Switzerland

Landscape

Switzerland is landlocked and commonly divided into the Alps, the central Plateau and the Jura. High mountains dominate the south, while the Plateau contains many farms, cities and lakes. The Jura forms a lower mountain region toward the northwest.

Alpine valleys and glaciers contrast with large lakes such as Lake Geneva. Several major European rivers have headwaters in or near the Swiss Alps. Mountain passes and valleys have therefore long influenced both water flow and human movement.

Climate & seasons

Altitude strongly shapes the climate. The Alpine peaks are much colder than the central plateau and lower valleys, with substantial differences in rainfall and snowfall.

Altitude & water

Elevation creates strong differences in temperature and vegetation. Snow and ice store water that later reaches rivers and lakes. Forests, alpine grasslands and densely used lowlands form distinct but connected environments.