Zurich: From Lake Views to Historic Vistas

After our Austrian and German escapades, which were nothing short of spectacular, the trio—my husband, Zak, and myself—were buzzing with excitement as we set our GPS for Zürich, Switzerland. Our drive to Switzerland was anything but mundane. First, we encountered the stunning vistas of Lake Chiemsee, often referred to as the “Bavarian Sea.” This freshwater marvel is the largest Bavarian lake, and its sheer size gives it an oceanic aura. Its tranquil waters seemed to extend into infinity, and even Zak woke up from his nap just to shout, “Is that an ocean?!” No, kiddo, but close enough!It was like a dream sequence from a movie, featuring everything from snow-peaked mountains to azure lakes and rolling valleys.

Post-Chiemsee, we cruised along more of Germany’s scenic routes until we reached the picturesque town of Füssen. Located right at the foothills of the Alps, this medieval town offered us a chance to stretch our legs while taking in the surroundings. If you’re a history buff, Füssen won’t disappoint; this medieval town is known for its High Castle, which houses a branch of the Bavarian State Collections of Paintings. Füssen is also just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Neuschwanstein Castle, which we visited a few years past: is the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. We stretched our legs, breathed in some Bavarian air, and indulged in local specialties.

After bidding adieu to Füssen, on we go to Zürich, Switzerland. The drive remained captivating, passing through snow-peaked mountains, along the Rhine River, and even a brief tease of St. Gallen—jotting it down for a more extended visit come October. With each changing landscape, Zak’s intermittent wakefulness came with exclamations that summed up our awe quite succinctly: “Wow!” and “Look at that!“

Our base for the next few days would be the Hilton Garden Inn Zurich Limmattal—a name almost as long as the list of places we wanted to visit in Switzerland: Lake Lucerne, Hallstatt, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; those adventures are worthy of their own blog post.

Being strategically located on the tram line, our hotel provided us easy access to the heart of Zürich. A word to the wise: When in Zürich, do as the locals do—take the tram. It’s simple, it’s efficient, and you don’t have to worry about parking!

Let’s Explore Zurich by Boat

Our nautical adventure began at Zürich Landesmuseum, a treasure trove of Swiss history and cultural artifacts. It’s a place where you could easily spend an entire day lost in time. But we had a boat to catch, and Lake Zürich’s siren call was impossible to resist.

As the boat pulled away from the dock, we first passed under a series of bridges, each with its own character and story. The Rudolf-Brun-Brücke welcomed us with its utilitarian charm, a stark contrast to the more elegant Münsterbrücke. But enough about the man-made wonders; we were on this cruise for Mother Nature’s show-stopping act.

Once we reached the open lake, we were greeted by breathtaking vistas that silenced even the most restless of souls (read: Zak). A panorama of Zürich’s elegant cityscape transitioned seamlessly into the rugged beauty of the Alps, creating a postcard-perfect moment. The boat made a few stops, teasing us with different perspectives of the lake, as if urging us to appreciate its multifaceted charm.

Eventually, we circled back to our starting point, but not before the experience imprinted itself onto our souls. The gentle sway of the boat, the crisp Swiss air, and those unforgettable views left us with a feeling that, quite frankly, defied description. And even though Zak’s attention briefly shifted to a passing seagull, it was clear that the majesty of Lake Zürich had touched us all.

Culture Walk: Lindenhof, Fraumünster and Grossmünster

After the lake tour, we made our way to Lindenhof, a hilltop park that is much more than a pretty view. Lindenhof is a testament to Zürich’s long, winding history, once serving as a Roman castle, and later as a Lindenhof remains (a historical monument). From its vantage point, you not only see Zürich stretching out below you, but you also feel the layers of time that have shaped this city.

We then ventured to Fraumünster, an abbey founded in the 9th century that has seen everything from the Reformation to modern times. Zak decided to become one with the Swiss sun, basking outside while we made our way indoors. The real showstopper here is the set of five stained glass windows in the choir, designed by none other than Marc Chagall in the 1970s. Each window has its own color theme and biblical story, casting an almost mystical sheen across the interior. It’s like a divine nightclub of hues—sacred yet vibrant, classic yet contemporary.

Next up, Grossmünster, just a stone’s throw away across the Limmat River. This twin-towered icon is one of the four major churches in Zürich, and it oozes historical gravitas. Founded by Charlemagne—or so the legend goes—somewhere around the 12th century, Grossmünster was a pivotal player in the Swiss-German Reformation.

Stepping inside Grossmünster is akin to stepping into a time machine. The Romanesque style dominates, with stone pillars and arches that could tell a thousand tales—if only they could talk. And let’s not forget the crypt, the oldest part of the church, dating back to around 1100. The whole experience is like whispering with the past, feeling the echoes of devotion, struggle, and architectural mastery swirl around you. From kings and knights to theologians and tourists, these walls have seen it all.

Capping it Off: Lunch by the Lake

We concluded our cultural spree with a late lunch by the lake. As Zak savored a hearty sandwich—which, in his words, was “a bite of Swiss paradise”—we talked about the day and the fascinating history of Zürich. Between bites and chuckles, we realized that we had only just scratched the surface of what this versatile Swiss city has to offer.