Switzerland Festivals Events Tickets

Palais des Nations tours (United Nations in Geneva), various dates till the end of October 2008,  Geneva, Switzerland

One can visit building which houses the United Nations in Geneva with guided tours in 15 languages.
The above-mentioned seat is called the Palais des Nations and was first the home of the League of Nations (the precursor of the UN). The building of the edifice took 7 years – from 1929 to 1936 and it was designed by numerous European architects. In 1975 a newer wing was added due to the expanding organization, but the main building still preserves its original, marble look. It may not be very beautiful, but it surely is very impressive – it is twice as big as Versailles.
In the park in front of the building you will see many famous sculptures, including the world-known Armillary Sphere, which is now the emblem of the United Nations. In the halls of the huge building work delegates from the 185 member countries as well as non-governmental organizations and journalists. Around 2 000 people can gather in the Assembly Hall with the fresco by José Maria Sert and the library has a separate wing.

Paragliding in the Swiss Alps May - October 2008 Valais

Over the last fifteen years paragliding has turned into a synonymous with the Swiss Alps and the mountains in Valais area are the perfect location to try it. All it took is 3 paces and you are off. Leaving the ground beneath, the initial adrenalin rush quickly gives way to a feeling of serene calm while gliding as a bird through the air. The contrast between the green of the valley and the majestic mountain sides with white-capped peaks is simply outstanding.

Ballenberg Museum  April - October 2008 Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

The Ballenberg open-air museum represents the rural life of Switzerland’s peasants and countryside at the turn of the nineteenth century, offering an authentic sense of Switzerland. Activities at Ballenberg include encounters with farmyard animals, oil pressing technique, local pottery craft and saddlery.
As part of this interesting project, over ninety farmhouses from every canton and region across Switzerland were meticulously dismounted and brought part by part to the Ballenberg site, where they were reconstructed and exhibited to the public. The authentic site now forms a complex housing traditional craftsmen and farming methods. The Bernese Oberland, with its magnificent lakes and mountains, was the ideal location for this open-air museum.

Matterhorn Run 24 August 2008 Zermatt

The Matterhorn run, regarded as one of the greatest mountain races in the world is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, and each year brings elite runners from around the world in Zermatt. The race begins from Zermatt and goes to Furi and on to Schwarzsee as 2582 meters above the sea. The entire Matterhorn run is 14.35 kilometers long and has a variation in height of 1001 meters.

Gourmet Route, September 2008 Montreux, Switzerland

The popular Route Gourmande, which is a member of the international Confrery is held yearly in the Swiss vineyards of Montreux - Vevey. Starting in Chailly - sur - Montreux, the 5 km. walk goes through several stop offs, where the best cooks serve their specialties, of course accompanied by great local wines.
Over two thousand visitors are expected annually from Switzerland, Italy, France and even Japan, as well as from other countries, to taste the culinary delights and sample the wines made in this magnificent region. For detailed information how to take part, please contact the tourist office at Montreux.

Lake Geneva Wine Festival, September 2008 Russin, Switzerland

Some of the best Swiss wineries across the hills of Lake Geneva celebrate the end of the grape harvest at this wine festival, held each year in Russin.
At the fest wine lovers are able to taste some fruity Chasselas whites and Gamay reds and improve their wine-tasting skills, accompanied by local cheeses and fishes. Some newer varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir also begin to appear on the tasting list of excellent wines.
Of course the wine festival is combined with various music concerts, street entertainment and parades typical for Switzerland, which add to the spree and make sure that the partying continues into the wee hours.