Did you know that Albert Einstein’s famous formula E=MC2 was developed in Switzerland? Or that Switzerland has the world’s longest staircase with 11,674 steps and a height of 1,669 m (or 5,476 ft)?

Switzerland is a country of wonder and a dream destination of many. It might be a small country with approximately 41,277 sq km, but it is known for several things such as its watches, mountain ranges, chocolate, and scenic views.

Switzerland is among the most innovative countries. It has the lowest crime rates and is comparable to Singapore in terms of safety, security, and cleanliness. If you get the chance to visit, here are things that you should do.

1.  Shopping

Save to buy a Swiss watch! Switzerland has earned high praises for its timepieces. It is home to world-class watch brands, Rolex, Cartier, Longines, Tissot, Omega, etc. Choose from any of the watch collections or go for the bold latest Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

The Rolex Daytona is a mechanical chronograph watch and a popular model representing Rolex. It is an exquisite watch owing to its unique striking features. This piece is crafted with 18k carat gold or platinum, an eye-catching timepiece.

Swiss Knives are the second most popular non-edible souvenir. This handy multi-tool pocket knife may look unassuming, but its blade is menacingly sharp. You can also buy a cuckoo clock with finely carved details of Swiss homes, their lifestyle, and recreation.

2.  Dine and Wine

Swiss cheese anyone? Switzerland has a variety of over 475 cheeses using cow’s milk in 99% of the productions. You can have it as fondue in a pot, raclette, or the raw deal in between bread halves or on top of crackers.

You can also do the cheese and wine combo. Have a slice of the nutty Emmentaler, spicy Appenzeller, or bold funky Maxx Alter Schweizer with a glass of wine, beer, or strong ale. The day after, you can go wine tasting in Vaud or Lavaux vineyards.

If you prefer something sweeter, chocolate it is. Indulge in the rich and creamy Swiss chocolate made with the highest quality alpine milk. You can learn more about chocolate by visiting one of the oldest chocolate factories in Broc. You can even sign up with the local area that offers chocolate-making courses.

3.  Be one with nature

Switzerland has almost 60% mountain ranges. The country has 208 Mountains and the highest Peaks in Europe. In the winter, you can ski, hike or take the gondola up to Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and the Eiger. You can also take a picture with the most-photographed mountain in the world, the jagged tooth-like Matterhorn.

There are 7000 lakes in this country. You can start your exploration in Lac Léman, the largest lake in Switzerland and the Alps. After, go on a boat ride on Europe’s largest underground lake, Lac Léman. End the day with a look at the four-armed Lake Lucerne, also known as the Lake of the Four Forested Elements.

Visit the fairy-esque valley of Lauterbrunnen. Here you will find the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe. The Staubbach falls cascades from 300 meters high.

4.  Immerse in the Culture

Switzerland is a cultural melting pot. Twenty-five percent of its population is foreign, and they have four National Languages, French (20.4%) in the north, predominantly German (64%) in the west, Italian (6.5%) in southern Switzerland, and Romansh (just a little over 1%).

You can have a taste of these different cultures through conversation, delicious food, and traditional practices as you travel throughout Switzerland. You can also partake in the music festivities held regularly.

One of the favorite regions you can check is the traditional house that dates back to the 13th century and beautiful villages in the Graubunden area. Although if you drive along the winding side streets you would come across traditional western Swiss chalets.

5.  Take the Train

Get anywhere in Switzerland by hopping on the magical train ride. Switzerland boasts one of the most developed train networks in the world, serviced by more than 40 different railway companies. Trains can even go nearly 45 degrees straight up mountains. Is it not amazing!

Train rides are an experience in itself. Train routes are designed to take you through a whimsical adventure. Take the Bernina Express that runs across the Alps and the quaint town of St. Moritz. From there, hop on the famous Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt and enjoy the spectacular view.

Travel by train is by far the best way to explore Switzerland. It is economical and popular with both tourists and locals. The train stations are equipped with a variety of services, and the trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable.

6.  Feed the Brain

Abbey Library of Saint Gall holds one of the most important book collections and is nearly unrivaled in its beauty. The library is lavishly decorated in a Baroque rococo style. It is beauty and brains combined in a literal sense.

You can also find the world’s largest and most expensive physics lab in Geneva. CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is home to an array of impressive machinery, including several particle accelerators. Group and Individual tours are offered Monday through Saturday in English and French. If you are looking for something intriguing, venture into H.R. Giger Museumark. It is like stepping inside an alien’s lair with the grim and slightly disturbing designs. Maison D’Ailleurs, HOUSE of Elsewhere, is a museum of science fiction, utopias, and other futurist writings.

7.  Leave good memories

Chief Seattle says, Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints. Wherever we go, let us be conscious of the regulations that govern the place we are visiting. Know what can and cannot be done. Let us show gratitude to the people who welcomed us by abiding by the rules in places we visit. In doing so, we show respect not only to the people but to the place and the history it stands for.

We are not entitled just because we pay for something. Remember, we share the world with humans, animals, and nature. Let us keep it safe and clean for all to enjoy.