ZURICH , MOUNT TITLIS and LEICHTENSTEIN

By S.Parthasarathy at spmumbai@hotmail.com

General Information

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland with about 400,000 inhabitants, is located on the north side of the Zurich Lake. Zurich county ("Kanton" in German) has about 1.1 million inhabitants.
Zurich's climate is mild, with temperatures ranging between -10 and 5 degrees (Celsius) in January and 15 and 30 degrees in July.
The airport of Zurich is a major international hub and a destination for more than 150 airlines from all over the world. Excellent train connections exist between Zurich and many European cities. Zurich is also famous for its convenient and comfortable public transportation services.

Business in Zurich

Zurich is the economic heart of Switzerland: large banks and insurance companies, a significant tourist infrastructure, and lots of industries (machine and textile industry) are based here. Most large Swiss banks as well as the Swiss National Bank have their headquarters in Zurich. More than 350 banks from all over the world have branches in Zurich. The Zurich Stock Exchange was founded in 1877 and is currently the fourth largest stock exchange market in the world. Zurich is also the world's largest gold trading place.

A little bit of History

In the Roman era (1st century BC) a Roman customs station was built in Zurich. In 1351 AD, Zurich became a member of the swiss confederation. In 1519 the reformation is sparked here by H. Zwingli. In the 19th century, Zurich was established as the largest Swiss center for business and commerce.

Tourism

Zurich and its environment have lots of places worthwhile visiting. The Alps are near and easy to reach, the lake of Zurich is picturesque, and the city itself has interesting museums and other tourist attractions.
Most prominently, Zurich has preserved the appealing atmosphere of its beautiful historic center on both sides of the river Limmat. Many buildings (some several hundred years old) are wonderfully preserved, including the old guild houses.
Zurich has lots of architectural highlights, such as its main station, several churches (including the Fraumuenster with its Chagall windows), its neo-baroque opera house, the two universities, the last house built by Le Corbusier, and much more.
Many works of art are located in public places. To name just two, the China garden on the east bank of the lake of Zurich is one of the most important Chinese gardens outside China itself. The interested visitor may also admire by the lake, sculptures made by the famous Swiss artist J. Tinguely.

Zurich has a number of festivals. The one held in April every year to celebrate the end of winter is marked by a colourful parade and the burning of ‘snowman’ ( see photos).
Last but not least, Zurich offers great opportunities for shopping. The world-famous "Bahnhofstrasse" (Station Street) in the heart of Zurich is one of the most glamorous shopping malls in the world. Fashion, jeweleries, watches, furs, and accessoire boutiques can satisfy the most demanding customer.

Culture and Education

Despite its small size, Zurich has a very active cultural life. It has an opera staging many performances, a large theater, two large concert halls, and many smaller theaters.
Zurich with its two universities is also in the center of research and education in Switzerland. It houses the University of Zurich with its many schools of humanities, social and economic sciences, and the ETH (Federal Institute of Technology) focusing in engineering disciplines.

More Information

For more information about Zurich and Switzerland, the tourist office can be contacted at:

1. Lake

2. Fraumuenster

Formerly the church for the noblewomen of Zurich, a gift from Louis the German (853 A.D.) Foundation remains date back to the 9-11 centuries. Particularly well-known for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall in the chancel (1970)

Believed to be of Carolingian origin, the Grossmünster, with its unique dual towers, is the city's most famous landmark. Oldest parts dating back to late 11th/early 12th century. Remains of Romanesque cloister with late 12th century sculptures. The earlier canonic educational establishment was replaced by the first school for girls (Wegmann) in 1853; today it houses the theological faculty of the University.

The "cradle" of Zurich remains of the Roman customs post, as well as a small late-Roman fort. Tombstone from Roman times at the ascent of Pfalzgasse. Wonderful view over the Old Town.

World-class concerts are performed at the Tonhalle form the end of August to the middle of July. The Tonhalle Orchestra and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra also make guest performences abroad, with resounding success. The concerthall, which was officially opened by Johannes Brahms in 1895, is renowned for its exceptional accoustics. Contact: Tonhalle Gesellschaft Zurich, Gotthardstrasse 5, Phone: +41-1-206 34 40.

The Opera House was built in 1890/91 by the Viennese architects, Fellner and Helmer. Neobaroque auditorium, (1100 seats), completely preserved, with the addition of new stage technology. Its performances are renowned all over the world. Operas, ballet and symphony concerts are performed regularly from the beginning of the season at the end of August right through to the beginning of July. Runs as repertoire theatre, the Opera Hhouse offers an exceptional varied programme. Contact: Opernhaus Zurich, Falkenstrasse 1, Phone: +41-1-251 69 20.

Zurich's largest and most famous theater. Made a name for itself especially during the Second World War as the only free German-speaking stage. Place of refuge for many well-known actors and actresses, including Peter Lorre and Therese Giehse, as well as the writer, Bertolt Brecht. Contact: Schauspielhaus, Raemistrasse 34, Phone: +41-1-265 57 57.

Zurich's top address for art (at Heimplatz). Paintings, sculptures and graphic art, predominantly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Alberto Giacommetti Foundation, Dada Collection, Collection of the Foundation for Photography.

