Destination: Zurich

Zurich was a last minute add-on to our European adventure due to flight loads from Madrid to D.C. being a bit tighter than we had hoped. Flights from Zurich to D.C. had much more availability for our family of 6 and a flight from Madrid to Zurich was quick and easy. This ended up being a huge win for us as we got to add another country to our list! Though we only stayed for 2 nights, we all grew very fond of this city.

Have you ever been somewhere that you just couldn’t stop taking pictures? That was Zurich. The kids were annoyed, but every corner we turned there was another adorable square, cozy alley, or storybook-like scene that I just had to capture. It felt like being in the middle of a consonant-filled fairy tale! Needless to say, we didn’t have enough time to fully enjoy all that Zurich has to offer, but we did soak in the Vermont-like mountain air, green vistas and friendly smiles. We can’t wait to go back for more.

Accommodations:

Jay found an adorable AirBnb for our stay. Of course it was 6 flights up with no elevator! Stairs schmairs. We loved the chalet-style decor, though the vintage skis and ski posters didn’t help with Edward’s gut-wrenching desire to ski as we saw the snow reports pile up at home. We will get out there at some point this season!! The three bedrooms and large living room were very comfortable and perfect for us to feel cozy and rest up for the long journey back to the states.

Activities:

Uetilberg Hike (Top of Zurich) – The single activity of our visit, we took the tram to Strassenverkehrsamt station and walked to the trailhead. The trail splits early on and the kids chose the fork to the right which took us up a steep packed gravel pathway through the trees. Parts were quite steep, but the trail was nice and wide and offered built-in steps every now and then. It was surprisingly a very quiet walk, yet as we reached the top it became busier as the other trails (including the one from the train station near the top) converged.

There are a couple of restaurants and a hotel that take advantage of the beautiful location. We walked around enjoying the Alps in the distance and the valley below. We took full advantage of the food vendors to fill our hungry bellies. The kids had crepes while Jay and I had open faced raclette sandwiches (crusty bread dipped in white wine, topped with tomatoes, ham and raclette cheese). Side note – raclette is my favorite discovery in Europe. We met a lovely couple while enjoying our treats – the kids fell in love with their dog Logan and consequently we had a pleasant conversation with them.

There is a tower at the top that allows for an even better unobstructed view for a small fee. We planned on taking the train down – station is a short walk away with a fun playground just across the tracks. The kids had fun playing in the shade while we waited for our ride back to the city center. To the kids’ delight, Logan and his parents boarded the train just before our departure. Our single serving friends of Zurich gave us their WhatsApp info so we can get in touch next time we visit!

Dining/Shopping:

Niederdorfstrasse area – This was my favorite area to wander around. With adorable narrow cobblestone streets, small independent shops and restaurants, and interesting alleys, you can explore for hours without getting bored. Many cozy-looking restaurants offered al fresco seating with faux fur draped over each chair which I thought was a very appealing touch.

Bahnhofstrasse – This is the main drag in the city, lined with high-end shops that are most ideal for window shopping. The Swiss love their watches, so you can peer into these boutiques and see people being wined and dined as they purchase their fancy heirloom timepieces.

Chocolate – A more affordable option than watches, chocolate is something the Swiss do beautifully. We recommend Spruengli with a huge selection of truffles, bars, and macrons. I recommend the Bourbon Vanilla for the beautiful balance of both vanilla and chocolate, but there really isn’t a bad choice when it comes to Swiss chocolate.

The Perks:

Mountains – The beauty of Switzerland is everywhere, but the mountains are the main attraction. While a bustling city, Zurich is just a quick train ride away from a relaxing escape.

Beauty – Some cities are more functional and while that can be appealing to some that is not Zurich…both fashion & function operate side-by-side in this wonderland.

Water – Flowing fountains are speckled across the city offering not only beauty, but fresh, drinkable water that is derived from the mountains. The over 1,200 fountains are maintained by the city and the water is inspected for freshness and quality on a regular basis. Leaving the house with an empty water bottle is not a problem, in fact it’s an opportunity!

The Not-So Perks:

PRICES – We thought London was pricey but Zurich takes the cake for the most expensive city we’ve visited so far. As with most things in life, it’s a trade-off. For the extra money you get safety, quality drinking water (we’re in Lima, Peru now and let’s just say you really don’t know what you have until you don’t. We have to purchase large quantities nearly daily for making coffee, brushing teeth, cooking and of course drinking), and of course access to the beauty of the mountains.

Wrap it up, Amie:

The kids are quick to name Zurich as their favorite city so far which says something seeing as we were there for only two days! We look forward to returning in the near future to see more, ski nearby, and of course to visit their buddy Logan and our new friends 🙂

Sharing is Caring!