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.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
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.
Monday, 27 May 2013
Removals to Switzerland – A Guide to the Country’s Top Castles and Historic Buildings
If you require removals to Switzerland and are a lover of castles and historic buildings, as many people are, then regardless of which canton you are moving to, Switzerland will not disappoint. There are a great many historic buildings that you are able to visit and some that may even be available to purchase. There are fairytale castles, magnificent mansions, and some fine old city buildings, which are bound to catch your eye. Once you have organised your removals to Switzerland and have settled in the country, you may wish to explore the local area and visit some of these wondrous edifices.
If you are looking for an experienced removals team to help with your removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons Removals are the ones to call. We have over 20 years’ experience in the business and regularly move people to and from all parts of Europe. We offer cost effective moving solutions and can tailor our service to your exact requirements. We offer full or part-load removals, we can provide secure storage and do the packing and unpacking for you. We can help you to fill out the customs forms. We can even help with the professional cleaning of the home you have just vacated. We have looked at every aspect of your removal and offer you a workable, affordable solution.
In this article, we have brought together our pick of the TOP 10 Swiss castles and historic buildings but, of course, we understand that any Top 10 is subjective so if you know of any that you feel we should have included, please feel free to add your comments.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service.
Our Guide to Some of the Most Interesting Buildings in Switzerland
Abbey Church - Payerne
This is one of the most significant churches in Switzerland. Built in the 11th-century by the first religious community to be set up in the area, it was constructed in stages over 140 years. It would have stood alone and without protection if it weren’t for its connections with the Abbey in Cluny and the Royal family. Its beauty and charm are well preserved and presented. Sculpted and decorated from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, this is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture to be found anywhere in Switzerland. The building has since lost its religious status, but is used instead to host the most prestigious art exhibitions.
Batiment des Forces Motrices – Banks of the Rhone
The BFM as it is locally and affectionately known is a prime example of how to use and re-use brown belt land. An industrial site since May 1886, it was transformed into an Opera House in September of 1997. Situated as an island in the middle of the Rhone, It began life as a hydraulic power station supplying water under high pressure to the city's fountains, houses and factories. Decommissioned in the 1960’s and classified an historic building in 1988, its cultural future was secured when, in 1994, representatives of the Grand Theatre said they needed another location for their 1997-1998 season. Several phone calls, some construction and refurbishment later, it became the new 1000 seater Grand Theatre.
Benedictine Convent of St John
The Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair features the best examples of Romanesque murals, frescoes and stuccoes to be found anywhere in Switzerland. Situated in the upper valley of the Canton of Grisons, the building underwent some interior remodelling around 1908 and then again, throughout the late 40's and early 50's. It was during these alterations that the removal of a Gothic ceiling and whitewashing revealed scenes from the Old and New Testaments dating back to the Carolingian period AD751- 987. The discovery of this artwork, painted in ochres, reds and browns, led to the site being given UNESCO world cultural heritage status.
Chenaux Castle
Not far from Payerne with its historic Abbey Church, about eight kilometres to the northwest, is the small medieval town of Estavayer. This is where you'll find the impressive Château de Chenaux. Overlooking Lake Neuchâtel and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve, this 14th century castle is quite simply splendid. It has been through the wars a bit in its time and just one of its towers still stands but, even so, a walk around the grounds and courtyards will give you all the impression you'll need of the majesty of the place and the views of the surrounding countryside that you get from the turrets is lovely.
Château de Chillon
One of the prettiest châteaux in all of Switzerland, Château de Chillon is easy to get to too. Follow the main road from Lausanne and take the Villeneuve exit, the one after Montreux. Take the road down to the lake then turn right, you'll soon reach a car park and the entrance to the château. Give yourselves a good couple of hours, as there is a lot to see. There is a guided ipod tour available which is very interesting and all the rooms are numbered to correspond with it. After your tour, you might like to take a picnic by the lake; the views and surrounding countryside are very pretty.
Château de Prangins
Now forming part of the Swiss National Museum, Château de Prangins, which dates back to 1730, is very much open for business. It has played host to many famous guests over the years and will doubtless go on doing so for many years to come. The immaculate parks and gardens that surround the house are a joy to walk around, as is the building itself, which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory. The château houses a permanent museum and regularly features special exhibitions detailing Swiss life in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a varied programme of other events reflecting Swiss art, culture and society.
Church San Guerg
There are many St. George’s Basilicas around the world but only one Church San Guerg in Lavin. Many tourists visit the Church all year round and, once there, you'll realise why. They come to see the famous murals dating back to 1500. The reformation of the churches saw them whitewashed, as in the case of the Benedictine Convent of St John, but the renovations of 1956 have bought them back to their former splendour. These, together with countless paintings, ornaments, intricate plasterwork and masonry, make this church well worth a visit. It’s a working church so don’t be surprised to find the place busy if your visit should coincide with Mass.
