Zurich Vacations


	Zürich is the new Berlin. No hesitation, no competition. This formerly staid banking capital has experienced such a creative explosion in recent years, and such a mushrooming of innovative bars, restaurants and shops that it resembles Berlin's salad days of the mid-eighties and early nineties. Zurich related links: Zurich Hotels \| Europe Vacation Specials Europe Vacation

History

Pre 20c
The city of Zürich started life as a Roman customs post by the name of Turicum. Expansion thereafter was slow, but merchants trading in textiles gradually increased the financial clout of the town, and in 1218 it graduated to the status of a free city under the Holy Roman Empire. In 1336 the increasingly powerful merchants and artisans formed guilds that took over the governing of the city.

Zürich's reputation as a cultural and intellectual centre began after it joined the Swiss Confederation in 1351. From 1519 Huldrych Zwingli helped things along with his teachings during the Reformation, and he became a key figure in the running of the city until his death on the battlefield in 1531.

Modern History
Zürich's intellectual and artistic tradition continued during WWI with the influx of luminaries such as Lenin, Trotsky, Tristan Tzara, Hans Arp and James Joyce. In 1916 the Dada art movement was born in Zürich, with Hugo Ball creating the 'artist tavern' known as Cabaret Voltaire. Around the same time, Carl Jung was honing his psychoanalytical theories in the city.

On the financial side, Zürich's international status as an industrial and business centre is thanks in no small part to the efforts of the energetic administrator and railway magnate Alfred Escher (1819-1882); throughout his life, he was also a strong force in politics. In 1877 Zürich's stock exchange was founded, and it is still the most important in the country.

Recent History
In recent years, the Social Democrats have dominated municipal politics. They're officially at the helm of Zürich's administration, but the guilds retain a powerful voice in the running of the city, albeit behind the scenes. Zürich remains Switzerland's commercial and financial hub, and the canton is the country's most affluent.

Getting There & Around

Kloten airport, 10km (6.2mi) north of the city centre, handles domestic and international flights. The journey from the airport to Hauptbahnhof station takes 10 minutes by train. On average, five trains leave per hour between 06:00 and 24:00. Buy your ticket before boarding. This is a cheaper option than a taxi into the city which will set you back a hefty sum. The busy Hauptbahnhof has direct trains to Stuttgart, Munich, Innsbruck and Milan, as well as many other international destinations. There are also hourly departures to most Swiss towns. For drivers, the N1 is the fastest route from Bern and Basel; it also services routes to the north and east of Zürich. The N3 approaches Zürich from the south, along the shore of Lake Zürich.

Getting Around

There is a comprehensive and unified bus, tram and S-Bahn service in the city, which includes boats on the Limmat River. Tickets allow you to switch between modes of transport as you like. There's a 24-hour city pass, and a 24-hour pass valid for unlimited travel within the whole canton of Zürich. Taxis in Zürich are expensive even by Swiss standards, so stick to public transport and save some cash.

Lodging: Hotels & Accommodations

Zurich's luxury hotels are located in the heart of the city. Many hotels can be found immersed in lush beauty and are within proximity to many attractions.

Enjoy an Zurich vacation package at the top luxury hotels!
View Zurich hotels on a map

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	The Old Town Visit Zurich's Altstadt, or Old Town, with its two cathedrals and treasure-filled boutiques. The Art Visit Marc Chagall's stunningly beautiful stained glass window in the Fraumunster church. Shop A more economical alternative to Bahnholfstrasse's expensive shopping, Niederdorf has cutting-age boutiques and cafes behind the medieval facades.


	Hotel Eden Au Lac

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