Lakes of Switzerland

Region of Alpine lakes is very good location for comfort living and rest: excellent mild climate, good ecological situation, gorgeous landscapes, variety of water sports, good transport infrastructure. Such resorts are very close to the main cultural centres as Milan, Como, Zurich. The most famous lakes in Switzerland are Zürichsee, Lago do Lugano and Lac de Geneve. 

Lugano 

Lugano is a beautiful sunny city in canton Ticino in southern Switzerland. This wonderful city is a diamond of the Italian part of Switzerland. It is located near the border with Italy on the shores of the picturesque Lake Ceresio between two mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.

Lugano is a popular holiday resort due to its great location, mild climate, picturesque landscapes, sunny weather and beautiful lake promenade. Lugano is magnificent scenic parks, historic buildings in classical style, friendly people. It is so easy to fall in love with this amazing city and have strong desire to come back here again and again.

Lugano is one of the major financial centers of Switzerland, there are some large banks and their representative offices. There is also state university  Università della Svizzera italiana.

During the summer the main entertainment for guests of the resort is beaches, very good weather and mild climate is ideal for such kind of the rest. There are several very good beaches on the lake; they offer all sorts of water activities such as water skiing, windsurfing, paragliding and boat trips. In the center of the city there is a popular beach Lido di Lugano, there are 3 swimming pools and some restaurants very close to the beach.

People who like outdoor activities will also enjoy this city; there are a huge amount of footpaths on the hills that surround Lugano. You can travel on foot or by bike.  One of the best mountains for hiking is Monte Bre. It has gentle slopes, so even untrained tourists can walk here. On the top of the hills you can enjoy amazing views on the mountain landscapes, the lake and picturesque nature.

In the heart of the city opposite to the quay there is a big shop Manor where you can find a lot of different goods. A huge shopping mall Foxtown is located not far away from the city. Central Street Via Nassa offers many boutiques with brand clothing and stylish accessories. There a lot of different cafes and restaurants in the city center where you can try a variety of meats and see food, enjoy a glass of Italian or Swiss vine and taste delicious desserts.

A small town Melide is situated very close to Lugano; you can reach it by boat. The main attraction of the town is a park where you can see the entire Switzerland in mini format.  

Every year Lugano meets tourists from all over the world on its Blues to Bop Festival, program of the festival includes concerts, exhibitions, dedicated to music, interesting lectures. This festival is interesting not only among Blues lovers but also among ordinary people. In October there is a Festival of High Cuisine. During this time each café or restaurant has its own special holiday menu, you can visit various lectures, learn how famous chefs cook their gourmet meals. And of course one of the most favorite festival among citizens and tourists is Autumn Festival; Lugano becomes a colorful bright city with concerts, fairs, sales. 

Not far away from Lugano, just 20 minute drive to the North, there is a big water park Splash e Spa Tamaro. Here you can have good rest with your family, children and friends. 

Montreux 

Montreux is called a capital of Swiss Riviera; it is one of the most popular resorts on Lake Geneva shore because of its mild climate and comfortable location. This small town is known throughout the world for its prestigious private schools, institutions of beauty, casino, bars, night clubs and of course famous Jazz Festival which takes place every year. Jazz Festival is held in early July every year since 1967. Montreux becomes a large music area where tourists from all countries come and enjoy music.

One of the symbols of Switzerland is Chateau de Chillon which located 4 km from the town on the small rocky island. This Castle was praised by Byron in his poem “The Prisoner of  Chillon”.

At different time a lot of famous people live in  Montreux – Charlie Chaplin, Jacques Rousseau, Petr Tchaikovsky, Vladimir Nabokov and his wife, Igor Stravinsky.

Montreux offers magnificent architecture, elegant mansions, great hotels, cozy cafes and restaurants, palm trees, cypresses, bright tulips. Very bright and beautiful blooming quay of the town stretches for 7 km along the lake. There is a monument of Freddy Mercury, who had been living here for some years and recorded with his band their last album.

On the quay of Lake Geneva everybody can enjoy breathtaking views on the Alps and their snow-caped peaks. By cog railway you can reach the top of mount Rochers-de-Naye at an attitude of 2000 m. this mountain offers amazing panoramic views. There is also Park of Marmots, where you can see different marmots from around the world.

Just few minute drive from Montreux there is old small town Vevey, which is also located on the Lake Geneva shore. There are a lot of monuments, museums, different cozy shops on the narrow cobbled streets of this wonderful town. In summer the main square Grande Place becomes a large market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here you can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, flowers and other goods. On the quay of the lake there is a monument of Charlie Chaplin, who had been living here with his wife for 25 years. Vevey is a town where you can see a lot of monuments: medieval Gothic cathedral of St. Martin, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Barbara, St. John Tower, the Church of St. Clare.