Ittingen Charterhouse
This 850-year-old building in the municipality of Warth is one of the region’s most important cultural sites. These days it is a training and conference centre with a worldwide reputation for excellence. There's a lot going on here, from its hotel and restaurant complex serving the most wonderful cuisine to its farming estate with cheese making factory and vineyard. There's a residential care home and nursery, workplaces for the disabled and an art museum. Here, people from all over the world and of all religions come to learn, to meditate and to be at one with each other in contemplation and spiritual connectivity.
Tarasp Castle
We have mouthwash to thank for this not-so-little Swiss gem. Karl August Lingner, the man behind the Odol oral hygiene brand, bought the castle as a neglected, run-down shell and completely gutted it. In the ensuing years, he spared no expense in returning the castle to better than former glory. Nothing in the castle is original and yet everything is correct and of the period. The gardens too received an extensive make over and are a joy to walk around. This was a huge restoration job. You should allocate at least half a day when visiting here and there are plenty of lovely restaurants to visit locally.
Museum Castle Kyburg
Overlooking the River Töss, the museum traces Castle Kyburg’s 800-year history giving a real insight into castle life over the centuries. As well as looking around its cellar, attic, torture chamber and kitchens, and for a truly interactive experience, you can take part in a staged court of justice. The castle once belonged to the “Count of Kyburg” Hartmann von Dillingen. The v. Dillingen’s were one of the most important and influential families in the area, after the Habsburgs and the Savoys. Join the club at Schloss Kyburg and you’ll receive free admission, a yearbook with historical information and invites to special events.
About Hamiltons Removals
For over 20 years now, Hamiltons Removals have been offering a tailored, bespoke removals service to all parts of the UK, Europe and beyond. We specialize in low cost, high quality removals and provide a service that is second to none. Our reputation speaks for us. We take pride in our work and in the fact that so many of our clients happily recommend our services to their friends. Peruse our online brochure and call us on 0845 003 8259. We look forward to assisting you with your 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.
If you are looking for an experienced removals team to help with your removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons Removals are the ones to call. We have over 20 years’ experience in the business and regularly move people to and from all parts of Europe. We offer cost effective moving solutions and can tailor our service to your exact requirements. We offer full or part-load removals, we can provide secure storage and do the packing and unpacking for you. We can help you to fill out the customs forms. We can even help with the professional cleaning of the home you have just vacated. We have looked at every aspect of your removal and offer you a workable, affordable solution.
In this article, we have brought together our pick of the TOP 10 Swiss castles and historic buildings but, of course, we understand that any Top 10 is subjective so if you know of any that you feel we should have included, please feel free to add your comments.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service.
Our Guide to Some of the Most Interesting Buildings in Switzerland
Abbey Church - Payerne
This is one of the most significant churches in Switzerland. Built in the 11th-century by the first religious community to be set up in the area, it was constructed in stages over 140 years. It would have stood alone and without protection if it weren’t for its connections with the Abbey in Cluny and the Royal family. Its beauty and charm are well preserved and presented. Sculpted and decorated from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, this is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture to be found anywhere in Switzerland. The building has since lost its religious status, but is used instead to host the most prestigious art exhibitions.
Batiment des Forces Motrices – Banks of the Rhone
The BFM as it is locally and affectionately known is a prime example of how to use and re-use brown belt land. An industrial site since May 1886, it was transformed into an Opera House in September of 1997. Situated as an island in the middle of the Rhone, It began life as a hydraulic power station supplying water under high pressure to the city's fountains, houses and factories. Decommissioned in the 1960’s and classified an historic building in 1988, its cultural future was secured when, in 1994, representatives of the Grand Theatre said they needed another location for their 1997-1998 season. Several phone calls, some construction and refurbishment later, it became the new 1000 seater Grand Theatre.
Benedictine Convent of St John
The Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair features the best examples of Romanesque murals, frescoes and stuccoes to be found anywhere in Switzerland. Situated in the upper valley of the Canton of Grisons, the building underwent some interior remodelling around 1908 and then again, throughout the late 40's and early 50's. It was during these alterations that the removal of a Gothic ceiling and whitewashing revealed scenes from the Old and New Testaments dating back to the Carolingian period AD751- 987. The discovery of this artwork, painted in ochres, reds and browns, led to the site being given UNESCO world cultural heritage status.
Chenaux Castle
Not far from Payerne with its historic Abbey Church, about eight kilometres to the northwest, is the small medieval town of Estavayer. This is where you'll find the impressive Château de Chenaux. Overlooking Lake Neuchâtel and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve, this 14th century castle is quite simply splendid. It has been through the wars a bit in its time and just one of its towers still stands but, even so, a walk around the grounds and courtyards will give you all the impression you'll need of the majesty of the place and the views of the surrounding countryside that you get from the turrets is lovely.
Château de Chillon
One of the prettiest châteaux in all of Switzerland, Château de Chillon is easy to get to too. Follow the main road from Lausanne and take the Villeneuve exit, the one after Montreux. Take the road down to the lake then turn right, you'll soon reach a car park and the entrance to the château. Give yourselves a good couple of hours, as there is a lot to see. There is a guided ipod tour available which is very interesting and all the rooms are numbered to correspond with it. After your tour, you might like to take a picnic by the lake; the views and surrounding countryside are very pretty.
