Zürich, Switzerland

A weekend trip to meet a friend on exchange.

Picadilly Station

The easiest way to get to Heathrow airport, taking the Picadilly line as far west as you can.

Flughafen

After a quick one and a half hour flight, accompanied by in-flight Swiss chocolate, I was in Zürich.

Flughafen Station

As with any modern developed city (cough cough Melbourne), the airport is equipped with public transport, allowing easy access to the city and back.

Zolikon Neighbourhood

My mate's student accomodation was in the nice suburb of Zolikon, where there isn't any of the hustle or bustle of city life that you're usually used to. Quiet suburban life.

Zolikon Station

The station close to my mates student accomodation. An absolutely stunning view of Lake Zurich, something you definitely wouldn't see in London.

Sprüngli

The Swiss are known for their love of chocolate, and the city is laden with chocolatiers.

Trams in the City

As with most Western European nations, the Swiss are also fond of having reliable public transport, including trams.

Grossmünster Church

A Romanesque-style Protestant church in the heart of Zürich, it is one of the 4 major churches in the city.

Views from the Church

5 Francs, and a somewhat tiring climb up, you are greeted with a beautiful 360 degree view of the city.

Raclette Factory

Literally melted cheese on top of meat, pickles and more cheese.

City Plaza

Crepe Stand

This photo has no significance in my journey, but it was the first time I had asked a complete stranger if I could take a photo, and she had agreed.

River Limmat

Commencing at Lake Zurich, the Limmat flows north through the city towards the river Aare.

City Centre

As picturesque as the city is, no trip is complete without a visit to the local stores. As you could guess, the Swiss are fans of everything expensive.

Laderach

Yet another 'franchise' chocolatier, Laderach has a wide variety of chocolates, both pre-packaged and handmade in store.

Polybahn

One of many funicular railways, the Polybahn (sponsored by UBS), is a quick and easy way to get up those steep hills. Although there is no ticketing system for funiculars, be warned that you still need to purchase a travel pass that includes entry onto the funiculars.

View from ETH

ETH University

One of the highest ranking universities in the world, ETH is home to a staggering amount of Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists. Not to mention Albert Einstein too.

ETH Courtyard

Not entirely sure what events happen in this hall, but there was an admissions fair when we came by. Unfortunately, it was only open to prospective students.

Nude Statue

I don't know what it is about Europe, but they're awfully fond of nude statues. No judgement though, whatever floats your boat.

ETH Computer Science Building

A trip to ETH wouldn't be complete without a quick tour of the computer science faculty, which seems surprisingly ... old.

Zurichberg Hike

Well, not really a hike. More of a leisurely walk slightly uphill.

FIFA Headquarters

Switzerland isn't complete without a visit to the headquarters of corruption itself, FIFA.

Dolder Sports Ice Rink

After our quick walk/hike up Zurichberg, my mate and I decided to try our feet at ice skating. It was my first time, and it wasn't a very fun experience. Especially when there are 6 year olds outdoing you at every turn.

Water Fountain

Switzerland is littered with water fountains everywhere, complete with beautiful ornate stone scupltures. Some of which pee water, but this is a very family friendly photojournal, so I decided to leave it out.

Hike to Uetliberg

For my last day in Zurich, we hiked up Mount Uetliberg, on an unfortunately cloudy day. I was incredibly unprepared for the hike, equipped with my usual work shoes and my usual unfit self.

There are plenty of places to rest on your way to the top, with beautiful views of the city.

Top of Mount Uetliberg

Hiking back down is apparently a much more dangerous exercise than walking up, so instead we decide to walk to the closest train station, and take a train back down the mountain.