The Charms of Switzerland

From Zurich to Geneva, this country offers a true cosmopolitan experience!

Story and photos by Ron Stern

A relatively small country, Switzerland is only about 1,168 miles in length but this, as it turns out, is one of its main advantages. All of its scenic beauty and treasures are easy to reach in a matter of hours by its fantastic rail system which, like most things Swiss, is efficient, comfortable and reliable.

This was my third trip to this glorious land tucked neatly between Germany, France, Austria, and the principality of Liechtenstein. Using my Swiss Rail Pass, I was able to glide silently past the towering Alps, majestic lakes and many small picturesque towns and villages from Zurich to Geneva. There are several rail passes from which to choose that allow for maximum flexibility and can provide easy access to all of the trains, buses and steamers.

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is where I started my journey and is a great city to explore. Be sure to bring some extra money (Swiss francs are the common currency.) as you will no doubt be tempted by the many shops offering watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolates, cheeses, and delectable pastries.

Speaking of chocolate, a must-visit shop in Zurich is Sprüngli’s, a Swiss institution since 1836. Their hot chocolate is among the best in the world, and I spent a leisurely hour enjoying this along with some of their other rich cakes and confections. Their chocolate truffles du jour (truffles of the day) are made fresh daily and are best eaten within 24-hours—no problem for my part! They won’t help your blood sugar levels but are one of life’s pure delights.

Zurich was founded almost 2,000 years ago by the Romans (Ruins can still be seen around the city.), and today, with 380,000 inhabitants, it is truly a bustling cosmopolitan city. It also has a rich religious history as the first Swiss city to take part in the Reformation in the sixteenth century.

In addition to shopping, dining and sightseeing, you won’t want to miss the art! Künsthaus, a world-class gallery featuring the works of Alberto Giacometti, is here as are Chagall’s beautiful, awe-inspiring stained-glass windows of the Fraumünster church spire.

At the other end of the country is Geneva, the world’s smallest metropolis. This capital city is the birthplace of the International Red Cross as well as the home to many United Nations offices. The Red Cross museum is particularly impressive with moving displays of humanity in the face of decades of world war.

Geneva also played a pivotal role in the Reformation under the preaching of John Calvin at the Cathédrale St-Pierre. The new International Museum of the Reformation is a modern addition to the city and traces the history of this movement and its influence on modern civilization.

The Rhone River flows through Lake Geneva, creating some beautiful opportunities for walking along the waterfront. At dusk, the city takes on a new look as the sky turns dark blue and the lights of the many shops reflect off of the water. This is a great time to take some photos, have a nice meal at any number of restaurants or just people watch with a cup of coffee.

The Jet d’Eau fountain is a focal point of the Rhone River and rises to an amazing height of 140 meters. At night, colored lights illuminate this water feature, making it a convenient landmark for finding your way around the city.

As in most Swiss cities, trams are everywhere and will effortlessly take you anywhere you need to go. Schedules are printed at the stops and many people speak English. The Swiss people are friendly and willing to help travelers needing directions.

Of course, dining in and around Geneva can be as simple or as elegant as you wish. Many sidewalk shops sell a wide variety of fare, from baguettes filled with meats and cheeses to sausages, chocolates and afternoon tea. Cheese is, of course, always in popular demand and fondue is on the menu at many local restaurants.

Accommodations are plentiful from budget to high-end and you can search these at Swiss tourism’s official website, www.myswitzeland.com. Most hotels include breakfast as part of your stay, and this morning meal can be substantial, featuring sliced meats, cheeses, home-baked breads, cereals, and fruits as well as an assortment of juices.

I always discover something new about this country and its rich international heritage. Moreover, it is easy to reach, with most flights to Switzerland originating from New York and with Swiss Air as the main carrier in and out of both Geneva and Zurich. Come see for yourself why most people who come for a visit return, as Switzerland works its alpine charms on your soul.

Resources:
www.myswitzerland.com
www.swiss.com