Château de Prangins
Now forming part of the Swiss National Museum, Château de Prangins, which dates back to 1730, is very much open for business. It has played host to many famous guests over the years and will doubtless go on doing so for many years to come. The immaculate parks and gardens that surround the house are a joy to walk around, as is the building itself, which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory. The château houses a permanent museum and regularly features special exhibitions detailing Swiss life in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a varied programme of other events reflecting Swiss art, culture and society.
Church San Guerg
There are many St. George’s Basilicas around the world but only one Church San Guerg in Lavin. Many tourists visit the Church all year round and, once there, you'll realise why. They come to see the famous murals dating back to 1500. The reformation of the churches saw them whitewashed, as in the case of the Benedictine Convent of St John, but the renovations of 1956 have bought them back to their former splendour. These, together with countless paintings, ornaments, intricate plasterwork and masonry, make this church well worth a visit. It’s a working church so don’t be surprised to find the place busy if your visit should coincide with Mass.
Ittingen Charterhouse
This 850-year-old building in the municipality of Warth is one of the region’s most important cultural sites. These days it is a training and conference centre with a worldwide reputation for excellence. There's a lot going on here, from its hotel and restaurant complex serving the most wonderful cuisine to its farming estate with cheese making factory and vineyard. There's a residential care home and nursery, workplaces for the disabled and an art museum. Here, people from all over the world and of all religions come to learn, to meditate and to be at one with each other in contemplation and spiritual connectivity.
Tarasp Castle
We have mouthwash to thank for this not-so-little Swiss gem. Karl August Lingner, the man behind the Odol oral hygiene brand, bought the castle as a neglected, run-down shell and completely gutted it. In the ensuing years, he spared no expense in returning the castle to better than former glory. Nothing in the castle is original and yet everything is correct and of the period. The gardens too received an extensive make over and are a joy to walk around. This was a huge restoration job. You should allocate at least half a day when visiting here and there are plenty of lovely restaurants to visit locally.
Museum Castle Kyburg
Overlooking the River Töss, the museum traces Castle Kyburg’s 800-year history giving a real insight into castle life over the centuries. As well as looking around its cellar, attic, torture chamber and kitchens, and for a truly interactive experience, you can take part in a staged court of justice. The castle once belonged to the “Count of Kyburg” Hartmann von Dillingen. The v. Dillingen’s were one of the most important and influential families in the area, after the Habsburgs and the Savoys. Join the club at Schloss Kyburg and you’ll receive free admission, a yearbook with historical information and invites to special events.
About Hamiltons Removals
For over 20 years now, Hamiltons Removals have been offering a tailored, bespoke removals service to all parts of the UK, Europe and beyond. We specialize in low cost, high quality removals and provide a service that is second to none. Our reputation speaks for us. We take pride in our work and in the fact that so many of our clients happily recommend our services to their friends. Peruse our online brochure and call us on 0845 003 8259. We look forward to assisting you with your 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.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Removals to Switzerland – Most Picturesque Places to Visit
If you are looking to move to a country with spectacular and dramatic scenery, Switzerland has all of this and more. It is a country with many picturesque places to visit. Just think of the views you will encounter as you take in the awesome Alps, the beautiful lakes and the charming countryside. If you are seeking removals to Switzerland, it’s understandable that you'll want to explore these areas to discover more about this most scenic of countries.
If you are looking for the very best in removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons have the answer. At Hamiltons removals, we have worked hard to build a reputation based on our dedication to quality customer service and keen pricing. When it comes to domestic removals and commercial relocations, our 20 years plus in the removals industry have taught us the value of these things to both home-owners and business people alike.
Our range of services is as varied and bespoke as you need it to be. We offer full or part load removals, dependant upon the size of your move. We have a highly secure and fully insured storage facility. We offer a full packing and unpacking service should you require it and we even offer a cleaning service to professionally clean the property you have vacated, so you don’t have to. All of this we have put in place to ensure that your removals to Switzerland are as stress free and cost effective as possible
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service.
Here is our TOP 10 of the most scenic places to visit in Switzerland.
Lake Geneva
Where else could we start our tour of Switzerland's finest, if not at Lake Geneva? Often described as the prettiest lake in Europe, it is certainly one of the largest. The hotels and restaurants about its fringes offer some of the finest cuisine and, seen on a good day, the view of the lake with its mountainous backdrop set against a clear blue sky is, quite honestly, breath-taking. Don’t forget to look out for the famous Jet d'Eau, Geneva’s famed water fountain. You'll see it everywhere, on every piece of tourist literature and every book about the city; it’s the logo of the tourist office and Geneva’s prime photo opportunity.
Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn
The term “breath-taking” is overused these days but, when used in connection with Zermatt and The Matterhorn, it is particularly apt. Don’t bring your car unless its electric, the internal combustion engine has been banned. As a result, you can hear nature. In Zermatt, you can hear the birds and the crickets, you can hear the sounds of local children laughing and playing and the church bells as they ring out calling the locals to prayer. The horse and cart is popular here as are bicycles but you must be vigilant in the city as the electric car is virtually silent and taxi drivers forget people don’t have eyes in the back of their heads.
