Euro 2008 in Switzerland
The UEFA European Football Championship will take place in Austria and Switzerland, from 7 to 29 June 2008. The opening match of 'Euro 2008' takes place on June 7th in Basel (Switzerland), when co-host Switzerland meets the Czech Republic. Then the tournament continues until June 29th, the day of the final in Vienna (Austria).
There are four cities in Switzerland which will host matches and other festive football events: Geneva, Bern, Basel and Zurich. They can all be easily reached with the special InterRail Austria Switzerland Pass. Below you can find characteristics of the Swiss host cities. See also the details of the Austrian cities.
Berne
Stadium: Stade de Suisse Wankdorf. In use since 2005. Capacity: 31.000
This modern football stadium is walkable from Berne station and has perfect connections to the public transportation network. Bern looks forward to three exciting matches in the Stade de Suisse: 9th June, 2008: Netherlands – Italy, 13th June, 2008: Netherlands – France and 17th June, 2008: Netherlands – Romania. The fan zone in the old city offers the possibility to relax, discuss and party. On the Bundesplatz (Federal Square) and the Waisenhausplatz there will be big screens showing all EURO 2008 games. The idyllic located fancamp08.ch is only a few minutes away from the Host City of Berne. A shuttle bus brings you for free to the nearby S-train station.
Berne Euro 2008 website
Visiting Berne
With its wonderful position directly on the Aare, and a beautiful old city, Berne is a beloved location for tourists and locals alike. Switzerland’s capital was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. The city is compelling because of its cosmopolitan charm. Some of the main attractions are the Zentrum Paul Klee, the Einstein exhibition, the Einstein House and 6 kilometres of arcades. Berne is also the ideal starting point for excursions, for example into the Bernese Oberland, the Emmental or the three-lake region.
Bern Tourism website
Basel
Stadium: St. Jakob-Park.
In use since 2001. Capacity: 42.500.
The national teams of Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey will be playing their group matches in Basel. The opening match, two further group matches, two quarter final matches and one of the two half final matches will take place in the St. Jakob-Park. There is a Fan Boulevard between the German main railway station Badischer Bahnhof and the Swiss main railway station Bahnhof SBB. In the two official UEFA Fan Zones (at the banks of the River Rhine in Kleinbasel and at Münsterplatz) the matches can be viewed live on giant screens.
Basel Euro 2008 website
Visiting Basel
Basel is known as the cultural capital of Switzerland. The city offers a wealth of cultural, historical, leisure and enjoyment experiences. The Old Town with the town hall, market place and cathedral is one of the best maintained and finest in Europe. There is also a lively modern art and cultural scene. Basel, also well-known for its university, lies in the heart of Europe, on both banks of the Rhine. The city is situated between the Swiss Jura, Germany’s Black Forest and the Vosges in Alsace. Basel is an important transport hub, and offers outstanding transport connections to the whole of Europe from its three train stations.
Basel Tourism website
Zurich
Stadium: Letzigrund Stadion.
In use since: 2007. Capacity: 30.000.
The national football teams from Italy, Romania and France will be competing at Letzigrund Stadium for a place in the next round. Giant screens in the fan zones, in bars and clubs mean you will not miss a thing of the soccer action. The official public viewing sites of the City of Zürich and UEFA will be located on the shores of Lake Zürich and along the banks of the River Limmat. Numerous other sites in the city and within the Zürich region invite you to take part in big and small soccer festivities.
Zurich Euro 2008 website
Visiting Zurich
Located on the shores of Lake Zürich and with views of the snow-capped peaks beyond, Zurich can offer a truly unique blend of high culture and adventure: home to more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries. Recommended are the panoramic views from the former Roman customs station Lindenhof in the Old Town. Shopaholics should head for the famous shopping street Bahnhofstrasse, where you can find international fashion labels, watches and jewelry. Zürich is also known for its pulsating nightlife, with the highest club density of Switzerland. Zürich is a perfect gateway to the Alps: it's only a 3-hour journey to the snow and eternal ice on Matterhorn, Titlis, Säntis or Jungfraujoch.
Zurich Tourism website
Geneva
Stadium: Stade de Genève.
In use since 2003. Capacity: 30.000.
The multifunctional Stade de Geneve was officially opened in 2003. It has a capacity of 30,000 seats and it is the home ground for Servette FC, one of Switzerland’s football teams. Stade de Geneve will host three group matches of Group A during the EURO 2008 Championship. It hosts the matches Portugal-Turkey (June 7th), Czech Republic - Portugal (June 11th) and Turkey - Czech Republic (June 15th). There is a massive fan zone planned for the centre of the city and a second one just outside.
Geneva Euro 2008 website
Visiting Geneva
The city of Geneva lies in the south-west of Switzerland between the Alps and the Jura, on the French border. Geneva is wonderfully situated at the edge of the largest lake in Europe, and at the confluence of two major rivers. The cosmopolitan Geneva - home to the UN and the International Red Cross- is known as the “capital of peace”. Culturally, this city on the westernmost fringe of Switzerland has much to offer. Enjoy an opera at Geneva's Grand Théâtre opera house or explore the large Art and History Museum. You can also take a tour of the United Nations or visit the International Red Cross Museum. There is no shortage of shopping centres in Geneva. The city is know in particular for its watches, chocolates, cigars and jewelry.
Geneva Tourism website
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