Zurich

Offering panoramic views of the steel grey mountains with their tips covered in snow at a distance, Lake Zurich is crowned as one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Extending to the south east of the Zurich city, the lake is the creation of the river Linth which takes birth from Glarus Alps glaciers. Carved like a banana, the lake streams passing through the city are termed Limmat, the downstream at Seedamm is called Rapperswil whereas the upstream is called Obersee. Flanked by forested chain of hills on both the sides, Lake Zurich has Albis and Zimmerberg hills on its south and Pfannenstiel hills on its north. The gentle slopes of the banks of the lake are covered with fragrant vineyards and orchards to enhance its beauty several times. Edging the the largest city Zurich on its west, lake Zurich is a popular place for excursion in the present time. People from all around the world and the locals come here to unwind themselves and spend a day with peace. The gently rocking waves accompanied with laziness and fine food becomes a synonym for vacation in Zurich. The best thing you could do is to take a boat and explore the untarnished distant banks of the pristine lake.

Grossmünster, also means the great minister, is a beautiful 12th-century cathedral and is one of the most recognizable and distinguished landmarks of Zurich. Its emblematic twin towers touching skyline makes it a very famous site and attracts thousands of tourists each day.  The triple-aisled crypt is also the largest in Switzerland. Grossmünster holds a very important place in Protestant Christianity because of its role in the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. It is one of the largest churches in Zurich along with St. Peterskirche, Predigerkirche, and Fraumünster. Stands true to its literal meaning in German as “large Cathedral”, Grossmünster has great architectural and historical significance.It is located at the Notre Dame cathedral on the banks of the Limmat River from the end of Zurich Lake, facing the other largest church in Zurich in the old town. It is totally possible and expected to get lost in the mind-blowing views around and exploring the city via electronic tuk tuk ride, going for a Swiss Chocolate walking tour or just walking by the riverside and waiting for the sunset to climb up to one of the church’s tower balcony and getting some super intagramic sunset photos. The Romanesque cathedral is as important historically as it is architecturally. The major incidents include the story of three beheaded saints - St Felix, St Regula, and St Exuperantius, how emperor Charlemagne found the tomb of the three martyr saints when visited Zurich on a hunting trip and Grossmünster and church Fraumünster’s rivalry, Protest Reformation and Architectural Modernity.As the famous story goes, the three saints St. Felix and St. Regula were brothers and with their servant Exuperantius were executed by Roman authority. They miraculously stood-up, picked their head in their hands and started walking. They walked around paces uphill, made their last prayer before lying down in death and they were buried at the exact place where they fell.Around 500 years later Emperor Charlemagne was near Zurich on a hunting trip and upon his arrival, his horse fell to its knees over the grave of the three patron saints of Zurich - St. Felix, St Regula and their servant Exuperantius. The emperor ordered the construction of the cathedral Grossmünster in around 1100 CE  at the same place honoring the martyr which has become the most famous and tourist place to visit in Zurich.Since then many significant renovations have been made to Grossmünster from time to time. One of the most important ones was to increase the height of the southern tower to the similar height of the northern tower in the 15th- century CE.The legendary Roman Emperor’s connection to the Grossmünster can be seen in both – a replacement relief, sitting on a throne with a sword and a gold crown on his brow, high up on the west wall. And, the original 15th – Century statue can be found now in the crypt beneath the church.During the medieval times, the rivalry between Grossmünster and church Fraumünster which is located on the other side of the Limmat River, over the control of the patron Saints’ relics and superiority over the other.And, eventually both the churches agreed to share the authority and started a grand public festive procession each year on September 11, which till today has been celebrated and declared a public holiday in Zurich.Ulrich Zwingli started working as a pastor at the Grossmünster around 1519 CE and this was the beginning of the Swiss protest reformation led by Zwingli and followed by many.  Zwingli, born in a farmer’s family was well educated and had great influence in his life and work by Dutch philosopher Erasmus. He supported that the holy scriptures must be read and interpreted in the native language by commerns and not to be bound and restricted. He also suggested that people must ideally live a life as per the Gospels by Jesus Christ. He also denounced the catholic mass, removed the swiss mercenaries and considered the forms of idolatry in catholic worship. And, It was in 1523 when with the support of the government, the Zurich’s monasteries were dissolved. Ulrich Zwingli's influence is notable in Grossmünster's architecture and interiors. Grossmünster had been majorly renovated to express the pure quiddity of the reformation in a physical form. However, with multiple refurbishments till the 19th-20th-century,  Grossmünster restored to its full splendor.

Cradled on the west banks of Limat, Fraumunster Church is one of the most renowned destinations in Zurich. Its close proximity to a pristine river flowing to Grossmunster further enhances its charm. A popular name among the history buffs, Fraumunster dates back its existence to the 9th century. Today, this building is also serving as a Parish church for one of the many reformed Parishes around the city. As you will usher into this space, you will be amused by its five stained glass windows which were constructed by Marc Chagall in the year 1960. Flaunting diverse colour themes, these are 10 meter high windows which look best in the early morning light. Another thing that sets this beautiful church apart from the rest of the churches in Zurich is its enticing cl+++ock tower topped by a blue spire.  There is a  small door near the spire which forms the main entrance of the church. Once you get to this place, either admire its architectural magnificence or offer your prayers to the Lord Christ. You can also delve deep into the ancient history of the church or soak in the surreal views of its surroundings. Fraumunster Church is constructed on the remains of the aristocratic abbey, built for the beloved daughter of Louis the German. With its intriguing history, unique architecture, and enticing location, the church has undoubtedly captivated the hearts of many travellers. So, if you are planning to visit here shortly, here is everything that you must know beforehand.

