For removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland, contact the experienced team at Hamiltons who will be able to help and advise you at every stage of your move.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Removals to Switzerland - Celebrating Swiss National Day
At Hamiltons our removals to Switzerland service is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your exact needs. We have 20 years experience in the removals industry and our friendly, efficient team will make every effort to ensure the safe and timely arrival of your household and/or office contents to your new home in Europe.
Hamiltons provide full or part load removals as well as removals for specialist goods, such as motor vehicles, pets, antiques and other valuables. Our staff can also arrange long or short term storage of your possessions, cleaning and packing.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
As you settle in your new country, you will most likely want to immerse yourself in the Swiss culture and there is plenty of opportunity do to this as there are a number of festivals held throughout the year. Most notable of these is Swiss National Day which is celebrated in each canton.
What is Swiss National Day?
If you require removals to Switzerland to settle here, Swiss National Day is celebrated throughout the country on August 1st. It has been a national holiday since 1994 so an added bonus is that workers are given at least some of the day off to join in the festivities!
The history of Swiss National Day dates back to 1291. It marks the alliance formed by the cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, and was the foundation upon which Switzerland was built.
Swiss National Day is a bank holiday in Switzerland, offering plenty of fun for the whole family. Each Swiss commune has their own celebrations although Basel celebrates the occasion one day early on July 31st.
What to Expect on Swiss National Day
A series of events are held at local level and these include anything from fireworks, fokelore events, shooting contests, torchlight processions, speeches, music, barbecues, dancing, bonfires and food tents.
If you require removals to Switzerland, you will find several activities taking place in your region. However, some of these events are more well-known than others and these are fantastic to experience at first hand.
One of the most spectacular sights is the 25 metre high waterfalls, Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen which is lit up on the national holiday.
Another big celebration is at the Rutli Meadow, Uri, situated above Lake Lucerne. It is a big family event which has a particular significance as it was here that the pledge of alliance was made. It is a colourful family event with music, dance, speeches and people dressed in national costume.
What to Eat on Swiss National Day?
If you are looking for a something special to eat to mark the day, each region and canton of Switzerland has its own specialities.
However, one thing that you would expect to see on Swiss National Day is Augustweggen, a sweet bread baked especially for this occasion. Each of the little rolls are marked with the national flag.
Another bread that you can find on the day, wherever you are in the country, is Butterzoph. This is a type of braided bread made with butter, milk and Kirsh and its name literally means “Butter plait.”
It is eaten for breakfast on Sundays, although it is often presented to a host on a special day, such as Swiss National Day. It can be eaten on its own or with sweet or savoury accompaniments.
World Wide Celebrations on Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day is not just held in Switzerland - there are various events that are held world-wide. Events even take place as far afield as Africa where in 2007 16 kilograms of cheese was imported to Zimbabwe to mark the event.
In the USA, the biggest event is generally held in Manhattan, New York and brings thousands of spectators a year. Other US celebrations take place in the grounds of the Swiss embassy in Washington and in Swiss Park in Los Angeles where spectators can enjoy traditional music, dance and food.
Festivities are also held closer to home with annual events both in Berlin as well as Paris. Among the celebrations here are fireworks and the chance to sample traditional Swiss food such as raclette - which is a type of cheese as well as a traditional dish featuring this cheese.
Did you know that Swiss National Day is celebrated in the famous Betty’s six-strong chain of cafés in Yorkshire, UK? The day falls on Yorkshire Day and the two events are celebrated together. This is because Betty’s and Taylors of Harrogate has links with Switzerland. It was founded by a Swiss baker in the early part of the 20th century.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons is British Association of Removers (BAR) registered for European and international removals including removals to Switzerland so you know that your commercial or household possessions are in safe hands.
If you require removals to Switzerland and are relocating from the UK or any other European or worldwide destination, contact us now and we can answer any queries you may have.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons provide full or part load removals as well as removals for specialist goods, such as motor vehicles, pets, antiques and other valuables. Our staff can also arrange long or short term storage of your possessions, cleaning and packing.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
As you settle in your new country, you will most likely want to immerse yourself in the Swiss culture and there is plenty of opportunity do to this as there are a number of festivals held throughout the year. Most notable of these is Swiss National Day which is celebrated in each canton.
What is Swiss National Day?
If you require removals to Switzerland to settle here, Swiss National Day is celebrated throughout the country on August 1st. It has been a national holiday since 1994 so an added bonus is that workers are given at least some of the day off to join in the festivities!
The history of Swiss National Day dates back to 1291. It marks the alliance formed by the cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, and was the foundation upon which Switzerland was built.
Swiss National Day is a bank holiday in Switzerland, offering plenty of fun for the whole family. Each Swiss commune has their own celebrations although Basel celebrates the occasion one day early on July 31st.
What to Expect on Swiss National Day
A series of events are held at local level and these include anything from fireworks, fokelore events, shooting contests, torchlight processions, speeches, music, barbecues, dancing, bonfires and food tents.
If you require removals to Switzerland, you will find several activities taking place in your region. However, some of these events are more well-known than others and these are fantastic to experience at first hand.
One of the most spectacular sights is the 25 metre high waterfalls, Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen which is lit up on the national holiday.
Another big celebration is at the Rutli Meadow, Uri, situated above Lake Lucerne. It is a big family event which has a particular significance as it was here that the pledge of alliance was made. It is a colourful family event with music, dance, speeches and people dressed in national costume.
What to Eat on Swiss National Day?
If you are looking for a something special to eat to mark the day, each region and canton of Switzerland has its own specialities.
However, one thing that you would expect to see on Swiss National Day is Augustweggen, a sweet bread baked especially for this occasion. Each of the little rolls are marked with the national flag.
Another bread that you can find on the day, wherever you are in the country, is Butterzoph. This is a type of braided bread made with butter, milk and Kirsh and its name literally means “Butter plait.”
It is eaten for breakfast on Sundays, although it is often presented to a host on a special day, such as Swiss National Day. It can be eaten on its own or with sweet or savoury accompaniments.
World Wide Celebrations on Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day is not just held in Switzerland - there are various events that are held world-wide. Events even take place as far afield as Africa where in 2007 16 kilograms of cheese was imported to Zimbabwe to mark the event.
In the USA, the biggest event is generally held in Manhattan, New York and brings thousands of spectators a year. Other US celebrations take place in the grounds of the Swiss embassy in Washington and in Swiss Park in Los Angeles where spectators can enjoy traditional music, dance and food.
Festivities are also held closer to home with annual events both in Berlin as well as Paris. Among the celebrations here are fireworks and the chance to sample traditional Swiss food such as raclette - which is a type of cheese as well as a traditional dish featuring this cheese.
Did you know that Swiss National Day is celebrated in the famous Betty’s six-strong chain of cafés in Yorkshire, UK? The day falls on Yorkshire Day and the two events are celebrated together. This is because Betty’s and Taylors of Harrogate has links with Switzerland. It was founded by a Swiss baker in the early part of the 20th century.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons is British Association of Removers (BAR) registered for European and international removals including removals to Switzerland so you know that your commercial or household possessions are in safe hands.
If you require removals to Switzerland and are relocating from the UK or any other European or worldwide destination, contact us now and we can answer any queries you may have.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
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