Geneva

Background

Geneva lies in southwestern Switzerland, where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva, and is the capital of the canton of Geneva; here the Rhône is joined by the Arve. The Jet d'Eau, the Reformation Wall, St. Pierre Cathedral and the Palais des Nations are its signature sights. Many United Nations agencies and the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross are based here, which is why Geneva is often called the "Peace Capital". From 1541 Calvin became the city's spiritual leader, and Geneva came to be known as the "Protestant Rome". On 19 May 1815 Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation. The Geneva Conventions on humanitarian treatment in war were signed here, and after the First World War the League of Nations was also based in Geneva.

Local customs

• See the Jet d'Eau from the lakeside
• walk up through the old town to St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall
• visit the international district around the Palais des Nations
• take a lake cruise
• at the confluence of the Rhône and the Arve, watch the two differently coloured rivers meet.

Travel tips

• City transport fares are as shown officially
• guests staying in approved accommodation in Geneva receive a free Geneva Transport Card, giving unlimited travel on the canton's buses, trains and lake shuttle boats during the stay, as explained by your accommodation and Geneva Tourism.
• Geneva airport has direct trains to the city centre
• trams and buses are well developed, and lake boats connect the two shores. In summer you can swim at the lakeside public baths, nearby ski resorts are easy to reach in winter, and spring and autumn are mild.