{"id":40827,"date":"2026-03-29T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T09:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/40827\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T09:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T09:00:19","slug":"switzerlands-zesty-zurich-is-the-gateway-to-the-alps-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/40827\/","title":{"rendered":"Switzerland\u2019s zesty Zurich is the gateway to the Alps \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was well after dark in the heart of Zurich\u2019s Old Town and Zurich\u2019s raucous, multi-day \u201cgoodbye to winter \u2014 hello to spring\u201d festival known as \u201cSechselauten\u201d was in full Swiss swing.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cguild\u201d restaurants, drinking wine, socializing and reveling in the celebration.<\/p>\n

\"MusiciansMusicians dressed in historical costumes parade in one of Zurich\u2019s many traditional festivals. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

Earlier, the day\u2019s festivities started with a massive parade along the Bahnhoffstrasse, Zurich\u2019s 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.)<\/p>\n

\"CelebrantsCelebrants dressed in historical costumes parade in one of Zurich\u2019s many traditional festivals. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

Dominating the parade were ancient guilds, whose members dressed in the garb of traditional Swiss trades \u2014 bakers, cheesemakers, coopers and brewmeisters \u2014 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 \u201cBoogg,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\"WalkingWalking paths line the banks of the Limmat River. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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\u201cNiederdorf\u201d), 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.<\/p>\n

\"Peaceful<\/p>\n

Peaceful waterside scenery delights ferry boat travelers on a Lake Zurich excursion. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

\"Hikers<\/p>\n

Hikers explore pastoral Swiss countryside on nature trails in Felsenegg, just outside Zurich. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Chocolate lovers crowd a liquid chocolate fountain inside Lindt\u2019s House of Chocolate museum. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

\"Summer<\/p>\n

Summer days along the shores of Lake Zurich. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A historic statue of Ganymed near the ferry landing on Lake Zurich. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

\"Peaceful<\/p>\n

Peaceful waterside scenery delights ferry boat travelers on a Lake Zurich excursion. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

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Peaceful waterside scenery delights ferry boat travelers on a Lake Zurich excursion. (Photo by Ben Davidson)\n<\/p>\n

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Festivals happen throughout the summer, including the Zurcher Theater Spectacle on the shore of Lake Zurich from Aug. 14 to 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.<\/p>\n

\"ChocolateChocolate heaven: A massive chocolate truffle is one of many sweet-themed exhibits inside Lindt\u2019s House of Chocolate museum. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

One of Zurich\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"AA massive liquid chocolate fountain is featured in the lobby of Lindt\u2019s House of Chocolate museum and store. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PeacefulPeaceful waterside scenery delights ferry boat travelers on a Lake Zurich excursion. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

\"HistoricHistoric guild halls line the banks of the Limmat River near Zurich\u2019s Od Town. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 historic \u201cguild\u201d restaurants which are found in the old town and along the banks fo the Limmat River.<\/p>\n

If you go
\n\"AA colorful historic trolley plies the streets of Zurich near the Old Town. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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, Swiss-German and\/or French. Zurich lies on beautiful Lake Zurich and is near the Swiss Alps. It\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

Dining
\n\"HistoricHistoric guild halls line the banks of the Limmat River near Zurich\u2019s Od Town. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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

Places to stay
\n\"AA dreamy nighttime view of Old Zurich from a bridge crossing the Limmat river, which flows through the heart of the city. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind:\u00a0Only 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\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Swiss Travel Pass
\n\"HikingHiking signs point the way to Swiss nature trails in Felsenegg, just outside Zurich. (Photo by Ben Davidson)<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It was well after dark in the heart of Zurich\u2019s Old Town and Zurich\u2019s raucous, multi-day \u201cgoodbye to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40828,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[3609,1063,51],"class_list":{"0":"post-40827","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-zurich","8":"tag-things-to-do","9":"tag-travel","10":"tag-zurich"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ch\/116311649548769287","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40827\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}