Zurich's proximity to the Alps and to other Swiss cities make it a excellent hub to enjoy leisure activities and from where to start exploring Switzerland. Zurich is considered Switzerland's most important financial, industrial and commercial center. It is also known to be the intellectual capital of the nation and particularly receptive to contemporary trends associated with younger generations. Nestling beside Lake Zurich and along River Limmat, Zurich offers splendid views of the Swiss Alps and is an absolutely charming, interesting, and beautiful place to visit. Its wealth of history, architecture and culture leaves you longing for another vacation! The pedestrian streets of the old town contain most of the major sights, including winding alleyways, 16th- and 17th-century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and rather a lot of fountains (1030 if you're taking notes).

Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's international airport. At the centrally located main railway station of Zurich you have access every Swiss and foreign destination.

Zurich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions on Switzerland. The Opera House and the Tonhalle concert hall attract stars of world stature on the classical music scene. The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city center, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. The Old Town of Zurich is home to historic buildings that host numerous boutiques and antique shops. Zurich is a trendsetting city and offering eating and drinking establishments for all tastes and preferences...

Getting to Zurich
Zurich is conveniently located at the heart of Europe. It is within a short flight from many major European destination, but also easy accessible by train or by car.

By plane...
Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's international airport. A train service every quarter of an hour whisks passengers to the city center in just ten minutes; the taxi journey takes about twenty minutes.

By rail...
Over a thousand trains halt daily at Zurich's centrally located main railway station. Direct and frequent services to all the large Swiss cities and major European destinations guarantee a pleasant journey. Zurich is also an ideal place to start your journey into the Alps and especially if you are headed to Graubünden, it is your ideal point of departure.

By car...
A well developed motorway network links Zurich with other large Swiss cities and neighboring countries, ensuring shortest possible journey times.

ETH Zürich: Map of Zurich

Zurich is situated in Central Switzerland, 272 km (111 miles) from Geneva, 86 km (miles) from Basel and 122 km (miles) from Bern. Travel time from Geneva is 3.5 hours by car and 3 hours by train.