Zurich, Siwtzerland
Self-confident and prosperous, Zürich is the blueprint of Swiss perfection with its banking muscle, Alpine backdrop and love of good living. Blessed with pure air, the dazzling Lake Zürich and a walkable Altstadt district full of fine boutiques and restaurants, it's little wonder the locals look so pleased. But where is the urban edge? You need only delve into Dada at Cabaret Voltaire, enjoy a literary pint at the James Joyce Pub or buy a funky Freitag bag to realize that behind its super-slick facade, Zürich inspires and innovates. Contemporary Zürich might still be home to the world's fourth-biggest stock exchange and remain Switzerland's financial engine, but it's also (whisper it softly) surprisingly vibrant and trendy. Located on a picturesque river and lake whose water you can drink, easy to get around and a stranger to the hassled lifestyle that defines bigger cities, this affluent, fashion-conscious place enjoys the finest things in life. Zürich now hosts Europe's largest annual street party. Its former industrial quarter brims with nightlife venues catering to a youngish crowd, and this happening 'Züri-West' district has the same buzz as Berlin's Prenzlauerberg or Mitte. The infamous 'gnomes', as the British like to call Zürich's bankers, are still here, but sometimes they can astonish you by whizzing by on a Segway scooter.
The exacting order of the Swiss, with their passion for neatness and precision, may create an impression of rather a prim and staid society, but visitors will discover quite the opposite when exploring Zurich's nightlife. With more bars, clubs and restaurants than you can shake a stick at, as well as a calendar packed full of street parades and festivals, a holiday in Zurich can exhaust even the most energetic party animal. |
Swim across the lake from Mythenquai to Tiefenbrunnen without worrying about being run over by a boat. Plus you get a funky little swimming cap. Zürich, located by the Limmat River at the point where it emerges from the Zürichsee (Lake of Zürich), is a beautiful city with vistas of snowy mountains in the distance and a charming Altstadt (Old Town) made up primarily of medieval churches, guildhalls, and town houses. This rich banking center and bastion of Swiss-Germanism has actually become cool and found its voice with a vibrant restaurant, art and design scene that offers lively counterpoints to its fascinating history.
Handsome beaches, bohemian design and youthful chaos await outside the popular Old Town. Switzerland © swiss-image.ch While browsing in the elegant boutiques along Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most beautiful shopping areas in Europe, you'll notice that the streets may not be paved with gold, but you can be certain that a couple of metres below, unimaginable treasures are lying in underground vaults. Visitors can spend days exploring Zurich's cobbled streets, wandering through its museums, exploring its flea markets or walking away with free gifts from its chocolate factories. The quays, with their promenades, are made for walking, especially along the shores of the lake. Zurich also boasts an active café culture that's ideal for people-watching, and a lively, multi-ethnic population to rival any other major European city. |
City Tour
Discover the sights of Zurich aboard Trolley. Styled on those of yesteryear, but with all the comforts. See the business and financial center Bahnhofstrasse (Shopping), St Peter's Church, Opera House, China Garden, National Museum, Patriarchal Guild Houses, Limmatguai and Old Town, Fraumunster Church with its famous Chagall windows, historical Limmatquai, the University district, residential areas, beautiful hillside villas on the Zurichberg, as well as recreation areas and views of the Alps from Zurich's vantage point on the lake. Indulge yourself at Sprüngli (Chocolate Outlet). Ride the UBS Polybahn (funicular railway). |
For the kids
Kids love chocolate, Zurich has plenty. Like the Zoo Zurich & Masoala Rainforest, Zoological Museum has microscope tables, furry games and video projections but also the giant giraffe and stuffed birds. Planetenweg begins on a hill overlooking Zurich, with scale models of the planets along the way that are scaled down in proportion to the actual solar system. Head for Alpamare Water Park, where you'll find four pools, 10 slides, six saunas and two steam baths. Kindercity Volketswil, Knies Children's Zoo, Sea Life Konstanz, Technorama, Wildnispark Zürich at Langenberg, and more. |
Grossmünster
