Page 54 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

A YEAR IN

SWITZERLAND

DISCOVER A Year in Switzerland JANUARY FEBRUARY

Inferno Downhill (late Jan). In Mürren, the world’s
flows as thoroughbred horses make snow fly
oldest and longest downhill ski race is open to all.
on St Moritz’s frozen lake.
World Economic Forum (late Jan). Davos plays △ White Turf (first three Suns). Champagne
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.

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.

OCTOBER
Chestnut Festival (mid-Oct). During a celebration
SEPTEMBER of chestnuts across Ticino, more than 2,000 kg
(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
cows down from high alpine pastures is celebrated toy fair is held every year in Bern, showcasing
in every rural Swiss village, with children leading everything from stuffed toys shaped as alpine
highly decorated cows through the streets. marmots to cutting-edge digital devices.
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