First ascent
1 August 1855

Origin of name
Until the 1940s, the peak was also commonly called the Gornerhorn or Höchste Spitze. Once again, it was the Austrian general and topographer Ludwig von Welden who named the summit. Thanks to the accomplishments of General Dufour in the field of cartography, the Federal Council decided in 1863, on the request of leading mountaineers and members of the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club), to rename the mountain Dufourspitze.

First ascent 
11 September 1858

The third-highest peak in the Alps 
The Dom is a massive and impressive mountain in the central axis of the Mischabel group, located between the Täschhorn and the Lenzspitze. It is the highest mountain entirely on Swiss territory. After Mont Blanc and the Monte Rosa (Dufourspitze, Nordend, Zumstein and Signalkuppe), the Dom is the third-highest summit in the Alps. It can also be climbed on skis: the first such ascent was on 18 July 1917 by the British skier Sir Arnold Lunn, together with the mountain guide Joseph Knubel, the first person to climb the north-east face of the Eiger.

Origin of name
The mountain is said to have been named in honour of the Domherr (“canon”) of Sion, Joseph Anton Berchtold, the first person to survey the Mischabel group in 1833.

First ascent 
19 August 1861

Origin of name
Until the 1940s, the Liskamm still bore names such as Monte Rosa, Monte Rosa summit, small Monte Rosa and Rosenhorn. Another name that the mountain still carries today is “Silberbast”. “Silber” means “silver”, and “Bast” designates the wooden pack-saddle that pack-mules carried when transporting goods. This saddle has raised parts at the front and back, rather like the Liskamm with its two summits. This name derives from the imagination of Canon Berchtold and was readily adopted by the Zermatt guides. Nevertheless, the name “Liskamm” suggested by Freiherr (Baron) Ludwig von Welden became established. The Lys is a river, 40 km long, which rises from the Italian side of the glacial arms of the Liskamm.

Swiss folk art is kept alive all over the country, mostly through music, dance, poetry, woodcarving and embroidery. There are also many regional and local rites demarcating particular times of the year. Yodeling, despite being typically Swiss, is not widespread and is limited to only certain mountain areas. Similarly, the accordion is referred to as Schwiizerörgeli, or “Schwyzerörgeli”, implying that it is a Swiss musical instrument, rather than the German Handorgel. The violin, bass violin, clarinet and, in certain regions, the dulcimer or Trümpi (Jew’s harp), are very common. For centuries, Alpine folk music was passed orally from generation to generation. The oldest known Kuhreihen (rounds) are from Appenzell and were recorded in 1545. The Alphorn, also typically Swiss, was originally a musical and signaling instrument used by herdsmen, and also yodeling choirs that have been formed since the 19th century. In general, Switzerland has an extensive amateur music scene, and in virtually every village there is at least one choir or a brass band. This is a striking feature of the Apline culture. Let’s take another look at the alphorn. The alphorn, or the alpenhorn, is a trumpet-like musical instrument made of wood. The alphorn is very popular in mountainous regions, and like yodeling or the accordion, it has become an emblem of traditional Swiss music. The accordion is sometimes linked to Serbian national music, tango, Brazilian southern sertanejo music, and Texan country music. However, based on results of extensive scientific research, it came from the German-speaking Alpine region of Europe, which includes Switzerland. So, the nameSchwiizerörgeli might not be that erroneous after all. Say it to Šumadinians. It seems that, in some ways,  the Alps really are the centre of the world, as they influenced us in more ways than we would like to believe.

Swiss neighbourhoods are compact and planned around local services and infrastructure. They are generally safe, clean, and orderly places, where failure to stick to ‘the rules' may be commented on. 

As a newcomer, you are expected to make the first move and invite your neighbours over to introduce yourself. An introduction over a glass of wine and snacks is sufficient. The Swiss are reserved and generally limit their invitations to trusted circles. This is a sign of respect for your privacy and not intended to cause offence. They are usually delighted to be invited as a way of getting to know you better. Don't expect barriers to break down immediately: this will take time. Once you do get to know the Swiss better, there is great potential for lifelong friendship.  

Swiss people over the age of 30 generally greet each other by shaking hands on introduction, using family rather than first names, and addressing each other using the formal word for 'you' ('vous' in French or 'Sie' in German). Neighbours are greeted by name and a polite 'bonjour' / 'guten Tag' during the day or 'bonsoir' / 'guten Abend' in the evening. This courtesy is returned and greatly contributes to your being gradually accepted. When entering an establishment a greeting is expected, as is a goodbye or 'au revoir'/ 'auf Wiedersehen', on leaving.  

Only start using the familiar form of 'you' ('tu' in French and 'du' in German) form once invited to do so by the person you are speaking to. When a Swiss colleague feels ready for a friendly relationship on a first name basis along with use of the familiar 'tu'/ 'du' form of 'you', you may be invited to partake in a special 'tutoyer/ dutzen' ritual, usually over a drink. After this, the use of first names and a dependable relationship will always be expected. Younger Swiss practise this less. 

