A Visit to Swissminiatur in Melide

William Tell Monument, Altdorf (UR) - at Swissminatur

Last weekend, I spent a few days in Milano. It's a city worth seeing and as it is only a 3 1/2 hour drive from Zurich almost a must do for every expat in Switzerland. You can take a train to Milano as well which might save you the hassle of being stuck in traffic jam near the Gotthard tunnel. However, driving with your own car give you the options to see some sights along the scenic highway A2 that goes through Switzerland's Italian speaking part, the canton of Ticino.

Swissminiatur - a Ticino Attraction

One of the most popular attractions in the Ticino area is the Swissminiatur. As it's name already says, it is a miniature Switzerland. Over 100 miniature versions of famous Swiss buildings, institutions and installations have been built for this park.

Titlis Rotair, Engelberg (OW)

A path leads through the park and the Swissminiatur guide book explains what each miniature is and where the building is located in reality. The miniatures are beautifully made and combined with moving elements such as boats, cable cars, trains and cars. Sound effects add to the experience. There are also typical farm houses of almost every canton of Switzerland on view in the park in addition to the famous buildings.

Some of the well known buildings include:

ICRC headquarters in Geneva
Federal Parliament in Berne
Zurich airport
Basle cathedral
Chateau de Chillon in Montreux
Grossmünster in Zurich
Grindelwald cable car
Mövenpick motorway services in Würenlos

Chateau de Chillon, Montreux (VD)

Information for your visit

Swiss Miniature opens daily from March to October, from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission fees are 19 CHF for adults and 12 for children under the age of 16. It is located right off highway A2 near the picturesque town of Melide. There are also family cards and grandparent cards available. For more information consult the Swissminiatur website.

Estavayer castle, Estavayer (VD)

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