Archive for the ‘Switzerland’ Category

Zurich’s Fraumunster Church

Friday, July 24th, 2009

This small Swiss church with historic significance is worthy of a visit for another reason. Though not included on many group tour itineraries, this church once a Benedictine convent (853) was closed at the Reformation and later held services for the Catholic and Protestant worshipers (1833-1844) was renovated in the 20th century.

The renovation is important because, the Frumunster became known not only for its beautiful spire but, also for the exceptional stain glass windows created by two of the world’s most renowned artist.

Giacometti (1940’s) designed a large stained-glass window in the north transept. This beautiful window depicting God and Christ, the eight prophets, the Four Evangelists and ten angles is worthy of much attention. However, it is Marc Chagall’s five stained-glass windows that have become the bigger attraction. The Chagall windows are around 33 feet tall and when the morning light shines through they are most spectacular. A symbolic color scheme, of blue, green, red and orange is used to represent the earth and the heavens. The five windows are titled, the Prophets, Jacob, Zion, Christ and Law. Marc Chagall had a very personal relationship with the city of Zurich and these windows allowed him to express how much he cared.

Even if you are only in Zurich for a short time this church is a must visit. Select will be sure to include the Fraumunster into your tour itinerary. Call us today for more information about unusual places to visit on your custom tour in Switzerland.

St. Gallen Switzerland

Friday, June 19th, 2009

A charming Swiss town off the beaten path between Lake Constance and Appenzell lays St. Gallen. This mini metropolis provides a variety interesting sites to visit. The beautiful Old Town known for the colorfully painted oriel windows dates back to 612 when Irish missionary monk Gallus founded a hermitage.

There are two center pieces in the town; the beautiful and impressive Cathedral and the Abbey Library. The renowned library contains a world class collection of around 140,000 documents, some hand-written and over 1,000 years old. However, it is not just the rare book collection that makes the library an important place to visit. The Rocco hall of the library is believed to be one of the most beautiful in all of Switzerland and I am sure you will agree once you see it.

But, there is more to St. Gallen. The town became prosperous and internationally recognized for embroidery and textiles. The Textile Museum displays the importance of this industry to the town and should be included in your itinerary. You will be impressed with the beautiful pieces on display.

St. Gallen is a little treasure. The old town is traffic-free, so you can relax and wander around. It offers excellent Swiss cuisine (some think even better than the French), easy access to other regions in Switzerland, Germany or Austria, friendly people and beautiful scenery.

Select Travel Service can include a visit to St. Gallen in your group’s custom itinerary and provide you with that memorable off the beaten path experience.

Interlaken, Switzerland

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Interlaken is ideally situated for enjoying scenic views and excursions in Switzerland.  Positioned by two beautiful lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and nearby to the lofty peaks of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger,

Allow Select Travel Service to arrange a full day sightseeing tour followed by a traditional Swiss Dinner cruise on Lake Brienz. Spectacular views of mountain peaks and soft slopes with typical swiss chalet villages along the shores of the deepest lake in Switzerland.  On board you will find a dinner buffet with Swiss specialties such as Fondue, “Rösti” (potatoes), alplermagronen” (pasta dish) and a fresh garden salad. An excursion not to be missed….

Sechselaeuten - A Great Swiss Festival

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Ready to banish winter, want to celebrate the arrival of Spring? Switzerland is the place to be.

Join the thousands of spectators who attend Zurich’s festival “Sechselaeuten.” On the third weekend of April, guild members dress in historic costumes parade through the city center and a symbolic snowman is burned in front of the Opera House to Welcome Spring. There are two parades you can attend. Sunday is when an 11 foot snowman is pulled on a wagon through the city as 2000 children and 900 musicians march along. Then on Monday, 7000 guild members in traditional customs and 500 horses parade to the Opera House for the burning of the snowman and the official Welcoming of Spring. As the fire burns, the tradition is for the spectators to move closer and grill tasty sausages together. The Spring Festival of the Guilds is one the most traditional festival in Zurich.

This is just one of the many opportunities that Select Travel Service can include in a custom tour of Switzerland where you get to personally experience the local customs and traditions.