>> Destination OverviewLocation & MapAttractions & ActivitiesHotels
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, and considered the country's most important financial, industrial and commercial center. It is also known to be the intellectual capital of the nation and particularly receptive to contemporary trends associated with younger generations. Nestling beside Lake Zurich and along the Limmat River, Zurich offers a wealth of history, architecture, and culture, and splendid views of the Swiss Alps, and is an absolutely charming, interesting and beautiful place to visit. The pedestrian streets of the Old Town contain most of the major sights, including winding alleyways, 16th- and 17th-century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and rather a lot of fountains (1,030 if you're taking notes).
Zurich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions in Switzerland. The Opera House and the Tonhalle concert hall attract stars of world stature on the classical music scene. The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city center, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. The Old Town of Zurich is home to historic buildings that host numerous boutiques and antique shops. Zurich is a trendsetting city and offers eating and drinking establishments for all tastes and preferences. You will find numerous options for activities in Zurich as well as a rich variety of possibilites for excursions in the region or to other parts of the country, which are easily accessible from Zurich's centrally located main railway station. more information about attractions and activities in Zurich and the surrounding regions.
Location:
Zurich is located in the heart of Europe in the northern part of Switzerland. At 409 m (1,340 ft) above sea level, the city lies between a couple of hills in the east and the west, and the Alps are within approx. 90 minutes driving distance. Zurich lies on the northern shores of Lake Zurich, and includes a total area of 92 km2 (35.5 square miles) divided into 12 city districts.
City Map of Zurich
Distances to other popular Swiss Destinations:
Destination |
Distance |
Travel Time in Minutes |
km |
miles |
by Train |
by Car |
Bern |
121 |
75 |
58 |
approx. 75 |
Basel |
82 |
51 |
54 |
approx. 55 |
Geneva |
273 |
170 |
162 |
approx. 165 |
Lucerne |
56 |
35 |
46 |
approx. 40 |
Lugano |
207 |
129 |
174 |
approx. 125 |
Davos |
148 |
92 |
108 |
approx. 120 |
St. Moritz |
201 |
125 |
201 |
approx. 175 |
Interlaken |
123 |
76 |
116 |
approx. 90 |
Grindelwald |
139 |
86 |
155 |
approx. 110 |
Zermatt |
235 |
146 |
194 |
approx. 270 |
Getting to Zurich:
By Plane:
Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's International Airport in Zurich-Kloten, approx. 10 km (6 miles) north of Zurich's city center. Trains departing every quarter of an hour providing convenient transfers to the city center in just 10 minutes; the taxi transfer takes about 15 - 20 minutes.
By Rail:
Over a thousand trains halt daily at Zurich's centrally located main railway station. Direct and frequent services to all larger Swiss cities and major European destinations guarantee a pleasant journey. Zurich is also an ideal point of departure for rail journeys connecting to Alpine Panorama trains (such as Glacier Express, Bernina Express or Golden Pass).
By Car:
A well developed motorway network links Zurich with other large Swiss cities and neighboring countries, ensuring shortest possible journey times. Zurich has access to Switzerland's main Motorway, the A-1 (east-west axis from Lake Constance to Geneva), to the A-4 (north-south Schaffhausen to Lucerne), and to the A-13 (north-south Lake Constance to Chur and Bellinzona)