Old Map of Switzerland by Visscher, 1690: Bern, Zürich, Geneva, Laussane, Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Park

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Switzerland with this stunning map, crafted in 1690 by the renowned cartographer Nicolaes Visscher II. This map, known as 'Exactissima Helvetiae, Rhaetiae, Valesiae caeterorumque Confoederatorum ut et finitimorum populorum regionum tabula', is a detailed depiction of Switzerland and its surrounding regions during a time of significant political and cultural evolution.

Translated into English, the map's title means 'The most exact map of Switzerland, Rhaetia, Wallis and other Confederates, as well as neighboring peoples and regions'. This map not only represents the geographical layout of the region, but also reflects the political divisions and alliances of the era. This makes it a fascinating piece for anyone interested in the intricate history of European politics and geography.

The map prominently features the cities of Bern, Zürich, Geneva, and Laussane, each a historical and cultural hub in its own right. Bern, the de facto capital, is known for its preserved medieval architecture. Zürich, the largest city, is the economic powerhouse of the country. Geneva, situated near the French border, is renowned for its diplomatic and international significance. Laussane, the Olympic Capital, is located on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Additionally, the map highlights the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Park, a notable natural landmark of Switzerland. Known for its picturesque landscapes and biodiversity, the park represents the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This map, with its meticulous details and historical significance, is a captivating piece that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Switzerland

• Bern: The de facto capital of Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval cityscape. Historically known as Berne.
• Zürich: The largest city in Switzerland, and the economic powerhouse of the country.
• Geneva: Situated near the French border, it's known for its diplomatic and international significance.
• Lausanne: Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, it's known as the Olympic Capital.
• Basel: A city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country's borders with France and Germany.
• Lucerne: Known for its preserved medieval architecture, it sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne.
• Winterthur: An important service and high-tech industrial satellite within Greater Zürich.
• St. Gallen: The largest town in eastern Switzerland, known for its Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Lugano: A city in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region.
• Biel/Bienne: Known as the watch metropolis, it's the heart of Swiss precision manufacturing.

Rhaetia

• Chur: The oldest town in Switzerland, known for its historic Old Town.
• Davos: A high-altitude resort town in the Swiss Alps, known for its ski slopes and hiking trails.

Wallis

• Sion: One of the most important pre-historic sites in Europe, it houses numerous historical buildings.
• Brig-Glis: Known for the Stockalper Palace, one of the most important baroque castles in Switzerland.

Confederates and Neighboring Regions

• Konstanz: A German city on the Swiss border, known for the University of Konstanz.
• Mulhouse: A city in eastern France, known for its car and railway museums.
• Besançon: A city in eastern France, known for its Roman ruins and the Citadel of Besançon.
• Dijon: A city in eastern France, known for its mustard and Burgundy wine.
• Lyon: A city in east-central France, known for its historical and architectural landmarks.
• Turin: A city in northern Italy, known for its refined architecture and cuisine.
• Milan: A city in northern Italy, known for its high-end restaurants and shops.
• Genoa: A port city in northern Italy, known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries.
• Nice: A city in southern France, known for its Mediterranean beaches.
• Marseille: A port city in southern France, known for its diverse culture and cuisine.
• Toulouse: A city in southern France, known for its Romanesque buildings.
• Bordeaux: A port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France, known for its wine.

Notable natural attractions:

• Lake Geneva: One of the largest lakes in Western Europe, shared by Switzerland and France.
• Lake Zürich: A lake in Switzerland, extending southeast of the city of Zürich.
• Rhine Falls: The largest waterfall in Europe, located near the town of Schaffhausen.
• Aletsch Glacier: The largest glacier in the Alps, located in the eastern Bernese Alps in the Swiss canton of Valais.
• Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Park: Known for its picturesque landscapes and biodiversity.

Historical events between 1600 and 1690:

• Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): A series of wars in Central Europe, one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in human history.
• The Peace of Westphalia (1648): A series of peace treaties signed in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster, ending the Thirty Years' War.
• The Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678): A conflict between France and a quadruple alliance of Brandenburg-Prussia, the Dutch Republic, Spain, and Sweden.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities 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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

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

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

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

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

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

Almost all of my maps 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.