Two Days Around Zurich
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At the end of a 6 week trip, in May 2022, we had a couple days to spare before our flight back to Australia left from Zurich. We used it as an opportunity to explore some of the smaller towns near Zurich and also did a day trip into Liechtenstein. Zurich itself is a beautiful city but we didn't spend a lot of time there on this visit. On the way to and from the train station we did enjoy the walks along the Limmat River, the buidlings lining it, and also the view from Lindenhof, overlooking the city.
Our first day trip was to Zug, an adorable town only 30 minutes south of Zurich by train, located on Zugersee (Lake Zug). |
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If the weather is warm, this is a perfect place to go for a swim. It is easy to explore by foot. From the train station, head along the lake into the old centre of town. On the way you will see some stairs leading down to an observation window under the water, the Seesicht, where you can check out what's happening under the surface. There are some bird enclosures by the water with a variety of birds from around the world (including a kookaburra).
One of the main attraction is the clock tower, Zytturm Zug. This 13th-century tower is 52 metres high and houses an astronomical clock. There is also a small craft brewery, Bachweg Brewing, where we got a couple of takeaway beers. As you explore the old town churches, monastery and cobblestone streets, keep your eyes out for a little cat painted on one of the side street walls. |
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On our second day, we headed northeast of Zurich to Stein am Rhein, stopping briefly in Winterthur to have a look around. Stein am Rhein is a fairytale town- the central square, Rathausplatz, looks like it comes straight from a storybook. One of the most prominent buildings is the Town Hall, which was erected from 1539 to 1542. On many of the medieval houses, the front façade is decorated with elaborately painted frescos. You can spend hours walking through the pedestrian-only square admiring each work of art.
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Leaving the old town square, we hiked up through the vineyards to Hohenklingen Castle. You can visit the inside of the castle, but the most spectacular part of it is the view from the top floor. The castle dates back to 1225 but was renovated in 2008 and today houses a restaurant. From the top tower, you get a 360° view of the old town, the Rhine River, and the gorgeous green countryside below.
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Our final stop in Stein am Rhein was Saint George's abbey. The once small fishing village of Stein am Rhein became a flourishing town around 1007, when Henry II moved St. George's Abbey there from its former location on the Hohentwiel (an extinct volcano) in Singen, Germany. The abbey was used by monks until the Reformation in 1525, but today can be visited by the public. Inside its rooms, you will find carvings and paintings throughout, but the most impressive are the Renaissance-style murals in the banquet hall.
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From Stein am Rhein, we bought a ticket for a river boat and travelled to Schaffhausen, stopping briefly at Diessenhofen (which is on the opposite bank of the river from Germany). The boat was a nice change from buses and trains, and gave a perfect vantage point to see the other small towns from the river.
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In Schaffhausen, we hiked up through some different vineyards to the 16th century, circular fortification Munot. The earliest presence of a castle dates to 1379, but the current complex was built between 1564 and 1589. From the top of the fortress, you get another spectacular view of the Rhein and city below.
In the centre of Schaffhausen you will find several old houses with intricate façades, including the 17th century House of the Golden Ox and the Knight's House, painted from 1568-1570.
In the centre of Schaffhausen you will find several old houses with intricate façades, including the 17th century House of the Golden Ox and the Knight's House, painted from 1568-1570.
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We walked the 3.5km from Schaffhausen to Rheinfall, the Rhine Waterfall. At 150 metres wide and 23 metres high, the falls are said to be the biggest waterfall in Europe. There are several places to view the falls- Laufen Castle is located on the left bank of the river, Worth Castle on the right bank, or opt for a glass elevator ride or even a boat trip to get up close. There is a train station located conveniently next to Laufen Castle.
To end the day, we took the train to the town of Baden, which is known for its natural hot springs. Along the Limmat River, you can find several public baths where you can enjoy the hot springs for free. We treated ourselves to an evening at FOURTYSEVEN wellness spa, which was incredible. Make sure to find the dark room with the highly buoyant salt water and take in the view of the river from the outdoor pools.
To end the day, we took the train to the town of Baden, which is known for its natural hot springs. Along the Limmat River, you can find several public baths where you can enjoy the hot springs for free. We treated ourselves to an evening at FOURTYSEVEN wellness spa, which was incredible. Make sure to find the dark room with the highly buoyant salt water and take in the view of the river from the outdoor pools.
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On our third and final day in Switzerland, we did a day trip to neighbouring Liechtenstein and also visited Sargans on the border. Read more about Liechtenstein here.
Questions about travelling in Switzerland? Email us and we will be happy to help!