This week we bring you a different type of city of the week.

Usually, when we consider the “City of the week” we aren`t pressed into thinking of its life-span. “City of the week” and the concept of a “dying breed” rarely go hand in hand.

But what we give you this week is like no other “City of the week”. Like the rise and fall of the empires, the little town of Appenzell is sure to see layers and landslides of historical change. But the comet currently rising phoenix-like out of its celestial white quilts of snow is rather peculiar.

Well, “City of the week” is no place for beating around the bush. In essence, the reason that this whimsical little town has shot to fame, is because of its growth as a destination for nudist hiking.

Yes, that´s right. People hiking up the mountain, naked. The set: the picturesque rural canton in northeast Switzerland. The script: nothing but the whistle of the wind and your own sheening stream of consciousness. The costume: your bear fleshy skin braving the chilled air and the champion rays of sunlight.

Some say they like it because the equipment chafes. Others say that it`s about freedom. That you feel fully open and free taking in all the mountainous bloom and just being liberated from the chains of fabric in which we tie ourselves every day of our live-long lives.

But this curious attraction has become quite a pilgrimage around the world, to the point that the local government are planning to attempt to legislate against it over the next few months.

So, this freaky little attraction might well be on its way out. If it appeals you, you should definitely get organizing yourself a home exchange in Switzerland.

Oxford is not only of the the oldest cities in the UK, but it´s also perhaps the most uniquely beautiful. Known also as the City of the Dreaming Spires, it is easy to lose yourself in this musty little testament to the passing of England´s history. From its old broken cobbled floors, up to the magnifecent floating cusps of the enchanted colleges, Oxford is beyond doubt, a magical city. So where better to try your home exchange?

Whether you like history or not, you are bound to fall for its still charm, its buildings filled with history, (from the architecture to the ambience) and its quaint peculiarities.

If you go in the summer, you can start the day with a champagne breakfeast in Port Meadow, and enjoy the country walk punctuated with buttercups and dragonflies. Later, you can take a stroll down Cornmarket street, and see just how vibrant and alive these ancient streets become, with the festivals, dancing groups, singers, magic performers, and political demonstrators. For lunch, you simply have to go to the Rose Cafe. Located at the bottom of high street, just before Magdalen Bridge, this remarkably independent English cafe offers a selection of distictly original dishes, breakfast, lunch or snacks, plus a variety of special teas.

And let´s not forget the wonderfully Oxfordian punting experience afforded by the River Cherwell. Get yourself a bottle of Pimms, a picnic of strawberry jam and scones, and take yourself gliding, lazily, down the clear green river, with a book of Keates´s poetry filling your head with the aura of a British summer.

Later, there are the colleges to explore. Being one of the most exquisite and renowned universities in the UK, the architecture and backdrop of this wonderful university is immense. At Christchurch, we of course have the inspiration for Harry Potter and the blossoming fields; at Magdalen we have the sacred spotted deer, and of course the old room of Oscar Wilde, or perhaps you would like to pay a visit to the most prestigious of all, adjacent to the Radcliffe Camera, the most elite and private society for this world´s true geniuses, All Souls college at its height and brilliance.

For evening entertainment there are a varierty of theatres, of outdoor performances, of cocktail bars, restaurants, or concerts. This town is packed with culture, from the very rustic to the youngest blood on the scene, and everything is to be enjoyed against the backdrop of the vintage buldings.