Zurich, Switzerland

My flight to Switzerland was on Swiss Air Lines, flag carrier of Switzerland. Great onboard service by the flight crew. The food and wine represent Switzerland. 

Arrived in Zurich, largest city in Switzerland and a major financial center. Stayed at Limmathof Hotel, five minute walk from the train statin. There is a Coop grocery store nearby - the Coop is a grocery chain in Switzerland. 

We purchased the Swiss Travel Pass to get around Switzerland. This pass is good for all public transport in Switzerland - most trains, buses, boats, and cable cars. The pass also covers most museums and gives discounts on mountain excursions. 

Swiss Air Lines Airbus A330-300, Chicago to Zurich.

 

Landing in Zurich. Switzerland is very green, like Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland.

Walked along the Limmat River, which leads into Lake Lucerne. Lots of beautiful buildings along the lake and river.

Rode the cable car to Felsenegg, a five minute ride up the mountain. Great panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the mountains. We spotted some cows. Lots of hiking trails to retreat from the busy city life.

We did a half day trip to Rhine Falls, a one hour train ride from Zurich. The falls are the largest in central Europe and most notable for its width. Typical flow rate during the summer is 600 cubic meters per second. There is a bridge with a pedestrian walkway which goes over the raging Rhine River. Laufen Castle sits above the falls. Rhine Falls video.

Entrance to Laufen Castle. The castle has viewpoints of the river and falls, plus a restaurant.