11 July 2015
We cannot leave Wengen and not feel sad about it. For the last week, we had been enjoying our “home” at the Bella Vista apartment, enjoying family bonding time and gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps.
Our flight home from Switzerland was from Zurich Airport, just before noon the next day. As such, we had one more day in Switzerland and decided to spend our time in Zurich.
To travel light and easy, we forwarded our large suitcases from the Wengen Station to Zurich Airport, to be collected the next day, just before our flight home. We were then left with carry on luggage containing what we need for our overnight stay in Hotel Welcome Inn, at Kloten near Zurich Airport.
From Wengen, we took the scenic train ride to Luzern via Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken Ost. While some enjoyed the views of the lakes and mountain views, others in the family fell asleep on the 3 hour train ride.
From Luzern, we changed to another train that took us into Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) or HB station, in the midst of Zurich city. There were lockers at the station for us to store our backpacks and carry-on luggage for a fee.
Trams is one means of public transportation within the city but the best way to explore and experience Zurich’s city center is on foot.
We walked a short part along famous and busy Bahnhofstrasse, which starts just opposite of the train station. Along the way, we stopped to have lunch at Macdonald’s. This was the most expensive Big Mac meal we have ever eaten!
After lunch and a few blocks further down, we turned left diagonally into Rennweg, where the old town began. Flags decorated building on both sides and it was quite pretty, with the clock face of Saint Peter’s Church forming the backdrop.
We went up a very small alley called Fortunagasse which led us to Lindenhof Park, a tranquil square where we sat and watched people playing giant chess.
Bird drinking water from a fountain at Lindenhof Park, Zurich.
This is a nice place to rest and relax on a warm summer day.
There was a nice view across the Limmat River towards the part of old town called Niederdorf. It's also the oldest section of the whole town with houses dating back to 12th century.
We continued our exploration of Zurich by descending southwards along Strehlgasse, passing by St. Peter church, with the largest clock face of Europe.
We soon found ourselves walking by the Limmat River. Buildings in the old town with interesting architecture and gables could be seen across the river.
Buildings in the old town with interesting architecture and gables could be seen across the Limmat river.
We crossed the river via the Münsterbrücke and visited the Grossmünster Cathedral, an iconic twin-towered Romanesque cathedral.
Grossmünster Cathedral is an iconic twin-towered Romanesque cathedral.
Continuing south from there, we reached the Sechseläutenplatz, the largest town square situated in Zürich.
And finally, we arrived at the lake where we just relaxed on a bench, get a sun tan and watched the swans, ducks and sailboats for a while.
From the lake, we walked along the Bahnhofstrasse back to the train station to catch a frequent train to the Zurich Airport.
The Hotel Welcome Inn is located at Kloten, about 10 to 15 minutes by car from the airport. The hotel provided free shuttle bus service to and from the airport and was also cheaper than a hotel in downtown Zurich. Good choice for a short stay before catching a morning flight the next day. The restaurant at the hotel also served a decent dinner.
Hot food and cold beer, the perfect way to end a day in Zurich.