Travel trends – Switzerland
Switzerland is more than skiing!
Many people only visualize ski slopes when they hear Switzerland; however, this country has much to offer beyond the slopes of the urban cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Lausanne. These cities offer wonderful and interesting art, colorful old towns and beautiful waterfront settings worth a visit on your way to the slopes.
Zurich is located in the north and is the largest city in Switzerland and a major transportation hub. Like most Swiss cities, visitors and residents of Zurich alike enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich, which provides the opportunity for romantic walks, bike rides and cruises. A great way to see the city is on a riverboat that works similarly to a city bus.
Known as one of the most “fountain” cities in Europe, Zurich is dotted with more than 1,200 fountains, a torrent of cafes and streets with a colorful atmosphere. One of the city’s art treasures is a set of Chagall stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes located in the Fraumunster church in central Zurich.
There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than strolling through Backer Park, considered one of the most beautiful and leafy parks in all of Zurich. Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, head to the very interesting Indianermuseum, where you can trace the history of Native American culture. For a different kind of culture, head to Langstrasse, Zurich’s red light district. As dusk falls, it’s great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or have a laugh at the Volkshaus Zurich comedy club.
An hour south of Zurich is the beautiful city of Lucerne. A covered medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centerpiece of the city’s cityscape and is considered one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and others dating back to the 17th century, hang below the bridge’s girders and show scenes from Lucerne’s history. Swans often congregate near the bridge and locals will tell you that the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in thanks for the protection the Swiss guards gave him.
Historic houses are decorated with frescoes lining the city’s many picturesque squares, such as the ‘Weinmarkt’ square.
Picasso fans will want to check out Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection, which displays several dozen candid black-and-white photographs of the artist. Here you will see Picasso in the bathtub, getting a haircut, playing dress-up and playing with the children.
Lucerne is a city of squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is considered Switzerland’s first sacred Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche are an integral part of the urban landscape. The figure of a dying lion that was chiseled out of rock in memory of the heroic death of the Swiss Guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792, is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland.
Tradition and modern life coexist easily in Lucerne, as the city has also earned a reputation for innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Center, the KKL, designed by prominent French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the city’s architectural highlights. The Center is also a Lucerne landmark and a venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip to one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi, the queen of mountains, is a must. But excursions to the Stanserhorn or a steamboat cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many twists and turns are worthwhile experiences.
The Wilhelm Tell Express originates from Lucerne and carries its passengers at the foot of the Gotthard Pass across Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail to Ticino, south of the Alpine range. The “cherry road” leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheerful trees.
Lausanne stands elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The museum here showcases a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. The evolution of sports equipment is evident here, with sneakers by Carl Lewis and ice skates by Sonia Henie.
Lausanne’s city center is spread over several hilltops, linked by bridges spanning deep riverless gorges. Place St. Francois overlooks the hilltop district known as Bourg, formerly the wealthiest part of town and still known for its upscale markets and boutiques. To the north, the hill of the Old City, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the 19th century expanded the scope of the city to the east and west. The pedestrian walking zone is located north of the train station and offers great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.
The waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners, office workers, and skaters. Locals nicknamed their city the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its rolling hills as it seems to be a hike in every direction.
If you are a shopper, items to buy in Switzerland may include ceramics, clocks, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss Army knives, liqueurs (Williamine, the best thing to do with a pear) , lace, textiles, folk souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless steel cutlery, ski gear and clothing, leather goods, shoes, and of course, chocolates!
Whether you enjoy modern art exhibits or want to explore Old World charm, Switzerland’s cities seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore, and ski the alpine peaks, there is more to this country than can be found in its glorious urban areas.