Nestled between Alpine panoramas and a vibrant urban pulse, Zurich surprises with an unexpected blend. Switzerland’s largest city is not only a financial center. It is also a place where ideas have always converged and new things were born. Emigrants, artists, and thinkers have left their mark here, a legacy that is still palpable today.
At the same time, Zurich boasts not only financial prosperity but also abundant natural wealth that is definitely not to miss. Lake Zurich shimmers in the heart of the city, and the Alps seem almost within reach. Between trendy neighborhoods, historic alleyways, and creative spaces, a city unfolds that is open, lively, and surprisingly progressive.
Switzerland is Different
Switzerland lies cozily in the center of Europe – and yet, it stands out distinctly. But why? The answer lies in its unusual historical evolution. Its beginnings go back to a loose association of small regions. In 1291, the so-called founding cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden formed a defensive alliance. This early union, which later developed into the Swiss Confederation, was not a unified state. It rather formed a network of largely independent territories that cooperated based on shared interests.
A modern state structure only emerged later under external influence. A major turning point came with the French invasion under Napoleon Bonaparte, which led to the creation of the centrally governed Helvetic Republic. Later, the country’s permanent neutrality was officially recognized at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Finally, with the Federal Constitution of 1848, Switzerland developed into the federal state it is today.
Four Languages – Four Identities
This strong emphasis on regional distinctiveness is also reflected in the country’s cultural structure. Switzerland is divided into three major cultural regions. The German-speaking Switzerland, which comprises the largest part of the country, French-speaking Romandie in the west, and the Italian-speaking Ticino as well as parts of Graubünden in the south. This picture is complemented by a fourth, considerably smaller linguistic community called Romansh, spoken primarily in the canton of Graubünden.
By the way, to get one misconception out of the way: Although Zurich is the country’s largest city, it is not the capital. That would be Bern, a city hardly anyone, especially outside Europe, has ever heard of. I’m telling you, Switzerland is full of surprises.
However, Switzerland’s cultural and linguistic division is the result of geographical, historical, and political factors. For a long time, the Alps acted as natural barriers. This allowed individual regions to develop independently and maintain distinct linguistic influences. Instead of homogenizing this diversity, a conscious political decision was made to preserve and institutionally safeguard it. It is important to note that Switzerland is not a consistently multilingual country in everyday life. Most regions are linguistically homogeneous, while the state itself is organized in a multilingual manner and actively manages this diversity.
The political system is strongly federal, with extensive powers for the cantons. Direct democracy also plays a central role. Citizens can regularly vote on specific issues and thus directly influence legislation. For example, in 1992, the Swiss population voted against joining the European Economic Area.
Zurich
The real Zurich isn’t immediately apparent. Beneath its gleaming surface, a multifaceted and spirited city unfolds layer by layer.
The oldest traces lead back to a Celtic settlement called Turicum. Its location at the point where the Limmat River flows out of Lake Zurich was the very reason anyone settled here at all. It was about waterways, trade, and control.
In the Middle Ages, Zurich developed into a free imperial city, shaped by guilds that held sway not only economically but also politically. This blend of craftsmanship, trade, and self-governance is a common thread that runs through the city to this day.
A turning point came in the 16th century when Zurich became a center of the Reformation under Huldrych Zwingli. Unlike in many other cities, this wasn’t a purely theological dispute, but a reorientation of the entire urban order.
Later, in the 19th century, the city became a magnet for political exiles and intellectuals. This was no coincidence, as the city offered both stability and ample space for intellectual turmoil.
Today, Zurich is primarily known for its banking sector. Yet, it is precisely these contradictions that make the city so incredibly interesting. Zurich is a global financial center with a local, village-like atmosphere. Strict order prevails, yet surprisingly allows for a great deal of subcultural freedom. Those looking for postcard-perfect scenes in Zurich will find them, but what lies beneath the surface is far more intriguing. So, scoot your boot and let’s uncover Zurich’s secrets.
