Switzerland is more than skiing!
Many people only see 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 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 transport hub. Like most Swiss cities, Zurich’s visitors and residents alike enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich, which provides opportunities for romantic walks, bike rides, and cruises. A great way to see the city is on a river boat 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 torrent of cafes and streets with a colorful atmosphere. One of the city’s art treasures is a set of stained glass windows by Chagall depicting Biblical scenes located in the Fraumunster Church in the center of Zurich.
There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through the Backer Park, considered one of the most beautiful and leafy in all of Zurich. Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, 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. As dusk falls, 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 town’s streetscape and is considered one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and some dating back to the 17th century, hang below the bridge’s girders, depicting scenes from Lucerne’s history. Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you that the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in thanks for the protection he was given by the Swiss Guards.
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 Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection, which displays 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 Baroque sacred building in Switzerland and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the urban landscape. The figure of a dying lion, which was chiselled out of rock in memory of the heroic death of Swiss Guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792, is one of Switzerland’s best-known monuments.
Tradition and modern life coexist easily in Lucerne, as the city has also built a reputation for innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention 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 bends and arms are worthwhile experiences.
The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and carries its passengers at the foot of the Gotthard Pass across Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail to Ticino, south of the Alpine range. The “cherry path” leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheerful trees.
Lausanne stands elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to 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 sneakers by Carl Lewis and ice skates by Sonia Henie.
Lausanne’s city center spans several hilltops, linked by bridges spanning deep gorges without rivers. Place St. Francois dominates the hilltop district known as Bourg, once the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its unique markets and boutiques. To the north, the hill of the Old City, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the 19th century expanded the scope of the city to the east and west. The pedestrianized walking area is located to the north of the train station and offers great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.
The waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners, office workers, and skaters. The locals nicknamed their town the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its hills, as it seems to be a walk in every direction.
If you are a shopper, items to buy in Switzerland may include pottery, clocks, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss Army knives, liqueurs (Williamine, the best thing to do with a pear) , lace, textiles, folklore memorabilia (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods, shoes, and of course, chocolates!
Whether you enjoy modern art exhibits or want to explore Old World charm, Switzerland’s cities seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore and ski the alpine peaks, there is more to this country than can be found in its glorious urban areas.