Mürren, Berner Oberland
If it’s mountains you're after, then they don't get much better than here in this tiny little village. Like Zermatt, it is car-free, which is a good thing since it is perched right on the edge of a 3000ft cliff. Surrounded by mountains, everywhere you look there's another awe-inspiring sight and it offers the perfect landscape for hiking. As you may expect, the shopping here is pretty poor and the nightlife even more so, but that is not why people come here, it’s not what they want. Visitors to Mürren come in search of peace and tranquillity. They come to appreciate some of the finest natural landscapes in the world.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is situated just across the valley from Mürren. Literally translated as “Many Fountains”, this incredible landscape features 72 waterfalls in all, some of the most impressive and beautiful in Europe. There are many excursions to be had in the area with long walks, hiking and cross country skiing being favoured pastimes. There are lots of interesting places to see in the area, fans of James Bond 007 will love nearby Schilthorn, the 2,970 metre high summit of the Bernese Alps, where OHMSS was filmed. You can even organise a “007” themed wedding in the area, made extra special because this is where it all happened.
St. Moritz
St Moritz is one of the most famous addresses in the world, right up there with Beverley Hills, Monaco and Marbella. Yes the skiing is fantastic but St Moritz is more than just a ski resort: it is THE place to be seen. The rich and famous have been coming here for years, many taking the Glacier Express from Zermatt to arrive in style and cable cars to reach the three closest summits. St Moritz is one of the world's oldest and possibly most famous mountain resorts and there is as much going on off piste as there is on it, with posh hotels, chic restaurants, luxurious spas and as much high end shopping as you could wish for.
Lucerne
The city of Lucerne is best toured on foot and there are many guided tours in operation here. Your tour is sure to include the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, the Jesuit Church, the Mill Bridge, the Lion Monument and the ultra modern KKL culture and convention centre and then, of course, there's the lake. Lake Lucerne is clean and crystal clear. Look over the side of any boat or bridge and you can see the bottom; you can see the fish swimming in amongst the rocks. Take a trip on one of the paddle steamer ferryboats. Lunch and dinner is available and the quality of food and service, not to mention the scenery, is top notch.
Interlaken
If you consider yourselves outdoorsy types, there's no better place than Interlaken. In the summer months, you can go hiking along one of many local trails and you can take part in one of the many adrenaline sports on offer here including: paragliding, sky diving, hang gliding, bungee jumping, canyoning, mountain biking, river rafting and rock climbing. And, in the winter of course, there's skiing, snowboarding, sledging and ice-skating to do. If the thought of doing any of that fills you more with dread than with excitement, you could always take a long leisurely walk along the shores the Thun and the Brienz.
Montreux
Famous for its annual jazz festival, this place rocks in July. Since 1967 it has played host to the likes of jazz legends like Miles Davis and Ray Charles through to contemporary performers like David Bowie and Prince. This year's festival will include sessions from Leonard Cohen, Wyclef Jean, Green Day, ZZ Top, Jake Bugg, Prince, Kraftwerk, Sting, The Hives, George Benson, Joe Cocker and Deep Purple, so you can see, it’s more than just a jazz festival. Montreux has more to offer than just music though, the Riviera is chock full of culinary delights too, with 20 or so Michelin and Gault Millau registered eateries.
Vevey
The picturesque town of Vevey is full of floral displays and public art. One of the most startling and unexpected pieces on display here is a life size statue of Charlie Chaplin stood, part bent on cane, in his usual pose looking out over Lake Geneva. He lived nearby in Corsier-sur-Vevey on a 37-acre estate called Manoir de Ban. Chaplin is not the only artiste to have found inspiration in Vevey; in 1878 the US author Henry James wrote his novella "Daisy Miller" here during a stay at the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes and you can still book a room there today. The town has lost none of its charm over the years; you can still wander the streets and alleys of the old town, visiting fine art collections and markets along the way.
Gruyères
The picturesque village of Gruyères has more restaurants and eateries than any village of its size has any right to. On the main roads and side streets in the village you'll find dozens of them, 34 at the last count and Gruyères is not a big place. Walking around its ancient streets and alleyways, it is inevitable that you will succumb to the temptations of at least one of them on your way to visit the Castle and perhaps another, on the way back. Whichever restaurant you visit, they will all have at least one thing in common: the serving of Gruyère cheese. Everywhere you go around here, you can see the cheese makers hard at work, producing their Gruyère to a recipe that had remained the same for hundreds of years.
About Hamiltons Removals
For more than 20 years now, Hamiltons Removals have been providing removals services to all parts of Europe and beyond. Our cost effective, customer oriented service continues to build on our reputation for excellence, a reputation we are proud of. If you are looking for removals to Switzerland, contact us today for your free, no obligation quote.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
If you are looking for the very best in removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons have the answer. At Hamiltons removals, we have worked hard to build a reputation based on our dedication to quality customer service and keen pricing. When it comes to domestic removals and commercial relocations, our 20 years plus in the removals industry have taught us the value of these things to both home-owners and business people alike.