Intellectual Rupture
In a country often associated with order, neutrality, and restraint, its cultural history acts as a quiet counterpoint. Particularly in Switzerland, an art form repeatedly emerges that doesn’t loudly attack this surface, but rather precisely subverts it. As if stability itself creates the space for controlled instability.
Dadaism originated in the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich. Nevertheless, it was less a local movement than a distillation of a European experience of crisis. War, exile, loss of language, and political overwhelm converged here in a city neutral enough to allow for radical questioning. Figures like Hugo Ball and Tristan Tzara represent an art that doesn’t expand meaning, but dismantles it.
This Zurich tradition continues in very different shapes. The work of visual artists such as Meret Oppenheim, Pipilotti Rist, Fischli und Weiß, and Dieter Roth, to name just a few, follows the tradition of subversive creations. Then there is Dieter Meier, who, with the music project Yello, combines concept, irony, and pop aesthetics into a playful self-presentation. These innovative and ingenious masterminds make Zurich appear less as a classic cultural city and more as a place where language, meaning, and order are constantly being destabilized and re-created anew.
In Transit
Zurich has also always been a place of exile and a space of transition. During the First World War, the city became a refuge for political and intellectual exiles. Switzerland offered them a neutral space outside the immediate front lines of the war.
However, this role was ambivalent, as Switzerland was not only a refuge but also a selective space of acceptance and exclusion. While during WWII, some exiles found protection, others were turned away or only temporarily tolerated. At the same time, the country was embedded in a system of international capital flows. Also, political interests did not completely separate its neutrality from economic interests.
Zurich’s Old Town: The Progressive Within the Traditional
Zurich’s exciting past takes us right in the heart of its Old Town. The Niederdorf district and Spiegelgasse are among the city’s most historically rich and culturally rebellious areas. It was here, at Spiegelgasse 1, that the Dada movement was born in 1916 during the First World War. Artists like Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings developed a radically new form of anti-art at the Cabaret Voltaire. They consciously rebelled against bourgeois conventions, language, and aesthetics.
Just a few steps away is the apartment at Spiegelgasse 14, where Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov aka Lenin lived during his exile in 1916. Here, he wrote political works that later influenced the Russian Revolution. This immediate proximity created an unusual intersection of revolutionary politics and avant-garde art. Lenin lived practically next door to the Dadaists, without their paths ever truly crossing. However, this proximity symbolically connects two radical, system-critical movements of the early 20th century to this day.
The immediate area was a veritable hub for political exiles and intellectuals at the time. The Café Odeon at Bellevue, in particular, became a legendary meeting place for this scene. Russian exiled politicians like Lenin and Leon Trotsky frequented the area, as did writers and artists such as James Joyce, who lived and worked in Zurich on and off during his years there.
Even today, this spirit of artistic subversion lingers in the neighborhood, which, with its narrow streets, bars, and alternative cultural venues, remains a center for experimental art.
From the Lake to the Limmat
For a city that is landlocked in the middle of the European continent, Zurich boasts a surprisingly large amount of water.
First, there is Lake Zurich. It is not a dramatic alpine lake, but rather a 42 kilometers long, tranquil stretch of water. At its northern end, the lake doesn’t truly end, but rather opens into an urban basin.
The famous quays stretch along the water like a liquid ribbon, connecting parks, squares, and promenades. They were created in the 19th century through land reclamation. Here, you’ll find meadows, old tree-lined avenues, modern sculptures, bathing jetties, and small coves.
The central hub is Bürkliplatz. This is where boat tours and scheduled ferries depart. A short boat trip reveals how quickly the urban space transitions into an almost rural landscape with vineyards and small towns. Since I’m based in Hamburg, a boat trip isn’t usually a special experience for me. However, a trip on Lake Zurich offers even me an unexpected and captivating perspective. Right next to the Bürkliplatz is the Bürkli Terrace. This tranquil viewpoint is located under lush trees and offers an unobstructed view across the water to the Alps – weather permitting.
