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The journey continues
The third set on Swiss attractions once again reads like a wish-list of destinations across the country perfect for adventure lovers, hiking enthusiasts or those who appreciate the finer things in life. These stamps perfectly illustrate the diversity of a sector that plays a vital role for many regions of Switzerland.
Chapel Bridge
Almost 14,000 people cross this Lucerne landmark every day. The fact that this 14th-century bridge still stands is remarkable: its original length of 279 metres has gradually reduced to 74 metres over time for instance, due to embankmentfills and the construction of the Rathausquai. According to rumours, it was even supposed to be demolished, but protestors and travellers from England, who wanted to visit the bridge, scuppered the plans. In 1993, a fire destroyed large sections of the bridge, which have since been reconstructed.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the world’s most famous winter destinations, not to mention a pioneer in trademark protection. Since 1930, a sun with lettering has been a defining feature of the town’s visual identity, making it one of the oldest tourism trademarks in the world. In 1986, the place name became the world’s first destination to enjoy legal protection. Another defining feature is the town’s high end hotels roughly half of the beds are in the four and five star category. St. Moritz also put itself on the map internationally as the venue for the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics.
Creux-du-Van
The name Creux du Van comes from the Celtic term “van”, meaning rock. The limestone layers of the 160 metre high cliffs were deposited by an ancient sea nearly 200 million years ago. Over time, ice and water shaped it into a striking rock basin in the Neuchâtel Jura. Today, the area is a protected habitat for chamois, ibexes, lynx and wood grouse.
Tip: The “Fontaine froide” at the foot of the natural amphitheatre offers a refreshing way for hikers to cool down since the source water temperature never climbs above four degrees all year round.
Dufourspitze
Welcome to Switzerland’s highest point at 4,634 metres above sea level, named after Guillaume Henri Dufour. The summit in the Monte Rosa massif was named after the General in a decision made by the Federal Council in 1863 to commemorate his contributions to cartography. Dufour oversaw the creation of the first complete topographic map of Switzerland. Speaking of innovation: for the crystalline Monte Rosa Hut made of wood and aluminium, innovative building tech- nology and energy management avenues were explored in collaboration with ETH Zurich to make the hut largely self-sufficient.
