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Travel & Tourism . Tourist Guide to the Country

Switzerland Geography, Climate, and Weather




Geography

Switzerland is bounded on the north by France and Germany, on the east by Austria and Liechtenstein, on the south by Italy,and on the west by France.

It is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe, with more than 70 percent of its area covered by the Alps, in the central and southern sections, and the Jura, in the northwest. The Swiss Alps are part of the largest mountain system in Europe and are famous for their jagged peaks and steep gorges.
There are several ranges within the Alps, including the Pennine range, which has Switzerland’s highest peak,4,634 meter. Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa. The Jura (Celtic for 145forest’) are much lower and smaller than the Alps and are popular for cross–country skiing. The renowned Swiss watchmaking industry began in the Jura Mountains.

Between these two mountain systems lies the Swiss plateau, an average of 400 meters ,above sea level and some 50 kilometers ; it extends from Lake Geneva (Lac Lιman) in the extreme southwest to the Lake of Constance (Bodensee) in the extreme northeast.
The plateau is thickly studded with hills. Between the ranges of the Alps and Jura also stretch long valleys connected by transverse gorges; one such valley is the Engadine along the Inn River in the southeast. Nearly every Swiss valley is traversed by streams, often interrupted by picturesque waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls (about 290 meters / 950 feet) in the canton of Bern.

The principal river system is formed by the Rhine and its tributaries. Other important rivers are the Rhone, Ticino, and Inn. However, Swiss rivers are not navigable for any appreciable extent. Switzerland is famous for its many lakes, particularly those of the Alpine region, known for their scenic beauty.
The most important include Lake Geneva, Lake of Constance, Lake of Lugano, and Lake Maggiore (at which lies Switzerland’s lowest point, 194 meters / 636 feet above sea level), which are not wholly within Swiss borders; and Lake of Neuchβtel, Lake of Lucerne and Zόrichsee, Brienzersee, and Thunersee, which are entirely within Switzerland.


Climate
The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 65-80F from January to February the range is 30-40F. Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary.
Under normal cirumstances, summer in all parts of Swizerland should be sunny and warm but unfortunately we have no means of giving long term forecasts.
During spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to take good clothes, including a warm jacket and good walking shoes, as excursions are often to mountains which are snow-covered during summer. A warm jacket, good trousers and shoes are necessary in the winter months.


 

Acknowledgements: ASIATRAVELMART.COM








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