Travel Switzerland Zurich
From LoveToKnow Travel
Bahnhofstrasse
The Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s “Rodeo Drive.” Lined with luxury stores like Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, and Armani as well as many important Swiss banks, this elegant pedestrian street offers wonderful window-shopping and people watching, even if you can’t afford to buy here.
Fraumunster
Fraumunster, or Church of Our Lady, is located just off the Bahnhofstrasse. This protestant church, built in the 13th century, has been renovated and added on to many times. Although the church has retained its Romanesque choir stall, it also boasts lovely, moving stained glass windows by Russian artist, Marc Chagall added in the 1970s. This moving church is a beautiful combination of architectural styles.
Lindt Chocolate Factory
Just outside of Zurich in Kitchberg, Switzerland is the Lindt chocolate factory. Lindt has been making luscious chocolate creations since 1845. In the factory, visitors get a view of the chocolate museum as well as free samples. Yum!
St Peter’s Church
Located near the Fraumunster, St Peter’s Church has the largest clock face in Europe. Its second hand measures four meters long. This 13th century church is Zurich’s oldest parish church. Free classical music concerts are regularly offered here. Check the local paper for times.
Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus houses one of the largest portrait galleries in Switzerland as well as a splendid collection of medieval art and Dutch and Flemish paintings. Works by masters such as Rubens, Hals, and Rembrandt are represented here. A small, but significant 20th century collection features works by Giacometti, Segantini, and Hodler.
Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
Located near the railroad station, The National Museum of Switzerland is devoted to the Swiss history from prehistoric times until the present. Interesting exhibits in this castle-like building include a section devoted to Swiss clock making and the medieval armor collection.
Museum Reitberg
The Reitberg Museum is housed in two elegant mansions, one of which was once home to Richard Wagner. These neo-classical buildings are now home to an impressive collection of Asian, African, and Polynesian Art. Particularly interesting is the large collection of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese drawings and the somewhat frightening Japanese Nori masks.
Zunfthaus Zur Meisen
One of Zurich’s oldest guild houses, Zunfthaus Zur Meisen, is a magnificent rococo structure, originally built for the city’s wine guild in 1752. Today, it is home to the Swiss National Museum’s collection of 18th century Swiss ceramics. Worth a visit just for the architecture.
Grossmunster
According to legend, this gothic cathedral, with its two conspicuous towers, was founded by Charlemagne. Arguably, Zurich’s most famous landmark, Grossmunster is dedicated to the three patron saints of Zurich – Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius. Completed in the 11th century, this cathedral has been added onto many times, most recently in 1932 to add the magnificent stained glass windows atop the choir loft.
Cruise Lake Zurich.
No trip to Zurich would be complete without a relaxing, scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. Spend a leisurely hour or two on one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. Boats depart regularly from Burkliplatz at the lake end of the Bahnhofstrasse.
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