Exploring Switzerland in 4 languages

Much is written about Switzerland's four official languages -- French, Swiss German, Romansh and Italian -- but few American travelers know who speaks what where. It's no wonder, since three of the country's 26 cantons are officially bilingual (one is trilingual). Trying to book a budget hotel on the phone can sometimes require the language savvy of a senior UN official, but in person you'll find that some level of English is spoken in even the most remote mountaintop corners. The following is an introduction to the wee Alpine country's four linguistic regions, each with two suggested hotels (one budget, one luxury), a restaurant and an attraction.

Grüezi and welcome to the 19 cantons that make up the Swiss-German speaking side of der Schweiz. If you could visit only one linguistic region, the Swiss-German- speaking side should be it. It is the Alpine Switzerland of postcards and home to the country's biggest city, Zurich, and capital, Bern -- not to mention tried-and-true destinations like Lucerne, Interlaken and Basel. Appenzell's barn-studded rolling hills, and proliferation of cows and dairy farms are reminiscent of Vermont. It remains an underrated destination favored by Swiss travelers and home to the 8,205-foot high Säntis Mountain, which offers views of six countries on clear days.

Bonjour! The French-speaking part of Switzerland (also called the Romandie) encompasses more than 40 4,000-meter peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn. It's renowned for skiing, hiking and outdoor sports, as well as excellent wine and food (fondue originated here). The Romandie also is the home of the Swiss Riviera, gloriously stretching along castle-lined Lac Léman from Geneva to Montreux, including businessy Vevey and cool, arty Lausanne. Neuchâtel and Verbier also are well-known Francophone destinations.

Buongiorno! Ticino is Switzerland's Italian-speaking canton -- the southernmost and least known to American visitors. Its rustic, rocky landscape is dotted with lakes, rivers, vineyards and picturesque stone churches where the food and people become noticeably Italian. Expect hand gestures, gelaterias and old women sweeping streets. Ticino's biggest city, Bellinzona, is home to three UNESCO-inscribed castles, while its other two major cities, Lugano and Locarno, are known for their lakes and festivals (jazz and film, respectively).

Allegra! Graubünden is Switzerland's largest and most illustrious canton, home to chic St. Moritz, stately Davos (host to the annual World Economic Forum), and privileged Klosters (where British royals have skied). Romansh is spoken here, but only in pockets. Graubünden also is home to the 149-year-old Rhätische Railway, which courses over 196 stone bridges and through 55 tunnels. If that weren't enough, it's also home to Switzerland's first and biggest Swiss National Park (nationalpark.ch) in the lower Engadine Valley, where Romansh is widely spoken.