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Zurich Travel Guide
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| Zurich
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Zurich's
quality of life -- for residents as well as visitors -- begins
with two basic ingredients: sparkling, clean water and crisp,
clean air. Added to that is one of the most refreshing natural
settings of any European city: a large lake, two rivers and
tree-covered hills. Rounding out the backdrop is Zurich's
Old Town filled with churches with tall steeples, medieval
guild halls, cobblestone alleys and trickling fountains.
In spite of this quaint postcard image, Zurich is not a superficially
charming or sterile city. Granted, it does have the reputation
of being a conservative banking town, but it's also a center
for contemporary art, alternative youth culture and an energetic
party scene. Far from being staid or static, it actively pursues
a postindustrial path, with a dairy, brewery, shipbuilding
factory and electricity-generating plant that have been converted
into museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
The only drawback is that visitors will probably find goods
and services to be more expensive in Zurich than back home.
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| Zurich
Travels & Tours |
Uetliberg
One of the best panoramic views of the city and its surroundings
is from Uetliberg, the tallest mountain near Zurich (2,856
ft/871 m). If you prefer to go there on your own rather
than with a guided tour, take the Uetlibergbahn (S-Bahn
10) from the Hauptbahnhof. In addition to the observation
terrace, there are hiking trails and restaurants.
Rathaus
Zurich's refined town hall, built over the Limmat River,
dates back to the 1600s. It's still the seat of city and
cantonal parliaments. There are no tours of the interior,
so you'll have to be content with the outside view.
Predigerkirche
Dominican monks founded this monastery and church in 1230.
Additions and alterations were made over the centuries,
and the current interior dates primarily from the early
1600s. The high choir and massive organ are quite impressive.
Kunsthalle
Temporary exhibitions of international contemporary art,
primarily one-artist shows.
Zoo Zurich
A superb zoo featuring approximately 1,800 animals from
around the world. Highlights include an aquarium and open-air
aviary, along with a complex that re-creates Madagascar's
Masoala rain forest.
Chinagarten
This beautiful walled garden, a gift from Zurich's partner
city in China, has Chinese pavilions, arched bridges, a
lake and an island. All the materials -- wood, stones and
bricks -- used to construct the buildings in the park were
imported from China.
Urania Sternwarte
Visitors can take an elevator to the top of this 1907 observatory
for a view of the stars and the Old Town at night, provided
the skies are clear. If the weather is questionable, call
about half an hour before opening time to see if it will
open.
Migros Museum fur Gegenwartkunst
Cutting-edge temporary exhibits of international contemporary
art, including installations and video art, displayed in
industrial-size galleries. The emphasis is on young talent.
Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
The Swiss National Museum is eye-catching. The castlelike
structure, built in the 1890s, replicates famous Swiss buildings
and uses materials and decorative elements salvaged from
all over the country. The exhibits detail the cultural and
artistic history of Switzerland from the Stone Age to today.
One particularly interesting exhibit is a display of Swiss-made
weapons from medieval times, including impressive crossbows
and swords. Another exhibit features medieval book illumination.
About six special exhibitions are staged each year.
Grossmunster
Built between 1100 and 1250 on the site of a ninth-century
church, this Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with twin towers
is dedicated to the patron saints of Zurich. In the first
half of the 16th century, it became a center for the Reformation.
It features stained-glass windows in the choir by Augusto
Giacometti, bronze doors for the north and south portals
by Otto Munch, and the Reformation Museum in the cloister.
From the top of the tower, you can enjoy terrific views
of the city.
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