Zurich - Gateway to Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland

When you think of Switzerland, you probably come up with images in your mind of the beautiful nature the company has to offer like the Swiss Alps and glacial rivers and lakes. In order to explore the picture-perfect scenery of this country, you will most likely fly into the largest airport and city in Switzerland, Zurich. Not only does Zurich make for a great gateway to any Switzerland vacation, it’s also the perfect city to explore before heading out into the natural beauty that most come to Switzerland to see.

While the country of Switzerland was not founded until 1848, the earliest settlements in Zurich dates back to over 6,400 years. The early settlements of Zurich were along the immediate shores of both sides of the Limmat River which runs through the Old Town. Over these 6,400 years, the city went thru many changes and expanded well past the shores of the Limmat River. The Old Town of Zurich is the tourist heart of the city; it’s full of many pedestrian-only streets to walk down, exploring the shops, grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurants and admiring the stunning old buildings.

- Grossmünster - Like most European cities, Zurich is home to quite a few beautiful churches that have been around for centuries. One of the most recognizable churches in the city, Grossmünster has been around since the year 1220. The twin towers of the church are what makes it such a recognizable landmark in the city, and you can even climb the 187 steps to the top of one of the towers for a stunning view of the city of Zurich. The church was built at this location as it’s said to be the site of the graves of the city of Zurich’s patron saints, Felix and Regula. In the crypt of the church, there are old murals of the saints for you to see. While visiting Grossmünster, also make sure to see the stained-glass windows and the reformation museum. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).