Switzerland City Guide: Zurich (Zürich)

Zurich

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Zurich, Switzerland.Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich was originally a tax-collecting center for goods that passed along the Limmat River. Though the city has deep roots as a religious center as well, it is mainly known today as a world financial center.

The original settlement of the area dates from around 7,000 years ago. The Romans arrived in 15 BC, on one of their many campaigns. In what is now Zurich, they set up a customs post called "Turicum." Here they began building the first structures in stone. They thrived until withdrawal in 401 AD. The Franks and Alemans who succeeded them were mainly farmers, and the city did not develop for many centuries.

Zurich was given the right to be a free imperial city in the early part of the thirteenth century. The city then became part of what is now Switzerland in 1351, but was kicked out some 90 years later thanks to warring with other member states of the confederation. Zurich lost the war and once again became a member of the confederation in 1450.

FIFA HQ Zurich, Switzerland.FIFA Headquarters Zurich

One of the main symbols of Zurich is the Grossmunster church (built in 820 AD). In the past it was much more than symbolic. In the 16th century, Huldrych Zwingli was appointed the first priest of the Grossmunster church. He read the Bible literally, and was opposed to anything not found therein: mercenaries, the selling of indulgences, and more.

As a result of his influence, religious refugees from the South came to live and work in Zurich. These immigrants brought with them their business skill. One result of this was that the city became a textile center. Industrialization and, in 1847, the railroads followed, helping to create the financial center that is world famous today.

Another well known church is the Fraumunster, which is today famous for its Chagall stained glass windows. It was renovated in 2004. The clock face at St. Peter, which is just down the road from Fraumunster, is said to be the largest in Europe.

Zurich, Switzerland.Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich Museums

Zurich has several museums well worth visiting. The Museum Barengasse covers the history of Zurich, primarily in the 18th century. It is part of the national museum system of Switzerland, and is located at Museumstrasse 2 CH-8023.

The Kunsthaus Zurich, has a fantastic collection of Modern Art, featuring works by Munch, Picasso, Braque, Giacometti, and more (Tel: 044 253 84 84).

Next is the Museum Rietberg, with its lovely collection of Asian art. Gablerstrasse 15 8002 Zurich (Tel: 044 206 31 31).

For those with an interest in fashion and design, head to the Museum Bellerive. Höschgasse 3, CH-8008. (Tel: 043 446 44 69). Entrance is 9 euros.

Finance

Many financial institutions are headquartered in Zurich, which is the world's main city for offshore banking. Swiss secrecy and its multilingual residents are the main reasons for this. It is said the financial sector of the city is close to one quarter of total economic activity.

Oetenbachgasse At Night, Zurich, Switzerland.Oetenbachgasse At Night, Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich Nightlife

The Grand Casino Baden is a classic European casino. It is located at Spielbank Baden AG Haselstrasse 2 CH-5400 Baden. Downtown there are many bars and clubs that cater to all tastes. For a taste of working class Zurich beerhalls (and huge plates of french fries) try some of the places at the beginning of Niederdorfstrasse.

For a more ambient experience try the pavement cafes on the riverside Limmatquai including the historic but pricey, Odeon. Across the river there are good watering holes around the main station including Helvetia and a good English-style pub Lions on Oetenbachstrasse just near the excellent Orell Fussli English bookshop.

Zurich Shopping

The Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world's most elegant boulevards. High end fashion, jewelry, two great department stores--Globus and Jelmoli--can be found here.

Zurich Festivals

April

Sechselautern - a spring festival with a parade in historic costumes and a pyrotechnic snowman (Böögg).

August

Street Parade - a huge techno-inspired street party - Europe's largest www.street-parade.ch.