The distinctive twin spired Grossmünster (or Big Minster) has become the symbol of Zürich city. At one end of the Niederdorf, the imposing Romanesque church is, legend has it, where the citys patron Saints Felix and Regula are buried. Grossmünster was the starting point for the Reformation in Switzerland when Zwingli preached in Zürich. The Romanesque Grossmünster with it's distinctive twin towers is the principal parish church of Zürich and the starting point of the Reformation in Zurich under the guidance of Zwingli and Bullinger. Construction Grossmünster commenced in 1100 and was completed 100 years later. |
Lake Zürich
The bent, almost banana-shaped Lake Zurich is framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north. The region around Lake Zürich is a natural paradise. Sports enthusiasts can discover this diverse region by hiking around the Lake Zürich Trail. There are numerous sights worth visiting and impressive natural attractions along the route, as well as restaurants offering regional delicacies to be discovered. A boat trip on Lake Zürich is essential for those who want to take it easy. A visit to the medieval town of Rapperswil with its castle and Switzerland’s longest wooden bridge is also highly recommended. |
Langstrasse
Langstrasse (literally "long street") is a street and quarter in district 4 in Zurich. Langstrasse begins near the district courts and extends north-northeast to the train tracks of Zürich Hauptbahnhof. The quarter has a population of 10,500 on an area of 1.13 km². The Langstrasse quarter is Zürich’s most colorful and varied district. Multicultural, metropolitan, with charm and patina at every turn, it has undergone a unique development. Many young Swiss designers have opened their boutiques here, and offer creative and unconventional fashions as well as other beautiful objects. |
Alpamare Waterpark
At Alpamare, ten adrenalin-producing slides with a total length of 1500 meters (1640 yards) produce an instant buzz. The river swimming area Rio Mare and the indoor wave pool ensure exciting swimming for adults and children. Those in search of relaxation will not be disappointed by the Alpa thermal spring and the 36° degree iodine-brine pool, which is an exclusivity in Switzerland and helps to prevent and cure not only damaged discs or rheumatism. There are also Saunas, a Solarium, a large terrace with free deck chairs with a fantastic view, restaurants and more. |
Forchbahn
A short-haul train line that connects downtown Zurich with the city’s beautiful and expensive suburbs that run along the shores of Lake Zurich. You can get off the train at any stop and simply wander along one of the endless, signposted, trails that head to nearby scenic points. Many of the trails run along the shores of Lake Zurich and Lake Greifensee, where you can enjoy the reflections of the sun on the water. Trains on the Forchbahn run without conductors, so you simply buy your ticket from the machine. Abbreviated name of FB also appears on the trains. |
Bahnhofstrasse
Even if you don't like big crowds or are not a fan of shopping this is a must see in Zuruch. It's Zurich's most famous and exclusive retail district also one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. Paradeplatz, one of the most famous squares in Switzerland, is situated towards the end of the Bahnhofstrasse closest to Lake Zurich. The two biggest Swiss banks, UBS and the Credit Suisse Group, have their headquarters there. Paradeplatz is also known for its chocolate shop and cafe, Confiserie Sprüngli. |
Uetliberg
At 2850 feet above sea level, Uetliberg towers over the rooftops of Zürich. The mountain affords an impressive panoramic view of the city, the lake and the Alps. In the winter, the hiking trails to the summit are converted into sledding runs.Europe’s steepest normal-gauge adhesion railway, runs from Zürich. Zürichs "House Mountain", at 871 meters above sea level, affords excellent vistas over both the city itself and the lake. Excellent views of the Alps are the perfect backdrop for a spot of lunch or a cup of coffee at the summit. |
Zürich is pretty well connected to the rest of Switzerland and, as such, there are plenty of options for day trips and excursions around the country.
Visit Zug, welcoming and full of attractions. The historic center features castles, towers, magnificent villas, and the Zytturm (clock tower), landmark of the city of the Kyburg.
Numerous specialty restaurants delight the palate, and the two lakes invite visitors to take easy-going boat trips.
The Höllgrotten caves are some of Switzerland’s most beautiful dripstone caves and a popular destination. Zug invites visitors to experience unforgettable moments.
Visit Zug, welcoming and full of attractions. The historic center features castles, towers, magnificent villas, and the Zytturm (clock tower), landmark of the city of the Kyburg.
