A Zürich, Switzerland Land Trip With Viking River Cruise

During our unforgettable Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise with Viking River Cruises, my husband (Eddie) and I found ourselves in the captivating city of Zürich, Switzerland. Although I had been to Switzerland before, Zürich was an unexplored gem. Viking River Cruises seamlessly transported us from the cruise ship to the hotel, and later to the airport, as part of their all-inclusive package.

Zürich bewitched us with its mesmerizing beauty and undeniable charm, despite being notoriously expensive. Over the course of our two-day stay, we eagerly immersed ourselves in the city’s delights, making the most of the complimentary walking tour and invigorating boat ride organized by Viking River Cruises. Allow me to share a glimpse of what awaits you on your visit to Zürich.

Read more about the 12 day river cruise here.

Zürich Scenery

Breathtaking scenery unfurls in every direction in Zürich. Whether it be the grandeur of the architectural masterpieces or the vibrant façades of historical buildings, the snow-capped Swiss Alps serving as a backdrop or the enchanting cobblestone streets that wound their way through the city, there is no shortage of picturesque moments that will prompt your camera to work overtime.

Zürich is an incredible city to explore on foot. Without even realizing it, we covered an impressive seven miles in a single day, diligently recorded by our trusty Fitbit. Such was the pleasure derived from our stroll that the concept of distance faded away, leaving us fully engrossed in the awe-inspiring ambiance that unfolded at every turn.

The Food in Zürich

Switzerland is renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings, with one of my personal favorites being cheese. Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter a plethora of exotic cheese choices. During my visit, indulging in authentic Swiss cheese fondue at the Swiss Chuchi Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the old town, was a must for me and my companion Eddie.

We opted for the traditional recipe, combining Vaudois cheese, white wine, cherry liquor, and garlic, resulting in a gastronomic delight that exceeded all expectations.

Another popular cheese delicacy in Zürich is raclette, which has recently gained popularity even in American eateries. While exploring the town, we noticed numerous raclette shops scattered around, its tantalizing aroma captivating our senses well before catching sight of it.

It’s worth noting that dining in Zürich can be quite costly. Simple meals often came with a hefty price tag of $24, and even a small bottled soda would cost between $4 and $7 at our hotel. Surprisingly, beer turned out to be more economical than both water and soda.

However, in the old town, we stumbled upon a gem called Blue Monkey—a delightful Thai restaurant boasting chic decor and offering a lunch buffet priced at $26 per person. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment for an exquisite culinary experience.

Overall, Switzerland’s gastronomic offerings, particularly its cheese creations, exceeded all expectations, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my culinary adventure in this beautiful country.

Parade Square

Eddie and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through Paradeplatz (Parade Square) located in downtown Zürich. This upscale district is renowned for its exceptional shopping opportunities and the chance to observe people in action.

Parade Square places fashion and accessories at center stage, while home accents come in a close second.

If you happen to be staying outside the downtown area, fret not as getting there is incredibly convenient via the tram system. Coming from someone who seldom relies on public transportation, I can attest to its ease of use.

Tram stations provide instructions in English and accept credit cards. They are maintained well, operate efficiently, and offer a superb means of traversing Zürich. As you journey through the city, do observe the dignified architecture and stunning floral displays that grace its streets.

Lake Zürich

During our Viking River post-cruise excursion, we had the pleasure of embarking on a delightful boat ride around the picturesque Lake Zurich. The boat tour commences from Bürkliplatz and extends for approximately 90 minutes.

With both indoor and outdoor seating options, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the serene lake and majestic, snow-capped mountains.

Our route led us to the charming medieval town of Rapperswil, featuring a captivating 12th-century castle gracefully perched on a hillside across the lake. If desired, passengers had the flexibility to disembark in Rapperswil and catch a later boat back into town.

Undoubtedly, the boat ride boasts exceptional scenery, allowing guests to relish the rejuvenating fresh air. Moreover, this memorable experience came at no cost for Viking River Cruise guests, ensuring that you seize the opportunity to partake in it.

Our Zürich Hotel

During our Viking River Cruise, we had the pleasure of being accommodated at the Sheraton Zürich Hotel, an elegant and sophisticated establishment situated in a cosmopolitan district. The rooms provide a comfortable sitting area, heavenly beds, an ergonomic desk and work area, a mini-fridge, and a refreshing shower, ensuring a pleasant stay.

To the delight of cruise ship guests, Viking offers a complimentary breakfast in a private space at the hotel, which proved to be a significant money-saving opportunity. Moreover, the Sheraton Hotel’s convenient location near the Toni-Areal tram station opens up a plethora of possibilities for exploring the city.

Zürich, Switzerland: One for the Books!

Zürich itself is known for its stunning scenery, making it a lovely city to visit. As part of Switzerland, a truly breathtaking country with an abundance of attractions, Zürich stands out as my favorite city thus far.

Read more from our Viking River Cruises:

Things to Know for your Viking Cruise

Remembering My Rhine River Cruise