A not-to-be-missed event?
Zurich hosts a wide range of celebrations. The Street Parade in August is a festive march of colorful characters along the lake to the beat of techno music; or there’s Sächsilüüte, the traditional spring festival, held in mid-April. Zurich’s 26 corporations walk through the old town and along the Bahnhofstrasse in traditional costume. The highlight of the event is the burning of the Böögg, a snowman-shaped scarecrow that is covered in fireworks and burned on a pyre. Tradition has it that the faster the Böögg burns, the nicer summer will be.
What should visitors definitely take home?
Züritirggel: a delicious little cake that looks like a work of art and keeps easily. The ingredients of ‘Tirggel’ - honey, flour, sugar and water - are kneaded into a very thin dough on a small wooden board engraved with pretty motifs, usually scenes depicting life in Zurich. It’s an original souvenir that’s sure to please.
Where can one enjoy a bit of local history over breakfast?
At the legendary Café Odeon am Bellevue, where you can have your breakfast in good company - so to speak. Since this Jugendstil-style café opened in 1911, countless celebrities have been: Stefan Zweig, James Joyce, as well as Benito Mussolini, Lenin and Trotsky, to name just a few.
What specialties is the city famous for?
Visitors to Zurich must try Züri Geschnetzeltes, a local minced veal dish in a creamy sauce and traditionally served with rösti. Sometimes it’s served with button mushrooms. Each tavern serves its own version, so it’s tough to find the ‘best’ Züri Geschnetzeltes!