Exploring German-speaking Switzerland, between cities, lakes, history and legend.
Zurich, Zug and Altdorf are three cities in German-speaking Switzerland that are geographically close to each other, but also very different. Zurich, the economic capital of Switzerland, is a city that combines classic Swiss style with the modernity and dynamism of a European city. Zug and Altdorf are smaller towns whose historic villages still preserve the image of Swiss tradition.
The itinerary that we suggest touches these three cities along a route of about 80 km, which can be covered by car or by public transport. This itinerary offers you the possibility to walk in the most dynamic and crowded Zurich, to see a romantic sunset on the lake in Zug and to relive the birth of Switzerland in Altdorf.
Obviously, you cannot miss the typical dishes of the local tradition. The highlights of this itinerary are definitely Zurich-style mince pie, kirsch cake and basket chicken. It is not only a delicious dish of the Swiss culinary tradition, but a real ritual.
What to visit in Zurich
Hauptbahnhof and Augusto Giacometti Entrance Hall
Hauptbahnhof is Zurich’s train station. It is an imposing building, to handle all the passenger traffic that passes through this nerve center of the City and Switzerland. The largest Christmas market in Europe is installed here every year. Mostly there are stalls selling food from different parts of the world. Obviously, we at FoodTripGo recommend that you take a trip there under Christmas.
Not far away, you will find the Augusto Giacometti Entrance Hall. In the entrance hall of the police station, you will find frescoes by Augusto Giacometti , painted in the early 1900s.
Niederdorf and Rathaus
Niederdorf is a small historic village, completely pedestrianized. You can find small stores, bars and restaurants. At the end of August, the “Dörflifäscht” takes place, with stalls offering culinary delicacies and shows.
Going down to the river you will find the Zurich City Hall. From here you have a beautiful postcard view of the city.
Lindenhofplatz and Bahnhofstrasse
After a short walk uphill among the typical Swiss houses, you reach Lindenhofplatz. It is a terrace from which you have a beautiful view of the city of Zurich from above.
Bahnhofstrasse is the main street of the old town of Zurich. It is one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world and the most expensive in Europe.
St. Peter’s Church, Fraumünster Kirche, Grossmunster
Zurich’s churches shape the skyline. St. Peter’s Church and Fraumünster Kirche have distinctive pointed roofs.
The Grossmunster is Zurich’s cathedral and is characterized by its facade with two imposing towers. It is the architectural symbol of the Swiss city.
Art Museum (Kunsthaus Zurich) and Opernhaus Zurich
For art lovers, we recommend the Kunsthaus, the art museum and Opernhaus Zurich, the theater of Zurich. The architectural aspects of the buildings are also interesting. In this area, during the Christmas period, is set up a large and colorful market where, of course, you can eat and breathe the atmosphere of Christmas.
Zug
As the sun sets behind the hills and mountains of Switzerland, the sky turns fiery red over Lake Zug. Don’t miss a walk through the old town and then stop to admire a unique sunset. Maybe tasting one of the typical products of the culinary tradition. Zug is, in fact, known for its cherries and its unmissable kirsch cake.
Strolling through the village of Zug, you will be fascinated by the historic buildings such as the Zytturm, the clock tower, the late Gothic town hall and the St. Oswald Church.
Altdorf
In Altdorf, a small and colorful town with a characteristic Swiss style, is the monument to William Tell, the Swiss national hero. According to legend, the famous scene of William Tell shooting an apple with an arrow took place on the main square in Altdorf. As a result of his hero’s gestures of rebellion, Switzerland became free, giving rise to the Switzerland of today.
Walking through the old town, you will come across interesting buildings such as the arsenal, the theater, medieval churches and typical Swiss architectural style buildings. In this area, you can enjoy a true delicacy of the Swiss culinary tradition: the basket chicken.
Taste the tradition in Zurich, Zug and Altdorf
In the cities of German-speaking Switzerland you can find many traditional dishes. In Zürich, you must try the famous Zürich-style minced, with beef, mushrooms, onion and cream. It can be accompanied by tasty potato rosti. The famous Birchermuesli originated here, invented by a Zurich doctor.
In Zug, the city of cherries, you must try the Zuger Kirschtorte. It’s a sponge cake covered with buttercream and icing sugar, topped with the best Swiss kirsch. The recipe has remained unchanged for more than a century.
In and around Altdorf, you have to stop and eat basket chicken as a rite of passage. The specialty is the sauce that surrounds the chicken and its recipe is a secret.
Color, taste and legend you can find Zurich, Zug and Altdorf
In inland Switzerland you can find modern international cities like Zurich and small colorful villages like Zug and Altdorf. The beauty of the Swiss lakes and hills passes from here, as well its tradition and birth, between history and legend.
It’s a colorful journey, but also a very tasty one, with traditional Swiss dishes ranging from tasty meat dishes to the famous cherries and desserts.