Hot Time Summer in the City
Speaking of weather: in summer, the lakeshore transforms into a bathing paradise. The public bathing areas called Badis aren’t hidden, but rather integrated directly into the urban fabric. Their wooden platforms, diving boards, and sunbathing lawns are often just steps from trams.
Yes, Lake Zurich is less a natural experience than an urban habitat on and around the water, and a vital part of the city for locals and visitors alike.
At its northern end, the Limmat River emerges from the lake. This waterway gives the city its distinct structure. Historically, the first settlement was constructed at this very location. Bridges, markets, and later the city’s main thoroughfares were constructed.
The Old Town lies on both banks – the more bourgeois quarter on the left, and the narrower, older district with its medieval alleyways on the right. Bridges span centuries: the Münster Bridge with its unobstructed view of the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, the Rathaus Bridge as one of the oldest crossings, and further downstream, modern pedestrian bridges.
Downstream, the atmosphere changes. Here, one finds former industrial areas, some of which have been transformed into trendy new spaces. Here, it becomes clear that Zurich is not just a picture-postcard city, but also has a rich history of work and production.
Swimming in the Limmat River is no longer an insider tip, but a very popular summer activity. Between Helvetiaplatz and Oberer Letten, there are official river bathing areas where you can float with the current or simply sit in the sun. It’s less of a beach experience and more of an urban leisure activity.
From Cultural Wealth to Art Treasures
Always just a few steps away from Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, the city reveals its cultural diversity in churches where light is carefully composed, and museums presenting art and history in a vivid, accessible way.
First of all, I must emphasize that Zurich’s most famous churches are much more than just houses of worship. They are archives and witnesses to ancient, modern, and even contemporary art and culture.
Grossmünster
In Zurich’s Old Town stands the Grossmünster, one of the city’s most striking buildings. Legend has it that its founding dates back to Charlemagne, but historically it was primarily a collegiate church of the medieval city government.
In the 16th century, it became the starting point of the Zurich Reformation under Huldrych Zwingli. From here, the city’s ecclesiastical and social order was fundamentally transformed.
The twin towers still define the city skyline today. The interior is deliberately simple, which is directly related to the Reformation’s stance on the absence of images.
Nevertheless, the church now boasts cultural treasures, namely the stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti and later works by Sigmar Polke. These works stand in stark contrast to the architecture. Giacometti relies on color-intensive, abstract lighting effects, while Polke works with photographic and material-based effects. Both interventions alter the otherwise deliberately simple space without overloading it with narrative.
Fraumünster
On the opposite bank of the Limmat River stands the Fraumünster. It originated as a monastery founded in the 9th century for a noble foundation. For centuries, it was a spiritual center with considerable political influence, partly because the abbesses at times possessed civic rights.
Its current significance lies less in its medieval structure than in its art. The windows by Marc Chagall, created in the 20th century, are particularly famous.
They have profoundly shaped the interior and make the church a prime example of modern stained glass in a sacred context.
St. Peter
St. Peter is considered the oldest parish church in Zurich. The current building fabric dates predominantly from later centuries, but the site was used for religious purposes from an early period.
Compared to Fraumünster and Grossmünster, St. Peter’s appears more functional and less like a political-religious center, but it remains an important part of the old town’s structure.
Furthermore, the church stands out because of its large clock face, which is among the largest in Europe. And clocks are, after all, a big deal in Switzerland.
While churches hold significant works of art, the majority of Zürich’s art is housed in its museums, obviously.
Kunsthaus Zürich
The Kunsthaus Zürich is the city’s most important art museum—and also its oldest. Its collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular focus on Swiss art and European Modernism. The extensive collection of works by Alberto Giacometti is especially renowned.
With the addition of the extension designed by David Chipperfield, the museum’s physical footprint was significantly expanded, and the complex was reorganized to function as a more cohesive whole.