Nestled between enormous rock faces and towering mountain peaks, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is considered the best impressive glacial valley in the Alps. While it is barely one kilometer wide, it is over 3 kilometers deep with its distinctive U-shaped cliffs and wide flat valley bottom. Lauterbrunnen Valley is home to 72 thundering waterfalls, including the popular Staubbach Falls, which is the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe plunging to almost 300 meters from an overhanging mountain. Visitors staying in the charming mountain inns within Lauterbrunnen can take in the peaceful, secluded valleys and the colorful alpine meadows in the largest nature conservation area in all of Switzerland.

Perhaps the notorious mountain in Europe, Eiger undoubtedly overshadows its taller neighbors of Monch and Jungfrau for its impressively severe North Face. As the ultimate challenge for the greatest mountain climbers from all over the world, the Eiger is more technical than the Matterhorn and considered the best Oberland ridge to climb. While many of the most advanced climbers have tried to reach the 3,970 meter summit, only a handful have reached the goal and many have lost their lives. As a result, the North Face has become known as the Mordwand, or Death Wall.

The concept of the Ländler band dates back to around 1880, and from 1900 it only applied in respect to the playing of the clarinet (saxophone), Schwyzerörgeli (accordion), and the plucked bass. A further standardisation took place in the 1960s – with the unifying of the instrumentation and the distinction between the regional styles. Today there are seven recognised styles. The most important are the:

The Graubünden style, which is not only limited to the canton of Graubünden, is noted for its use of the Ländler quintet (two clarinets, two Schwyzerörgeli and the double bass) as a feature. The two clarinets (in B, more often in A), produce the melody while the other instruments provide the harmonic and rhythmic accompaniment.

Typical of the Central Swiss Ländler style is the fast pace and the piano accompaniment with the melody not only being produced by the clarinet - often the somewhat garish clarinet in C, but by the chromatic accordion.

Appenzell music today is still largely based on the music of the 19th century. Stringed instruments are very much in evidence in this type of folk music. The original Appenzell string music consists of two violins, dulcimer, cello and double bass, and should not really be described as Ländler music.

Swiss traditional clothing is versatile and varies from canton to canton, either differing slightly or greatly. The national costume of the nation actually refers to the dresses worn traditionally by the peasants as they wore clothes specific to the region’s environs. The Swiss aristocracy, however, wore costumes that did not differ significantly with that worn by the nobility of neighboring nations. The traditional costume for Swiss men has been quite simple and ordinary in most parts of the country. Leather shorts are favored by men living in the mountainous regions as it eases movements while hiking, climbing, hunting, etc. Men in the lowland areas wear shirts with long-sleeved jackets, breeches or trousers with stockings or woolen tights, and a headgear. Traditional costume for Swiss women is very feminine with colorful dresses having puffed sleeves. The look is complemented by elaborate headgears, laced aprons, bonnets, and embroidered bags. Another style involves a corset with a full-length skirt and an apron. Vibrant and fashionable jewelery accompany such dresses.

Switzerland is one of the richest nations in the world with most of the citizens enjoying a high standard of living in the country. There is a large affluent middle class in the country. However, 80% of the private assets are owned by only 20% of the country’s richest people. Traditionally, the Swiss society has been a patriarchal one whereby the roles of men and women were clearly defined. However, modern times have witnessed such distinctions gradually disappearing. Marriages are presently based on the joint consent of the bride and groom and co-inhabitation prior to marriage is common. Divorces and re-marriages are also frequent in Swiss society. Female education and empowerment are still not at par with that of men but the situation is gradually improving. Although traditional Swiss households were large, modern households are nuclear in nature. Respect for the privacy of an individual and a polite behavior during social interactions are expected in Swiss society.

The federal state of Switzerland has no state religion. The majority of the population of the country are Christians. However, adherence to churches has steadily declined over the years. Most cantons of the country, however, recognize the Catholic Church or the Swiss Reformed Church. As of 2015, about 68% of the country’s population are Christians, 23.9% are non-religious, and 5.0% Muslims, and the rest are adherents of other religions.

Holidays and celebrations differ in the Swiss cantons. Christian holidays and festivals are celebrated with great pomp and glory in the nation. The National Day, a secular holiday that is celebrated countrywide is observed on August 1.

Participation in sports activities is an integral part of the lifestyle of most Swiss people. Ice hockey and football are the most popular sports played in the country. Switzerland has hosted several major international sports events like the Winter Olympic Games of 1928 and 1948 and the 1954 FIFA World Cup. The winter sports facilities in the country attract professionals and tourists worldwide. Alpine skiing, competitive sledding, ski jumping, curling are some popular sports activities offered in Switzerland. Mountaineers worldwide also visit Switzerland to participate in mountain climbing activities. The country has 12 ice hockey teams comprising the National League and as of 2017, has hosted the Ice Hockey World Championships ten times. The national football team of Switzerland has a history of participation in seven FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships. The country serves as the FIBA headquarters and has a long tradition of participation in basketball games. Rugby is another popular sport played in Switzerland. Swiss tennis players like Martina Hingis and Roger Federer are well-known for their great achievements in the game. Race-driving, cycling, golf, sailing are other popular sports played by the Swiss people. Among the traditional sports of Switzerland are the Steinstossen (competition of stone throwing), Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), and Hornussen (influenced by both golf and baseball).

Water