World Local: Zürich - A surprisingly pleasant journey!

Lake Zürich Flower Clock at Bürkliplatz - 26.08.12
This famous flower clock was presented to Zürich by Beyer in 1985. It is interesting that the decoration of the clock face varies with seasons, which gives the city each season a fascinating new look.

Lake Zürich at Stadthausquai

I had to ask myself in my rather short two-and-a-half-day trip there: is this the Zürich that I was expecting? The answer is: the city has more than one's expectation!

Known as "a leading global city and among the world's largest financial centres", Zürich actually offers a lively, at the same time, somehow relaxing atmosphere with an oceanic or humid continental climate, kind of remind me of Barcelona's atmosphere although to a smaller scale. A city of great combination of mountainous surroundings, green landscapes, blue lake and ..busy business districts. A mixture of historical and modern buildings, which shows different and perhaps opposite sides of the city. There are also several places where one can really enjoy beautiful view over the Lake Zürich in harmony with the historical side of the city centre. When going further away from the centre, one might not expect too much from the city though.

Lucky that I got great weather during the trip, the kind of weather that one can jump into the lake and swim.

Lake Zürich on a warm sunny day - 26.08.12

Lake Zürich along Seefeldquai

Zürich port - 26.08.12

One of the first things that we did in Zürich is to visit "der schönste Aussichtsturm der Schweiz" - the most beautiful viewing tower of Switzerland. The Üetliberg tower is located at 900 m above the sea level, it has a height of 72 m with a platform for viewing of 30 m high.

On the way to the Üetliberg tower

"Üetliberg" is the name of a mountain in the Swiss plateau, part of the Albis chain. From the base of the mountain to the tower, it takes about one hour on foot. As the way is sometimes quite steep, it can be a little tiring. Caution should be also taken into account when going down the mountain, especially if the paths are wet. Besides walking, there are other options with car or bus to the tower. It is nice that at the intermediate level, there is a picnic place for friends and family with children. Coming near to the tower, the area arround is decorated with some giraffe lighting posts in light pink colour having some kind of funny looking.

View of Zürich from Üetliberg

After one-hour hiking, the reward is a great panoramic view of the entire city of Zürich as well as the Lake Zürich. There are two options for viewing, either climbing up to the tower or simply relaxing at one of the benches at the base ground of the tower, which also offers a joyful breath-taking view.

The Lindenhof square

This is one of the most scenic spots in the city: being surrounded by lime trees (hence the name "Linde") and at high point above the ground, the Lindenhof square offers a quiet break from shopping, sightseeing and the hustle and bustle of busy financial districts. Here one can enjoy a very nice view over the Limmat river and forget, for a moment, about the time. (I mentioned "for a moment" because in general I assume the Swiss people, not being different from the Germans, always keep in mind the time and their punctuality. Evidently one can find clocks almost everywhere in the city). Looking at the photo, how interesting it is to sit here having a beer with some friends in a late afternoon..