Zurich's old town and the misty lake
A collection of photos and stories from the streets of Zurich
We woke up in Zurich, this was the only day of our trip we wouldn’t be travelling
Starting the morning slow, we had breakfast at BANK then headed straight to the lake, bar me reading a map upside down, getting there was seamless.
It was a misty day at the lake but that did nothing but add to the atmosphere. The flag on this boat really added the context this shot needed.
While we wandered around, I made a comment about not being able to see the Alps which got us a funny look by a passer-by, this made us question if the alps were ever visible. Even without them in sight we were more than happy just to watch the boats bobbing up and down.
Taking this video did lead to me covering my trousers in mud, in fairness white trousers are asking for trouble. I’ve worn those trousers twice now and both times got them covered in either mud or a drink.
As we carried on the colour on this buoy (had to google that spelling) caught my eye in the blue. It was a very gloomy day at this point so it stood out even more.
Being a random Wednesday we had the lake almost to ourselves leading to a rather tranquil atmosphere.
Around the corner we noticed a small beach with a path down to it, this shot is slightly damaged due to the rain on that day but it was nice to capture the movement of the crystal clear water.
Waking around the lake for long enough we worked up an appetite, as we were in Switzerland, we headed off to get Fondue.
On the way we passed this gorgeous moped. With the blue building in the background is a touch reminiscent of the buoy shot.
We couldn’t help but notice how clean the streets were. We are used to Cardiff which has a bit of a reputation of messy streets so it was a welcome change.
Finally we reached the fondue, it was all you could eat and by the end we were stuffed. To our surprise it came with potatoes as well as bread, we even found the potatoes to be preferable.
Two other tourists across from us were asked, as were we, if they want still or sparkling water. They said tap and got a rather stern response of “I’ve got STILL or SPARKLING”. I had almost asked for the same so rather glad the preference for sparkling had won out.
Just before we finished my partner dropped some bread in the cheese, quite the fondon’t…
After this, with our stomachs full, we wandered (admittedly by happy accident) to the old town.
I had not intended to get this woman in the shot but instead was just taking what would have been a rather mundane photo of the building, her presence though really makes it.
Strolling through a park just before this shot, we passed two older gentlemen who were playing chess. It seemed like a day more peaceful then even our own; which was a high bar mind you.
The colourful streets were quite narrow at points which with the slight imperfections on the buildings resulted in such charm.
I must admit it the tall colourful buildings reminded me of the seaside town of Tenby, a place I’d visit every so often as a child in Wales.
A bit higher in the old town I go this fortunate shot where a fellow appeared at just the right location for the flow of the street to point to him.
As we wandered on I couldn’t resist a coffee from this small cafe, I’m glad of it too as it was the best coffee on the trip. I’m still not sure what the steps on this pole are but I assume for a cat to reach the roof?
At this point we took a tram back to the hotel to rest, my partner had a nap; we then returned to see the old town at night.
As we re-emerged at night the before almost dead streets of the old town started to light up with neon signs and fill with people.
Displays in shops changed from rather standard to glowing. It was surprising how many boutique shops took refuge in the old town. Coming from the UK I’m used to chains so the darling small independent stores really were a welcome break from the monotony of the 74th Gregg’s.
Each side street was a painting. I love the contrast in this shot between the impeccably clean streets and buildings of Zurich and the slightly more risqué nature of this establishment.
Stumbling on through the maze of alleys, we reached the lake again, I’m afraid I did not have a lens long enough to do justice but we did see the Alps which topped off a rather perfect day in Zurich.
Later we retired back to our hotel to sleep for a busy trip the next day to Luxembourg.
Total costs
Breakfast: £24.70
Fondue: £86.63
Snacks: £4.47
Coffee: £5.27
Evening meal: £34.31
Hotel in Zurich: £96.45
Total: £251.83
Running total
Day One: £778.28
Day Two: £262.63
Day Three: £251.83
Total: £1292.74
That's a fascinating glimpse into the old town, a place I've never been to but now feel slightly familiar with. Thanks for the journey 😊