Our range of services is as varied and bespoke as you need it to be. We offer full or part load removals, dependant upon the size of your move. We have a highly secure and fully insured storage facility. We offer a full packing and unpacking service should you require it and we even offer a cleaning service to professionally clean the property you have vacated, so you don’t have to. All of this we have put in place to ensure that your removals to Switzerland are as stress free and cost effective as possible
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service.
Here is our TOP 10 of the most scenic places to visit in Switzerland.
Lake Geneva
Where else could we start our tour of Switzerland's finest, if not at Lake Geneva? Often described as the prettiest lake in Europe, it is certainly one of the largest. The hotels and restaurants about its fringes offer some of the finest cuisine and, seen on a good day, the view of the lake with its mountainous backdrop set against a clear blue sky is, quite honestly, breath-taking. Don’t forget to look out for the famous Jet d'Eau, Geneva’s famed water fountain. You'll see it everywhere, on every piece of tourist literature and every book about the city; it’s the logo of the tourist office and Geneva’s prime photo opportunity.
Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn
The term “breath-taking” is overused these days but, when used in connection with Zermatt and The Matterhorn, it is particularly apt. Don’t bring your car unless its electric, the internal combustion engine has been banned. As a result, you can hear nature. In Zermatt, you can hear the birds and the crickets, you can hear the sounds of local children laughing and playing and the church bells as they ring out calling the locals to prayer. The horse and cart is popular here as are bicycles but you must be vigilant in the city as the electric car is virtually silent and taxi drivers forget people don’t have eyes in the back of their heads.
Mürren, Berner Oberland
If it’s mountains you're after, then they don't get much better than here in this tiny little village. Like Zermatt, it is car-free, which is a good thing since it is perched right on the edge of a 3000ft cliff. Surrounded by mountains, everywhere you look there's another awe-inspiring sight and it offers the perfect landscape for hiking. As you may expect, the shopping here is pretty poor and the nightlife even more so, but that is not why people come here, it’s not what they want. Visitors to Mürren come in search of peace and tranquillity. They come to appreciate some of the finest natural landscapes in the world.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is situated just across the valley from Mürren. Literally translated as “Many Fountains”, this incredible landscape features 72 waterfalls in all, some of the most impressive and beautiful in Europe. There are many excursions to be had in the area with long walks, hiking and cross country skiing being favoured pastimes. There are lots of interesting places to see in the area, fans of James Bond 007 will love nearby Schilthorn, the 2,970 metre high summit of the Bernese Alps, where OHMSS was filmed. You can even organise a “007” themed wedding in the area, made extra special because this is where it all happened.
St. Moritz
St Moritz is one of the most famous addresses in the world, right up there with Beverley Hills, Monaco and Marbella. Yes the skiing is fantastic but St Moritz is more than just a ski resort: it is THE place to be seen. The rich and famous have been coming here for years, many taking the Glacier Express from Zermatt to arrive in style and cable cars to reach the three closest summits. St Moritz is one of the world's oldest and possibly most famous mountain resorts and there is as much going on off piste as there is on it, with posh hotels, chic restaurants, luxurious spas and as much high end shopping as you could wish for.
Lucerne
The city of Lucerne is best toured on foot and there are many guided tours in operation here. Your tour is sure to include the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, the Jesuit Church, the Mill Bridge, the Lion Monument and the ultra modern KKL culture and convention centre and then, of course, there's the lake. Lake Lucerne is clean and crystal clear. Look over the side of any boat or bridge and you can see the bottom; you can see the fish swimming in amongst the rocks. Take a trip on one of the paddle steamer ferryboats. Lunch and dinner is available and the quality of food and service, not to mention the scenery, is top notch.
Interlaken
If you consider yourselves outdoorsy types, there's no better place than Interlaken. In the summer months, you can go hiking along one of many local trails and you can take part in one of the many adrenaline sports on offer here including: paragliding, sky diving, hang gliding, bungee jumping, canyoning, mountain biking, river rafting and rock climbing. And, in the winter of course, there's skiing, snowboarding, sledging and ice-skating to do. If the thought of doing any of that fills you more with dread than with excitement, you could always take a long leisurely walk along the shores the Thun and the Brienz.
Montreux
Famous for its annual jazz festival, this place rocks in July. Since 1967 it has played host to the likes of jazz legends like Miles Davis and Ray Charles through to contemporary performers like David Bowie and Prince. This year's festival will include sessions from Leonard Cohen, Wyclef Jean, Green Day, ZZ Top, Jake Bugg, Prince, Kraftwerk, Sting, The Hives, George Benson, Joe Cocker and Deep Purple, so you can see, it’s more than just a jazz festival. Montreux has more to offer than just music though, the Riviera is chock full of culinary delights too, with 20 or so Michelin and Gault Millau registered eateries.
