Having completed your removals to Switzerland, you will soon discover that this is a land of much more than watches, clocks and chocolate. Your pre-removal research may have already introduced you to such things as Switzerland’s magnificent scenery, its impressive gothic architecture and its penchant for banking. This article aims at digging a little deeper, to highlight some of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks, both natural and man-made.
Removals to Switzerland - Click here for full information on our range of removal services.
Major Landmarks in Switzerland
Palace of Nations - Geneva
Geneva is known as “the city of peace” and this building is central to all that. It is the second largest United Nations centre in the world with 34 conference rooms and 2,800 offices. It plays host to some 9,000 meetings a year, attracting around 28,000 delegates. Every year, 100,000 or so visitors are invited to take a tour of its halls and public galleries to see, at first hand, where representatives from nations the world over meet to discuss important topics like human rights, discrimination, disarmament and peace keeping. Tours are conducted weekdays from September to March and proof of ID is essential.
Chapel Bridge - Lucerne
The Kapellbrücke dates back to the 14th Century making it possibly the oldest covered wooden footbridge in Switzerland. It is remarkable, not just for its age, but also for the paintings that adorn the underside of its roof. Sadly, in 1993, nearly two thirds of the bridge was destroyed by fire and 85 of the original 110 pictures were destroyed. These have since been replaced by others that were put into safe storage. During the carnival season, which runs from Thursday until Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday, the paintings are removed for their own protection and replaced with modern ones depicting carnival scenes.
St Moritz
St Moritz is one of the world's most famous ski resorts. Right up there with Aspen, Whistler, St Anton, Kitzbühel, Chamonix and Val d'Isère, it's famous for being the playground of the rich and famous and revels in a winter sport history that dates back 150 years. Unlike many other resort locations though, it is not content to survive on past glories. It keeps pace with the times with an ongoing investment in state of the art ski-lifts, safe in the knowledge that those who like to combine skiing and sunshine will always love St Moritz.
Jungfrau
A trip to “The Top of Europe” is a must for all European travellers and if you’re moving to Switzerland, you won’t be far from it. Wrap up warm and take a camera to ensure you capture as much of the breathtaking scenery as possible. A train journey to the top takes in the little stations of Eigerwand and Eismeer, both of which are well worth stopping off at to take in the views. Be prepared for a fairly crowded passage though, it is extremely popular with tourists who come from all over the world to take in the sights.
The Matterhorn
Alongside Mount Everest and K2, The Matterhorn is one of the most recognisable mountains in the world. Far from a colossus, it is only the fifth highest of the Alpine peaks, but it is without doubt the most beautiful. Its classically pyramidal shape and ice-capped summit has attracted tourists and tempted climbers for decades. It is said that the Matterhorn has a character all its own: if the mountain is in good humour, it will display its summit for all to see but if she is angry, she will hide behind a grey sky. Folklore, of course, but a charming story nonetheless.
Chateau de Chillon
The Chateau de Chillon has all the hallmarks of a romantic Swiss castle. Built on a rocky island on the shores of Lake Geneva, it was a strategic location from which to control the passage of goods and people between northern and southern Europe. Over the centuries, the castle has been restored, and now through the use of modern media techniques, it can tell its full story. As well as a wonderful stop on the tourist trail, the chateau now doubles as an exhibition centre, a business, banqueting and concert hall, and also makes for a rather special wedding venue.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we aim to do all we can to ensure that your removals to Switzerland goes as smoothly as possible. Our friendly team provide a full range of services including packing, unpacking and transportation, cleaning, storage and insurance.
Hamiltons Removals Switzerland – click here for more information on our high quality moving services.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Removals to Switzerland: Shopping in Zurich
If you are moving house to Switzerland, you will want to know about all the wonderful things there are to do here once your removals are complete. If you love shopping and are relocating to Zurich, the good news is that you will be spoilt for choice as the city has everything from up-market boutiques to high street names. To steer you in the right direction, this article looks at some of the most popular retail establishments, from designer shops, department stores, to shopping centres.
Removals to Zurich Switzerland - Click here for full information on our range of removal services.
Designer Shopping
From the catwalks of Milan, to Paris, London, New York and Tokyo, many of the latest designs can be found here in Zurich, Switzerland. For the very best choice in anything from jewellery to watches, hats, coats, scarves, dresses, suits, casual wear, evening wear and lingerie, pay a visit to Bahnhofstrasse and Dörfli, the older part of Zurich. Also, look out for Niederdorfstrasse and Oberdorfstrasse and the area from Bellevue to Bahnhofbrücke; if you are searching for something out of the ordinary and don’t mind spending that bit more to get it, you’ll find it all here.
The list of famous names is seemingly endless. Hermès, Gucci, Boss, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton line up alongside some perhaps lesser known, but still absolutely fabulous names like Freitag, Lyn May Dessous, Acood, Beige, Bogen33 and many others.
If you are looking for something different, you will definitely find it here: Freitag create unique and very stylish handbags using such things as recycled seatbelts and tyre inner tubes; Lyn May Dessous is where you’ll find Evelyne Huber’s exquisitely detailed, custom-fitted lingerie; Acood showcases Anka Lehmann's clothing and bridal collections; Beige links fashion and computers as it offers clothing designs created with a CAD programme, and Bogen33 offer vintage furniture and home accessories.
Department Store Shopping
Zurich is big on department stores. Chief among them are Jelmoli on Seidengasse, Manor on Bahnhofstrasse and Globus on Schweizergasse. Others include Galaxus AG on Pfingstweidstrasse, Rosenhof on Weingasse and the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) on Birmensdorferstrasse.
Jelmoli’s strap line is “The House of Brands” and if its brands you’re after, this is the place for you. Founded more than 150 years ago, it is Switzerland’s largest department store and is something of an institution. Arranged over eight floors, it displays the wares of more than a thousand of the world's leading brands.
Manor is the largest of the department store chains in Switzerland. Its focus is on young, casual fashion mainly selling own brand items. Its separate departments include beauty, sports, household goods and home electronics. With a self-service restaurant on the top floor, you are invited to really make a day of it.
Globus mixes quality own brand with designer labels. It presents four floors of contemporary shopping, featuring quality own brand items alongside designer labels. The cafe/bar on the ground floor serves as a great pre-shopping meeting place, or for something a little more substantial, head for their restaurant on the fifth (top) floor.
Shopping Centres
The Einkaufszentrum Glatt is Switzerland’s largest shopping centre and is an experience in itself. It gets very busy, especially on Saturday afternoons, so best advice is to go early on a weekday. Nearly 100 shops, including two department stores, cater for all kinds of fashionatas and its nine restaurants mean you’ll never go hungry.
If you're into modern architecture, glitz and glamour, you'll love it at Silhcity. The complex, once an old paper mill, is now a shopper‘s paradise with more than 80 stores, restaurants, a hotel and a multiplex cinema.
The Bahnhof Stadelhofen is more than just a railway station. Some twenty or more shops, including a large grocery store and several boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses occupy the site which caters for your travel requirements and provides home essentials.
The Europaallee Passage, located next to the main railway station, might have been designed with the travel adventurer in mind. Aside from a grocery store, it is mainly activity based and has shops selling outdoor clothing, bikes and cycle equipment, hiking and travel goods.
Arranged over three floors, The Letzipark is located just outside the city centre and has 66 shops including a DIY store and a garden centre. There are three coffee bars, two restaurants and a number of takeaway and fast food outlets.
ShopVille-RailCity is open 365 days a year. It has over 130 shops of all types as well as several restaurants, fast food outlets and takeaways. It is not aimed at highbrow shopping but instead offers products for your everyday needs.
