Zurich

Sights & Activities

As visitors explore the city of Zurich, they will come upon numerous museums and art galleries that signify the rich culture enjoyed by its residents. The Swiss National Museum is housed in a fairy tale-like castle and exhibits items related to the country’s history. There are also myriad recreational activities in the area, particularly on the shores and on the Lake Zurich itself. The city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife, with lots of nightclubs opening until the wee hours of the morning. Day trips should include excursion to the Zurich Zoo, where numerous plants and animals are kept. Visitors should also wander around Old Town, where there are a lot of quaint shops and cafes lining in its winding streets.

There are also several festivities celebrated in Zurich annually, such as the Sechseläuten that marks the ushering of spring. Latin music lovers should also participate in the Festival Tropical Caliente with salsa and samba in June. The Zurich Festival is organized with operas, drama, concerts, and open-air theatre performances during the summer months.

In the resort of Zurzach there is a thermal spa that is frequented by those who wish to relax in its warm springs that were used since the Roman times. Nearby is the reservoir formed by damming up of the River Aare, where numerous birds can be sighted. There are also several wildlife species frequenting the area. A prominent structure in the area is the Verena Minster, a church that was built in a combination of Romantic, Baroque, and Gothic styles.

Thermal springs can also be found in the town of Baden, known for their curative properties. Visitors can also wander around their car-less streets and behold some of the old structures in the area. Baden is also the location of the Langmatt Foundation which showcases an extensive collection of fine art works. Visitors with small children should also take the time to head out to the Swiss Children’s Museum, where items related to childhood are on display.

The town of Rapperswil is also called the town of roses because of the abundance of this flower in all of its public and private spaces. There are also several rose gardens in the area that allow visitors to wander around and relax in. A climb up to the Castle Hill will afford spectacular views in all directions. The town is also the venue of the Rapperswil Literature Festival in which Swiss writers and readers get the chance to meet and interact with each other.

Another popular destination in the Zurich region is the city of Winterthur where the Oskar Reinhart Collection of European art works is showcased. The Photo Museum is another establishment that art lovers should head out to if they want to view the works of famous photographers from around the world.

Weather

Zurich is considered to be of temperate climate, influenced by its inland position. Residents in this region rarely experience drastic weather changes. Summer is quite warm, with an average temperature of about 23°C. There are a lot of outdoor activities visitors and locals enjoy during this time. However, summer is also the wettest time in this area, with rain expected to occur in just about any day. Most of the coldest days in the area are experienced during January, with temperature averaging about 2°C. Ample snow is also expected during this season, making it ideal for skiing.