Vevey
The picturesque town of Vevey is full of floral displays and public art. One of the most startling and unexpected pieces on display here is a life size statue of Charlie Chaplin stood, part bent on cane, in his usual pose looking out over Lake Geneva. He lived nearby in Corsier-sur-Vevey on a 37-acre estate called Manoir de Ban. Chaplin is not the only artiste to have found inspiration in Vevey; in 1878 the US author Henry James wrote his novella "Daisy Miller" here during a stay at the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes and you can still book a room there today. The town has lost none of its charm over the years; you can still wander the streets and alleys of the old town, visiting fine art collections and markets along the way.
Gruyères
The picturesque village of Gruyères has more restaurants and eateries than any village of its size has any right to. On the main roads and side streets in the village you'll find dozens of them, 34 at the last count and Gruyères is not a big place. Walking around its ancient streets and alleyways, it is inevitable that you will succumb to the temptations of at least one of them on your way to visit the Castle and perhaps another, on the way back. Whichever restaurant you visit, they will all have at least one thing in common: the serving of Gruyère cheese. Everywhere you go around here, you can see the cheese makers hard at work, producing their Gruyère to a recipe that had remained the same for hundreds of years.
About Hamiltons Removals
For more than 20 years now, Hamiltons Removals have been providing removals services to all parts of Europe and beyond. Our cost effective, customer oriented service continues to build on our reputation for excellence, a reputation we are proud of. If you are looking for removals to Switzerland, contact us today for your free, no obligation quote.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Removals to Switzerland – Spotlight on Lake Geneva, a Guide to Living in the area
If you require removals to Switzerland, wherever you live you will be surrounded by beauty, as the Swiss landscape is so picturesque. However, the area around Lake Geneva is a particularly spectacular, because of its stunning scenery. It's also very prestigious as many celebrities have main residences, or second homes here.
Hamiltons offer top class removals at competitive prices to most European destinations, including removals to Switzerland. We pride ourselves in the service we give our customers and, as well as full and half load domestic and commercial removals to Switzerland, we also provide specialist removals. This is for awkward, or bulky goods and items such as vehicles, motorbikes, musical instruments, antiques and other treasures.
Meanwhile, if you require removals to Switzerland to the area of Lake Geneva, here’s our guide to this magnificent part of the country and some of the activities you can do here once you have settled.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Living near Lake Geneva
Beautiful and tranquil, Lake Geneva is the playground of the rich and famous. The area around the lake is a wonderful place to call home and you will enjoy all that this scenic part of the country has to offer.
Celebrities Living near Lake Geneva
Switzerland has over five thousand celebrities, as well as the super-rich and other high net worth individuals, and many of these people live in the area of Lake Geneva. The lake, also known by the French name, Lac Léman, and the German name, Genfersee, lies within two countries: Switzerland and France.
However, several celebrities live on the Swiss side, including Canadian country and western singer/songwriter Shania Twain, who has settled here with her husband Lange and son Eja. English singer Phil Collins had a house overlooking the lake and lived there with his wife Orianne Cevey, until their separation in 2006, but still lives in Switzerland. Ex-Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher also has a home overlooking the lake, and the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury had a second home in the area.
Scenery in and Around Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the largest in western Europe and forms the lowest point of the cantons of Vaud and Valais. It has long been praised for its beauty, but the landscape varies according to which side of the lake you are on. The eastern side of the lake has an alpine backdrop with snowy peaks; in the south, the lake is flanked by rugged mountains and in the north, the backdrop features hilly vineyards, castles and villages. Exquisite and peaceful, it is easy to see why it’s such a sought after place to live.
Activities to do on Lake Geneva
For those who enjoy being active and getting out and about in the fresh air, Lake Geneva has it all. There are all sorts of activities to do on the water including water-skiing, windsurfing and yacht racing. Indeed, high performance catamarans have been designed especially to race on the lake. But, if adrenalin fuelled activities are not for you, other sports you can get involved in include rafting, swimming and rowing.
Tourist Attractions near Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva offers plenty for residents and holidaymakers alike, including museums, castles and historic sites.
For those who are fascinated by the Roman era, the Roman Museum in Avenches is housed in a fortified tower and, as well as mosaics and sculptures, you can also see the remains of an amphitheatre, a temple and roman baths.
If you enjoy exploring castles, there are plenty of these in the area including the romantic 13th century Chillon Castle, which lies on the edge of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. Lord Byron was inspired to write ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’ after visiting the castle in the early 19th century. It’s a popular attraction, drawing 300,000 visitors a year.
If you love wine, The Vine and Wine Museum is based at Aigle Castle, and shows a collection of all sorts of wine related tools including corkscrews, decanters, barrels, presses and measuring implements.
Properties near Lake Geneva
From secluded mansions located right on the edge of the lake, to houses and apartments, there are all sorts of properties you can buy here. As you would expect, properties that overlook Lake Geneva are pricey, but you are paying for the views and the exclusivity of the area.
At the time of writing, prices range from £1.5 million for a house containing two apartments (overlooking the lake), to just over £2.5 million for an exclusive apartment with a part view of the lake, and up to several million for a hideaway mansion.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons offer top class removals at competitive prices to most European destinations, including removals to Switzerland. We pride ourselves in the service we give our customers and, as well as full and half load domestic and commercial removals to Switzerland, we also provide specialist removals. This is for awkward, or bulky goods and items such as vehicles, motorbikes, musical instruments, antiques and other treasures.
