Switzerland may be neutral but it's far from flavourless. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes have enough zing to invigorate the most jaded traveller. Goethe summed up Switzerland succinctly as a combination of 'the colossal and the well-ordered'. You can be sure that your trains and letters will be on time. The tidy, just-so precision of Swiss towns is tempered by the lofty splendour of the landscapes that surround them.

In this compact yet geologically diverse nation, mere miles separate the glaciers and Alpine meadows of Switzerland from her sparkling lakes and swaying palm trees. The Swiss Travel System - an impressive network of trains, boats, and buses - is what connects the dots. In fact, this first-rate transportation resource is an apt symbol of the country's vaunted friendliness, efficiency, and intelligence. Regardless of the season, there's always something new to travel to see in Switzerland. Annual spring events include Snow & Symphony in St. Moritz, set against a backdrop of still-white Alps. Every April, Zurich's traditional Sechselaeuten is held: Guild members parade through the streets in historical costumes, eager to torch Boegg, an effigy that represents winter. July marks the yearly Montreux Jazz Festival, which today hosts blues, rock, world music, and soul performances as well as classical jazz sets. Hear more beautiful sounds in beautiful surroundings during the annual Music Summer in Gstaad and at Lucerne's International Music Festival. Basel's

Autumn Fair, a celebration dating back to 1471, declares the arrival of the colourful season. The Lugano Wine Festival features parades of flower-bedecked floats and tasty cuisine. Come November, Bern's annual Onion Market engulfs the city in foods fragrant from the bulb while jesters dressed as onions add a welcome note of silliness. Winter revelry surrounds Ash Wednesday, at carnivals in Lucerne and Basel, alive with parades, masked balls and other high-spirited celebrations.

With more than 2,000 miles of biking paths, Switzerland is a haven for bicyclists of all levels. But you needn't bring your bike to travel on two wheels: Many Swiss train stations are stocked with current models available for rent. The price includes insurance, and a Swiss Travel System ticket entitles you to a special rate. Designed for convenience and to help you get rolling, many trains feature special compartments to transport bikes. Rented bikes can be stashed for free and there's a minimal charge to carry ones that are not property of the Swiss Travel System. Many visitors travel to Switzerland intending to ski the world-famous peaks (at altitudes above 3,000 feet, there's perennial snow cover) and one can rent the latest gear, ranging from skis to snowboards.

Don't miss out on their traditional food. Most of the world left fondue back in the 70s, but in Switzerland it's always in style. The classic fondue is bread dunked in Emmental and Gruyere cheeses mixed with white wine, potato flour and a dash of nutmeg - consumed, of course, on shag-pile carpet.