4 reasons why Switzerland is a first-class travel destination

Switzerland is small - yet it holds sharp peaks, green valleys and clear lakes that people remember long after they go home. The views calm the mind plus invite walks, boat rides or simple rest.

The Swiss Alps rise as the best known sight. The Matterhorn, a jagged snow mountain, stands at the border and pulls hikers, climbers but also camera users in every season. Glaciers and high trails give day long wonder to anyone who loves open air.

Mountains are only part of the story. The land holds three main cultures - German, French besides Italian. Each region keeps its own tongue, food as well as style, borrowed from the neighbor that lies just across the ridge or lake. Geneva and other cities host workers from every continent - streets fill with world music, food stalls or parades at all times of year.

Travel from town to town needs little thought. Trains leave on the minute and climb through passes that cars cannot reach. The Glacier Express also the Bernina Express glide past deep gorges and over high bridges while passengers sit next to watch. One pass covers trains, buses and boats - a traveler steps on plus off without new tickets. Basel or Zurich sit close to France, Germany and Italy - a short ride adds another country to the day.

Away from the high peaks, old stone castles such as Chillon rest on lake shores and tell stories of counts but also traders. Rhine Falls drops a wide white sheet of water that roars louder than any fall in Europe. Staubbach Falls threads down a cliff near a village and spray drifts across the path. Lakes Geneva, Lucerne next to Thun give calm water for paddle, sail or swim, with vineyards as well as orchards on the banks.

Alp summits, loud waterfalls, quiet lakes, stone keeps and trains that run on time give each visitor a list of sights to match any wish. A week or a month still leaves more to see - people plan the next trip before the first ends.