Bridging the gap between mall and market is Im Viadukt with 30 plus shops and a market hall. Located under the arches of an old railway viaduct, it’s not your typical shopping mall. The emphasis here is on the smaller, edgy trends. Its market hall features more than 30 stalls selling fresh food and cured meats.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we are aware that every move is unique and different in its requirements. That’s why we adopt a flexible approach to your removal. Whatever your needs, whether you require road haulage or shipping or airfreight, we can take care of it for you. For your peace of mind, we are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and we are British Standards BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered.
Click on the links below to find out more about our services or to get a free removals quotation and let us take care of your removals to Switzerland.
Hamiltons Removals Switzerland – or click here for your free removals quote.
Removals to Zurich Switzerland - Click here for full information on our range of removal services.
Designer Shopping
From the catwalks of Milan, to Paris, London, New York and Tokyo, many of the latest designs can be found here in Zurich, Switzerland. For the very best choice in anything from jewellery to watches, hats, coats, scarves, dresses, suits, casual wear, evening wear and lingerie, pay a visit to Bahnhofstrasse and Dörfli, the older part of Zurich. Also, look out for Niederdorfstrasse and Oberdorfstrasse and the area from Bellevue to Bahnhofbrücke; if you are searching for something out of the ordinary and don’t mind spending that bit more to get it, you’ll find it all here.
The list of famous names is seemingly endless. Hermès, Gucci, Boss, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton line up alongside some perhaps lesser known, but still absolutely fabulous names like Freitag, Lyn May Dessous, Acood, Beige, Bogen33 and many others.
If you are looking for something different, you will definitely find it here: Freitag create unique and very stylish handbags using such things as recycled seatbelts and tyre inner tubes; Lyn May Dessous is where you’ll find Evelyne Huber’s exquisitely detailed, custom-fitted lingerie; Acood showcases Anka Lehmann's clothing and bridal collections; Beige links fashion and computers as it offers clothing designs created with a CAD programme, and Bogen33 offer vintage furniture and home accessories.
Department Store Shopping
Zurich is big on department stores. Chief among them are Jelmoli on Seidengasse, Manor on Bahnhofstrasse and Globus on Schweizergasse. Others include Galaxus AG on Pfingstweidstrasse, Rosenhof on Weingasse and the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) on Birmensdorferstrasse.
Jelmoli’s strap line is “The House of Brands” and if its brands you’re after, this is the place for you. Founded more than 150 years ago, it is Switzerland’s largest department store and is something of an institution. Arranged over eight floors, it displays the wares of more than a thousand of the world's leading brands.
Manor is the largest of the department store chains in Switzerland. Its focus is on young, casual fashion mainly selling own brand items. Its separate departments include beauty, sports, household goods and home electronics. With a self-service restaurant on the top floor, you are invited to really make a day of it.
Globus mixes quality own brand with designer labels. It presents four floors of contemporary shopping, featuring quality own brand items alongside designer labels. The cafe/bar on the ground floor serves as a great pre-shopping meeting place, or for something a little more substantial, head for their restaurant on the fifth (top) floor.
Shopping Centres
The Einkaufszentrum Glatt is Switzerland’s largest shopping centre and is an experience in itself. It gets very busy, especially on Saturday afternoons, so best advice is to go early on a weekday. Nearly 100 shops, including two department stores, cater for all kinds of fashionatas and its nine restaurants mean you’ll never go hungry.
If you're into modern architecture, glitz and glamour, you'll love it at Silhcity. The complex, once an old paper mill, is now a shopper‘s paradise with more than 80 stores, restaurants, a hotel and a multiplex cinema.
The Bahnhof Stadelhofen is more than just a railway station. Some twenty or more shops, including a large grocery store and several boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses occupy the site which caters for your travel requirements and provides home essentials.
The Europaallee Passage, located next to the main railway station, might have been designed with the travel adventurer in mind. Aside from a grocery store, it is mainly activity based and has shops selling outdoor clothing, bikes and cycle equipment, hiking and travel goods.
Arranged over three floors, The Letzipark is located just outside the city centre and has 66 shops including a DIY store and a garden centre. There are three coffee bars, two restaurants and a number of takeaway and fast food outlets.
ShopVille-RailCity is open 365 days a year. It has over 130 shops of all types as well as several restaurants, fast food outlets and takeaways. It is not aimed at highbrow shopping but instead offers products for your everyday needs.
Bridging the gap between mall and market is Im Viadukt with 30 plus shops and a market hall. Located under the arches of an old railway viaduct, it’s not your typical shopping mall. The emphasis here is on the smaller, edgy trends. Its market hall features more than 30 stalls selling fresh food and cured meats.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we are aware that every move is unique and different in its requirements. That’s why we adopt a flexible approach to your removal. Whatever your needs, whether you require road haulage or shipping or airfreight, we can take care of it for you. For your peace of mind, we are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and we are British Standards BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered.
Click on the links below to find out more about our services or to get a free removals quotation and let us take care of your removals to Switzerland.
Hamiltons Removals Switzerland – or click here for your free removals quote.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Removals to Switzerland: Exclusive Spas and Resorts in Switzerland
Once your removals to Switzerland are complete and you have settled in to your new home, you might like to look at taking a short holiday. At this time Switzerland may well be new to you, so there’s no need to go abroad. Instead you could spend the time getting to know your way around some of the country’s most exclusive resorts and spas and give yourself some well deserved rest and relaxation.
If you are looking for an upmarket, relaxing or sporting holiday, then a move to Switzerland has brought you to the right place. There are plenty of places where you will be able to unwind completely, with a view to returning to work fully refreshed and revitalised. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most luxurious holiday destinations Switzerland has to offer.
Hamiltons Removals deliver top quality removals to Switzerland to both domestic and commercial clients. With us, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive at your new home or business having been moved with the greatest of care and attention to detail.
For domestic or commercial removals to Switzerland– contact us today to find out more about our services.
Meanwhile, read on for some ideas on where to go for sumptuous break if you are planning an indulgent holiday
Exclusive Ski Resorts
If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury accommodation, you are spoiled for choice in Switzerland. Here is a selection of the finest hotels the country has to offer:
The Kempinski Grand Hotel - St. Moritz
Offering 5 star accommodation in the heart of St Moritz, all luxury rooms and suites come with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, free internet, 24 hour room service, phone with voice-mail, complimentary daily newspaper, minibar, safe, complimentary bottled water, a laundry and dry-cleaning service and a pillow menu. Dining at the Restaurant Les Saisons is superb and the service offered by everyone from concierge to waiting staff is just as you would expect from this world-class chain.
The Kulm Hotel - St. Moritz
The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is another 5 star ski resort situated in the heart of St. Moritz. Offering stunning views over Lake St. Moritz combined with a refined elegance cultivated over many years, The Kulm oozes charm as it effortlessly combines state-of-the-art modernity with classical decor and tradition. Of course, the skiing is superb but for those who don’t get on with skiing, there’s a host of other pastimes including golf, with a nine-hole course on site, hiking, walking, snowshoe hiking and horse-riding.
Badrutts Palace Hotel - St. Moritz
Badrutts Palace Hotel has been described as “La Creme de la Creme of St. Moritz” and with good reason. It often plays host to royalty, to stars of stage and screen, and to sporting personalities. Here, traditional hospitality and discrete service combine to deliver a first class hotel experience and the understandably high expectations of the guests are surpassed with seeming consummate ease. The Badrutt is sophistication itself; it is the champagne lifestyle at high altitude and a place where exclusivity meets style and grace.
