Switzerland’s global image is one of glamor, leisure and above all money. It’s often imagined as a country where half of the world’s billionaires linger - swiping credit cards without thought, holding money in a Zurich bank vault and reclining in sumptuous luxury.
The Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. /CFP Photo
But while the alpine nation may be a playground for the rich and famous, there is much more to it than prodigious spenders, indulgence and high finance.
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#1. Stein:
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Switzerland is full of fairytale towns like Stein, quiet and peaceful - like a sleeping beauty. With only one main street, the bell tower serves as the town’s main entrance and key landmark. With the sounds of the alpine horn sweeping through the alleys, visitors can just sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset. The best spot to soak in the beauty of Stein – known as a jewel on the banks of the Rhine - is Hohenklingen Castle, an 800-year-old fort that looms above the town.
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#2. St. Moritz:
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St. Moritz is the ultimate glamor location in the world of skiing. Having held two Winter Olympic Games and four FIS Alpine World Championships, the resort enjoys a reputation for professionalism, quality infrastructure and slope style. But it’s not only skiing enthusiasts who are drawn to the mountain retreat. Natural hot springs are also on offer in St. Moritz, with many indoor and outdoor pools right there for visitors to soak their troubles away.
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#3. Geneva:
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For travelers who like to combine urban buzz with natural beauty, Geneva is the place to go. Located on the banks of the famous Lake Geneva, visitors flock from across the world to check out the global finance center’s celebrated clocks and watches. The watch industry’s “Oscars” have been held in Geneva since 2001, with experts gathering to determine the year’s best timepieces.
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Stay with @CGTN on all social media platforms to explore more of Switzerland’s bewitching secrets, as global powerbrokers gather in the mountainous land for the World Economic Forum!