World Heritage Experience Switzerland

Enchanting cityscapes, unique landscapes, historic legacies and hidden treasures – UNESCO World Heritage Site are characterised by the interplay of two creative forces: nature and culture. There are currently four natural and nine cultural assets. As much as each site is unique, they all have one thing in common: the universal value shared with the global community.

For over 10 years, the society World Heritage Experience Switzerland (WHES) has been addressing its members’ concerns relating to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Switzerland. It is a driving force for more profound and responsible tourism, based on respect and appreciation. To this end, creating added value is key: for visitors in the form of sustainable experiences and for the world heritage sites with regard to preservation and appreciation, including by future generations.

What initially began mainly in the tourism sector has been expanded over recent years to include communication and management. With this in mind, a holistic view of world heritage is the aim. True to the motto “You only protect what you know”.

An overview of the 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Old city of Bern
• Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair
• Abbey of St. Gall
• Three castles, defensive wall and ramparts of the market town of Bellinzona
• Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
• Monte San Giorgio
• Vineyard terraces of Lavaux
• Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona
• Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes
• La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle, watchmaking town planning
• Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps
• The architectural work of Le Corbusier
• Ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe

Excursion ideas, hiking suggestions and background information: www.ourheritage.ch