Travel: Switzerland’s zesty Zurich is the gateway to the Alps ...Middle East

It was well after dark in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town and Zurich’s raucous, multi-day “goodbye to winter — hello to spring” festival known as “Sechselauten” was in full Swiss swing.

Loud marching bands paraded randomly through the cobblestoned streets and alleys, food vendors attracted crowds with their steaming hot Cervelat and St. Galler bratwurst, plates of creamy raclette, and fresh pints of local beer. Costumed celebrants congregated inside and outside elegant “guild” restaurants, drinking wine, socializing and reveling in the celebration.

Earlier, the day’s festivities started with a massive parade along the Bahnhoffstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping district and one the most elegant boulevards in Europe, and also on the scenic streets lining the Limmat River, which runs through the city center to Lake Zurich (also known as the Zurichsee.)

Dominating the parade were ancient guilds, whose members dressed in the garb of traditional Swiss trades — bakers, cheesemakers, coopers and brewmeisters — and were joined by historical military reenactors, swing dancers, drummers, masked harlequins and equestrian groups. At exactly 6 p.m. on the second day, the event reached a climax at the Sechselautenplatz, the largest town square in the city, with the burning of the “Boogg,” a large snowman-like effigy whose head is filled with explosive firecrackers. After the Boogg burned, bratwurst were cooked by guild members on the embers of the fire, capping a centuries-old tradition that, for us travelers, was whimsical, weird and quintessentially Swiss.

Zurich is a major gateway for travelers visiting this charming Alpine country and it is highly advisable to spend a couple of days exploring this tidy, prosperous city either before or after seeing other regions of the country. With a fabulous bus, trolley and train system, charming Old Town (also known as the“Niederdorf”), historic churches, world-class museums and a multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants in the city center, Zurich provides a vibrant slice of Swiss life at its best.

Festivals happen throughout the summer, including the Zurcher Theater Spectacle on the shore of Lake Zurich from Aug. 14 ro Aug. 31, the Dorflifascht street fest in the Old Town from Aug. 29 to Aug. 31, and the Street Parade, the largest techno party in the world on Aug. 9.

One of Zurich’s major attractions is in nearby town of Kilchberg, where you can tour the world-famous Lindt chocolate museum, by far the sweetest day trip you can take from Zurich.

The Lindt, Home of Chocolate, museum is the most popular museum in Switzerland and attracts nearly a million visitors annually (reservations are a must). You can get here by bus or train but the most scenic option is by ferry ride on Lake Zurich. A short walk along Lake Zurich from the ferry landing brings you to the museum, a marvelously modern building with a lofty, airy lobby crowned with a massive tower of liquid chocolate, a temple-like homage to this sweet treat made from the cacao bean.

The Lindt chocolate factory, located next door, which has been producing chocolate since 1899, and the innovative museum offer a variety of interactive experiences, including an audio tour, tasting from a chocolate fountain, interactive exhibits, chocolate bar and truffle tastings, chocolate making workshops and a massive gift shop. Details: lindt-home-of-chocolate.com/en

Another scenic boat excursion on Lake Zurich to the town of Adliswil provides access to the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car, the only public cable car in the canton of Zurich. A short and scenic ride ascends 803 meters to fabulous hiking terrain with views of Lake Zurich and surrounding mountains. On clear days, you’ll have a view all the way to central Switzerland and the Rigi and Titlis peaks. We thoroughly enjoyed two hours of hiking in these woods followed by lunch on the patio of the charming Gasthaus Felsenegg.

Back in town, must-see sights include the Grossmunster church, with its distinctive twin towers, and the Fraumunster, famous for its Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti glass windows. Also not to miss a a lunch of typical Swiss fare at  historic “guild” restaurants which are found in the old town and along the banks fo the Limmat River.

If you go

Zurich offers a wide range of cultural activities and, thanks to its central location, is the ideal starting point for excursions to all other Swiss cities. In Zurich, people are considered quite cosmopolitan and most everyone speaks English and/or French. Zurich lies on beautiful Lake Zurich and is near the Swiss Alps. It’s not only a gateway city to exploring this small but varied country but offers a unique mix of experiences, enjoyment, nature and culture, including over 50 museums and more than 100 galleries. Details: zuerich.com

Dining

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at guild restaurants such as Zunfthaus zur Waag (zunfthaus-zur-waag.ch/en) and Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten (zunfthaus-zimmerleuten.ch/en/) and also more modern city restaurants such as AlpenRose (restaurantalpenrose.ch), where traditional Helvetian cuisine served in a high-ceilinged, timber-clad venue with cultural artifacts.

Places to stay

Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind: Only in Switzerland will you find a hotel dedicated to chocolate. Just a short walk from the main train station in the old town (Niederdorf), check into the Swiss Chocolate Hotel by Fassbind and immerse yourself in architecture and decor inspired by the fabulous history of Swiss chocolate. Guests are welcomed with a chocolate fountain in the reception area. Details: byfassbind.com/hotel/swiss-chocolate-by-fassbind-2/

Hit Apartments: Centrally located, modern apartments in refurbished historic buildings provide a great option if you like to prepare your own meals and avoid the high cost of eating out in Switzerland. Details: hitrental.ch/rentals/rentals-zurich-d90303/

Swiss Travel Pass

An invaluable, all-inclusive transportation pass that also provides access to more than 500 museums in Switzerland. Details: www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad/swiss-travel-pass.html

Related links

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