Switzerland was founded more than 700 years ago. Long years of peace have left their mark on our heritage, history and culture. 

The Swiss are a friendly and hospitable people, though somewhat reserved at times. Life in our towns and cities is secure. We share an independent spirit, a respect for tradition and no fewer than four languages and dozens of dialects. The Swiss love for partying isn’t yet widely known. But the seasons are marked by traditional festivals and popular pageants.

Culture, castles and heritage

The nation was founded with a vow of mutual aid among three ‘forest’ cantons. Over the years more regions joined. Now, twenty-six politically sovereign cantons make up the modern federative state called Switzerland. Dozens of major military battles were fought on Swiss soil. The Austrian Habsburgs and Charles the Bold were driven out by the Swiss. The Reformation and Counter reformation established the division of faiths and left an imprint on the regions.

Music and Museums

Every major Swiss city honours its own symphony, opera or theatre, where acclaimed international artists appear. Smaller towns and villages prize their chamber groups or quartets. The Bern, Willisau and Montreux Jazz Festivals rival in recognition with the classical music events of Lucerne and Gstaad, to name just a few. 

About 700 museums round out a rich cultural life. You’ll find outstanding, internationally acclaimed art collections and specialized museums for every interest. Today scores of medieval castles and venerable mansions are open for a look around. Some house superb museums, other wonderful restaurants. Churches, monasteries and abbey libraries hold precious legacies of the ages.

DMC Companies

(the links below will open a new window and bring you to another website)

• Fert International
• Welcome Swiss

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