The Switzerland Traveler

Switzerland is not renowned for its tall buildings.
Mountains yes, buildings no.
So there are very few opportunities to get high above the city and look down on the lights at night.
But the Messe Hotel in Basel does offer that opportunity. It’s the tallest building in Switzerland that I know of, and rather sensibly, they put a bar at the top of it.
It’s located on the 31st floor, and I know this is going to sound weird, but make sure you visit the toilets/restrooms. Let’s just say it’s an unusual experience…
It can get pretty crowded (the bar, not the toilets) leading …read more

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Slap bang in the middle of Zurich is one of the most traditional restaurants you’ll find in Switzerland.
And surprisingly, it is exceptionally good value!
Haute Cuisine its not – as I sad we’re talking tradition here.  But tasty and good is what the food is, with the menu being heavily biased towards the good old sausage.
You may remember  a while back, when dear old Hugo recommended the sausages at Sterne-Foifi, but he says this place is even better.
It’s Hugo’s ambition to work through all of the different types of sausage on the menu, and I suspect that given the chance …read more

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Just back from a few days rest, first in Zermatt and then in München, or Munich as you probably know it.
We just missed the Kriskindlmarkt in Münich, but as we got off the train in Zürich, our very own one was opening there.
And do you know what? It’s Christmas Market time all over Switzerland. I’m not a lover of the home-woven yoghurt that tends to be sold at this type of thing, but that’s just me.
If you’ve never been to one, then it’s worth it just for the atmosphere, which is invariably helped by the smell of Glühwein and …read more

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Do you know what 50 tons of onions looks like?
If not, then Monday 26th November is the time to find out. On the fourth Monday in November of every year, local farmers bring tons (literally) of garlic and onion to the world famous Onion Market in Bern.
Zweibelmarkt would be the German translation, but in Switzerland they speak Swiss-German, which in fact turns out to be several quite distinct variants of the teutonic tongue. So Zibelemärit is the Bernese variation of that word, and in Zürich it would probably be quite different.
Anyway, onions and garlic there will be aplenty, all …read more

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I must confess to liking French chateaus (chateaux?) with pointy bits on the roof. Turn one into a restaurant and I’m even happier.
Present me with such a restaurant overlooking a stunning lake and some of the most impressive mountains ever, and I’m, well, really happy.
Down on the shores of the Thunersee (Lake Thun) Schloss (Castle) Schadau sits in a quiet park. The boats that carry passengers across the lake stop there, and in my opinion, it is a fine place for a summer lunch. It’s a fine place for a winter dinner too, which is why I’m telling you now. …read more

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This might not be of much interest to those of you planning a trip to Switzerland, but it might be a lifesaver for those of you that already live here.
When we arrived nearly 20 years ago, it was impossible to find those important items that you need when you’re ill, or planning a cultural night. Heinz Baked Beans, Birds Custard etc.
But now, the internet is solving those problems, and you can get a lot of UK products with minimal hassle.
Try  britshop.ch who have a great selection, and even Migros are getting in on the act, selling Youngs and Wells beer, amongst other …read more

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It might not be in the middle of town, but in a converted textile mill down by the lake is one of my favourite Zurich restaurants. The Blue Duck (I am famed for my literal translations) has been around for a few years now, and is still as good as ever.
The building still has a heavy focus on the industrial, lots of pipes, motors and drive belts to look at if the company gets boring. But chances are you’ll be people watching, as the place fills up with young sophisticates. I’ve been known to go there too.
There is also a …read more

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Just a quick throwaway post this one! I’m feeling guilty because I’ve been concentrating on cows, goats and sheeps (which incidentally is a newly accepted spelling for the plural of sheep. Lambs were apparently getting confused how they all became one sheep when they grew up).
Consequently, I forgot to mention the Chestnut Party down  in Valposchiavo, Graubunden. Unforgivable, I know. Hopefully I’ll remember next year.

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OK, I’ll admit that I couldn’t resist it. You all seem to love cows so much that I’m pandering to your wishes by telling you about the next bovine event in the calendar.
Each year various towns and villages in Switzerland celebrate the return of their beloved cows from the rich mountain pastures.
It gets a bit chilly up in the hills in winter, and the cows don’t like snow that much, so in the autumn the cows and farmers come down to the huts in the villages. The event is invariable celebrated by dressing up;  the farmers in traditional …read more

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Just round the corner from the Kronenhalle is a decidedly more affordable restaurant, the Vorderer Stern. Located right by the Bellevue tram stop, it’s in an ideal location for the lake, opera, cinemas and shops.
Also known as Sterne Foifi, loosely translated as the fifth star, for reasons which I have not been able to fathom, the restaurant offers possibly the best Bratwurst in Zürich – at least according to a dear friend, Hugo, who knows about these things.
Outside there is a sausage stall, and inside a comfortable, stylish restaurant offering excellent food at reasonable prices. At least in Zürich …read more

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