Rare Old Map of Switzerland, 1967: The Alps, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Lake Geneva

Switzerland, a country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity, takes center stage in this meticulously crafted map, originally published in 1967 by the Polish Army Topography Service. This detailed political and physical map presents a comprehensive overview of Switzerland's geographical features, political boundaries, and significant landmarks, making it an invaluable resource for cartography enthusiasts, historians, and travelers alike.

The map's intricate detailing captures the essence of Switzerland's diverse landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Alps to the serene waters of its lakes and rivers. Major cities, including Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, are prominently marked, along with smaller towns and villages nestled amidst the picturesque countryside. Political boundaries are clearly delineated, showcasing Switzerland's cantons and their respective territories.

Beyond its geographical accuracy, this map also serves as a testament to the skill and artistry of the Polish Army Topography Service. The use of vibrant colors and intricate symbols adds depth and visual interest to the map, transforming it into a work of art. The careful attention to detail extends to the inclusion of mountain ranges, forests, and other natural features, providing a comprehensive understanding of Switzerland's varied terrain.

This map not only serves as a valuable tool for navigation and geographical reference, but also offers a glimpse into Switzerland's rich history and cultural heritage. The inclusion of historical landmarks, such as castles and monasteries, invites exploration and encourages a deeper appreciation of the country's past. Furthermore, the map's portrayal of Switzerland's transportation networks, including roads, railways, and airports, highlights the country's interconnectedness and accessibility.

As an interesting country map, this 1967 edition of Switzerland stands out for its meticulous attention to detail, artistic flair, and historical significance. It is a testament to the expertise of the Polish Army Topography Service and a valuable addition to any collection of antique maps.

Towns and Cities

• Zürich (population: 422,000)
• Geneva (population: 203,000)
• Basel (population: 178,000)
• Bern (population: 164,000)
• Lausanne (population: 137,000)
• Winterthur (population: 112,000)
• St. Gallen (population: 76,000)
• Lucerne (population: 76,000)
• Biel/Bienne (population: 55,000)
• Thun (population: 44,000)
• Fribourg (population: 39,000)
• Schaffhausen (population: 36,000)
• Chur (population: 34,000)
• Neuchâtel (population: 33,000)
• Sion (population: 32,000)
• Vernier (population: 32,000)
• Lancy (population: 30,000)
• Meyrin (population: 25,000)
• Nyon (population: 20,000)
• Uster (population: 20,000)
• Dübendorf (population: 20,000)
• Emmen (population: 20,000)
• Kriens (population: 20,000)
• Monthey (population: 20,000)
• Renens (population: 20,000)
• Yverdon-les-Bains (population: 20,000)
• Zug (population: 20,000)

National Parks

• Swiss National Park
• Parc Naziunal Svizzer (Swiss National Park)

Geographical Features and Natural Landmarks

• The Alps
• Lake Geneva
• Lake Constance
• Rhine River
• Aare River
• Reuss River
• Limmat River
• Doubs River
• Ticino River
• Matterhorn
• Jungfrau
• Mönch
• Eiger
• Mont Blanc
• Grand Combin
• Dent Blanche
• Weisshorn
• Dom
• Täschhorn
• Alphubel
• Allalinhorn
• Rimpfischhorn
• Strahlhorn
• Monte Rosa
• Dufourspitze
• Gornergrat
• Klein Matterhorn
• Weissmies
• Fletschhorn
• Lagginhorn
• Piz Bernina
• Piz Palü
• Piz Morteratsch
• Piz Kesch
• Piz Linard
• Flüela Pass
• Maloja Pass
• Bernina Pass
• Stelvio Pass
• Simplon Pass
• Great St. Bernard Pass
• Little St. Bernard Pass
• Col de la Forclaz
• Col des Montets
• Col du Pillon
• Grimsel Pass
• Susten Pass
• Furka Pass
• Oberalp Pass
• St. Gotthard Pass
• Lukmanier Pass
• San Bernardino Pass
• Splügen Pass
• Julier Pass
• Albula Pass

Historical Events that Occurred in the 20 Years Prior to the Original Publishing Date of this Map

• 1948: Switzerland joins the United Nations.
• 1959: The St. Gotthard Road Tunnel opens.
• 1964: The Swiss National Exhibition is held in Lausanne.
• 1965: The Swiss franc is devalued.
• 1966: The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is founded.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.