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Interesting Facts
- You might be surprised to find that Zürich, which is located at the northern end of the lake of Zürich, has a temperate climate and frequently finds itself in the path of warm, moisture-laden winds. The mild weather lends itself as an added attraction to a city that is already a favorite traveler destination.
- Zürich was established in 15 BC as a Roman customs post known as "Turicum." The city received its city status in the tenth century. Today, the city is the largest in Switzerland and is home to some 360,000 people.
- Got rooms? Zürich does! The city has over 100 hotels with some 10,000 beds! In 1999, more than one million arrivals with more than two million overnight accommodations were recorded. Perhaps its popularity is due in part to the fact that the airport at Zürich-Kloten is nearby. It is one of the largest and most efficient airports in all of Europe. In addition, it is one of the safest in the world.
- Banking is one of Switzerland's major business sectors. Therefore, it should come as no shock that the city also serves as a highly significant world financial center. It is home to the world's fourth ranked stock market. Most of the major Swiss banks and the national bank have headquarters in Zürich along the Paradeplatz, which is known as the geographical hub of Switzerland's financial world.
- Shop ‘til you drop! Zürich's world famous shopping street, the Bahnhofstrasse, is one of Europe's most beautiful – especially at Christmas. During the holiday season, more than 20,000 electric bulbs transform the area into a glistening, Christmas wonderland.
- The Grossmünster is most likely of Carolingian origin. Its distinctive twin spires make it an unforgettable site as well as the symbol of the city. The crypts are the oldest part of the church and date back to the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries.
- St. Peter, which was built in 1534, is Zürich's oldest church. It is known for holding the record for the largest church clock face in Europe – 28 ½ feet in diameter!
- There's no doubt that Zürich's Opera house is one of the most famous in all of Europe. From the time that it was built in 1891, the opera's worldwide reputation has increased, making it the city's most frequented cultural institution.
- Zürich boasts some 1,300 eating and drinking establishments. If Zürich specialties like Zuri-Gschnatzlets and Roschti aren't tempting your taste buds, you've got plenty of options! Numerous restaurants offer French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Hungarian, kosher, and Greek cuisines. Wines offered vary by type and nationality. Local wines include Riesling, white Rauschling, and light red Clevner.
- Sechselauten, Zürich's traditional spring festival, begins on a Sunday with a big parade featuring more than 2000 children. The highlight of the celebration is the Burning of the Boogg, which is a representation of winter, on the Sechselauten field located near the Zürich Opera. The Boogg woodpile is lit when the bells of St. Peter chime at six o'clock. The Boogg's transformation into ashes marks winter's final departure.