The Kunsthaus is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
The standard admission fee, which includes access to all special exhibitions, is CHF 36. Yes, that is quite expensive, but here is the good news: Admission to the permanent collection is free on Wednesdays!
Kunsthalle | Löwenbräukunst-Areal | Migros-Kunstkontext
If you want to experience a different—and highly fascinating—side of the city, you should head to the former industrial district of Zürich-West. Just a few minutes from the main train station, a completely different atmosphere unfolds here, revealing just how profoundly Zurich has transformed over the past few decades.
Where beer was once brewed in the Löwenbräukunst complex, there is now one of the most exciting centers for contemporary art in Switzerland. Among the institutions that have found a home within these historic brick buildings is the Kunsthalle Zürich.
Unlike the Kunsthaus, the Kunsthalle Zürich is not a traditional collecting museum, but rather a venue for changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Its focus lies on the production, presentation, and mediation of current artistic positions, often with an international scope.
The Kunsthalle is surrounded by galleries, project spaces, and cultural institutions that have turned this district into a creative hotspot.
Promoting the Arts
Of particular interest is the connection to Migros. Many people know the company primarily as a Swiss supermarket chain; however, behind it lies one of the country’s most significant cultural patronage initiatives. Consequently, the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art—supported by this cultural foundation—is located right within the Löwenbräukunst complex, and for years it has been bringing international contemporary art to Zurich. It is precisely this unusual blend of supermarket, cultural patronage, and urban development that makes this complex so intriguing.
A visit here therefore feels less like a classic museum tour and more like a stroll through modern, creative Zurich. Amidst industrial architecture, exhibitions, cafés, and design, yet another facet of the city reveals itself—one that many visitors initially would not associate with Zurich at all.
A particularly attractive feature for visitors, however, is that many of the institutions within the Löwenbräukunst complex can be easily combined into a single itinerary. Most of the venues share similar opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Thus, it is easy to spend a half or even a full afternoon amidst exhibitions, architecture, and cafés. Admission to the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art is free, whereas the Kunsthalle Zürich charges a general admission fee of CHF 12. However, admission is free on Thursday evenings starting at 5 p.m.
500 Meters of Urban Lifestyle
Just a few minutes’ walk away lies another alternative cultural space—one that feels much closer to everyday life—known as the Viadukt. Nestled beneath old railway arches, this area has evolved into a vibrant blend of market stalls, design shops, and dining establishments.
Together with the Löwenbräukunst complex, these two locations create a fascinating dynamic interplay between museum-based contemporary art and creative urban life.
Where Affluence Meets the Alps
Of course, Zurich is primarily about mountains, and you should climb at least one to enjoy an unobstructed view of the region’s beauty. And no, you don’t have to follow the mountain goats. Buses and trams will take you comfortably to the highest peaks.
Uetliberg
The Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain and one of the region’s most popular destinations. At approximately 870 meters high, it offers breathtaking views of the city, Lake Zurich, and, on a clear day, even the Alps. The summit is particularly famous for its observation tower, which offers a 360-degree panorama, making it one of the best viewpoints around Zurich.
The Uetliberg is easily accessible, either by taking the Uetliberg Railway from Zurich’s main train station or on foot via various hiking trails that lead through forests and along open ridges. Once at the top, numerous walking and hiking trails invite visitors to enjoy nature. The so-called Planet Trail, which leads from the Uetliberg to Felsenegg and depicts our solar system on a scale, is especially popular. I’m introducing Felsenegg below.
Besides the views and the natural surroundings, the season also plays a significant role: In summer, the mountain is a haven for hiking, picnicking, or mountain biking, while in winter it is often transformed into a tranquil, snow-covered landscape. Due to its proximity to the city, the Uetliberg is an ideal place to escape the urban hustle and bustle in a short time and experience Zurich from a completely new perspective.
To get to the top of the Uetliberg, just take tram #10 from the Selnau stop downtown.
