Private Air New York Magazine
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www.privateairny.com Private Air | Fall 2021 109 PASSPORT A lready dreaming of your next trip – whenever that might be? Switzerland may be known to many as the land of chocolate and cheese, but the country has so much more to offer travelers. From nature to culture to wellness, here are six excellent reasons why you should be planning. Nature Picture Switzerland, and what likely comes to mind are scenes of snow-capped mountains, glassy lakes, and verdant forests. Indeed, the country is renowned for its ample natural charms, which lend themselves well to all types of holidays – whether you're looking for a relaxing trip or a high-octane expedition. Enjoy a week skiing and snowboarding in the Alps, spend a day hiking the dizzying heights of the Hardergrat ridge trail, or while away a lazy afternoon paddle boating on Lake Lucerne. Whatever you choose, you'll get to enjoy magnificent views straight out of a postcard. Food Swiss cuisine draws influences from neighboring countries Germany, France, and Italy – and the result is nothing short of delectable. One of the country's most iconic dishes is cheese fondue, which is eaten by dipping bread cubes into a pot of blended mountain- style cheeses. Other traditional favorites include rosti, which comprises grated potatoes pan-fried until golden, and bircher muesli, a clod breakfast dish of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and fruits. And, of course, it's a must to sample a bar or three of the country's legendary chocolate – be it from big-name brands like Lindt and Läderach or one of the many artisanal chocolatiers across the country. Culture Like its cuisine, Switzerland's cultural fabric is highly multi-faceted. For instance, there are not one but four national languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh – which are spoken in different parts of the country. Also, the local customs and traditions practiced in the Alps are vastly different from those in the Jura or the Central Plateau. ese regional nuances are reflected in the country's diverse vernacular architecture, ranging from tone-byre- dwellings to half-timbered houses to wooden chalets. Wherever you are in Switzerland, there's always something new to discover.