September

Knabenschiessen - youth shooting competition www.knabenschiessen.ch

Tourist Offices

Located at Zurich's Main Train Station
Tel. +41 44 215 40 00
Fax +41 44 215 40 44
information[at]zuerich.com

Trains in SwitzerlandEntrance to Zurich Station in Switzerland

Getting To Zurich

Air

Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zurich) is 8 miles north of downtown. The trip into town could not be easier. There are of course taxis and buses, but the S-Bahn (rail) is the best option. It takes but 10 minutes to get to the Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Train at Zurich Station.Train at Zurich Station

Train

The Swiss federal railways, the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, is excellent for travel within Switzerland. There are direct trains to both Basel and Bern (just over an hour).

For football fans under 26, the Inter-Rail pass is an attractive possibility. It offers unlimited travel on almost all European railways which includes the Swiss system. Switzerland is located in the pass's Zone C.

Bus at Zurich Station.Bus at Zurich Station

Bus

There are long-haul buses from the UK to Zurich: 18 hours in a coach. It is however the cheapest way to get there. Eurolines will get you there and back.

Car/Road

The A1 will get you to Zurich from Geneva or Berne. From Lucerne, take the A3. For drivers coming from Munich, take the E17. The A136 goes to Innsbruck.

Getting around Zurich

Getting around Zurich on foot is not a big problem. A ZurichCard valid for 24 and 72 hours allows free public transport, free admission to a number of museums, shopping discounts and even a free drink in some restaurants.

S-Bahn, Buses & Trams

Zurich has an integrated system of S-Bahn suburban trains, buses and trams. The railway station is the main hub. S-Bahn suburban trains link to Zug, Einsiedeln to the south and Schaffhausen, Stein-am-Rhein and Winterthur to the north.

If you look on the front of the ticket machine where you get on a tram or bus, you can find most stops from a list, and by the name of the stop either a 4-digit number or the letters KS. KS stands for ‘Kurzstrecke', (a short journey), the numbers represent a destination. Just choose the corresponding ticket. Day tickets are also available. There are infrequent night buses for the suburbs departing Bellevue.

Tram, Zurich, Switzerland.Zurich Tram

Bike

You can hire or borrow bikes with a cash and identity card/passport deposit.

Boat

There are pleasure cruises on Lake Zurich and the River Limmat.

Car Hire

Car hire is available at the airports and in the major cities.

Bakery, Zurich, Switzerland.Zurich

Accommodation in Zurich

Featured Hotels

Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich
Kurhausstrasse 65
Zurich 8032 Switzerland

Built in 1899, the Dolder is located on the edge of a woods and has its own golf course. Book the Dolder Grand Hotel.

Bristol Hotel - quiet city center 3-star hotel.
Rex Hotel - some great, high-tech rooms with views of the street. Wireless Internet. Check out the groovy lighting with the excellent breakfasts. Walking distance or tram 7 to the center.
The Hotel Hirschen at Niederdorfstrasse 13 in central Zurich is within 5-10 minutes walk of Zurich's main station. All the well-appointed rooms have free WiFi and there is an historic wine cellar and tavern on the premises.

Book Accommodation in Zurich

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Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland.Zurich Hotel Hirschen

Eating in Zurich

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Football Teams

FC Zurich logo.FC Zurich was founded in 1896 from the merger of three local clubs.

The team now plays in the Swiss first division and were champions in 2006. FCZ plays its home matches at Letzigrund Stadium, which held 23,605 but will move to the new 30,000 capacity Letzigrund stadium being built on the same site for Euro 2008 and due to open in 2007.

FC Zurich play in blue and white striped shirts and blue shorts. Take tram #2 from Paradeplatz.

Grasshopper-Club Zurich logo.A second team, Grasshopper-Club Zurich, also is based in Zurich. Founded in 1886 by English students, the Grasshoppers have a huge and loyal following and are the most successful team in Swiss football having had good runs in European competition and appearing in the Champions League.

Grasshopper played its home games at 22,000 capacity Hardturm Stadium, a 5-minute minute ride on the tram from the main station. Grasshopper and FC Zurich will share the new Letzigrund Stadium until the new Stadion Zürich replaces the old Hardturm Stadium. Take tram #4 from the main station to the old Hardturm Stadium.
Grasshopper play in blue and white half shirts and white shorts.


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