Meanwhile, if you require removals to Switzerland to the area of Lake Geneva, here’s our guide to this magnificent part of the country and some of the activities you can do here once you have settled.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Living near Lake Geneva
Beautiful and tranquil, Lake Geneva is the playground of the rich and famous. The area around the lake is a wonderful place to call home and you will enjoy all that this scenic part of the country has to offer.
Celebrities Living near Lake Geneva
Switzerland has over five thousand celebrities, as well as the super-rich and other high net worth individuals, and many of these people live in the area of Lake Geneva. The lake, also known by the French name, Lac Léman, and the German name, Genfersee, lies within two countries: Switzerland and France.
However, several celebrities live on the Swiss side, including Canadian country and western singer/songwriter Shania Twain, who has settled here with her husband Lange and son Eja. English singer Phil Collins had a house overlooking the lake and lived there with his wife Orianne Cevey, until their separation in 2006, but still lives in Switzerland. Ex-Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher also has a home overlooking the lake, and the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury had a second home in the area.
Scenery in and Around Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the largest in western Europe and forms the lowest point of the cantons of Vaud and Valais. It has long been praised for its beauty, but the landscape varies according to which side of the lake you are on. The eastern side of the lake has an alpine backdrop with snowy peaks; in the south, the lake is flanked by rugged mountains and in the north, the backdrop features hilly vineyards, castles and villages. Exquisite and peaceful, it is easy to see why it’s such a sought after place to live.
Activities to do on Lake Geneva
For those who enjoy being active and getting out and about in the fresh air, Lake Geneva has it all. There are all sorts of activities to do on the water including water-skiing, windsurfing and yacht racing. Indeed, high performance catamarans have been designed especially to race on the lake. But, if adrenalin fuelled activities are not for you, other sports you can get involved in include rafting, swimming and rowing.
Tourist Attractions near Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva offers plenty for residents and holidaymakers alike, including museums, castles and historic sites.
For those who are fascinated by the Roman era, the Roman Museum in Avenches is housed in a fortified tower and, as well as mosaics and sculptures, you can also see the remains of an amphitheatre, a temple and roman baths.
If you enjoy exploring castles, there are plenty of these in the area including the romantic 13th century Chillon Castle, which lies on the edge of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. Lord Byron was inspired to write ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’ after visiting the castle in the early 19th century. It’s a popular attraction, drawing 300,000 visitors a year.
If you love wine, The Vine and Wine Museum is based at Aigle Castle, and shows a collection of all sorts of wine related tools including corkscrews, decanters, barrels, presses and measuring implements.
Properties near Lake Geneva
From secluded mansions located right on the edge of the lake, to houses and apartments, there are all sorts of properties you can buy here. As you would expect, properties that overlook Lake Geneva are pricey, but you are paying for the views and the exclusivity of the area.
At the time of writing, prices range from £1.5 million for a house containing two apartments (overlooking the lake), to just over £2.5 million for an exclusive apartment with a part view of the lake, and up to several million for a hideaway mansion.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Removals to Switzerland – A Guide to the Country’s Best Family-Friendly Attractions
If you are a young family and require removals to Switzerland, one of the things you’ll want to think about is how to keep the little ones amused, especially during the weekends and school holidays. To help you, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best family-friendly attractions that your children will love.
Hamiltons are specialists in high class removals to Switzerland and are committed to quality and service. We provide tailor made removals and our experienced team do all they can to deliver commercial and household belongings smoothly and promptly to your destination. In addition to our full or part load removals to Switzerland, we also provide specialist removals to Switzerland and are happy to transport vehicles, bulky goods, antiques and other valuables.
For more information on removals to Switzerland, contact our professional staff by telephone, or use the link below.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Meanwhile, to help you adjust to your new surroundings, here’s Hamiltons’ guide to some of the country’s most popular family-friendly attractions – and some of these may be on your doorstep. We are unable to list all the best attractions here, but here’s our pick of what we feel are the most memorable.
Moving to Switzerland: Top Family Friendly Attractions
Ballenburg Open Air Museum – It’s definitely worth setting aside a whole day to see this Brienz museum because you can spend hours here. Your children will love exploring the 100 or so century old buildings, depicting rural life of yesteryear in Switzerland. You will also get the chance to see farm animals at first hand and test the weight of the heavy cow bells. In addition to this are the various displays, including demonstrations of the Alpine Horn and ancient crafts such as rope making and weaving. A top tip is to bring good shoes as you can expect lots of walking.
Basel Zoological Garden (locally known as Zolli) –For those who don’t live nearby, the zoo is well connected, with good transport links, and is near Basel’s main train station. It is worthwhile setting aside at least an afternoon to see this zoo as there’re lots to see. Firm favourites are the apes and the aquarium and you’ll also get the chance to watch the animals being fed. In addition to this, there’s a playground for the youngest of your group. Again, it is a good idea to bring good walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot.