Exclusive Spas
Clinique La Prarie - Clarens-Montreux
Clinique La Prarie is a health spa in the true sense of the words. Theirs is a holistic approach to physical and mental well being. They offer everything from full medicals to dentistry. Their beauty spa treatments include face, full body, hand and foot treatments, aromatic baths, floating beds, chromotherm, affusion massage, steam baths and saunas. There are yoga sessions and a very well equipped fitness and personal training area. Currently under refurbishment (2013), the clinic is set to offer still greater levels of comfort alongside its excellent treatment programmes.
Dolder Grand Spa - Zurich
Open daily from 7am to 10pm, the spa at The Dolder Grand is something to write home about. The usual range of relaxing treatments are on offer here: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures etc. but they also offer a detoxing relaxation ritual and a meditation walk. Must tries here are the outdoor Jacuzzi and the stone beds, which are large tubs filled with tiny stones; surprisingly, they make you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. A visit here is a total disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and a reconnection to that which is important, inner peace and tranquillity.
Lausanne Palace and Spa - Lausanne
The CBE Concept Spa at the Lausanne Palace offers a Spa Suite. This gives you and one other the opportunity to enjoy a totally private spa experience. For 3 hours, two people can have exclusive use of all the facilities on offer including the sauna and hammam, the circular copper bath and relaxation area. You are greeted with a welcome juice drink and can each have a care treatment to either the face or body, and lunch is served afterwards with fresh juice and coffee.
Exclusive Hotels
Gstaad Palace - Gstaad
The Gstaad is exclusive and glamorous. With six different restaurants and bars and rooms and suites that leave you wanting for nothing, it is a hotel experience to rival the best in the world. Like The Lausanne Palace, it too has a wonderful spa. An added attraction at The Gstaad is The Walig Hut, your own private hideaway in the mountains. Built in 1786 and originally a farmers lodge, there are very few of them left now. The Gstaad’s Walig has been sympathetically updated and now provides high-quality mountainside accommodation for a family of four.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof - Zermatt
Offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from most of its rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offers a mix of accommodation from very comfortable single and double rooms to elegant junior and luxury suites. All rooms have been individually decorated and are equipped with telephone, radio, cable TV, DVD, internet access, minibar and safe, and some rooms have a fireplace and a Jacuzzi bath. The Alpine Spa features a large pool, hot tub, sauna, steam bath and an ice-grotto. There are various treatment rooms and a private spa for couples. The staff are almost old-fashioned in their politeness and the service here is, as you would expect, top class.
About Hamiltons
Professional Removals to Switzerland – Hamiltons has provided a high quality removals service to destinations throughout the UK, Europe and the wider world for more than 20 years. If you are looking to source a removals company to take care of your removals to Switzerland, contact us today for your free removals quotation.
If you are looking for an upmarket, relaxing or sporting holiday, then a move to Switzerland has brought you to the right place. There are plenty of places where you will be able to unwind completely, with a view to returning to work fully refreshed and revitalised. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most luxurious holiday destinations Switzerland has to offer.
Hamiltons Removals deliver top quality removals to Switzerland to both domestic and commercial clients. With us, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive at your new home or business having been moved with the greatest of care and attention to detail.
For domestic or commercial removals to Switzerland– contact us today to find out more about our services.
Meanwhile, read on for some ideas on where to go for sumptuous break if you are planning an indulgent holiday
Exclusive Ski Resorts
If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury accommodation, you are spoiled for choice in Switzerland. Here is a selection of the finest hotels the country has to offer:
The Kempinski Grand Hotel - St. Moritz
Offering 5 star accommodation in the heart of St Moritz, all luxury rooms and suites come with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, free internet, 24 hour room service, phone with voice-mail, complimentary daily newspaper, minibar, safe, complimentary bottled water, a laundry and dry-cleaning service and a pillow menu. Dining at the Restaurant Les Saisons is superb and the service offered by everyone from concierge to waiting staff is just as you would expect from this world-class chain.
The Kulm Hotel - St. Moritz
The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is another 5 star ski resort situated in the heart of St. Moritz. Offering stunning views over Lake St. Moritz combined with a refined elegance cultivated over many years, The Kulm oozes charm as it effortlessly combines state-of-the-art modernity with classical decor and tradition. Of course, the skiing is superb but for those who don’t get on with skiing, there’s a host of other pastimes including golf, with a nine-hole course on site, hiking, walking, snowshoe hiking and horse-riding.
Badrutts Palace Hotel - St. Moritz
Badrutts Palace Hotel has been described as “La Creme de la Creme of St. Moritz” and with good reason. It often plays host to royalty, to stars of stage and screen, and to sporting personalities. Here, traditional hospitality and discrete service combine to deliver a first class hotel experience and the understandably high expectations of the guests are surpassed with seeming consummate ease. The Badrutt is sophistication itself; it is the champagne lifestyle at high altitude and a place where exclusivity meets style and grace.
Exclusive Spas
Clinique La Prarie - Clarens-Montreux
Clinique La Prarie is a health spa in the true sense of the words. Theirs is a holistic approach to physical and mental well being. They offer everything from full medicals to dentistry. Their beauty spa treatments include face, full body, hand and foot treatments, aromatic baths, floating beds, chromotherm, affusion massage, steam baths and saunas. There are yoga sessions and a very well equipped fitness and personal training area. Currently under refurbishment (2013), the clinic is set to offer still greater levels of comfort alongside its excellent treatment programmes.
Dolder Grand Spa - Zurich
Open daily from 7am to 10pm, the spa at The Dolder Grand is something to write home about. The usual range of relaxing treatments are on offer here: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures etc. but they also offer a detoxing relaxation ritual and a meditation walk. Must tries here are the outdoor Jacuzzi and the stone beds, which are large tubs filled with tiny stones; surprisingly, they make you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. A visit here is a total disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and a reconnection to that which is important, inner peace and tranquillity.
Lausanne Palace and Spa - Lausanne
The CBE Concept Spa at the Lausanne Palace offers a Spa Suite. This gives you and one other the opportunity to enjoy a totally private spa experience. For 3 hours, two people can have exclusive use of all the facilities on offer including the sauna and hammam, the circular copper bath and relaxation area. You are greeted with a welcome juice drink and can each have a care treatment to either the face or body, and lunch is served afterwards with fresh juice and coffee.
Exclusive Hotels
Gstaad Palace - Gstaad
The Gstaad is exclusive and glamorous. With six different restaurants and bars and rooms and suites that leave you wanting for nothing, it is a hotel experience to rival the best in the world. Like The Lausanne Palace, it too has a wonderful spa. An added attraction at The Gstaad is The Walig Hut, your own private hideaway in the mountains. Built in 1786 and originally a farmers lodge, there are very few of them left now. The Gstaad’s Walig has been sympathetically updated and now provides high-quality mountainside accommodation for a family of four.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof - Zermatt
Offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from most of its rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offers a mix of accommodation from very comfortable single and double rooms to elegant junior and luxury suites. All rooms have been individually decorated and are equipped with telephone, radio, cable TV, DVD, internet access, minibar and safe, and some rooms have a fireplace and a Jacuzzi bath. The Alpine Spa features a large pool, hot tub, sauna, steam bath and an ice-grotto. There are various treatment rooms and a private spa for couples. The staff are almost old-fashioned in their politeness and the service here is, as you would expect, top class.
About Hamiltons
Professional Removals to Switzerland – Hamiltons has provided a high quality removals service to destinations throughout the UK, Europe and the wider world for more than 20 years. If you are looking to source a removals company to take care of your removals to Switzerland, contact us today for your free removals quotation.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Removals to Switzerland: Animals Native to Switzerland
Whatever your reasons for seeking removals to Switzerland, you will benefit on arrival from the country's beautiful scenery, which is home to a wide range of animals and birds including Eurasian Lynxes, Polecats and Wolves. Here we look at some of the animals you are likely to come across in the Swiss countryside, where you’re most likely to see them and what you should do if you meet one.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering removals to Switzerland for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our customer service record and our ability to provide a high quality service that takes the stress out of your move.
