Switzerland Scenary View

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is located at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich at the mouth of the Limmat River, which divides the city in two. The modern heart of Zurich, including the train station and most churches, is on the west side of the river, while the hillier east is home to the little alleys of Old Town and the hip drinking spots of Niederdorfstrasse.

Contrary to popular belief, Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland (which is Bern), just its largest city. Zurich has long been known as a clean, efficient city, but it is also a truly fascinating and worthwhile travel destination. Zurich boasts an increasingly cosmopolitan population, though the more buttoned-down Geneva remains Switzerland's most culturally heterogeneous city.

The iconic symbol of Zurich is St. Peter Church, which has the largest clock face in Europe. A great place to relax around town is Lake Promenade, with a long lakeside boardwalk and a meadow where you can find thousands of people on a sunny day. You can get free bikes, skates or other fun transport at several stops throughout town, though be sure to watch out for buses and trams. Zurich also has several nearby ski areas that are easily accessible by train.

Of course, Zurich is as good a place as any to procure rich Swiss chocolate, precise Swiss clocks and watches and real Swiss army knives. You can always get some banking done here, too.

"The Novotel Zurich City West is a 4 star hotel with 142 rooms in the fashionable Zurich West area. Close to Hardbrucke train station, Escher Wyss Platz tram station and the Technopark. A few minutes from the main railway station and the old city by tramor train. The hotel offers seven modern conference rooms with natural light. An indoor swimming pool, fitness area, bar, kids corner and a restaurant with terrace complete the package. Pay parking garage and airport shuttle (fees apply).

On the shores of Lake Geneva, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace overlooks the lake and the majestic Alps to the south. The atmosphere here is one of traditional elegance. Built in 1906, the hotel is a gem of Art Nouveau architecture. Guests can enjoy four restaurants, two bars, and a nightclub. There is also a modern health club on site. The Petit Palais, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace's own fully refurbished conference center, offers the latest in meeting and banqueting facilities. This property can be reached from Geneva International Airport in 45 minutes, and is just a short stroll from the Montreux train station. All rooms and suites are equipped with voicemail, coffeemaker, minibar, cable television with in-room movies, and air-conditioning.