Page 53 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

TOP QUIRKY A YEAR IN
3 HOTELS

La Claustra
This former army fort SWITZERLAND
built under the Gotthard
pass is now a restaurant-
with-rooms (via San
Gottardo, Airolo).
Igloo Village
Wrap up for a night in
an igloo in locations all
around Switzerland DISCOVER A Year in Switzerland
(www.iglu-dorf.com).
Whitepod
Stay in converted oak JANUARY FEBRUARY
wine barrels; other Inferno Downhill (late Jan). In Mürren, the world’s △ White Turf (first three Suns). Champagne
barrels have been oldest and longest downhill ski race is open to all. flows as thoroughbred horses make snow fly
converted into hot tubs World Economic Forum (late Jan). Davos plays on St Moritz’s frozen lake.
(www.fasshotel.ch). host to heads of state and public events. Carnival (late Feb–early Mar). It’s party time
△ International Hot Air Balloon Festival (late in every village during Carnaval (in French),
Jan–early Feb). Competition and passenger or Fastnacht (in German), with world-famous
flights high above Château d’Oex in the Alps. parades in Basel and Lucerne.
Unusual Museums
Dare to dive into Switzerland’s subversive side? Stop
by the Frog Museum in Estavayer-le-Lac (p149), with
its fascinating collection of taxidermied frogs. In
Gränichen, you can learn about the Swiss witch
trials and superstitions at the Witch Museum.

A raucous gathering of
debauched amphibians
in the Frog Museum JUNE
MAY △ Art Basel (mid-June). World-renowned art fair,
Combats de Reines, Aproz (early May). with sister events in Miami and Hong Kong.
In Aproz, the unique Herens breed of feisty Montreux Jazz Festival (end June). Jazz fans
cow lock (blunted) horns in bovine battle flock to venues across the city for this legendary
to determine next year’s “Queen of queens”. music festival. Acclaimed artists perform every-
△ International Cheese Festival (1st Sun). where from intimate cafés to Montreux’s huge
Visitors - and judges - snaffle samples made by Stravinski auditorium.
cheesemakers from around the world, vying to
be crowned Supreme Champion in Gruyères.
Bunking Down
Switzerland’s Cold War policy
of providing a nuclear bunker
for every resident led to the
construction of the vast
Sonnenberg Bunker in the
town of Lucerne (p202) to
accom modate 20,000 people.
A tour of the now downsized
facility (Apr —Sep monthly in OCTOBER
English, book in advance) is a Chestnut Festival (mid-Oct). During a celebration
fascinating experience. of chestnuts across Ticino, more than 2,000 kg
SEPTEMBER (4,400 lbs) are consumed in a day in Ascona.
△ Désalpage (mid-Sep–early Oct). Bringing the △ Swiss Toy, Bern (mid-Oct). The country’s largest
Visitors experiencing cows down from high alpine pastures is celebrated toy fair is held every year in Bern, showcasing
the eerie lights of the in every rural Swiss village, with children leading everything from stuffed toys shaped as alpine
Sonnenberg Bunker highly decorated cows through the streets. marmots to cutting-edge digital devices.
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