For your peace of mind and to assure you that your removals to Switzerland could not be in safer hands, we have put the following memberships, accreditations and qualifications in place:
British Association of Removers (BAR) registered
FAIM accredited
Members of The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered
Click on the following link to find out more about our professional removals to Switzerland service
Meanwhile, read on to find out more about the animals native to Switzerland.
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris
Red squirrel numbers are declining throughout northern Europe as they are being displaced by greys. For your best chance of seeing one, head off into the woods around Arosa in Grisons to the east of Switzerland or to the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen. You will most likely spot them up in the branches of the evergreen and deciduous trees or foraging for nuts and berries, green shoots, leaves and tree bark. Red Squirrels are not considered dangerous, but as with every wild animal it is best that you observe them from a distance.
Snow Vole - Chionomys nivalis
Snow voles live high up in the mountains of Switzerland, anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 metres. They live amongst rock crevices and boulders, a difficult terrain which they are able to navigate with ease, keeping them safe from predators. They feast on the roots of various alpine plants, digging tunnels with numerous exits, a nest chamber and storeroom. Snow voles present no danger to humans and since they live at high altitude, and unlike their lowland cousins they are not considered pests.
Brown Long-Eared Bat - Plecotus auritus
The best place to see a brown long-eared bat is on an envelope. In 2012 it was voted Swiss “animal of the year” and it now features on the 100 Ct stamp. In real life though, they are that bit more elusive, operating mainly at night. Their main diet is moths which they catch using echo location as they fly over open areas such as grasslands and alpine meadows.
Eurasian Lynx – Lynx lynx
Europe’s third largest predator, the Lynx, was at one time extinct in Switzerland but successful re-introduction has seen their numbers steadily increase. It has a short body, long legs and large feet with sharp retractile claws, the ideal combination if your days are spent hunting in trees and over rocks. It has been said that lynx are totally harmless to humans but known as the “Tiger of the North” they are still wild cats, so proceed with caution if you should you happen to see one.
Beaver - Castor fiber
Beavers are the second-largest rodent in the world after the capybara, and the Swiss authorities are doing all they can to encourage growth in their numbers. Beavers were once extinct in Switzerland but thanks to conservation efforts by Pro Natura, the country's leading conservation agency, they now number 700-800 and rising. The best places to look for Beavers are in and around Switzerland’s many rivers and waterways.
Grey Wolf - Canis lupus
Previously extinct in Switzerland, the grey wolf is making a bit of a comeback, albeit slowly. In 2009 it was estimated that there were around a dozen wolves in the country so your chances of seeing one in the wild are very slim. If you are moving to Valais in western Switzerland or to Lucerne in the centre, you may be in luck though. If you do see a wolf, do not run, wolves are coursing predators, running will just encourage them to chase.
European Polecat - Mustela putorius
Polecats are widely dispersed in Switzerland, enjoying mixed forest locations. They are usually dark brown in colour with pale under-sides. They are shorter and more compact than their cousins, the mink and weasel, and have a more powerful skull and jaw. Their diet consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and they have perfected the rather macabre art of crippling their prey before storing it to eat later. They are not known to be dangerous to humans and are for the most part quiet shy creatures.
Mountain Hare - Lepus timidus
Another one to be commemorated on a Swiss stamp, the mountain hare has been given a face value of 50+10 centimes. To see them gambolling on a Swiss mountainside, though, is worth a lot more than that. The mountain hare’s winter coat is spectacularly white allowing it to blend in well in snowy conditions and it has adapted to these conditions in its diet too. They are quire happy grazing on twigs and tree bark when snow and ice cover the ground.
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
Although red deer were extinct in Switzerland over 100 years ago, they were re-introduced and are now flourishing. One of the largest of the deer species, they can usually be found in lowland forest settings and in herds numbering 30-40 or so. To catch sight of them in numbers, head for the slopes of the Engadine, Val Müstair, and Vinschgau when the rutting season has finished around mid to late October.
Wild Ibex - Capra ibex
The Ibex was hunted to near extinction in parts of Switzerland. Upon re-introduction, they were given protected status and since then have been doing rather well. Pro Natura named the Ibex "animal of the year" in 2006, 100 years after its reintroduction into Switzerland. Back then their numbers were reduced to just a few dozen throughout the world. Nowadays, the result of breeding and conservation projects, there are more than 14,000 in Switzerland alone.
Marmot - Marmota marmota
Found in the Swiss Alps at anywhere between 2500 and 10,000 feet, Marmots use their strong front claws to burrow through frost hardened soil and build their underground hotels. Over time they will create a complex series of tunnels with rooms off to house their growing family. Nine months of the year is spent hibernating in preparation for their mating season which follows immediately afterwards. You will often see them standing guard, watching for predators or on the hunt for grasses, herbs, grain, insects, spiders and worms.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals are an experienced, professional removals company with a reputation for excellent customer service. We treat your belongings with the utmost care, wrapping, packing, storing and transporting them to your new home. Call us today using the free phone number 0845 003 8259 or click the link below to access our website.
High Quality Removals to Switzerland – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering removals to Switzerland for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our customer service record and our ability to provide a high quality service that takes the stress out of your move.
For your peace of mind and to assure you that your removals to Switzerland could not be in safer hands, we have put the following memberships, accreditations and qualifications in place:
British Association of Removers (BAR) registered
FAIM accredited
Members of The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered
Click on the following link to find out more about our professional removals to Switzerland service
Meanwhile, read on to find out more about the animals native to Switzerland.
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris
Red squirrel numbers are declining throughout northern Europe as they are being displaced by greys. For your best chance of seeing one, head off into the woods around Arosa in Grisons to the east of Switzerland or to the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen. You will most likely spot them up in the branches of the evergreen and deciduous trees or foraging for nuts and berries, green shoots, leaves and tree bark. Red Squirrels are not considered dangerous, but as with every wild animal it is best that you observe them from a distance.
Snow Vole - Chionomys nivalis
Snow voles live high up in the mountains of Switzerland, anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 metres. They live amongst rock crevices and boulders, a difficult terrain which they are able to navigate with ease, keeping them safe from predators. They feast on the roots of various alpine plants, digging tunnels with numerous exits, a nest chamber and storeroom. Snow voles present no danger to humans and since they live at high altitude, and unlike their lowland cousins they are not considered pests.
Brown Long-Eared Bat - Plecotus auritus
The best place to see a brown long-eared bat is on an envelope. In 2012 it was voted Swiss “animal of the year” and it now features on the 100 Ct stamp. In real life though, they are that bit more elusive, operating mainly at night. Their main diet is moths which they catch using echo location as they fly over open areas such as grasslands and alpine meadows.
Eurasian Lynx – Lynx lynx
Europe’s third largest predator, the Lynx, was at one time extinct in Switzerland but successful re-introduction has seen their numbers steadily increase. It has a short body, long legs and large feet with sharp retractile claws, the ideal combination if your days are spent hunting in trees and over rocks. It has been said that lynx are totally harmless to humans but known as the “Tiger of the North” they are still wild cats, so proceed with caution if you should you happen to see one.
Beaver - Castor fiber
Beavers are the second-largest rodent in the world after the capybara, and the Swiss authorities are doing all they can to encourage growth in their numbers. Beavers were once extinct in Switzerland but thanks to conservation efforts by Pro Natura, the country's leading conservation agency, they now number 700-800 and rising. The best places to look for Beavers are in and around Switzerland’s many rivers and waterways.
