Switzerland Vs Poland

Switzerland is one of the most visited countries in the world by travellers looking to soak in the serenity of their surroundings. The natural beauty of the majestic Alps is unmatched. Switzerland is bestowed with placid lakes, historical castles and museums, quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities.

With a history that dates back thousands of years back, Poland is a history buffs dream come true. On one hand you will find castles and museums and World War II memorabilia and on the other you have the modern cosmopolitan city of Warsaw teeming with the finest restaurants, bars and night clubs.  If you’re looking at a summer holiday, then Poland truly has something for everyone.  

Here’s a look at what a holiday in Switzerland and Poland brings…

Switzerland

Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, is often mistaken to be its capital. However, the city of Bern holds that title. Zurich has plenty to see and do starting with the Old Town where you can stroll down the pedestrian promenade Niederdorf with its row of shops, cafes and bars. Cultural travellers can visit Schweizerisches Landesmuseum or the Swiss National Museum, which houses collections from prehistory through the 20th century, the 13th century Fraumünster church and Museum Rietberg with its collection of non-European art. Also enjoy some time at the world-renowned shopping boulevard Bahnhofstrasse and at the riverside shopping street Limmatquai.

Geneva
On Lake Geneva’s western shore, the city of Geneva is ensconced by snowcapped Alpine peaks from all directions. Geneva is best explored on foot but if you’re in the mood to burn some extra calories, rent a bicycle and make your way to the city’s famous landmarks. These include the iconic Jet d'Eau, a large waterjet fountain shooting up to the skies, L'horloge Fleurie, a flower clock spanning 5 metres in diameter, the historic Cathédrale St-Pierre and the 19th century Grand Théâtre de Genève. Geneva is also where several international organisations are headquartered like the United Nations, the International Labour Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Lucerne
The most populated city in Central Switzerland, Lucerne lies on the shores of Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. The town’s landmark is the famous Chapel Bridge, constructed in first half of the 14th century and one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges. Other monuments that warrant a visit in Lucerne are the octagonal shaped Water Tower standing over 34 metres high and the Dying Lion Monument, which is carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Other historical attractions in Lucerne are Spreuer Bridge, Musegg Wall, Town Hall and Ritterscher Palace.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Swiss Air, Air India, Jet Airways Emirates operate flights from India to Zurich. Check for available flights from your city here.

Poland

Warsaw

A city that lights up so magically in the night was once close to being obliterated. Warsaw’s unfortunate devastation during WWII was tragic enough, but its phoenix-like recovery into one of the most fascinating tourism cities in Poland has been a feat nothing short of miraculous. The Old Town quarter has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and a number of memorials and museums tell the heart-rending tale of its occupation during World War II. Visitors would be interested to know that Warsaw – once noted as the ‘Paris of the North’ – was home to the noted Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin.

Krakow

The former capital of Poland has a rags-to-riches story not unlike the current capital, Warsaw. Krakow’s evolution from a seventh-century village to the cultural, academic and artistic centre point of the country is the stuff of legend. Its occupation and the opening of a concentration camp for the Jewish holocaust is quite well-documented, inspiring the classic Schindler’s List. Located beside the Vistula River, Krakow is also noted for its Old Town neighbourhood, reputed to be the best Old Town in Poland.

How to Get There

Warsaw and Krakow may not be too popular with Indian tourists yet, but that is all the more reason for you to go there – because you’re guaranteed a ticket no matter how late you book your passage. Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Air India, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines fly here. Choose your departing city and book your ticket here.    

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

It’s an impossible task to pick one over the other! A holiday in both Switzerland and Poland are highly recommended. They both have a lot to offer but your decision comes down to what you’d like to get out of your holiday. Whats your pick?