Switzerland is more than skiing!
Many people only visualize the 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 that are 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, both visitors and residents of Zurich enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich offers the opportunity for romantic walks, bike rides and cruises. A great way to see the city is on a riverboat that works similar to a city bus.
Known as one of the most “fountain cities” in Europe, Zurich is dotted with more than 1,200 fountains, a stream of cafes and colorful streets. One of the city’s artistic treasures is a set of stained glass windows by Chagall depicting biblical scenes located in the Fraumunster church in central Zurich.
There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through Backer Park, considered one of the most beautiful and lush in all of Zurich. Once you’ve filled up with outdoor activities, 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. In the evening, it’s great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or 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 urban landscape and is considered one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and some dating from the 17th century, hang below the bridge’s girders, displaying scenes from Lucerne’s history. Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you that swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in gratitude for the protection given to him by the Swiss Guards.
The historic houses are decorated with frescoes that line the city’s many picturesque squares, such as the ‘Weinmarkt’ square.
Picasso fans will want to check out Lucerna’s Rosengart Collection, featuring several dozen candid black-and-white photographs of the artist. Here you will see Picasso in the bathtub, cutting his hair, 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 the first sacred Baroque building in Switzerland and the twin towers of the Hofkirche are an integral part of the urban landscape. The figure of a dying lion that was chiseled into the 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 easily go hand in hand in Lucerne, as the city has also built a reputation for innovative design. The futuristic Convention and Culture 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 curves and arms, are worthy experiences.
The Wilhelm Tell Express originates from Lucerne and transports its passengers at the foot of the Gotthard Pass across Lake Lucerne and then continues by train to Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The “cherry road” leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheerful trees.
Lausanne rises gracefully over Lake Geneva and has been the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The museum here displays a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. The evolution of sports equipment is evident here, with the track shoes by Carl Lewis and the ice skates by Sonia Henie.
Lausanne city center is spread over several hills, linked by bridges spanning deep gorges without rivers. Place St. Francois overlooks the hilltop district known as Bourg, formerly the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its unique markets and boutiques. To the north, the hill of the Old Town, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the 19th century expanded the reach of the city to the east and west. The pedestrian zone is north of the train station and offers great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.
The waterfront is the happy domain of commoners, office workers, and skaters. The locals nicknamed their city the San Francisco de Suiza for all its hills, as it appears to be a hike in every direction.
If you are a shopper, items to buy in Switzerland may include ceramics, watches, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liqueurs (0000-mine, the best you can do with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore 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, Swiss cities seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore, and ski the Alpine peaks, there is more to this country in its glorious urban areas.