Grey Wolf - Canis lupus
Previously extinct in Switzerland, the grey wolf is making a bit of a comeback, albeit slowly. In 2009 it was estimated that there were around a dozen wolves in the country so your chances of seeing one in the wild are very slim. If you are moving to Valais in western Switzerland or to Lucerne in the centre, you may be in luck though. If you do see a wolf, do not run, wolves are coursing predators, running will just encourage them to chase.
European Polecat - Mustela putorius
Polecats are widely dispersed in Switzerland, enjoying mixed forest locations. They are usually dark brown in colour with pale under-sides. They are shorter and more compact than their cousins, the mink and weasel, and have a more powerful skull and jaw. Their diet consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and they have perfected the rather macabre art of crippling their prey before storing it to eat later. They are not known to be dangerous to humans and are for the most part quiet shy creatures.
Mountain Hare - Lepus timidus
Another one to be commemorated on a Swiss stamp, the mountain hare has been given a face value of 50+10 centimes. To see them gambolling on a Swiss mountainside, though, is worth a lot more than that. The mountain hare’s winter coat is spectacularly white allowing it to blend in well in snowy conditions and it has adapted to these conditions in its diet too. They are quire happy grazing on twigs and tree bark when snow and ice cover the ground.
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
Although red deer were extinct in Switzerland over 100 years ago, they were re-introduced and are now flourishing. One of the largest of the deer species, they can usually be found in lowland forest settings and in herds numbering 30-40 or so. To catch sight of them in numbers, head for the slopes of the Engadine, Val Müstair, and Vinschgau when the rutting season has finished around mid to late October.
Wild Ibex - Capra ibex
The Ibex was hunted to near extinction in parts of Switzerland. Upon re-introduction, they were given protected status and since then have been doing rather well. Pro Natura named the Ibex "animal of the year" in 2006, 100 years after its reintroduction into Switzerland. Back then their numbers were reduced to just a few dozen throughout the world. Nowadays, the result of breeding and conservation projects, there are more than 14,000 in Switzerland alone.
Marmot - Marmota marmota
Found in the Swiss Alps at anywhere between 2500 and 10,000 feet, Marmots use their strong front claws to burrow through frost hardened soil and build their underground hotels. Over time they will create a complex series of tunnels with rooms off to house their growing family. Nine months of the year is spent hibernating in preparation for their mating season which follows immediately afterwards. You will often see them standing guard, watching for predators or on the hunt for grasses, herbs, grain, insects, spiders and worms.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals are an experienced, professional removals company with a reputation for excellent customer service. We treat your belongings with the utmost care, wrapping, packing, storing and transporting them to your new home. Call us today using the free phone number 0845 003 8259 or click the link below to access our website.
High Quality Removals to Switzerland – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Removals to Switzerland: Clubs, Hobbies and Night Classes in Switzerland
Moving to a different country means a brand new start and, if you require removals to Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe, it also means making a new circle of friends. If you are moving abroad as a couple and it is your partner - rather than you - who is taking up a job in your host country, it may be harder for you to meet people with a common interest. If you are moving to Switzerland with children, you may get the opportunity to meet other parents when your offspring start school. However, it is generally more difficult to make friends if you work from home, or are a stay at home parent.
There are ways to make settling in easier and one is to take up a new hobby or to join a night class. This will not only help you increase your skills, but you will also have the chance to make new contacts. To help you, this article spotlights on some of the classes that you could take up after organising your European removals.
Hamiltons specialise in high quality removals to Switzerland and we make the whole house moving process easier as we guide you through the first steps of your journey to your new life. We provide everything from full or part load removals, careful packing and unpacking and storage facilities on request. To find out more about what we can do for you, just click on the link below.
Moving to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Learning a New Language – Whichever canton you move to, to get the most out of your stay, it is always worth getting know at least some words or phrases of the language that is most common in your area. As the Swiss speak German, French, Italian and, less commonly, Rumantsch, you will want to learn at least one of these languages to help you put down your roots.
Language schools can be found in all the main cities, and some of the well-known names include The Language School of Alemania, which concentrates mainly on teaching German and runs beginners and intensive classes, the Bénédict-Schule Zürich, the Inlingua language school and the Berlitz Sprachschule, which all teach German, French and Italian. Of course, there are other organisations in Switzerland that offer language classes and you can find out more about this from adverts in your area, word of mouth, or online. You may also find teachers that organise small, private language classes in your area, or are willing to teach one-on-one. Learning the language in Switzerland is the first step towards making friends with the locals.
Sport – Another way to make new friends is to take up a new sport, and this way you can also get fit and keep active at the same time. There are all sorts of sports on offer in Switzerland, from the more unusual such as Hornussen, which has been described as a cross between golf and cricket, and the more common sports, such as tennis, football, cricket, golf, rugby, mountaineering, ice-hockey, skiing and snowboarding.
The Swiss are keen about sporting activities and as many as a quarter of the Swiss are a committed member of a sports club. Whatever sport you are interested in taking up, it is worth having a look online to find out about sporting clubs or activities in your area and there are expat sites with this information. You can find all sorts of classes including: Scottish dance, square dancing, Morris dancing, yoga and boot camps, all of which are a fun way to meet new people.
Hobbies – Once you have moved to Switzerland, you will find plenty of opportunities to take up a new hobby or join a new class that is of interest to you. Whether you would like to join a women’s group, discover more about the country’s food and wine, join an amateur dramatic group, or take up an art class, such as drawing or photography, this is a great way to hone your skills or learn something new. You never know where this will take you. If you are full of enthusiasm about your new hobby, in time you could even make a living out of it!
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals are experienced in removals to Europe and we have a friendly and dedicated team of staff who will help you every step of the way.
To find out more, click here for a free European removals quote.
There are ways to make settling in easier and one is to take up a new hobby or to join a night class. This will not only help you increase your skills, but you will also have the chance to make new contacts. To help you, this article spotlights on some of the classes that you could take up after organising your European removals.
Hamiltons specialise in high quality removals to Switzerland and we make the whole house moving process easier as we guide you through the first steps of your journey to your new life. We provide everything from full or part load removals, careful packing and unpacking and storage facilities on request. To find out more about what we can do for you, just click on the link below.
Moving to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Learning a New Language – Whichever canton you move to, to get the most out of your stay, it is always worth getting know at least some words or phrases of the language that is most common in your area. As the Swiss speak German, French, Italian and, less commonly, Rumantsch, you will want to learn at least one of these languages to help you put down your roots.
Language schools can be found in all the main cities, and some of the well-known names include The Language School of Alemania, which concentrates mainly on teaching German and runs beginners and intensive classes, the Bénédict-Schule Zürich, the Inlingua language school and the Berlitz Sprachschule, which all teach German, French and Italian. Of course, there are other organisations in Switzerland that offer language classes and you can find out more about this from adverts in your area, word of mouth, or online. You may also find teachers that organise small, private language classes in your area, or are willing to teach one-on-one. Learning the language in Switzerland is the first step towards making friends with the locals.
Sport – Another way to make new friends is to take up a new sport, and this way you can also get fit and keep active at the same time. There are all sorts of sports on offer in Switzerland, from the more unusual such as Hornussen, which has been described as a cross between golf and cricket, and the more common sports, such as tennis, football, cricket, golf, rugby, mountaineering, ice-hockey, skiing and snowboarding.
