There's just something about a city with river, lake, and mountain (like Pittsburgh, USA). I'll let the photos speak for themselves (click on the photo to see the Zurich album)
TG970 Bangkok (BKK) Zurich (ZRH) 346 Executive 00:30 07:25
LX86 Zurich (ZRH) Montreal Trudeau (YUL) 333 Executive 12:50 15:00
My TG970 actually arrived earlier at 7, and I was on the train into Zurich around 8 and returned around 11 am, to a overly-crowded SWISS Business lounge though. 2~3 hours is plenty of time to walk, rest, and take photos around old town Zurich. Unfortunately I was only by myself, as I'd love some companion.
I took out $20 Swiss Franc from ATM just in case, but never used. Sadly it cost me $26 CAD + $5 fee from TD Canada Trust. Should've just used Credit Card instead. So I bought chocolates and postcards before I headed to airport
My walking tour is pretty similar to the official walking tour map
1. Bahnhofplatz
The site of the Hauptbahnhof, the central railroad station, this is the beginning of Bahnhofstrasse. The square itself is rather drab, but the scenery improves as you go along (the street extends almost a mile to the lake). The Hauptbahnhof was built in 1871.
25/E-4 The Bahnhofstrasse of Zurich – The world's most famous streets for strolling and shopping. At 140 years old and 1.4 km in length, it links the Main Station and the Lake of Zurich. With lime trees decorating on both side of the street, it has about 120 first-class shops of different trades. This elegant structure is built on the site of the city walls and has bank vaults full of gold and silver underfoot. With every major banks having a foothold on this street, coupled with all the jewellery shops, it is the world’s most expensive street. This street is not only littered with international banks, but also boutique, departmental stores, pastry shops, cafes etc. And of course its very own Swatch store is also located here.
14/E-5 St. Peter’s Church – Located near the site of former Roman custom at Lindenhof, this eldest sister, though slightly overshadowed by the other two sisters, is in a league of her own. This oldest church in Zurich is endowed with Europe’s largest church clock face, font dates from 1598, five bells dating from 1880, fire-watchers in the tower until 1911. Walk up to the pulpit and you will see rich acanthus-cartouche with Biblical verses over it. She definitely has what it takes to make sure visitors do not bypass her, to go for stained-glass or view of Zurich city only.
2/E-5 Fraumünster – Founded by King Ludwig in 853 AD, the other landmark of Zurich, stand at the west bank of River Limmat, opposite facing Grossmünster. Not to be outplay by her sister, this sister church flirt with visitors with her 1970 five part biblical stained-glass in the choir and south transept by Marc Chagall. The best time to view these stained-glass is during morning. The freshness of a new day together with the burst of morning light thru the stained-glass can make you feel the warm of God’s love while standing in the aisle of the church. Also look out for ‘The Heavenly Paradise’ which stained the north window in the transept.
3/F-5 Grossmünster – The largest cathedral in Zurich, stand at the east bank of River Limmmat, attracting visitors with her twin towers. There is nothing special about the towers by outward appearance. Furthermore, the Karlstrum tower has 187 steps and there is no lift to take you up the tower. As there is no lift, you have to climb the narrow stairs to get to the top of the tower. Half way up the tower, there is a history galley of Grossmünster. Once up at the top of the tower, you will find that the bird’s eye view of the city is a great reward for the 187 steps that you have struggled up. The view overlooks the River Limmat and gives a good aerial view of the other 2 sister. It also gives a good photo taking angle of the entire Lake Zurich. Take time to enjoy the fruit of your labour while at the top of the tower and appreciate Grossmünster from the inside.
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