Numerous specialty restaurants delight the palate, and the two lakes invite visitors to take easy-going boat trips.
The Höllgrotten caves are some of Switzerland’s most beautiful dripstone caves and a popular destination. Zug invites visitors to experience unforgettable moments.
Lucerne
Most touristed, beautiful city. The Lucerne Old Town sits beautifully across the River Ruess. With the Baroque Jesuit Church on one bank and the bulk of the Old Town, with frescoed buildings, and walkable city ramparts on the other don't overlook the the Lion Monument. With a few spare hours, take the Golden Round trip to the top of Mount Pilatus. Most of the interesting places for tourists are concentrated around the Old Town, don't miss the Fransiscan Church and the Jesuit Church. |
Baden
The Romans were here. Then came Goethe, Nietzsche and Dürrenmatt to top up their energy levels in 47 ºC/116.6 ºF thermal waters. These gush forth from 18 springs and made this small town on the Limmat a lively resort. Nowadays, Baden offers a wide variety of attractions in well-tended urban green spaces, as well as international culture festivals, a diverse theatrical scene, relaxing wellness oases, and the Grand Casino. Baden possesses the richest mineral thermal springs in Switzerland. |
Stein-am-Rhein
Stein am Rhein, an architectural jewel with its medieval houses in the Canton of Schaffhausen, seems like a welcoming oasis of peace and contemplation in restless times. This small town with its pretty facades, abundance of oriel windows, quiet corners, fine half-timbered houses and inviting promenade along the river bank, is the place where the River Rhine flows out of Lake Constance. In 2007 Stein am Rhein celebrated a thousand years of its existence. |
Basel
Artistic and cultural capital of Switzerland, Basels museums are well renowned not only for their impressive collections but also the regular temporary exhibitions. The Old Town is a pedestrians paradise and every Saturday there's a fruit and veg market directly in front of the impressive-red Rathaus. Don't miss the Romanesque Münster (Cathedral.) The Münster and Pfalz are two of the most attractive locations in Basel. The Kunstmuseum is impressive home of Basels artwork. |
Bremgarten
Bremgarten's landmark is Spittelturm and the wooden bridge across the river Reuss. The old town, which is now closed to motorised traffic, is surrounded on three sides by the river Reuss, and is a cultural monument of national importance. It boasts many listed buildings, the majority of them in the Gothic or Baroque styles. The town's many attractions include its four markets, in particular the Christchindlimärt during the Advent period. The markets draw in visitors from all over the region and beyond, making Bremgarten the main tourist centre of south-eastern Aargau. |
Mount Titlis
Mt Titlis is one of the most famous mountains and the tallest peak in central Switzerland. All year round, Mount Titlis offers snow and ice experience A Revolving Gondola Lift, The aerial cable car to the summit of Mt. Titlis offers one of the most panoramic views of mountain peaks and glaciers. During the last 600 meters of the ascent the gondola lift revolves once by 360 degrees and gives visitors an unrestricted 360-degree view of the alpine landscape. Engelberg Titlis is the largest ski country ski runs, a 3.5 km long sledge ride, snow shoe trails and winter hiking possibilities. |
Heididorf (Heidi Village)
The tourism region of Heidiland - natural, friendly and welcoming – all of which guarantee happy times. Immerse yourself in a world of mountains and valleys, alpine lakes and meadows, waterfalls, gorges, caves and fascinating scenic reserves on a guided coach tour to Heidiland. A visit to the Post Office is recommended; the famous stamps from this tiny state are coveted worldwide by philatelists and amateur stamp lovers alike. A pleasant short walk leads to a collection of typical mountain houses, a village shop, and of course lots of little goats. |
Rapperswils
Known as City of Roses on account of 3 rose gardens which comprise a total of 15,000 rose bushes of 600 different varieties. The story of the founding of Rapperswil is depicted in a painting on the front of a building in Rapperswil's Hauptplatz. The prominent castle houses a Polish Museum. The Castle housed the Polish National Museum from 1870 until 1927. Since 1975, the top floor of the castle has accomodated an exhibition. Einsiedeln is a short train ride away and home to huge Baroque monastry and major point of pilgramage. |