Sept 6, 2025.
First and foremost, I apologize about the photos. I have not blogged in almost 13 yrs and am rusty with the insertion and order. They are all over the place, but I hope you can make sense of them.
I traveled to New York from South Florida to meet up with my sister, Cindy. This trip had been planned for several months, and we were both excited. We had never traveled together, just the two of us. Despite our extensive travel experience, having both been overseas several times we have not been to this part of Europe.
We initially booked our flight through United Airlines, but were later transferred to Swiss Air for our international flight. Unfortunately, this change meant that we were unable to select our seats in advance, leading to the inability to purchase first class accommodations. Our seat assignments were only provided upon check-in at the Swiss Air counter, causing frustration and inconvenience. Based on this experience, I would not recommend booking with United Airlines for international travel.
Additionally, on our return flight from Budapest, we were transferred from Swiss Air to Austria Air for the leg to Frankfurt, Germany, before being placed back on Swiss Air for the final stretch bank to Zurich. In Zurich we then boarded yet another Swiss Air plane for the journey home to NY. This unexpected series of transfers added further complexity to our journey. We were tired, frustrated and just wanted to get home.
Despite the challenges we faced during our travels, I must mention a unique experience at the airport in Austria. There is a designated "calming room" for passengers who mistakenly believe they have arrived in Australia instead of Austria. This humorous touch provides a lighthearted moment in what can be a stressful situation, although it may come at a cost for those who fall for the mix-up. It is pretty funny and we were told it happens often. While our experience with the airlines was not without its difficulties, the unexpected change with Austria Air did provide a memorable anecdote from our travels.
Day 1 -
Upon our arrival in Zurich, we retrieved our luggage and were greeted by a personal driver who escorted us to our hotel. After checking in and receiving complimentary chocolates, we set out to explore the city, feeling both tired and excited. A very large cow named Susie greeted us outside the hotel entrance, adding a charming touch to our Swiss experience. The entire hotel hosted cows and cheese everywhere. It was very cute. Breakfast was included in our stay and was served in the basement that was carved out of rock. Very cool.
Switzerland is renowned for its stunning Alps, delectable chocolates, exquisite cheeses, and precision timepieces. The majestic Matterhorn peak is famous for its breathtaking views and iconic skiing opportunities.
The tradition of Swiss watchmaking dates back to the establishment of the first Catholic Cathedral in Zurich, which advocated for simplicity and equality by discouraging the display of wealth through jewelry. As a result, the production of watches flourished, with Swiss timepieces becoming synonymous with accuracy and craftsmanship.
Notable Swiss watch brands such as Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, Longines, Tissot, and TAG Heuer are highly esteemed for their quality and value. While Rolex is considered a prestigious luxury brand, it is not favored for its timekeeping reliability in Switzerland. It is seen more as a status symbol than a practical timepiece. Swiss locals often prefer simpler, everyday watche like the popular Swatch, which is simple and understated. (Swatch - second watch).
Bern is often mistakenly believed to be the capital of Switzerland, but in fact, Switzerland does not have a designated capital city. Bern is home to the federal buildings of the country, but it is not the capital.
Switzerland is politically divided into 26 sovereign cantons, each with its own constitution, legislature, and government. Geographically, the country is divided into three main regions: the Swiss Alps, the Central Plateau, and the Jura mountains. The cantons are further organized into thousands of smaller municipalities, which are responsible for local infrastructure such as roads. These cantons are similar to counties.
Switzerland is influenced by four main languages and cultures: French, Italian, Romansh, and German, with German being the most widely spoken during our visit. We found Google Translate to be extremely useful for communication.
Lindt chocolates originated in Zurich, and we were delighted to receive samples wherever we went. We did not tour the factory but learned about its history as we passed by.
During our visit in Zurich we purchased a day pass that granted us access to all forms of public transportation, including trams, shuttles, trains, buses, and boats, as well as free entry to museums. The efficiency and organization of Switzerland's roads and rails were impressive. The integration of buses and trains on a 'clock-face schedule' ensured smooth and accurate operations. This system, which features consistent intervals for departure and arrival times throughout the day, is used worldwide. It was amazing to stand on any given corner and just watch the interactions of the trams, trains, buses and people moving so smoothly.
After some time we stopped for lunch at a restaurant where everything was in German. Thanks to Google Translate, we were able to navigate the menu and enjoy the delicious pork, veal, and German-inspired dishes. The cuisine was truly amazing.
Switzerland is also known for its cathedrals, spires, and large clocks scattered throughout the country. The cleanliness of the streets and the friendly citizens make for a welcoming atmosphere. The architecture is stunning, with vibrant flowers adorning the buildings. People can be seen relaxing along the shores of Lake Zurich, listening to music, enjoying a meal, or simply floating on a tube.
The city of Zurich boasts a university known for its architecture program, where students are encouraged to create statues of historical figures as part of their graduation criteria. These statues can be found throughout the city, adding to its charm. The colorful buildings and symbolic frescoes also enhance the beauty of the city.
Outdoor dining is popular which reflects the European culture. The country places a strong emphasis on rights for all, including animals. Cats, in particular, are well-cared for, with designated "cat parks" and "cat trees" that allow them to socialize. The cats simply come and go from their homes, head toward the park and play with other felines. Returning home when hungry. These parks are exclusive to cats, with no dogs or humans allowed.
