8 Zurich Fun Facts worth of your attention!
Swiss financial capital and the largest city, but not the capital of Switzerland. Yes, we are talking about Zurich, one of the top five places to live! Chocolate, cheese and Roger Federer are probably your top associations with Zurich. To help you expand your Zurich knowledge read about our top 8 Zurich fun facts.
#1 Buying bottled water is a waste of money in Zurich
Switzerland is one of the countries with the cleanest drinking water! In Zurich there are over 1,200 drinking fountains on almost every corner of the city. Drinking fountains are a part of the Swiss standard, public resource for the benefit of everyone.
#2 Zurich is a hot spot for research and development
Many international corporations have branches in Zürich. Google has their largest European office in downtown Zurich. Disney Research is located just a few minutes from Zurich’s center.
#3 A bowl of Zurich for breakfast aka “Muesli”
In 1904 Max Bircher-Benner founded a clinic focused on a raw nutrition. Doctor Bircher-Benner was convinced that the sun infuses healing powers into plants, and they could be therapeutical for his patients. Bircher-Benner prescribed twice daily meals made of apples, oats, nuts, lemon and condensed milk. A short story how “Bircher Müesli”, short “Muesli”, was born!
#4 The largest techno street party in Europe
Zurich is often stereotyped as city with very strict rules. You would never guess, but this city holds a major event every year in August, where millions of people fill the streets of Zurich to party at Street Parade, the largest techno parade in Europe.
#5 One of the Happiest Cities in the World
Several surveys have been conducted finding that Zurich is the best city in the world in terms of quality of life. People in Zurich feel they have social support, a healthy life expectancy and freedom to make life choices. It is also a Europe’s richest city and with a low tax rate perfect place for a business’s base.
#6 Zurich has a museum that is dedicated to nothing
Every museum has a story to tell and it’s dedicated to something but Zurich has a museum that is dedicated to nothing, the No Show Museum. Its purpose is to display how nothing has been made noticeable over time through art. Here the quote from the museum’s information page about their concept to help you understood what No Show Museum is about:
“In this age of information, where daily we are flooded with images and noise, moments of quietude, emptiness, and self-chosen silence become more and more important. Many artists respond to this mass-media sensory overload with a range of strategies that reduce, empty, decelerate, or take on an attitude of complete refusal that is more than just a mere artistic gesture. Better NOTHING than such a thing!”
#7 Zurich is the proud owner of the largest church clock in Europe
Situated right in the heart of the old town, a medieval church tower with Europe’s largest church clock is part of the St. Peter’s Church. The outer diameter of clock is 8.64 meters, the minute hand has 5.73 meters, and the hour hand 5.07 meters.
#8 MEININGER in Zurich
MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity is opened! Our new hotel in Zurich city center has the perfect base to step out and explore the new MEININGER city. MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity is our first property in Switzerland, located in the environmentally aware Greencity district. Here the city reaches the green slopes of Sihl Valley with sprawling walking trails just outside your door. Close to the city center and Niederdorf Zurich, conveniently connected by the nearby Manegg railway station.
Zurich Fun Facts: FAQs
What's the historical significance of Zurich?
As the largest city in Switzerland and a key hub since Roman times, Zurich has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It's home to several historic sites like the Old Town (Altstadt), Lindenhof square, and Grossmünster.
What is Zurich known for globally?
Zurich is globally recognized as a major financial hub. It is home to the headquarters of numerous banks and financial institutions, including Credit Suisse and UBS. The city also has a reputation for high living standards and cleanliness.
What are some iconic landmarks in Zurich?
Iconic landmarks in Zurich include the Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church, the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues, and Lake Zurich.
What's unique about Zurich's cuisine?
Zurich's cuisine includes Swiss specialties like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in creamy mushroom sauce), Swiss chocolate, and an array of Swiss cheeses. Also, fondue and raclette are famous traditional Swiss dishes you can enjoy in Zurich.
Can you tell me about the art scene in Zurich?
Zurich has a vibrant art scene, with over 50 museums and 100 galleries. The Kunsthaus Zurich and the Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zürich) house extensive collections, while the Cabaret Voltaire is known as the birthplace of the Dada art movement.
What's special about Lake Zurich?
Lake Zurich is a large, glacial alpine lake extending southeast of the city. It's a popular spot for boating, swimming, and picnicking, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
What's the significance of the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich?
The Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world's most luxurious shopping streets, home to high-end boutiques, department stores, and watch shops. It runs from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Lake Zurich.
Is Zurich known for its educational institutions?
Absolutely! Zurich is home to two major universities - the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), one of the world's leading universities in science and technology, and the University of Zurich, the largest university in Switzerland.
Can you share some fun facts about the Swiss National Museum in Zurich?
The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is the most visited cultural history museum in Switzerland. It presents the country's history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Are there any famous personalities associated with Zurich?
Zurich has been home to many notable individuals, including Albert Einstein during his early career, and author James Joyce who is buried in the city's Fluntern Cemetery.
