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Culture Switzerland For such a small geographical space, Swiss culture is incredibly diverse. There are four national languages carving out roughly four respective regions – German, French, Italian and the little known Romansh – each taking a sampling from the surrounding countries surrounding this landlocked region, and converting it into something completely Swiss.
The northern region of Switzerland speaks German, although in order to communicate with Austrians to the east, and Germans to the north, the Swiss German speakers must shift their dialect – when speaking among themselves, their local dialect of “Schweiss Deutsch” is virtually incomprehensible to German speakers from abroad. Indeed, to give an example of how different Swiss German sounds, their own name for the “Schweiss Deutsch” dialect is “Switcher Ditch” – remember that term, and you are likely to surprise and flatter your Swiss hosts with your specialized knowledge. The makers of the Swiss Army knife and Swatch, the Swiss are very much efficiency and schedule oriented, and tardiness is not acceptable. Trains out of Zurich will leave on the dot and are immaculate, just like the cities. If you follow the rules, you will be treated with world-class hospitality.
The Swiss Germans have a litany of greats in their past, including the dreamy, poetic artists such as writer Herman Hess and psychologist Karl Jung. Visit the home of the latter at the Rein Falls, where the enormous river that carves the border between Switzerland and Germany breaks up into a breathtaking series of waterfalls, and the famous house of Karl Jung is perched upon an island halfway through. It is supposed he gained great inspiration from the majesty amidst the cataracts as he penned his greatest works.
French Switzerland is home to cosmopolitan destinations of Lucerne and Geneva, whose glassy, gigantic lake is a delightful attraction and a testament to the impeccably clean and impressive elegance of the French Swiss, who seem to have taken all of the Latin finesse and charm of France and create a spectacular series of cities and verdant farmland surrounding lakes pastures. Italian Switzerland has a culture that hearkens much to the warmth and charm of Italy, yet very much separates the wheat from the chaff. Mountain villas and resorts in southern, Italian-speaking Switzerland provide a charm and elegance and befitting an ancient European aristocracy.
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