The streets are lined with cobblestones, narrow and hilly, providing a picturesque backdrop for our walk throughout the city. Despite the sometime challenging terrain, our private tour covered nearly 11 miles each day, offering an insider's view of the city's landmarks and attractions. Along the way, we were treated to a variety of refreshments such as different cheeses, drinks and souvenirs, making it both enjoyable and rewarding.
Our guide entertained us with folklore tales, led us through historic churches, and even took us underground to explore tunnels dating back to 500AD. One particular part of the tour was when our guide unlocked a hidden door in a public square. It revealed a network of underground tunnels that once served the entire city. As we navigated the dark, narrow passageways, it was fascinating to witness the engineering of the past. It is truly incredibly how things were built so long ago. She informed us that this particular tunnel was the sewer system designed for the entire city. As we traversed the tunnel beneath the city, the walls gradually narrowed, making the pathway increasingly tight. When we emerged five blocks away, the walls were so close together that walking side by side was impossible. The exit door was small and snug. The tunnel did not have any noticeable odor as it had not been used in centuries. It was dark and damp but very interesting. If you are claustrophobic I recommend you pass on this.
Our tour also included a visit to the train station, where we learned about the Mondaine clock. This meticulously accurate timepiece serves as the central hub for coordinating all public transportation services in the country. It creates seamless travel for commuters. The main clock keeps time by receiving an electrical impulse from a central master clock every full minute. It takes 58.5 seconds for the second hand to make a full circle around the clock, causing it to pause for a a second and a half before receiving the next impulse. We stood there for several minutes just watching it pause before it hit 12. The clock, (its replica), is widely available for purchase under the same name and is extremely popular.
After the train station we ventured onto a cathedral with beautiful frescos that tell a story about a couple and their assistant who believed very strongly in Jesus Christ and his teachings. They were banned and forced to live in the woods where they were eventually beheaded. This story has been challenged several times but there are frescos everywhere depicting the story. These paintings are beautiful.
There are a lot of folklores told in Switzerland. William Tell is one of them. He was known for shooting an apple off his son's head in order to gain his freedom. According to the stories told he was an expert marksman and avid mountain climber. William Tell was defiant of the rules and eventually killed Gessler, the tyrant from Austria who ruled over the land. He later ascended back up the mountain and lived out his life with his family. We dined in a restaurant for dinner where we were told it was his bow and arrow on the wall.
Moving onward, we had the opportunity to explore the crypt of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, a revered king and Holy Roman Emperor who reigned for nearly 50 years (768-814). He was best known for his military conquests against the Saxons. Charlemagne's crypt is a significant historical site. However, our exploration was limited due to restricted movement and concerns about the preservation of the ancient frescoes. The deteriorating condition of the frescoes, are continuously affected by the high humidity and frequent visitor traffic. Our time in the crypt was therefore brief, but we were left with a lasting impression of the historical significance and fragility.
Located along a popular swimming spot in Lake Zurich, there is a fountain that serves a dual purpose of both aesthetic beauty and functionality. The fountain's water arcs are not simply for visual appeal, but are determined by an algorithm that analyzes real-time data of Earth's tremors. The height of the water arcs directly correlates to the level of movement detected, providing a wonderful display for onlookers. At any given time during the day or night the water would rise or retract.
As it became late afternoon, our city tour came to a close and we made our way to the water for a cruise to a medieval island owned by Einsiedeln Abbey since 965AD. The boat ride, the only means of reaching the island, took just over an hour. It scenery along the shoreline was beautiful.
Upon arrival, we explored the island at our own pace, encountering some residents along the way. While attempting to enter what I thought was an abandoned prison, I was kindly stopped by a man who informed me that it was his home. Feeling extremely embarrassed, we retraced our steps and continued our exploration of the island. OOOOPS, sorry! It was pretty funny.
We spent approximately an hour on the island. The island itself remains largely unchanged from its historical roots, except for the addition of modern amenities such as running water and electricity for the few residents they live there, and a restaurant.
Our walk led us to what appeared to be a very narrow door set within the rocks. It was approximately 6-8" high and 2"s wide. Upon pulling it open, it revealed a hidden map inscribed on its side. Though the details of the map were unclear, we noted a prominent tower marked on its surface. We searched, but we could not find the tower. We did venture into a church chiseled from a rock, which housed a crypt. We do not know who was buried there. We also wandered through the rose gardens. They were beautiful.
The visit to the island was a journey into the past with a glimpse of a bygone era that I am grateful to have witnessed, but thankful did not live through it.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the mainland to enjoy a well-deserved dinner. Hence, The William Tell Restaurant. Yes, again, the food was outstanding.
Swiss citizens take great pride in their country and are known for their hospitality. They are also dedicated to environmental conservation and strive to minimize their ecological footprint. We should all follow in there abilities to recycle and re use.
We finally went to bed late that night and prepared for a train ride to Vienna, Austria the next day.
Zurich is a great place to visit. There is a lot of history and much to see. We felt safe at all times. I would love to go back.
Please click on the photos below to blow them up. Enjoy!