Zürichberg
Zürichberg is one of the most exclusive and serene residential and recreational areas overlooking the city. Just minutes from the center, it offers a completely different perspective of Zurich: lush greenery, expansive forests, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich, and the Alps in the background.
A particular highlight of Zürichberg is the legendary luxury hotel The Dolder Grand*. This historic grand hotel originally opened at the end of the 19th century and is now one of Switzerland’s most renowned five-star establishments. The hotel’s terrace is especially popular, offering one of the most spectacular views of Zurich.
However, it is generally reserved for hotel guests and restaurant patrons.
Take A Hike
Just a few meters away from The Dolder Grand*, there are viewpoints and forest paths offering similar views, often in a more peaceful setting and without the hotel’s activity in the background.
Zürichberg can be reached, among other ways, by the historic Dolderbahn. It is a nostalgic funicular railway that has been shuttling between the city and the hilltop location since the late 19th century. Whether for a walk in the forest, a visit to The Dolder Grand* or simply for a short break with a view – the Zürichberg combines nature, tranquility and luxury in a way that makes it one of Zurich’s most impressive urban mountains.
Like I said, those outwardly so stiff Swiss are quite the sly foxes!
To get to the Dolder, just take tram #3 from the main station to the stop Römerhof. From here, the historic Dolderbahn will take you uphill in about five minutes!
Felsenegg
Felsenegg is situated on the western shore of Lake Zurich, above Adliswil, directly opposite the Uetliberg mountain. From here, a sweeping panoramic view unfolds, encompassing the lake, the city of Zurich, and, on a clear day, even the Alps. The atmosphere here is more tranquil than at the region’s more popular viewpoints.
Felsenegg is particularly popular as a destination for a short but memorable escape into nature. It is part of the renowned Zimmerberg ridge and can be easily combined with a short hike or day trip. A highlight is the Adliswil–Felsenegg cable car, which whisks visitors from Adliswil to the ridge in just a few minutes, offering spectacular views along the way.
Once at the top, panoramic trails invite you to stroll, for example, towards the Uetliberg via the so-called Planet Trail or along the wooded ridges.
To get to the Felsenegg, just take the local S4 train from the Selnau stop to Adliswil. From here, the historic Felseneggbahn will take you uphill in about five minutes!
There’s More
The Polyterrasse at ETH Zurich offers one of the most famous views of the city and its surrounding mountains. ETH is an abbreviation for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. It was built between 1911 and 1914, along with the ETH extension, according to plans by architect Gustav Gull.
The terrace connects the city with its scientific community and is a popular meeting place for students and visitors. It has been directly connected to the city center by the historic Polybahn funicular railway since 1889. I marked the entrance on the map at the end of this post.
(This picture was AI-optimized).
The monumental architecture of ETH Zurich underscores Zurich’s importance as a center of education and research. At the same time, the terrace invites visitors to linger and enjoy the view. Therefore, the Polyterrasse is considered Zurich’s most trendy viewpoint and is a favorite meeting place for students and visitors from all over the world.
Practical Information
Know Before You Go
As previously mentioned, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. This special status has some practical consequences for tourists. While travel is straightforward, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, there are some differences compared to the EU that should be considered. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc, which often makes travel more expensive, as the overall price level is significantly higher than in many EU countries. Furthermore, EU roaming regulations do not apply there, so mobile data and calls can incur additional charges.
Switzerland also operates independently under customs law, as it is not part of the EU Customs Union. Therefore, customs checks and duty-free allowances may be relevant when entering or leaving the country. Overall, Switzerland remains a very accessible and attractive destination for travelers, but requires a bit more attention to costs and practical details than EU countries.
How to Get There
Zurich is Switzerland’s most important international transport hub and, consequently, is exceptionally well-connected globally. Zurich Airport is located just a short 10 to 15 minutes from the city center. Getting into the city is very straightforward, as various local S-Bahn trains take you to Zurich Main Station in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Zurich Main Station is one of the busiest railway stations in Europe and is therefore excellently integrated into the European rail network. Direct or well-connected services are available from countries including Germany, Austria, France, and Italy.
