My husband and I will have a long layover in Zurich on our way to Rome - arrive at 6:10am (Swiss Air) and depart at 5:45pm (Swiss Air) and we've not been to Zurich before so would like to see the city. It is our arrival point into the EU (from the US) so assuming there will be some time to get through Immigration and then time to stow our luggage before we can head out from the airport. Could those of you who know Zurich please recommend sites/restaurants for a first-timers day trip? We'd like to stay in Zurich rather than travel to another town. Having a fondue meal is a priority! We are both mid-60s but fit with no mobility constraints. We aren't really interested in art museums - hope to get lots of sunshine to help reset our "clocks" for Europe. Not interested in "luxury brand" shopping but like local specialty stuff. I'd also like some advice on when we need to plan to be back to the airport for our Rome flight. Thanks so much!!
Posted by
Green Bay
21686 posts
Your checked luggage should be automatically forwarded to your flight to Rome. You can check your carry-ons at one of the many lockers at Zurich Hbf. Passport control, in my experience is very quick, especially at that time of day. Trains go from the airport to Zurich Hbf continuously.
Assuming you already have boarding passes for your Rome flight, you will just have to collect your carry-ons out of the locker and get the next train to the airport. That only takes about 15 minutes, then go through security to your gate. So I would say leave Zurich Hbf about 2 hours before you scheduled departure and you should be fine.
I can't help you much as to things to do or where to get fondue, which is not really a Zurich specialty, Fondue is a Savoyard dish from French speaking western Switzerland, but I am sure it is available somewhere. There is a large tourist information office at the Hbf, they will be glad to give you some ideas. When I had time to kill, I visited the Landesmuseum, next to the Hbf, about Swiss history, from prehistoric to modern. Another time to the Kunsthaus, yes, an art museum. You could take a tram down by the lake. A day ticket bought at the airport to central Zurich will cover all your transport from/to the airport and within central Zurich.
Posted by
OP
63 posts
Thanks! I’m confused about one thing.. could we store our carryons at the airport instead of taking them to the train station (assuming that is what Zurich Hbf is)?
Posted by
Green Bay
21686 posts
Yes, there are lockers at the airport train station, just not sure exactly where they are. There are a LOT of lockers at the Hbf.
Hbf: abbreviation for Hauptbahnhof, German for main train station.