Day 1 – Zurich: First Impressions of a New Country

It was early in the morning shortly after Christmas when we waited for our train at the main station. It would be delayed by an hour – not exactly the start we had hoped for.

After what felt like an eternity, the train finally rolled into the station and the holiday could begin.

We headed straight for the dining car. There is nothing better than enjoying a wonderful meal while the winter landscape glides past the window. Breakfast on the train tasted much better than its reputation would suggest. There were freshly baked pastries, ham, cheese, butter, jam, and of course, coffee.

We spent the next few hours reading, playing cards, and watching the ever-changing scenery. When we finally reached Tyrol and Vorarlberg, it became especially beautiful. We saw snow-covered mountains and romantic little villages.

Eventually, we entered Switzerland – a new country for me. Once again, we were drawn to the dining car – it was time for lunch.

The train passed Lake Zurich, whose waters beautifully reflected the snow-capped Alpine peaks.

In the early afternoon, we finally reached Zurich, the destination of our journey.

We quickly reached our hotel, which was located not far from the station, right in the city center. Given the high prices in Zurich, we had booked a rather simple but very cozy hotel with a lovely view over the river.

We set out straightaway to finally explore this interesting city. For the next few hours, we strolled through the picturesque old town with its cobblestone alleys. In Spiegelgasse, we saw the house where Friedrich Nietzsche once lived.

Along the way, we stopped at a cozy little café for a cappuccino.

Then we continued on to the Grossmünster, whose twin towers are the symbol of the city.

From there, we walked to Lake Zurich, which shimmered beautifully in the light of the setting sun. The mountains in the background formed a breathtaking backdrop.

On the way back, we strolled along the Limmatquai, the lively promenade along the river.

At a supermarket, we picked up some food, which we prepared and ate in the shared kitchen of the hotel.

After dinner, we explored Zurich a little more, now bathed in the warm light of the streetlamps.

Soon after, we fell into bed, utterly exhausted and full of new impressions.