(Behind the main railway station). Permanent collection on national history. Changing exhibitions on a variety of themes relating to Switzerland.

University: Built in 1914 according to plans by Karl Moser.
ETH (Federal Technical Highschool): Built in 1864 according to plans by Gottfried Semper, professor of architecture. Extended between 1914 and 1925 by Gustav Gull. A total of 33000 students are registered at these two educational establishments.

Famous shopping street, 1.4 km long, leading from the main railway station to the lake. Right up to the 19th century, it formed a most as part of the ancient fortifications.

13. Niederdorff

The pulse of Zurich. Where most of the Night Life takes place.

A busy quayside.

Magnificent building (designed by Wanner) dating back to 1871, with interesting architectural elements.

48 m (157 ft) high tower, dating back to 1905. Observatory open when visibility is clear (Phone: +41-1-211 65 23). The city's highest bar (Jules Werne Bar) erected directly below the observatory, with a magnificent panorama of the city and surrounding area.

Romantic narrow street with Zurich's most exquisite bay windows, just off the Bahnhofstrasse.

One of Zurich's most beautiful baroque buildings, constructed in 1757 for the guild of the same name. Ceiling paintings by Bullinger and stoves by Locher bear witness to Zurich's finest rococo works. Houses the porcelain collection of the Swiss National Museum.

Baroque building constructed in 1694/98. Doorway designed by Ceruto. Richly decorated with small sculptures.

Typical, romantic street in Zurich's Old Town. The famous Zurich mayor, Hans Waldmann, lived at no. 2, "Zum Sitkust" (tombstone in the Fraumünster)

According to legend, the tiny island on which the Wasserkirche is situated, is the burial place of the Zurich saints, Felix and Regula. The modern-day church dates back to the late Gothic era 1479/84). As with all of the city churches, it was robbed of its treasures during the Reformation. In earlier times, the open hall of the Helmhaus (whose name derives from "helmen" = to protect) served as a court and a canvas market. The modern-day building (1794) constructed according to plans by Bluntschli the Elder, has replaced the original wooden building. Nowadays the Helmhaus serves as a gallery for young artists.

Originally a late Gothic house, rebuilt in 1659 ff. Used by a group of aristocrats, or "Constaffler", as a meeting place. Late Gothic hall on the first floor.

No. 11 was the residence of J. C. Lavater. Goethe visited him here. The German writer, Georg Büchner, lived and died at no. 12. Lenin resided at no. 14 from 1916 to 1917.

Opened in 1994, this gift from Zurich's twin city, Kunming, has already become a popular place to visit. One of the most significant Chinese gardens outside China (so-called Emperor's Garden). The Tourist Office offers guided tours for groups.

In 1964 Jean Tinguely's kinetic iron sculpture "Eureka", was the source of great consternation among rather conservative citizens of Zurich. In the meantime this sculpture, which stands in the beautiful lake-side Zurichhorn Park, has become a much-admired showpiece.

The last building by the great Le Corbusier is the so called "Heidi-Weber House" (1967). Opening hours to visit this private residence are limited.

Ticket Office Zurich.

Rotating exhibitions on design, art, architecture, photography, media, everyday culture. Collections (posters, graphics, design): by appointment. Exhibitions: Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Library: Mon 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Villa Wesendonck – Non-European art; famous works of art from India, China, Africa and Japan; special exhibitions. Tues-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Park-Villa Rieter – Indian, Chinese and Japanese Paintings. Tues-Sat 1-5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Haus zum Kiel – (Hirschengraben 20), Special exhibitions. Tues-Sat 1-5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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MOUNT TITLIS

A number of beautiful places can be visited with Zurich as the base. One of them that we visited on 23^rd April '99 was Mount Titlis. We were lucky to visit it in April as we could experience snowfall and see a lot of snow. It was also not very cold.

Mount Titlis is 10,000 feet high and is approached from Engelberg ( about 65 kms. From Zurich ) by cablecar. From Stand ( 8000 feet ), you go by ROTAIR - the rotating cablecar, advertised by them as the world's first revolving gondola.

One can see a lot of winter games like skiing, skijumping etc. We can also enjoy the snow by sliding down in an inflated tyre.

There is also an ice cave constructed by railwaymen ( I felt thrilled as a railwayman ), the inside of which is always -4 ⁰ C. It also has samples of unique stones collected during excavation.

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HEIDILAND AND LEICHTENSTEIN

We took a one day tour on 22^nd April '99 covering Heidiland , which is in Eastern Switzerland bordering Austria and Leichtenstein. The name Heidiland is from the heroine of the fairy tale Heidi. Rapperswil, an old castle built in 972 A.D. is on the way. One also goes round the alps and can see the origin of Rhine river.

We returned via the principality of Leichtenstein. It is an independent state ( can be located with the help of a very powerful magnifying glass on a good map of Europe ) ruled by a prince, whose castle dominates the landscape and can be approached only by a helicopter. It has an area of 160 sq. kms. and a population of 30,000. Its capital is Vaduz ( see photo), which we visited. It is an alpine world of delightful beauty. Tourism and philately are its main industries.