Cheese, chocolate, watches, clocks, Swiss Army Knives, Heidi, goats and yodelling – there is only one place on earth to find that eclectic mix, Switzerland.

It is the country with pristine lakes, snow topped mountains, lush green forests and skiing making Switzerland an idyllic oasis in the middle of Europe. The inspirational beauty of the landscape has inspired literary giants such as Byron, Shelley, Coleridge and of course Mary Shelley whose inspiration for Frankenstein came from Chateâu Chillon.

The Alpine Chain is probably the best known of the continent's mountain ranges. A popular winter sport area, some of Europe's most fashionable and exclusive ski resorts are located here such as Klosters and St Moritz. In the summer, towns such as Interlaken become green mountain centres for walking and mountaineering. But the smaller Jura Mountain range in Northwest Switzerland is no less spectacular.  

Its cities such as Zurich, Berne and Lucerne are models of Swiss efficiency offering a wealth of tranquil history untouched by the great conflicts of Europe and immaculately preserved in the fine buildings dating from the Renaissance. Less busy are the lakeside resorts, including Montreux on Lake Geneva. While the principal city for the international community, Geneva, is home to hundreds of world organisations. 

Switzerland is a stunning destination any time of year – whether you enjoy skiing in the winter or hiking and walking in summer. Its fairytale castles and villages make it a spectacular location for the many thousands of visitors that cross its borders each and every year.