The Switzerland Traveler

I’m feeling a bit moody, so a B&W shot today.
Bad Tiefenbrunnen is in fact, a jolly place. Located down at the end of the number 2 and 4 tram lines, it’s a very pleasant place to be in summer.
Open from 10 May to 15 September, usually to around 20:00, but that depends on the weather. If it’s warm enough to be there, it’ll be open, if not, it’ll close.
You’ll find places to grill your sausages, and please excuse me at this point for mentioning that there are naturist terraces too.
If you need it, there’s a shop to buy the sunscreen you …read more

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If you’re looking for an unusual hotel (although I don’t know why you would be!) in Zurich, why not try the Leoneck?
It has 78 rooms, all decorated by an allegedly famous local artist.
I think their website gives a good impression of the flavour of the place www.leoneck.ch so take a look and explore the wacky world of the crazy cow!
The hotel is well-situated, a double room will set you back around 160-240 CHF/night.
Other than that, you’re on your own.
Photo: Flickr – Diego

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In my previous post I described one of Switzerland’s best known monuments.
Today, I figured I missed a chance to really show it off, so here are some photos of it that I really like.
I hope they show how the character of the place changes with the seasons and light.

Pear Biter, Ioan Sameli, Fr Antunes, spadger

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If I haven’t mentioned Chateau Chillon before, it’s time I did.
If I already have, then it’s worth another mention.
The Swiss don’t actually abbreviate the chateau to Ch Ch, but given that CH is the international abbreviation for Switzerland, I’m surprised they don’t.
It’s such a classic, chocolate-box castle. Lake Geneva and the alps in the background. Beautiful.
 The best way is to arrive by boat from somewhere like Lausanne, or even Evian (home of the bottled water) if you happen to be in France.
Treat yourself, get a first class ticket and snooze on the sundeck of the boat. Or eat in the …read more

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Time for a trip to Southern Switzerland.
Morcote and Vico Morcote (above) make an ideal break from the hustle and bustle of Lugano and Locarno. Dating back more than a thousand years, you’re certain to find some fascinating history.
Narrow streets, a terraced cemetry and a beautiful Park (Parco Scherrer) all await.
The church of Santa Maria del Sasso dates back to the 13th century, and has been remodelled during the Renaissance, and what we English call the Victorian era. 
The village/town used to be a thriving port but now derives most of its income from tourism
http://www.promorcote.ch/eg_index.html
Photo Flickr shark attacks

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I just wanted an excuse to show a picture of a glacier really.
I always like the fact that you look at this type of picture, and then see the size of the people.
It’s one of those glaciers that really looks like it moves, although watching paint dry is more dramatic.
You can see from the sides how much the glacier has shrunk, so you might want to come and visit it before it disappears.
Mind you, if you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll probably have to get on a plane to get here, which everyone tells us warms the planet up. So maybe …read more

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Some interesting light effects this week. First (above) a steamship on Lake Geneva.
And very local to me, the wooden bridge in Baden.

The night of the churches in St Gallen:

And finally for no apparent reason, a random picture from Bern, just because there’s something about it I like.

Pictures Flickr dragunsk, serge baumeler, kreumi,  sacred destinations

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  You can’t really see it in the photo, but there is a new revolving restaurant in Switzerland. It’s in Appenzell, near St Gallen, and if the dramatic qualities of these photos is to be believed, should be well worth a trip. From which you may deduce that I’ve not actually been yet, I still can’t drive with my arm not fully healed. The restaurant is at 1800m (6000ft)  above sea level, give or take, and promises an amazing view across Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and the Swiss Alps. A cable car takes you to the top if you don’t feel like …read more

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The exhibition of mountain crystals in the old church at Flüelen has been extended for two years.
It’s open from March until October, for both 2008 and 2009. 10 am to 6 pm. The church is opposite the railway station, although you might want to consider arriving by boat – the Wilhelm Tell express from Luzern is a fabulous trip.
The crystals are said to be a sensation, because of their size, colour and clarity.
And of course, crystals are always associated with special powers. Why not toddle along and find out if you’re hypnotized.
And of course, if you have the urge to …read more

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 Zürich: Friday, 30 May 08 – Sunday, 1 June 08
Christopher Street in West Village, New York is one of the key places when it comes to Gay rights history in the US.
So it gets celebrated across the world, well at least in Berlin and Zurich, both of which also host highly successful love parades.
One thing about Zurich though, is that despite its banker image, there’s always an excuse for a party. And CSD is just that. 
One of the highlights is a parade through the city street party on Turbinen-Platz, which is located in the booming Zürich-West quarter.
  
Doesn’t stop there though.
After the street …read more

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