All Aboard in Zurich

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

We recently started a train journey across several countries beginning in Zurich, Switzerland. The central rail station is a wonderful artery within about an hour’s journey to picturesque Bern, cozy Lake Lucerne or artistic Basel.

However, you may get distracted by the plethora of restaurants, shops and unusual sites you’ll encounter at the station. Hello lady carrying a spinning wheel on her head!

Zurich is a global banking center, and much of the city reflects its gold standard of luxury. However, as we previously had been to Zurich, this time we skipped the museums, churches and designer shopping. Instead, we concentrated on outdoor activities in that tiny window of time before the heavy snowfall and skiers descended.

A walk from our hotel within a block of the station led us to Viadukt Arches, an eclectic urban area created under 36 railway arches originally built in 1894. It is now home to boutiques, delicatessens and studios.

At the far end, and close to Limmat River, is the Market Hall — or Restaurant Markrhalle to keep it Swiss. We collected our lunch from one of the delis, but stopped to make reservations for dinner that evening. Fondue was on the menu.

Then, on to the Limmat where we sat in the chilly autumn watching the last leaves fall from the giant sycamores and linden trees lining the river. Benches placed along the Platzspitz made resting, eating and people watching a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

As someone raised around the warm Florida waters, though, I could only stare in wonder at the cold water swimmers. If you’re there at the beginning of December you won’t want to miss the Samichlausschwimmen, a charity event involving about 300 swimmers paddling across the freezing cold river.

After dinner we stopped in at Widder Bar, a piano bar between our hotel and train station that was a little quieter than some of the nightclubs that appeal to a younger crowd. Zurich has a vibrant late night scene that caters to all demographics.

Since many venues are closed on Sunday, we opted for a walk along the banks of Lake Zurich with the backdrop of snowcapped Uetliberg Mountains in the morning, again marveling at the nonchalance of those taking to the glacial water.