Conny-Land Zoo – This Lipperswil zoo is ideal for water fanatics and has more than 60 fun-filled attractions. The main attractions include live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and parrots. And while the youngest ones of your group will enjoy the pony rides, the oldest children can enjoy a ride on Europe’s largest linear roller coaster, the Cobra. Other popular draws are the Voodoo Island log flume, Dino Attack (with moving ‘dinosaurs’), the petting zoo and Kiddies’ Activity area, where your children can splash about in the fountains. It’s a good idea to bring a swimming costume, spare clothing and a towel.
Heidi Village – The novel, Heidi, which depicts the story of an orphaned girl in the Alps, has captured the imagination of millions of children worldwide. You will find this fantastic attraction, dedicated to the main character of the book, in Maienfield. The village takes children back in time to the 19th century, the era when the novel was penned by Johanna Spyri. You can follow the idyllic trail to Heidi’s house and the Heidi Alp and your children will enjoy seeing the farm animals at first hand. You can also send a post card home with a Heidi stamp!
Papiliorama and Nocturama Tropical Gardens - Also known as the Exotic Butterfly Park, you can see more than 1,000 species of butterflies at this attraction in Kerzers. Other attractions include the Nocturama hall, where you can see night animals in the dark, such as night monkeys, bats and anacondas, and The Jungle Trek where you will find tropical birds and plants. The youngest ones in your group will also enjoy the mini zoo and playground.
Amusement Park and Mini-Zoo – This makes a great day out for kids, especially during the holiday period, and you can find this attraction at Sitterdorf Airport. Some of the most popular attractions are the hamster wheel, cable car, Nautic-Jet and Butterfly. And, if you don’t need to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there’s also a chance to take a leisure flight or a balloon ride at the airport.
Removals to Switzerland – click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons are specialists in high class removals to Switzerland and are committed to quality and service. We provide tailor made removals and our experienced team do all they can to deliver commercial and household belongings smoothly and promptly to your destination. In addition to our full or part load removals to Switzerland, we also provide specialist removals to Switzerland and are happy to transport vehicles, bulky goods, antiques and other valuables.
For more information on removals to Switzerland, contact our professional staff by telephone, or use the link below.
Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Meanwhile, to help you adjust to your new surroundings, here’s Hamiltons’ guide to some of the country’s most popular family-friendly attractions – and some of these may be on your doorstep. We are unable to list all the best attractions here, but here’s our pick of what we feel are the most memorable.
Moving to Switzerland: Top Family Friendly Attractions
Ballenburg Open Air Museum – It’s definitely worth setting aside a whole day to see this Brienz museum because you can spend hours here. Your children will love exploring the 100 or so century old buildings, depicting rural life of yesteryear in Switzerland. You will also get the chance to see farm animals at first hand and test the weight of the heavy cow bells. In addition to this are the various displays, including demonstrations of the Alpine Horn and ancient crafts such as rope making and weaving. A top tip is to bring good shoes as you can expect lots of walking.
Basel Zoological Garden (locally known as Zolli) –For those who don’t live nearby, the zoo is well connected, with good transport links, and is near Basel’s main train station. It is worthwhile setting aside at least an afternoon to see this zoo as there’re lots to see. Firm favourites are the apes and the aquarium and you’ll also get the chance to watch the animals being fed. In addition to this, there’s a playground for the youngest of your group. Again, it is a good idea to bring good walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot.
Conny-Land Zoo – This Lipperswil zoo is ideal for water fanatics and has more than 60 fun-filled attractions. The main attractions include live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and parrots. And while the youngest ones of your group will enjoy the pony rides, the oldest children can enjoy a ride on Europe’s largest linear roller coaster, the Cobra. Other popular draws are the Voodoo Island log flume, Dino Attack (with moving ‘dinosaurs’), the petting zoo and Kiddies’ Activity area, where your children can splash about in the fountains. It’s a good idea to bring a swimming costume, spare clothing and a towel.
Heidi Village – The novel, Heidi, which depicts the story of an orphaned girl in the Alps, has captured the imagination of millions of children worldwide. You will find this fantastic attraction, dedicated to the main character of the book, in Maienfield. The village takes children back in time to the 19th century, the era when the novel was penned by Johanna Spyri. You can follow the idyllic trail to Heidi’s house and the Heidi Alp and your children will enjoy seeing the farm animals at first hand. You can also send a post card home with a Heidi stamp!
Papiliorama and Nocturama Tropical Gardens - Also known as the Exotic Butterfly Park, you can see more than 1,000 species of butterflies at this attraction in Kerzers. Other attractions include the Nocturama hall, where you can see night animals in the dark, such as night monkeys, bats and anacondas, and The Jungle Trek where you will find tropical birds and plants. The youngest ones in your group will also enjoy the mini zoo and playground.
Amusement Park and Mini-Zoo – This makes a great day out for kids, especially during the holiday period, and you can find this attraction at Sitterdorf Airport. Some of the most popular attractions are the hamster wheel, cable car, Nautic-Jet and Butterfly. And, if you don’t need to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there’s also a chance to take a leisure flight or a balloon ride at the airport.
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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