However, Zurich is also well-integrated into the European long-distance bus network, particularly through providers such as FlixBus. As a matter of fact, during my European tour, my onward journey to Lake Como continued via FlixBus for a bit over 22 €uros. Truly an unbeatable price!
The bus station is located at Ausstellungsstraße 15, right behind Zurich Main Station.
How to Get Around
Zurich is excellent for exploring on foot or by bicycle. The city center is very compact and pedestrian-friendly. Many attractions are located within easy walking distance of the Main Station, the Old Town, and Lake Zurich. Strolls along the Limmat River or through the historic Old Town are among the most enjoyable ways to discover the city.
Zurich is continuously expanding its network of bicycle paths, and numerous rental systems for both standard bicycles and e-bikes are available. E-bikes are particularly useful given the gentle inclines in certain parts of the city.
At the same time, the city boasts one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Europe. The backbone of the local transport network consists of trams, buses, and suburban S-Bahn trains. They connect the entire city, running every few minutes. The system is clearly structured and easy to navigate, even for visitors.
Tickets are zone-based and can be purchased flexibly to cover individual zones or the entire city area. Options include single tickets, day passes, and multi-journey cards, all of which can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or via a mobile app.
A unique addition to the city’s transport options are the boats on Lake Zurich, as well as smaller boat services operating along the Limmat River.
Vising Organized
I’m an avid solo-travelling woman. Since solo travel doesn’t equal solitude, I love to join organized tours here and there. They allow me to meet fellow travellers – for just a short moment or a lifelong friendship.
Especially if you have only a short time for exploring Zurich, an organized activity will enable you to see the most in a relatively short period of time. However, make sure to book the activities of your choice well ahead, especially during the high season*:
Where to Stay
Zurich offers a wide selection of accommodation options, though these tend to be in the higher price range compared to other international cities. The most popular hotel locations are the city center around the main train station, the Old Town, and the banks of the Limmat River. These locations are particularly convenient for short walks to attractions, restaurants, and shops.
A modern and creative alternative is the Zurich West district, which has developed into a trendy area in recent years, boasting design hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. Here, you’ll find a more urban atmosphere and often contemporary accommodations.
Those who prefer a quieter setting will also find hotels in residential areas or near Lake Zurich, which often offer a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views. Despite the diverse locations, the city remains easily accessible thanks to its excellent public transportation network.
You can search for accommodation that suits your expectations, needs, and budget on this map*:
What to Eat
Swiss cuisine is characterized by great regional diversity and is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries: Germany, France, and Italy. It is typically a rather down-to-earth yet high-quality cuisine that frequently utilizes seasonal and regional ingredients.
Among the most famous dishes are fondue and raclette, which are particularly popular during the colder months. Another quintessential dish is Rösti, a crispy fried potato dish found throughout Switzerland and frequently served as a side dish. Alongside these staples, meat dishes, cheese products, and Alpine specialties also play a significant role.
Zurich is regarded as Switzerland’s culinary hub, offering an exceptionally broad spectrum of gastronomic diversity. The city seamlessly blends traditional Swiss cuisine with a highly international and modern food scene.
A quintessential Zurich specialty, for instance, is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a veal dish served in a cream sauce that is traditionally accompanied by Rösti. Additionally, the city is home to numerous restaurants that offer contemporary interpretations of traditional cuisine or place a deliberate focus on regional produce. Seasonality plays a pivotal role in this approach. Local markets, innovative culinary concepts, and a keen emphasis on quality define the city’s culinary landscape.
Furthermore, along the shores of Lake Zurich and within the historic Old Town, one can find a plethora of cafés and restaurants offering views of the water and historic architecture—making dining out a truly atmospheric experience.
Cash, Cards, And Deals
Until now, 21 European countries have replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. As I already mentioned, Switzerland is not one of them. The exchange rate of the Swiss Franc is 1 CHF = 1.27 US$, respectively 1 CHF = 1.09 €UR as of July 2026. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.
