Sometimes, the best days are the ones you stumble upon without any firm plans. That's precisely how my day in Zurich unfolded, and what an incredible adventure it turned out to be! It all began with the train ride from Milan, where I met a friendly local who shared a brilliant tip to take the ferry from Burkliplatz to Rapperswil for an authentic, local-inspired day on the lake.
After some city sights I hopped on a ferry to check out the lake views and get a taste of local life. The lake was calm and crystal-clear and, as promised, surrounded by picturesque lakeside towns and vineyards. The ferry makes several stops along the way where passengers are free to hop on and off to explore different towns at a leisurely pace. There's quite a few unique destinations to check out; such as the wine museum (you know I wish I could have checked that out!), the Swiss Museum of Transport (definitely a unique option), and Ufnau Island with its historical structures built without access to the island by road! Check out zsg.ch for the timetable, destinations, or to reserve a table on the top deck (recommended).
The Swiss Pass includes all ferries in Switzerland in addition to trains and buses! However, if you're like me and have limited time, I recommend purchasing a pass at the boat dock for the day, which will allow you to hop on and off at any stops and even give you the option to take the train back from Rapperswil for a quicker return.
Rapperswil, often referred to as the "City of Roses," greeted me with medieval charm and a few surprises. I wandered around, discovering hidden squares, unexpected wildlife, and fragrant rose gardens. If you're in town, the gardens are a must-see, but I have to say the highlight of my trip was stumbling upon a herd of deer lounging on the hill by the Schloss Castle.
Back in Zurich, I explored the city treasures, once again wandering the streets to see what I might stumble upon. After checking out St Peter's Church - the oldest parish church in Zurich and admiring the Fraumunster and its nice pop of color in the skyline I was rewarded with coming across a unique sight along the waterfront! It was a mesmerizing and incredibly detailed 3D rendering of the entire city. Unfortunately the picture really doesn't do it justice - so definitely keep an eye out to see it in person!
St Peter's Church has the largest clock face in Europe, and until 1911, the tower was used as a fire watch post
And what's a visit to Switzerland without indulging in Swiss chocolate? I made it a point to not just savor the local sweet treats but to be sure to save room in the suitcase to bring some truffles home! I "surprised" Blake (he was totally expecting it) with a box from Max Chocolatier - a small specialty chocolate store with a moving story about Max and how the store came to be, as well as some of the meaning behind the chocolates. You should plan time for samples and to talk with the chocolatier for a personalized experience - and be sure to ask about Max!
And of course, I can't write a travel blog without mentioning the local cuisine! During my visit, I had the pleasure of dining at some delightful restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. From cozy cafes to traditional Swiss eateries, here's a taste of my delicious, though unfortunately short, journey through Zurich's food scene
This little cafe may very well be the first place I head next time I'm in Zurich - seems especially fitting since it was also the last! I enjoyed this place so much I couldn't resist stopping by on my way to the airport to grab a final pastry - and found myself leaving with a piece of carrot cake for the flight! It may look like a simple counter service pastry shop and while you should try the pastries don't miss the opportunity to sit down for a hearty breakfast. And please, if you go and try whatever their tower of breakfast food was, I want to hear about it!
But soon to be determined! While at first it appeared unfortunate that many restaurants in Rapperswil are closed on Mondays (and even more on Sundays so plan accordingly) I am not at all upset that it encouraged us towards a German restaurant near the boat dock. Their dinner menu looked delicious and while their lunch menu was a little limited their unique meat and cheese plate (with a surprise salad!) absolutely hit the spot for a great midday meal.
And of course, it's not a trip to Switzerland without cheese fondue! Swiss Chuchi certainly did not disappoint on the cheese fondue front, and the service here was on point! We received excellent wine pairing suggestions and the off-menu chocolate fondue so be sure to ask your server for suggestions (and the chocolate fondue of course!)