The Swiss are keen about sporting activities and as many as a quarter of the Swiss are a committed member of a sports club. Whatever sport you are interested in taking up, it is worth having a look online to find out about sporting clubs or activities in your area and there are expat sites with this information. You can find all sorts of classes including: Scottish dance, square dancing, Morris dancing, yoga and boot camps, all of which are a fun way to meet new people.
Hobbies – Once you have moved to Switzerland, you will find plenty of opportunities to take up a new hobby or join a new class that is of interest to you. Whether you would like to join a women’s group, discover more about the country’s food and wine, join an amateur dramatic group, or take up an art class, such as drawing or photography, this is a great way to hone your skills or learn something new. You never know where this will take you. If you are full of enthusiasm about your new hobby, in time you could even make a living out of it!
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals are experienced in removals to Europe and we have a friendly and dedicated team of staff who will help you every step of the way.
To find out more, click here for a free European removals quote.
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Removals to Switzerland: The Ten Highest Peaks in Switzerland
If you're reading this you will have already started making plans for your removals to Switzerland. You may be looking forward to the prospect of starting a new job and sourcing new schools for the kids and you'll certainly be looking forward to settling in to your new Swiss home. You'll be looking forward to the country's spectacular landscapes and dramatic snow-capped peaks and to the down-time and holidays that will enable you to enjoy them to the full. With so much to think about and plan, it’s good to know that one call to Hamiltons Removals is all it takes to arrange your removals to Switzerland.
Established in 1993, Hamiltons Removals have been successfully moving house for people for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on the reputation we have built up in that time. We are on hand to deal with every aspect of your removals to Switzerland, from the careful wrapping and packing of your belongings, to their loading and safe transportation, and we can even arrange to have the home you're vacating professionally cleaned to save you the time and trouble.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
In this blog post we thought we'd take a look at some of the country's highest and most famous mountains, and the sporting facilities they offer. Although Switzerland can’t lay claim to the highest peak in Western Europe – that accolade goes to France and Italy for Mont Blanc - it does have some very impressive ones which offer a variety of activities like hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.
Our Guide to the Swiss Peaks
Monte Rosa is the name given to a group of mountain peaks in the Swiss Alps which cross the Swiss/Italian border, linking the Swiss canton of Valais and the Italian region of Piedmont.
Twenty two of the mountain peaks in this region are over 4,000 metres high, the highest being Dufourspitze. You'll find that a good number of them are suffixed with the word “spitze” as this means apex or high point in German.
Dufourspitze - 4634m
Dufourspitze was named in honour of Henri Dufour. An army general and the man behind the Dufour map series, he was also a co-founder of the Red Cross. Dufourspitze's usual routes are not rated difficult, at least not on its popular ascents but as with all climbs, preparation and the right equipment is essential. Recommended kit should comprise; an axe, rope, crampons and warm, wind resistant clothing. And you are advised to keep an eye on the weather as high winds and precipitation can turn even the easiest of climbs into something much more challenging.
Ostspitze - 4632m
Climbing, hiking & mountaineering are all encouraged here on Switzerland’s second highest peak, and as with the first, the views are breathtaking. Check the height differential between Ostspitze and Dufourspitze and its easy to see why the first climbers of Ostspitze, thought they'd climbed the highest Alpine peak.
Nordend - 4609m
Translated as “Northend” This peak is the third highest in the Swiss Alpine range, and is as the name suggests, the northernmost peak in the Alps. Once at the top, the other peaks are laid out before you, tantalising you with the thought of just one more climb. After all, what's an extra 25 metres between friends?
Zumsteinspitze - 4563m
Zumsteinspitze rests between the peaks of Dufourspitze and Signalkuppe and on the Swiss/Italian border. As with Dufourspitze, it was named after one of its first climbers but it is fair to say that Mr Zumstein had help. Legend has it that the group of climbers Zumstein was a part of had agreed to call the mountain by a different name, but that Zumstein used his position as forest inspector and member of the Royal Society of Science in Turin, to ensure that his was the name applied to the rock.
Signalkuppe - 4554m
This mountain was named Signalkuppe in reference to a large rock spike which originally formed its peak. The spike has since been removed and replaced with - wait for it... a building! This gives Signalkuppe its place in mountaineering lore as it is the site of the highest building in Europe. The Capanna Margherita is open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September and can accommodate up to 70 mountaineers. For the remainder of the year the winter room is open with 12 beds. The building also houses the International Centre for High-Altitude Physiological Research and has the highest-altitude telephone connection in Europe.
Dom - 4545m
Never would there appear to have been a more aptly named mountain. Dom might not be the tallest but it's certainly one of the most impressive. Actually the name Dom doesn't relate to its size at all. It is linked to the German word Dome and refers to a cathedral as the mountain was originally named after Canon Berchtold of Sitten (or Sion) cathedral.
Lyskamm – 4527m
On the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lyskamm actually has two summits, one to the east and one to the west. The eastern Liskamm summit, the higher of the two, is separated from its western apex by a one kilometre ridge, and it is this ridge with its many cornices that has caused the mountain to be known as the man-eater. A cornice is an unstable overhang of ice and snow that could give way at any moment causing an avalanche.
Weisshorn - 4506m
Weisshorn is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Swiss Alps. It is pyramidal in shape and its snow capped peak catches the sun particularly well at sunrise when the whiteness glows a peachy orange. This sight is not at all unusual here in the Alps and there are breathtaking views to be seen daily. Something about this mountain really captures the imagination.
Matterhorn - 4478m
Located in the Pennine Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy, the mountain's four steep faces rise above the surrounding glaciers facing north, south, east and west. It was one of the last peaks to be climbed and has claimed the lives of many hundreds of climbers over the years. Perhaps for this reason the Matterhorn has become an icon of the Alps. Oh... and if you thought your move to Switzerland would mean you'd have to leave your clubs behind, think again. You can play golf within sight of the Matterhorn. Don't expect manicured greens and mown fairways though, this is golf Scottish style, complete with rocks, cliffs, uneven playing surfaces and marmot burrows.
Dent Blanche - 4356m
The Dent Blanche is something of a misnomer since for the most part, there is nothing white about it. No skiing or snowboarding here, however, it does make for a good rock climb and this should not be underestimated . The confusion over the naming of the mountain stems from a lack of co-operation or understanding between early cartographers and the mountain folk, which forced the map makers to scribe from a distance.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals offer a high quality removals to Switzerland service, whatever the size of your move. Whether you require full load (FCL), part load (LCL) or groupage, we can help. We are also experts in the safe removal and transportation of large and valuable items like cars, pianos, farm machinery, and horses. If you are moving to Switzerland, contact us today either via the website, using our quick quote service, or by email or phone. Our friendly team of removals experts are on hand to help with any enquiry.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Established in 1993, Hamiltons Removals have been successfully moving house for people for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on the reputation we have built up in that time. We are on hand to deal with every aspect of your removals to Switzerland, from the careful wrapping and packing of your belongings, to their loading and safe transportation, and we can even arrange to have the home you're vacating professionally cleaned to save you the time and trouble.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
In this blog post we thought we'd take a look at some of the country's highest and most famous mountains, and the sporting facilities they offer. Although Switzerland can’t lay claim to the highest peak in Western Europe – that accolade goes to France and Italy for Mont Blanc - it does have some very impressive ones which offer a variety of activities like hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.
Our Guide to the Swiss Peaks
Monte Rosa is the name given to a group of mountain peaks in the Swiss Alps which cross the Swiss/Italian border, linking the Swiss canton of Valais and the Italian region of Piedmont.
Twenty two of the mountain peaks in this region are over 4,000 metres high, the highest being Dufourspitze. You'll find that a good number of them are suffixed with the word “spitze” as this means apex or high point in German.
