TRAVELSCAPES  04.26

Zürich

Swiss Perfection

By Diana Addison Lyle

I love Zürich not just for its spectacular scenic beauty but because it is one of the cleanest, most pristine cities in the world where the residents take great pride in being neat, organized and civil. The term ‘Swiss Perfection’ fits this beautiful city aptly, and the combination of crystal-clear lakes set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, often powdered with snow, is a feast for the eyes and senses.

This charmingly sophisticated city offers a blend of historic charm, modern culture, and stunning natural scenery, with top attractions including a stroll through the Old Town (Altstadt), scenic cruises on Lake Zurich, and shopping on the exclusive Bahnhofstrasse. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Uetliberg Mountain, explore the Lindt Home of Chocolate, visit the Kunsthaus Zürich art museum, and iconic churches like Grossmünster.

Lake Zürich

The main lake in Zürich is Lake Zürich (Zürichsee), a significant freshwater lake extending southeast from the city, popular for swimming, boating, lakeside strolls, and beautiful views, with activities like cruises, beaches (lidos), and nearby towns like Rapperswil to explore with its medieval castle. It’s Switzerland’s fifth-largest lake, offering both urban waterfront access and natural escapes. Hike Uetliberg, Zürich’s local mountain, for panoramic views of the lake and Alps. The lake has distinct sections, with the upper part featuring Ufenau Island.

Kunsthaus (Museum)

The Kunsthaus is a museum that offers international caliber art exhibitions from the Middle Ages to the present day. With around 25,000 members, its supporting association, the Zürich Art Society, is one of the largest art associations in Europe. The Kunsthaus was significantly expanded with new, major extension designed by David Chipperfield Architects (in 2021), and features a limestone-clad façade and connects to the original building via underground passage.

Zürich Opera House

This is a major cultural landmark in Zürich located at Sechseläutenplatz by Lake Zürich. It is home to the Zürich Opera, Ballet Zürich, and the Philharmonia Zürich Orchestra, known for its diverse and high-quality productions, from classic operas to contemporary dance, and has won international awards like ‘Opera Company of the Year’. There are over 300 events annually including open-air performances, and a vast effort is placed on training young, talented artists.

Fischerstube Zürihorn

We had a wonderful dinner overlooking Lake Zürich at this casual lakeside restaurant, which was built in 1939 on piles in the lake for the National Exhibition. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed walking there as it gave us a glimpse of all the young people who relax in the park while enjoying the warm, balmy evening. This legendary restaurant specializes in fish dishes, but they include culinary classics and vegan or vegetable dishes on the menu. While guests at Fischerstube are looked after by service staff, the kiosk and the Fischergarten offer visitors, walkers, and bathers self-service.

Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum

Experience the interactive world of chocolate for all ages. The Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum boasts a 30-feet spectacular chocolate fountain with 1,500 liters of real chocolate pouring down a giant Lindor; the largest Lindt Chocolate Shop, and an interactive museum dedicated to chocolate as a Swiss cultural treasure. Treat your family to a one-of-a-kind experience at this uniquely famous destination.

Lake Lucerne

An easy car ride just 30 minutes outside of Zürich takes you to Lake Lucerne, a beautiful lake basin filled with deep-blue water and surrounded by destination mountains such as the Rigi and the Pilatus. You can take a boat trip on this lovely lake, and it’s very much worth a visit.

Summary

Americans will particularly appreciate Zürich’s mix of high-end, efficient, and scenic experiences. It combines a charming, walkable medieval Old Town (Altstadt) with a cosmopolitan, safe and clean environment. Lakeside views are stunning, dining is world-class, as is the shopping, and it gives easy access to the famous Alps. Zürich is also Switzerland’s financial hub.

If you are looking for your dream Swiss adventure, before venturing out into the better-known tourist areas like Zermatt or the whimsical picturesque villages, do take a few days to tour marvelously cosmopolitan Zürich. I always come away feeling that my life is in order, and that everything makes sense. For those of you into tennis, it’s the same feeling that Roger Federer exudes to the people around him: there’s a sense of distinct class, good manners, and consideration for others.