“Exploring Zurich with Laura”
Nestled beside the picturesque lake, with the majestic Swiss Alps in the distance, this vibrant metropolis offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, waterfront promenades, and natural beauty.
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, with a population of 400,000, was originally founded by the Romans in 58 B.C. Today it is a global center for banking and finance.
The river Limmat flows through the city which adds a marvelous feel of continuous life force to this hydroelectric powered municipality.
L’Ange Protecteur: A Guardian Angel at Zurich Main Station
Upon arrival at the Zurich main station, I was genuinely stunned by this colorful angel hanging high overhead. While I confess to not fully understanding many contemporary art pieces, I found this curvaceous angel to be nurturing and fun-loving as she faithfully hovered high above myself and fellow travelers' heads.
In 1997, Niki de Saint Phalle created "L’Ange Protecteur," a gigantic guardian angel, to preside over and protect this bustling station. ”Nana” weighs over 2,600 pounds, stands 36 feet tall, and has become an iconic sight for the over one million daily Zurich tourists and commuters.
The sculpture's colorful attire and golden wings are carefully dusted every three months using a duster and compressed air spray to preserve the vibrant colors. The angel was a gift from the Securitas Company to mark the 150th anniversary of railways in Switzerland.
Bahnhofstrasse
From the main station, it's an easy walk along the famous Bahnhofstrasse, which means "railway station street." This 1.4-kilometer street is one of the world's most expensive retail avenues. This bougie boulevard leads down to the north side of Lake Zurich and is just a block away from the Altstadt.
Strolling Through Altstadt
The Altstadt, German for Old Town, is a UNESCO heritage site and a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, each turn revealing charming medieval buildings, hidden courtyards, and inviting cafés. It was easy to get turned around in all the little lanes but was the ideal area to get lost in in my opinion.
Münsterhof Square
During my wander, I came upon the iconic Münsterhof, the largest square in the Altstadt. Car-free since 2003, the square now features a large fountain, 20 feet in diameter and 13 feet tall, aimed at enhancing public enjoyment. On this surprisingly warm spring day, I was amused to see a cheerful dog owner and her two Labradors happily playing and drinking in the fountain. After a quick splash and a sip of refreshing water, they continued on their walk.
Zurich boasts over 1,200 public fountains, each offering free drinking water. These fountains vary in size and ornateness, but all are available for everyone to refill their water bottles or take a refreshing drink.
St. Peter’s Church
Nestled in the heart of the Altstadt, St. Peter's Church is a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural splendor. Famous for its striking clock face—the largest in Europe, measuring 26.2 feet in diameter—St. Peter's dates back to the 9th century, making it Zurich’s oldest parish church. Inside, the church features a simple yet elegant interior with beautifully crafted wooden pews and an intricately designed pulpit.
I spent some peaceful moments there, meditating, praying, and reading in the serene silence. Unlike some European churches with whitewashed walls that can feel cold and sterile, St. Peter's exudes a surprising warmth, thanks to its lovely wood carvings and colored marble pillars. The walls reflected the sunshine, creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere in this historic sanctuary which I found quite enjoyable.
Lindenhof: A Serene Hilltop Escape
As I meandered through the cobblestone streets, I ventured up an unexpected set of stairs and ascended upon the Lindenhof, a serene hilltop park offering panoramic views of the Old Town and the Limmat River. This historic spot was the perfect place to pause and take in the city's beauty. I deeply appreciated that the skyline was filled with church spires and wonderful medieval buildings rather than billboards and modern skyscrapers. It was an idyllic spot to select a bench and enjoy the views.
Cruise on Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich's boat transportation is seamlessly integrated into the city's public transport system, offering both convenience and scenic beauty for visitors. Once onboard “Uetliberg,” I settled on the outdoor top deck for a picnic lunch, soaking up the sunshine as we cruised leisurely around a portion of the lake. The experience was incredibly relaxing, offering delightful views of the green spaces and outlying suburbs lining the shores.
The scenery reminded me of Northern Vancouver, where neighborhoods are nestled among lush trees, blending naturally with the environment rather than disrupting it. Zurich seems to have expanded with a mindful approach to its natural surroundings.
The Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum is one of over 50 museums in Zurich. This museum boasts a collection of over 870,000 pieces, offering an expansive view into Switzerland's cultural history, craftsmanship, and art. Capturing my interest was the museum building’s architecturally blended design.
Opening in 1898, the original, fairy-tale building was designed by architect Gustav Gull and then in 2016 the new modern wing was added. These two buildings connect in a most unique way with a reflection pool beneath the modern concrete that mirrors the older facade giving a nod to both the old and new in one glance.
The historic Platzspitz Park surrounding the museum was a pasture used for marksmen festivals in the 15th century. This is also where the traditional “Knabenschiessen'' shooting contest originated. Today, the park is a perfect picnic spot for families, featuring a playground, a giant garden chess board, and pavilions for summertime music fests.