Dufourspitze - 4634m
Dufourspitze was named in honour of Henri Dufour. An army general and the man behind the Dufour map series, he was also a co-founder of the Red Cross. Dufourspitze's usual routes are not rated difficult, at least not on its popular ascents but as with all climbs, preparation and the right equipment is essential. Recommended kit should comprise; an axe, rope, crampons and warm, wind resistant clothing. And you are advised to keep an eye on the weather as high winds and precipitation can turn even the easiest of climbs into something much more challenging.
Ostspitze - 4632m
Climbing, hiking & mountaineering are all encouraged here on Switzerland’s second highest peak, and as with the first, the views are breathtaking. Check the height differential between Ostspitze and Dufourspitze and its easy to see why the first climbers of Ostspitze, thought they'd climbed the highest Alpine peak.
Nordend - 4609m
Translated as “Northend” This peak is the third highest in the Swiss Alpine range, and is as the name suggests, the northernmost peak in the Alps. Once at the top, the other peaks are laid out before you, tantalising you with the thought of just one more climb. After all, what's an extra 25 metres between friends?
Zumsteinspitze - 4563m
Zumsteinspitze rests between the peaks of Dufourspitze and Signalkuppe and on the Swiss/Italian border. As with Dufourspitze, it was named after one of its first climbers but it is fair to say that Mr Zumstein had help. Legend has it that the group of climbers Zumstein was a part of had agreed to call the mountain by a different name, but that Zumstein used his position as forest inspector and member of the Royal Society of Science in Turin, to ensure that his was the name applied to the rock.
Signalkuppe - 4554m
This mountain was named Signalkuppe in reference to a large rock spike which originally formed its peak. The spike has since been removed and replaced with - wait for it... a building! This gives Signalkuppe its place in mountaineering lore as it is the site of the highest building in Europe. The Capanna Margherita is open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September and can accommodate up to 70 mountaineers. For the remainder of the year the winter room is open with 12 beds. The building also houses the International Centre for High-Altitude Physiological Research and has the highest-altitude telephone connection in Europe.
Dom - 4545m
Never would there appear to have been a more aptly named mountain. Dom might not be the tallest but it's certainly one of the most impressive. Actually the name Dom doesn't relate to its size at all. It is linked to the German word Dome and refers to a cathedral as the mountain was originally named after Canon Berchtold of Sitten (or Sion) cathedral.
Lyskamm – 4527m
On the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lyskamm actually has two summits, one to the east and one to the west. The eastern Liskamm summit, the higher of the two, is separated from its western apex by a one kilometre ridge, and it is this ridge with its many cornices that has caused the mountain to be known as the man-eater. A cornice is an unstable overhang of ice and snow that could give way at any moment causing an avalanche.
Weisshorn - 4506m
Weisshorn is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Swiss Alps. It is pyramidal in shape and its snow capped peak catches the sun particularly well at sunrise when the whiteness glows a peachy orange. This sight is not at all unusual here in the Alps and there are breathtaking views to be seen daily. Something about this mountain really captures the imagination.
Matterhorn - 4478m
Located in the Pennine Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy, the mountain's four steep faces rise above the surrounding glaciers facing north, south, east and west. It was one of the last peaks to be climbed and has claimed the lives of many hundreds of climbers over the years. Perhaps for this reason the Matterhorn has become an icon of the Alps. Oh... and if you thought your move to Switzerland would mean you'd have to leave your clubs behind, think again. You can play golf within sight of the Matterhorn. Don't expect manicured greens and mown fairways though, this is golf Scottish style, complete with rocks, cliffs, uneven playing surfaces and marmot burrows.
Dent Blanche - 4356m
The Dent Blanche is something of a misnomer since for the most part, there is nothing white about it. No skiing or snowboarding here, however, it does make for a good rock climb and this should not be underestimated . The confusion over the naming of the mountain stems from a lack of co-operation or understanding between early cartographers and the mountain folk, which forced the map makers to scribe from a distance.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals offer a high quality removals to Switzerland service, whatever the size of your move. Whether you require full load (FCL), part load (LCL) or groupage, we can help. We are also experts in the safe removal and transportation of large and valuable items like cars, pianos, farm machinery, and horses. If you are moving to Switzerland, contact us today either via the website, using our quick quote service, or by email or phone. Our friendly team of removals experts are on hand to help with any enquiry.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Removals to Switzerland – Extreme Sports in Switzerland
Having completed your removals to Switzerland - with all of the unpacking done and things finally settling into place - the adrenalin enthusiasts among you will be anxious to get out there and discover what your new Swiss surroundings have in store. While long walks, jogging and joining a gym may be enough for some, there are those among you who will be looking to the great outdoors for something more exhilarating.
Your removals to Switzerland could bring you into contact with many extreme sports that previously you only ever saw on television or read about in books or magazines. From BASE jumping to wing suit sky diving, this article covers most of them, but we have deliberately ignored skiing and ski related sports, on the basis that this is Switzerland and of course you can ski here.
Hamiltons Removals are a specialist removals company which regularly transport to and from all parts of Europe and the wider world. Our team of dedicated removals experts are just a phone call (or email) away and are waiting to help you with your removals to Switzerland.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Here is just a taster of some of the extreme sports on offer in Switzerland. We are sure you'll be impressed with what's on offer here, and you may even be tempted to try one or two of them for yourselves.
BASE Jumping/ Wing Suit Diving
Let's start with arguably the most dangerous - but exciting - sports of them all. BASE is the phrase used to represent the four different categories of object, from which the BASE jumper can launch him/herself. They are Building, Antenna, Span and Earth (or in English, Building, Signal Mast, Bridge and Cliff). The Swiss BASE Association has its HQ in Lauterbrunnen and every year, thousands of jumpers flock to the area to experience the thrill of flight.
A wingsuit slows down the rate of freefall experienced in base jumping and sky diving, and allows you to increase the distance covered. This greatly reduces the risk of striking the object you jumped from.
Extreme Canoeing/Rafting
Grindelwald and the Lütschine is the place to head for, for this kind of rush. Beneath the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains, its grey, cold waters thunder downstream, creating powerful waves and rollers, guaranteed to rock your world, let alone your boat.
Extreme Motor Sport
There are two major motor sport venues in Switzerland: Circuit Bremgarten and Circuit des Nations, but since motor sport was banned in Switzerland in 1955 following an accident at Le Mans which killed 80+ spectators, they haven’t seen much action lately. There are moves afoot to bring motor sport back to Switzerland but it is some time away yet.
Freestyle Motocross (FMX)
FMX is very popular here, which given the ban on motor sport is perhaps not surprising. Last year (2012) saw the NIGHT of the JUMPS in Basel. It's the 6th time that the city has hosted this championship event, attracting the world's most skilful and daring FMX riders, and each time the crowds get bigger and the tricks, jumps and stunts, become even more thrilling.
Free Running
When we think of free running we usually imagine groups of fit young men (and women) tearing through housing estates and shopping malls, leaping over cars, shopping trolleys and anything else that gets in the way. Well, now it has come to the rocky banks of the Verzasca River in Switzerland. Saying that, there'd be nothing wrong with free running in Geneva or Basel or any other major Swiss city.