Obviously, you can also pay by credit card, as well as contactless, practically everywhere.
Swiss Francs seem to melt in your hands like snow in the sun. If you want to have a reasonably good time, there is simply no avoiding putting your piggy bank on a diet. Therefore, you’ll appreciate that the Zürich Card, the official city pass from Zürich Tourism, offers some relief in this regard. It combines mobility, museum admission, and numerous discounts into a single ticket, making it the perfect city experience package. It is particularly worthwhile if you plan to visit several museums and make extensive use of public transportation. For short stays, it is more economical and convenient than purchasing individual tickets most of the time.
With the card, you can use all public transportation within Zurich and the surrounding area free of charge. Travel to and from the airport, as well as excursions within the region, such as a trip to the Uetliberg or a boat cruise on the Limmat, are also included.
Many of the city’s most important museums offer either free or discounted admission. You can also enjoy significant price reductions at numerous shops, restaurants, and on guided city tours.
For a 24-hour pass, adults pay CHF 29, while the 72-hour version costs CHF 56.
Languages
So you arrive in Zurich, in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, with the German you learned in school – and you don’t understand a word! Nevertheless, at least the written version is exactly as you learned it.
Well, you should know that Swiss German, locally called Schwyzerdütsch, varies significantly from Standard German in everyday use. The vocabulary, pronunciation, and even some grammatical structures differ so markedly that even most native German speakers have difficulty understanding. However, apart from a few die-hard Alpine folk, every Swiss person will be able to switch to Standard German immediately.
By the way, the situation is quite different with Swiss French and Italian. These language variants differ only slightly from the standard languages of France and Italy, respectively. Therefore, French and Italian speakers can generally communicate in Switzerland without major problems.
Say It Right
In this post, I’m writing out some of the German names of brands and places. Obviously, you will notice that there are letters that might not exist in other languages.
Firstly, there is the letter ß, which exists only in the German alphabet. It’s by no means a B – it’s a so-called sharp S. You pronounce it like the double S in kiss. So, although the German word for street, Straße, looks quite exotic, it is simply pronounced Shtrasse. Mind you, when an S stands before a T, it becomes sh instead of s.
Then, there are three more vowels, ä being the easiest one since it’s pronounced like an open e as in head. For some foreigners, ö and ü might be a bit tougher. Ö is pronounced more or less like the e in her. Finally, Ü sounds a bit like the u in huge. Incidentally, Zürich is also spelled with this vowel in German.
Connection and Communication
Since June 2017, no roaming charges have been applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. However, this does not apply to Switzerland. Therefore, mobile internet can quickly become expensive, which is why a local SIM card or eSIM is usually worthwhile for visitors.
Within Switzerland, there are three major mobile network operators: Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. Salt is generally the cheapest option and works well in urban areas like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, but its coverage can be somewhat weaker in remote regions.
For short stays, all three providers offer prepaid plans that can be used without a long-term contract. These can usually be activated directly at the airport, in mobile phone shops, or sometimes online. A particularly convenient feature is that eSIM options are now widely available, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
The standard voltage in Europe is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Switzerland, three plug types are used: C and J, with the latter being one of these uniquely Swiss features.
Since now, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter. You only need an adapter for small appliances such as curling irons or hair dryers. But keep in mind that at basically every accommodation, you will have a hair dryer at your disposal.
You’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information – an indispensable globetrotter classic.
Map
On this map, I’m showing you where to find the spots you by no means should miss on your visit to Zurich. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map, including the legend.
Pinnable Pictures
If you choose to pin this post for later, please use one of these pictures:
If you have only a day in Zurich, my post 24 hours in Zurich provides the perfect itinerary!
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Disclaimer : Zürich Tourismus supported my blogger trip by supplying me with a 72-hour Zürich Card. However, all opinions on these services are mine and weren’t by any means influenced by my cooperation partner.
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