Zurich, Switzerland’s financial capital and largest city, although not the country’s capital city, as you know, with that honor belonging to Bern. A whopping 30 percent of its residents are foreigners, and while we’re on the topic of interesting facts, it should be noted that this city is proud to be home to the largest church clock, with a clock face even bigger than those of Big Ben!
Located at the heart of the Old Town, the clock was installed on the tower of St. Peter’s Church back in 1366 and has for centuries served as the standard for Zurich time. With a diameter of 8.64 meters, it remains number one among the church clocks of Europe.
Zurich is also specific in that it is home to more than 1,200 fountains. It’s true that Rome has many more, but the fountains of Zurich are unique because their water is great for drinking. Feel free to quench your thirst in every corner of this city, with water that’s renowned far and wide for its exceptional quality.
Another interesting fact is that Zurich is the birthplace of one of the first modern, global art movements of the 20th century, which was developed in reaction to the outbreak of World War I and the social values of the time. Artists gathered together at the Cabaret Voltaire, situated in the very heart of the city, created Dadaism as both an art and protest movement that would go on to spread like wildfire across Europe, with some suggesting that it led to the emergence of both surrealism and postmodernism.
And finally, if you think Zurich is a city of people wearing ties, you are mistaken. Each August, millions of people dressed in the most varied outfits traverse its streets in Europe’s biggest techno parade, in a mass celebration of rhythm, electronic music, and freedom of expression… However, if you travel there now and the temperature drops below zero, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a completely different parade. Stop by the zoo and you might be lucky enough to see a parade of adorable emperor penguins, which the zookeepers take out for a walk during periods of wintry weather.
But these are just snippets, small nuggets of all the wonders hidden in Zurich and the surrounding area, and here we present some other delights that you could experience…
Voulez-vous fondue? Scrumptious and sinfully calorific
Switzerland is famous for cheeses with alluring and refined flavors, which is why it comes as no surprise that fondue represents a real culinary delight in this mountainous land. According to legend, it was created in the 18th century by shepherds who melted different cheeses with milk or brandy in a pot over an open fire, adding garlic and herbs before dipping chunks of bread into the mix.
This modest and nourishing dish of traditional Swiss cuisine gradually gained great popularity and found its way into the homes of the rich and powerful. Of course, this led to the cheeses becoming more refined and the pots used to prepare them becoming more elegant.
The secret to the perfect fondue aroma lies in the combination of a more piquant cheese, such as Emmentaler or Gruyere, and a younger cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor, such as Gouda, brie, etc. Apart from bread, today freshly chopped vegetables are also increasingly dipped in fondue. Interestingly, the word “fondue” signifies the metal pot in which the cheese is melted and the dish is prepared before serving. These are usually thick-bottomed ceramic pots, which prevent the mixture from burning.
Après-ski in St. Moritz? From Bardot to unsurpassed luxury
St. Moritz was put on the map of the world’s jet-set by Gunter Sachs, one of the last old-school playboys, when he began visiting with Brigitte Bardot in the second half of the 1960s. From a small town located a stone’s throw from the Italian border, it quickly became a fashionable resort town that is today home to only the most luxurious hotels and restaurants. It is said to be completely free of fast-food joints, which is why skiers say in jest that it’s easier to buy a Bentley or a Monet painting in St. Moritz than a hamburger and fries.
Glamour, fur coats, polo, horse racing, gold, caviar, champagne… these are all elements that make St. Moritz the world’s most glamorous ski resort. There is almost no wealthy, winter-loving celebrity that hasn’t at least briefly breathed in the glamour of this Swiss town. For those who nonetheless prioritize the quality of skiing, St. Moritz offers top ski runs that have excellent connections to the town. They are mostly red runs, with some black or blue. No wonder, then, that it has to date hosted five World Ski Championships and the Ski World Cup. The highest peak, Piz Nair, stands at an elevation of 3,057 meters and is known for having the steepest starting section, where downhill skiers reach speeds of up to 135kph by the first bend. Of course, apart from riding the white trails, you can also play cricket and polo on ice, experience a bobsleigh or play mid-winter golf.
How come the cheese has holes? Joy is called Emmentaler
Everyone can make holes in cheese, but only the Swiss know how to make cheese with holes! The famous Emmentaler is a semi-hard cheese that originated in Switzerland. More precisely, it comes from the valley of the river Emme, close to the French border. Produced from cow’s milk, only the most experienced cheesemakers have the skills to harmonize all conditions and ensure its characteristic holes are equal in size and distributed evenly.
Apart from its holes, Emmentaler is also known as one of the world’s largest cheeses – with the average wheel weighing 80 to 90 kilograms, while some weigh in excess of 130 kg! This giant among cheeses is characterized by its particularly fruity flavor and nutty sweet taste. It is also characterized by its excellent melting properties, which is why it is, alongside Gruyere, a traditional ingredient of the world’s cheesiest dish: fondue. And if you have a dilemma about what to serve with this wonderful cheese, you have no need to worry, as Emmentaler goes equally well with light, fruity white wines and strong reds.
Is there anything sweeter? Welcome to the land of chocolate
The Swiss use chocolate in all possible forms and for all occasions. They serve it on its own or as an accompaniment to espresso, sweet wines, whiskey, or cognac. It comes in the form of standard cubes, truffles, pralines, cakes, or sauces.
If you want to discover more about the production of this magical combination of cocoa, fat, sweeteners, and other additions, Switzerland is the right destination for you because almost every city in the country has at least one specialized establishment where you can observe the entire production process, from the initial stages to the finished product.
Here, we mustn’t forget to mention the exciting tour on Zurich’s so-called chocolate train. It was actually in Switzerland that the chocolate revolution of the 19th century took place when François-Louis Cailler invented dark chocolate and Henri Nestlé pioneered milk chocolate.
Various ideas have since emerged to improve upon them or to create the most exotic possible taste, but the most extreme advances in chocolate treats have undoubtedly been made by Swiss company DeLafée, which offers this delicacy enriched with 24-karat edible gold.
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