The first SteemSTEM meetup is imminent to take place next week in and around Geneva, Switzerland with a particular focus on a trip to the CMS detector of the LHC particle accelerator below CERN. Although I won't join you for the detector visit, I will be there if nothing goes awry and am looking forward to it.
Since -luckily- I have been to CERN (particularly the ATLAS experiment) before but did not get a chance to see that much of Geneva, I would like to point out a few of the local attractions in and in proximity of the city which one might be inclined to visit outside the scientific program.
Let's start with some historic sights outside of Geneva itself in the Lac Léman/Lake Geneva region which is sometimes and not unjustifiedly referred to as the Swiss Riviera:
1. Châteaux de Chillon near Montreux
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva not far from Montreux, this scenic water castle is claimed to be the most visited historic monument in all of Switzerland and one of the most popular castles in Europe.
With its foundation dating back to before the year 1005, Chillon originally belonged to the Duchy of Savoy and served as a fortification to protect the strategic alpine passes from Burgundy to Italy.
Its good state of preservation and a multitude of temporary and permanent medieval exhibitions would make this one of the favourite destinations in my book.
Chillon Castle
2. Lausanne
Located on the northern side, Lausanne is the second largest city on the shores of the lake and posesses a historical heritage comparable to that of Geneva. Dating back to the Roman age, Lausanne probably experienced its historically most dynamic period in the halo of Reformation, serving as a refuge for French Huguenots and being among the earlier cities to assume predominantly Protestant faith in Europe.
Nowadays, Lausanne is also known as a epicentre of sport administration and legislation, hosting several institutions and councils of the International Olympic Committee. Needless to say that in particular winter sports are never far off in the Lake Geneva region.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Lausanne
Christian Mehlführer - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
3. Gruyères
If you wonder what an historic Swiss alpine town looks like, Gruyères is probably a good representative.
Lying in the scenic and lush pre-alpine hills which have already been settled in Celtic/pre-Roman times, Gruyères is known for its iconic and well preserved medieval architecture which is quite rare for rather small towns such as this - and an indicator for its historic wealth.
Again -if you prefer even higher altitudes- winter sports and climbing opportunities are not far from here any more.
If you are thus inclined, Gruyères is also the namesake of Gruyère Cheese that is widely regarded in French cuisine for quiche, fondue and sandwiches.
Alpine village of Gruyères
What are your inspirations for sightseeing in the region? Let me know what you think.
Have a nice day everyone and hopefully see you soon ;)