Hang Gliding
It's back to Interlaken if you fancy a spot of hang-gliding. Aficionados of the sport will tell you it's the closest thing to flying like a bird, although we could wager that the wing-suit sky divers and BASE jumpers might disagree. The beauty of hang-gliding is you can go as extreme as you like, a gentle flight to take in the scenery can easily be turned into an adrenalin fuelled thrill ride including dives and wingovers.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing can be likened to rock climbing in that many similar techniques and tools are used, but over the years these have been modified to tackle ice rather than rock. For the best ice climbs head for Brunnital or Kandersteg. Brunnital takes you to an altitude of between 1080 and 1380m, so it is quite low for an ice climb but it gives you the opportunity to climb in both the sun and shade, and if you fancy it, there's a 1300m ice wall to scale.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing was previously limited to just a few areas of some of the lakes in Switzerland and banned completely in most cantons. Legislation is going through the Swiss parliament at the time of writing this blogpost, and it is hoped that come 2014 the restrictions on kitesurfing, or kiteboarding as it is also known, will be lifted throughout Switzerland.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking can be taken to extreme levels and where better than Switzerland to do it? Extreme mountain biking takes you to new heights, literally. To be labelled extreme a trail should either include a greater than 2000m height gain and/or cover 60km, and there are plenty of places in Switzerland where either or both of these are possible. The extreme label is also attached to technical difficulty and therefore includes trails which feature jumps, drop offs and root sections that require long travel bikes.
Rock Climbing - Mountaineering
For the purposes of this article we have linked these two sports, although true exponents of the arts will tell you that you require a very different skill set for each one. The fundamentals are the same though, hence the link. We can’t think of a better place for either of these sports. From the peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch near Interlaken, and the Matterhorn near Zermat, to the Jura in the north, you can clamber over granite, limestone and gneiss to your heart's content.
Skateboarding
Ten years of planning have resulted in Zurich’s new skatepark, which opened earlier this year (2013). Its creation was due, at least in part, to the recognised good reputation that the city's skaters had earned for themselves in the area of technical skating ability. In fact, it’s quite possible that Zurich's skaters earned that reputation, entirely because of their lack of a skatepark, resulting in them having to invent for themselves.
Windsurfing
Lake Walensee is a great place to windsurf as the wind gets trapped and funnelled by opposing mountains. It’s one of the larger lakes in Switzerland and attracts a good many windsurfers, even from across the border in Liechtenstein. Silvaplana is also definitely worth a visit; 1800m up in the Alps and right next to St. Moritz, the scenery here is amazing and the winds are good too, although their power is slightly reduced due to the altitude.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we provide a bespoke removals service to locations worldwide including removals to Switzerland and all other destinations within the EU. We are proud of our reputation for providing high quality removals services at competitive prices. Visit the website or call us today for your free removals quotation.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Your removals to Switzerland could bring you into contact with many extreme sports that previously you only ever saw on television or read about in books or magazines. From BASE jumping to wing suit sky diving, this article covers most of them, but we have deliberately ignored skiing and ski related sports, on the basis that this is Switzerland and of course you can ski here.
Hamiltons Removals are a specialist removals company which regularly transport to and from all parts of Europe and the wider world. Our team of dedicated removals experts are just a phone call (or email) away and are waiting to help you with your removals to Switzerland.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Here is just a taster of some of the extreme sports on offer in Switzerland. We are sure you'll be impressed with what's on offer here, and you may even be tempted to try one or two of them for yourselves.
BASE Jumping/ Wing Suit Diving
Let's start with arguably the most dangerous - but exciting - sports of them all. BASE is the phrase used to represent the four different categories of object, from which the BASE jumper can launch him/herself. They are Building, Antenna, Span and Earth (or in English, Building, Signal Mast, Bridge and Cliff). The Swiss BASE Association has its HQ in Lauterbrunnen and every year, thousands of jumpers flock to the area to experience the thrill of flight.
A wingsuit slows down the rate of freefall experienced in base jumping and sky diving, and allows you to increase the distance covered. This greatly reduces the risk of striking the object you jumped from.
Extreme Canoeing/Rafting
Grindelwald and the Lütschine is the place to head for, for this kind of rush. Beneath the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains, its grey, cold waters thunder downstream, creating powerful waves and rollers, guaranteed to rock your world, let alone your boat.
Extreme Motor Sport
There are two major motor sport venues in Switzerland: Circuit Bremgarten and Circuit des Nations, but since motor sport was banned in Switzerland in 1955 following an accident at Le Mans which killed 80+ spectators, they haven’t seen much action lately. There are moves afoot to bring motor sport back to Switzerland but it is some time away yet.
Freestyle Motocross (FMX)
FMX is very popular here, which given the ban on motor sport is perhaps not surprising. Last year (2012) saw the NIGHT of the JUMPS in Basel. It's the 6th time that the city has hosted this championship event, attracting the world's most skilful and daring FMX riders, and each time the crowds get bigger and the tricks, jumps and stunts, become even more thrilling.
Free Running
When we think of free running we usually imagine groups of fit young men (and women) tearing through housing estates and shopping malls, leaping over cars, shopping trolleys and anything else that gets in the way. Well, now it has come to the rocky banks of the Verzasca River in Switzerland. Saying that, there'd be nothing wrong with free running in Geneva or Basel or any other major Swiss city.
Hang Gliding
It's back to Interlaken if you fancy a spot of hang-gliding. Aficionados of the sport will tell you it's the closest thing to flying like a bird, although we could wager that the wing-suit sky divers and BASE jumpers might disagree. The beauty of hang-gliding is you can go as extreme as you like, a gentle flight to take in the scenery can easily be turned into an adrenalin fuelled thrill ride including dives and wingovers.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing can be likened to rock climbing in that many similar techniques and tools are used, but over the years these have been modified to tackle ice rather than rock. For the best ice climbs head for Brunnital or Kandersteg. Brunnital takes you to an altitude of between 1080 and 1380m, so it is quite low for an ice climb but it gives you the opportunity to climb in both the sun and shade, and if you fancy it, there's a 1300m ice wall to scale.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing was previously limited to just a few areas of some of the lakes in Switzerland and banned completely in most cantons. Legislation is going through the Swiss parliament at the time of writing this blogpost, and it is hoped that come 2014 the restrictions on kitesurfing, or kiteboarding as it is also known, will be lifted throughout Switzerland.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking can be taken to extreme levels and where better than Switzerland to do it? Extreme mountain biking takes you to new heights, literally. To be labelled extreme a trail should either include a greater than 2000m height gain and/or cover 60km, and there are plenty of places in Switzerland where either or both of these are possible. The extreme label is also attached to technical difficulty and therefore includes trails which feature jumps, drop offs and root sections that require long travel bikes.
Rock Climbing - Mountaineering
For the purposes of this article we have linked these two sports, although true exponents of the arts will tell you that you require a very different skill set for each one. The fundamentals are the same though, hence the link. We can’t think of a better place for either of these sports. From the peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch near Interlaken, and the Matterhorn near Zermat, to the Jura in the north, you can clamber over granite, limestone and gneiss to your heart's content.
Skateboarding
Ten years of planning have resulted in Zurich’s new skatepark, which opened earlier this year (2013). Its creation was due, at least in part, to the recognised good reputation that the city's skaters had earned for themselves in the area of technical skating ability. In fact, it’s quite possible that Zurich's skaters earned that reputation, entirely because of their lack of a skatepark, resulting in them having to invent for themselves.
Windsurfing
Lake Walensee is a great place to windsurf as the wind gets trapped and funnelled by opposing mountains. It’s one of the larger lakes in Switzerland and attracts a good many windsurfers, even from across the border in Liechtenstein. Silvaplana is also definitely worth a visit; 1800m up in the Alps and right next to St. Moritz, the scenery here is amazing and the winds are good too, although their power is slightly reduced due to the altitude.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we provide a bespoke removals service to locations worldwide including removals to Switzerland and all other destinations within the EU. We are proud of our reputation for providing high quality removals services at competitive prices. Visit the website or call us today for your free removals quotation.
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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