Zurich
Limmat River, Switzerland
Lunchtime on the Limmat River east bank, Zurich, north Switzerland
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most expensive in Europe offers few major sights. The clumsy Grossmunster cathedral and stern Fraumunster (picture below) are often quoted as primary attractions but offer little of interest apart from Marc Chagall's brilliant stained glass windows in the Fraumunster. The Swiss National Museum just north of the main rail station, however, is terrific.
Zurich tourism - which doesn't require much more than a day or two - is more about minor, quirky sights (e.g. building décor, street plant pots) and ambience in the Altstadt district which encompasses the old town on both sides of the River Limmat, east and west. So take a stroll, but first check our Zurich Map.
The River Limmat's west bank, with Munster Bridge, the blue spire of Fraumunster (the Church of Our Lady), famous for its Chagall windows. On the right is St Peter's church, sporting the largest clock face in Europe.
Zurich's 'beach' on Stadthausquai, west bank of the Limmat River.
A view across to Zurich's east bank old town from the west section at the high point of Lindenhof hill (43/orange on the map), Altstadt.
A favourite summer lunch break spot where Lake Zurich, Zurichsee, meets the Limmat River.
Kids can have fun in Zurich too, with pedaloes and solar boat trips on the lake, a zoo, children's zoo, water park (Alpamare), Wildlife Park, Toy Museum and more...
Two Old Town houses near the river, on the east bank.
The best months to visit Zurich are September and October with mild temperatures ranging from highs of 20C (68F) to 5C (41F) and a moderate chance of rainfall compared to the months June-August. August is the wettest month in Zurich.
The three winter months December - February are reasonably dry but cold with temperatures from - 4C to 5C.
|
