Zurich

Panaromic of Zurich from Lindenhoff Park

Perhaps it is the fact that I've spent three entire days here. Or that friends from the States that I haven't seen since the beginning of April met me here. Or the beautiful, sunny, 90 degree days without humidity or mosquitoes. Or getting to see an amazing collection of art at the Kunsthaus. Or the amazing public transportation system where we've ridden trams, trains, busses, boats and even a gondola. Whatever the reason, Zurich has become my new favorite city in Europe.

View of the Alps from above Zurich

If you're visiting Zurich, I highly recommend getting a ZurichCard. There is either a 24 hour or 72 hour option. Either card will get you unlimited public transportation (trams, trains, busses, boats and gondola) as well as free entrance into several museums (Kunsthaus, Landesmuseum). 24 hour is 24 CHF; 72 hour is 48 CHF. In comparison, a one hour public transportation ticket is 6.60 CHF. We enjoyed hopping on and off public transportation all over downtown Zurich.

St. Peter's church (right steeple). Fraumunster (left church steeple)

Iconic churches:
St. Peter -- earliest church. Current version includes parts from rebuilding of 1230 AD.
Fraumunster -- nunnery originally started in the 9th century. Current building includes stained glass designed by Marc Chagall
Grossmunster -- a monastery and church started by Charlemagne. There is an old statue of Charlemagne in the Crypt area. In the church nave, there are faded paintings of Zurich's beheaded patron saints.

Sculptures by Giacometti at Kunsthaus

Must see museums:
Kunsthaus (15 CHF or free with ZurichCard) -- the Kunsthaus has an amazing collection of art. In addition to rooms of Giacometti sculptures and paintings, there are iconic paintings from most 20th century artists. Walking into a room, you might be stopped in your tracks looking at a famous Van Gogh or Piet Mondrian or Picasso. There are also works by Jasper Johns, Salvador Dali and Georges Segal.

12th century stained glass at Landesmuseum

Landesmuseum (10 CHF or free with ZurichCard) -- the Swiss National Museum has a variety of exhibits. There are pre-history, Bronze Age and Middle Ages exhibits on Switzerland. The stained glass display in the first exhibit hall is very nicely displayed at eye level, lighted to take in all the intricacies of the glass and design. There are also several period rooms as well as weapons, information on Swiss history (did you know that women didn't gain the right to vote until 1971?), and short term exhibitions (currently a Swiss film exhibition).

Panoramic from Uetliberg

Zurich lookouts:
Uetliberg (16 CHF to get there or free with ZurichCard) -- Uetliberg is a great look out over the city of Zurich. It also gives a great view of the Alps on a clear day. Take the stairs up the look out tower for even better views (apprx 179 steps).

Apple strudel at Felsenegg

Felsenegg -- an expensive restaurant with beautiful views of Zurich and the Alps. Be prepared to spend at least 25 CHF for food here. Also, unless you want to pay for water (even tap water), make sure to bring your own water. We were charged 5 CHF per 750 mL of tap water. The apple strudel (14 CHF) was delicious!