Bahnhofstrasse, a tiny and yet so imposing street of Zurich is all centred with luxurious fashion brands, Swizz-chocolate shops, warm cafes, art galleries and much more. This extravagant high street of Zurich is well known as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping arcades in Europe while being the third most expensive on the global list. So, if you are a shopping buff and like to indulge in some of the world-class brands such as Apple, Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Hekket, H&M, Burberry, Dior and Manor etc, then it's the right place for you to be! The street is fairly 1.4 km long which can be covered in only 20 minutes on foot but the urge to go in and around all those irresistible stores will not just let you walk by! Besides, great fashion and everything in vogue, this sought-after street of Zurich is also admired for its aesthetic built. Inspired from the 19th-century style and architecture, the street hardly composes any modern cast of buildings thus, keeping the true Victorian flavour alive to lure people from far and wide. Anything being said stands less for this pretty town street, but one thing that’s for sure; everything here is a visual treat. Come here once or come here twice, the unforgettable taste and vibes will influence you for life. 

A famous mountain lying in the Swiss Plateau, Uetliberg is a mountain situated towards the northern terminal of the Albis chain, which is located in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The mountain is considered to be the best point of the Albis hill range since it provides a birds-eye view of the entire Zurich city, the lake of Zurich, and the alps mountains. The same reason accounts for this magnificent mountain positioned at 2850 feet above sea level to be one of the favorite spots for tourists. Standing on the boundary between Zurich and Stallikon, Uetliberg offers unimpeded views for its tourists. To reach the top, you first have to complete a short trail of 10 minutes, which leads you to the summit where hotel Uto Kulm is also situated. At the top of this mountain, tourists can engage in different activities including hiking, bike trailing, camping, and paragliding. Bike tours are always fun, they call it Toptrek Touren at the site. Also, camping at Uetliberg is free of cost, it is preferably the best part of the tour because the night sky gives a full sight of shiny studded stars. Another option is to climb the look-out tower for a more breathtaking, panoramic view of the whole city of Zurich where even when the sky is cloudy, you can see Alps and amazing mountains.

Swiss National Museum  is acclaimed as the most significant establishment offering insights into the cultural history of Switzerland, and is a must visit spot in the country. It is located at the confluence of Sihl and Nimmat rivers, adjacent to Park Platzspitz.Through numerous permanent as well as temporary exhibitions, the museum complex has a wealth of information to offer about the various aspects of Switzerland’s history, culture, and art during different eras. The museum houses amazing assortments of paintings, photographs, and texts that walk the visitors through the late Middle Ages, the era when Switzerland established itself as a federal state to the present.No wonder the museum claims to store more than 840,000 objects. So, whether you are eager to learn about the local culture in the past, various battles fought in the region land or the origin of Swiss watches, chocolates, etc., this museum is a treasure trove of information. In addition to what the museum complex houses and exhibits, its fine architecture is also worthy of admiration.Built by architect Gustav Gull in 1898 to honour the 50th anniversary of the Swiss federal constitution, this museum complex is an architectural masterpiece. The neo-Gothic style complex looks like a magnificent castle from afar. With its grand structure, exquisite location, and peerless collection, the museum succeeds to impress flocks of history, architecture, and culture enthusiasts throughout the year.

No trip to Switzerland is complete without paying a visit to Europe's biggest waterfall, the Rheinfall. Located right on the border between Switzerland and Germany, it is often called the Niagra Falls of Europe. Formed more than 15,000 years ago due to certain tectonic shifts, the falls have now gained popularity among those visiting Switzerland. Hundreds flock to the falls each summer when the increased water inflow creates mesmerizing cascades that the visitors can enjoy from up close. Right in the middle of this magnificent waterfall stands a sturdy rock that has withstood the test of time. You can choose to either take a boat ride along the Rhine river till the rock formation or simply marvel at their magesticity from the numerous trails and the viewing platforms constructed for this very purpose. One such popular lookout is the Känzeli viewing platform, from where you can take in the beauty of the falls and sometimes even feel the fresh spray on your face. The fact that it is very accessible adds to its popularity. Situated between the villages of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen-Uhwiesen/Dachien, the Rheinfall sees thousands of visitors each year. It stands at a breath of 150 meters, with the water falling at a rate of 23 meters per second.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of tropical forest, Zoo Zurich is the perfect escape from the hum-drum of urban life and a memorable encounter with exotic wildlife. This zoo could be located in the Fluntern quarter of Zurichberg in Switzerland. Locally popular by the name Zurich Zoologischer Garten, the zoo has existed at its place since 1929. The credit for the popularity of the zoo goes solely to the tropical variety of more than 380 species which multiplies to at least 2,200 animals and birds in total. Among these animals lives the oldest resident of the zoo Nigrita, the Galapagos giant turtle, who has been existing there for 73 years. Upon visiting the zoo you must explore all of its sections including ‘Lewa Savannah’ which is the biggest courtyard housing rhinos, giraffes and zebras. ‘Masoala Rainforest’ is also a great spot of the zoo in which geckos, turtles, snakes, parrots and many other rainforest species live merrily. You must not miss the ‘Australian Enclosure’ which lets you get sights of koalas, kangaroos, perenties and emus whereas ‘Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park’ houses eight Asian Elephants for you to witness. The zoo also has an ‘Aquarium’ with 70 species of fish in it, a ‘Mongolian Steppe’ which is a home to Bactrian camels, domesticated yaks and cashmere goats along with a ‘Pantanal’ which has capybaras, squirrel monkeys, giant anteaters and other mammals and birds. Upon your visit do not miss visiting all these enclosures including the ‘Zoolino’ to have a memorable and cherishable experience at the Zurich Zoo among the exotic wildlife from around the world.