5 Interesting Facts about Geneva
In beautiful Geneva, you will find most of the things characteristic of Switzerland - picturesque landscapes and stunning nature, delicious cheeses and chocolate, and quality wines. But Geneva is so much more. It is the most international city in Europe, with 40% of the population coming from outside Switzerland.
If you are interested in Geneva and are considering visiting, here are some interesting facts about it that you probably never knew.
The first Swiss wristwatch was made in Geneva
Swiss watches are synonymous with precision, exquisite craftsmanship, elegance, and luxury. So it only makes sense that the first one was made for a special lady.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made the first Swiss wristwatch. It was a ladies' watch commissioned by Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. This brings us to another fun fact: it seems that women wore wristwatches long before men.
Two unusual rivers meet in Geneva
Two rivers different in color, origin, speed, and behavior meet right in Geneva before passing through southeastern France. It is a river that springs from the Rhône Glacier in the Swiss Alps and meets the Arve River in Geneva, creating a truly unique and beautiful natural phenomenon.
You can travel around the city for free
Geneva digital transport card allows you to use public transport for free during your stay in this city. It is valid for yellow and red bus boats, buses, trams, and trains.
You can also purchase a Geneva City Pass, which, in addition to transportation, includes free or discounted access to over 50 city attractions: museums, cable car tours, walking tours, lake cruises, bus tours, and more. Cards are available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Lake Geneva spreads across two countries
This beautiful lake is 60% located in Switzerland, and 40% belongs to France. You can cross from Switzerland to France by ferry in 30 minutes. Important historical figures lived on this lake, and it is also home to one of the largest fountains in the world, the 47-metre-high Jet d'Eau.
This unusual fountain throws out 500 liters of water per second at a height of 140 meters. It covers about 580 square kilometers and takes about three hours to drive around the entire lake.