Switzerland – Page 2 – Snapping The Globe

Uber: term with literal meaning of “above” in German (Urban Dictionary), being a superlative example of its kind or class (Merriam Webster)

Unless you speak German, the name Üetliberg may throw you for a loop (prounounced Oot-lee-berg). And unless you’ve been to Zurich, you may have never heard of the Swiss plateau mountain…or as some refer to it, “Zurich’s own little mountain”.

A few years ago, one of my crew members asked if we wanted to take the train to Üetliberg, do some hiking and have a picnic. Of course, being a beautiful warm day, we all decided that was a fantastic idea. Grabbing some goodies and drinks at the grocery store, we set off for our outdoor adventure.

Although not much hiking took place that day, we did find a great spot for our picnic and then finally went to the summit to admire to outstanding views of the city and Lake Zurich.

Last weekend, my oldest son, having just finished his first year of college, decided to accompany me to Zurich. He got to ride in style while I worked, but that was okay…I was excited that the flight was not very full and that we could spend some quality time together before he started his summer job.

Remembering my Üetliberg experience, I thought that it was a place he might enjoy, but after checking the forecast during the week, the weather did not look promising. When we landed, however, the skies were bright and sunny and the temperature hovered in the high 70s. A perfect day for Üetliberg!

Finding the ticket counter in the Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, was a little challenging, however, after asking around, tickets were soon in hand and we were on our way. A quick 20 minutes later, we were disembarking and heading toward the trail-head and the summit, some 2851 feet above sea level.

The paths were filled with hikers, mountain bikers, families and individuals enjoying the outdoor balmy temperatures and clear skies. The trails are not extremely steep and wide enough to accommodate a large number of visitors. Amusing lamp posts lines the way…though we never could figure out if they were some sort of deer or giraffe! As we finally reached the top, we were rewarded with outstanding panoramas of Zurich, Lake Zurich and the snow covered Alps.

At the top of Üetliberg presides Uto Kulm, a hotel and restaurant, an observation tower and nearby a TV tower. Surprisingly, there now resides a Christ the Redeemer Statue designed by a Lithuanian artist, though from news articles I’ve read, it is unclear how long the statue will remain in its current location. Still, it was fun to see and take a few photographs with especially since I have not yet been to Rio (on my bucket list!).

After gazing admiringly at the white-peaked Alps and then skipping the climb to the top of the observation tower, we decided to relax and have a couple of cool beverages. What more can you ask for…beer and beauty!

With so many trails available on this mountain and beyond, it was regrettable that we were unable to discover more of the natural exquisiteness of this area. With only 24 hours at our disposal, it was finally time to hike back down to the train station for our return to the city…for there was was lots more for my son and I to discover in Zurich! But if the outdoors is your thing…Üetliberg has much to offer, even in winter, when you can don your boots and bring your sled!

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Uetliberg

Getting there: From Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Station), take the S-Bahn Zurich service S10. Trains usually run every half hour during the weekdays and three times an hour on the weekends. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Train fare: approximately 9 Swiss francs
http://www.uetliberg.ch/en/

Wandering is one of my favorite things to do while in many cities. Setting out with a map in my bag, is a necessity only if I am truly lost or just need a little guidance. I love going out with only a general plan in mind. Sometimes you never know what you will find!
Last week, I was in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich is a very pristine and charming city and I love walking along the river in the Old Town area and along the northern shore of Lake Zurich. The last few times I have been to Zurich, it seems that I have only been there on Sundays. Most shops are closed and the streets are very quiet.
Taking the train into the city center, my goal was to find the free bike rental location. Years ago, I rented a bike from one of these free rental locations and rode along the river with a few of my coworkers. This time, I was alone and decided that I would use my bike to further my wandering.
Finding the bike rental location was a bit challenging and I thought that I would have to abandon my plans, but soon enough, I managed to stumble upon the area in which it was located.

https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/sport/zurich-on-wheels
Many years ago, Züri Rollt Free Bike Rental secured the rental with a driver’s license or identification card, meaning they kept it until you returned the bike. They have now changed the process. They still require an identification card or passport. Your information is recorded and you are given a copy of the form, however, you now keep your means identification. You are also required to pay a $20 Swiss Franc deposit. When returning the bicycle, you give back the copy of the form and your $20 Swiss Franc deposit is returned.
After the formalities, I was finally on my way. Since it was Sunday and there wasn’t much traffic, I found it quite easy to navigate the streets on my way to the lakefront.
With an admiring glance out towards the Alps, I decided to head to the right of the lake. There are many bike and pedestrian pathways along the lake.
After riding for a while, I saw the bike rider in front of me take a left turn. I looked down the alleyway in which she had turned and noticed lots of graffiti. Now, I am a sucker for good graffiti, so I had no choice but to check it out. There was an entryway of sorts and the walls were lined with amazing graffiti. I walked with my bike throughout the area and down along the lakefront. I had no idea what this area was until I asked a local Swiss woman who was walking through the area. She informed me that it was called Rote Fabrik.
Rote Fabrik, or Red Factory, is a former factory in Zurich, which is now used as a music venue and cultural center. It is so named because the buildings are made of red brick, but also because left-wing parties were part of the campaign to turn the location into a cultural center.

After snapping many photos, I decided to head back to the city, return the bike and wander on foot.
Venturing through Old Town, I passed the Grossmunster and the Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster). Neither were open, but they offer themselves up for many a beautiful photograph. Along the Fraumunster, I spent about 15 minutes photographing the carvings on the side walls.

Finally, all that cycling had worked up a mighty appetite. Now, if you’ve ever been to Zurich, then you will know how expensive it is. Meals can run, on average $35-40 US (no drinks included). The last time I was in Zurich, we found a cute little place called Thai Bamboo right near the river on a side street. Address: Schoffelgasse 3, Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, I had the Pad Thai, which was good. Compared to other Pad Thai I have had before, I can say that I have had better. This time, however, I decided to try the Red Curry. Oh my goodness! I have been to Thailand and I can tell you that this ranks up there with any Red Curry that I have ever had in that country. The best part was that my Red Curry and two beers came to a grand total of $25! That’s a steal for
Zurich! Now mind you, it’s not a five-star restaurant…you select your meal from a counter-style serving area. You grab your drink from the refrigerated cooler and you seat yourself. But, I will trade all that for a very good meal served at the right price.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-bamboo-z%C3%BCrich-2

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Category: Switzerland

Über Üetliberg

Wandering…