Zurich – July 13-17

Como to Zurich takes about two hours and forty-five minutes by train.  It’s a spectacular ride filled with shining lakes and the snow covered Swiss Alps.  The trip goes by in a flash and makes for a great travel day.

Lake Lugano from the Como to Zurich train

Zurich is a very pretty city.  A bit boring in my opinion but extremely nice and one of Shawn’s favorites.  Very clean and orderly – as you would expect from the Swiss.  Unfortunately, Shawn was pretty sick, so we didn’t see too many of the Zurich sites.

The Limmet River – runs right through the center of Zurich

Our AirBnb had a good location – right in the middle of the old town, but it did lack in a couple of ways.  First, it was just above one of the main streets in the old town – the Munstergasse – so it was very noisy. [http://www.booking.com/Share-2al6HB]  You could clearly hear street musicians out the second story window.  Making matters worse, it had a portable A/C unit that required us to leave the windows open about 6 inches to accommodate the exhaust hose.  On the good side, above average wi-fi and an oversized television.  Not sure I can recommend this one, but if you’re just two people, this one-bedroom unit is OK – if not visiting in mid-summer.

Airbnb just above the Munstergasse – a bit noisy!

We did have some great meals.  First was at Luimiere, a wonderful restaurant with some great vegetarian options right in the heart of Zurich’s lovely old town [www.restaurant-lumiere.ch].  And a few nights later at Bianchi [https://www.bindella.ch/de/bianchi.html]. This is one of the best seafood restaurants anywhere.  I know that seems strange in a land-locked country, but Bianchi deserves a visit – bring a load of cash cuz it’s on the pricey side.

Great vegetarian lunch at Lumiere

Although we didn’t see much of Zurich, we did go on some great excursions booked via Viator.  We’ve had really good luck booking with them.  The first was an ATV trip in the Swiss countryside. [https://m.viator.com/tours/Zurich/Afternoon-Tour/d577-28317P2]  We took the Swiss train – always on time – to the village of Pfäffikon, about 30 minutes out of the city.  It’s very rural out there and beautiful.

We mounted our four wheel ATV’s with a few other people that had signed up for this trip and took a 60 minute ride through the amazing Swiss countryside.  It felt like being in the Sound of Music – but not in Austria.  Super green.  Lots of beautiful farm animals.  Giant brown cows and goats and sheep.  Really fun trip.  

Getting gassed up

Our next excursion was a canyoning trip to Interlaken.  We did this one with a company called Outdoor Interlaken.  [https://www.outdoor-interlaken.ch/en/summer/water/canyoning] This one was a bit more involved.  It’s a two hour bus ride from Zurich, but the incredible scenery makes it so, so worth it.  Again, the lakes, mountains and waterfalls are magnificent.  This is another place that you have to visit to believe.

Beautiful Interlaken with the Jungfrau mountain in background
Relaxing in the sun with paraglider in the back

Honestly, we didn’t even know what canyoning was.  We arrived with a group of about 15.  Mostly young people in their 20’s – which was good for them because it’s pretty physical.  First we suited up in very thick two-piece wet suits! Then booties, helmets, life jackets and rock climbing harnesses.  Got into a bus for a 10 minute drive up to a river that was flowing really fast down a rocky hillside.  

Canyoning involves trekking through waterfalls, gorges, rock pools and rivers using a variety of techniques like rappelling, climbing, jumping, swimming …..and yes scrambling!  Again, we had no idea.  The adrenaline was pumping when our very experienced guides had us jump off the top of a 20 foot waterfall and land in a narrow pool of rushing water at the bottom.  And then rappel down another cliff surrounded by rushing water.  And then climb underneath and behind a pounding waterfall.  Anyway, after about 90 minutes we were exhausted and cold but feeling great. A super fun summer adventure.  Never felt better to take a hot shower and get a cold beer.  

Nikki rappelling down a big drop!
Psyching up for the Big Jump! – 23 feet down into icy water!!!
Shawnee makes the leap!
Under that waterfall and on to the next scary challenge!

After the canyoning, we had a great meal at the VeloCafe [https://www.velo-cafe.ch].  This is a really good vegetarian restaurant.  Super option if you are looking to get away from the normal Swiss fare of schnitzels and sausage.  And they also sell some really cool bikes!

Now – off to Paris!

One thought on “Zurich – July 13-17”

  1. my secretary was laughting at your canyon experience, she teach canyoneering. They was quite an experience. Love the pics.
    Ernie

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