Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located in the centre of Europe bordered by Spain and France. This country and city is easily accessible across Europe via the local airport, Zurich Airport which has a number of airlines flying to numerous countries. Personally, the local Lindt factory would definitely be somewhere to visit, however, the local shops are supposedly the equivalent of America’s rodeo drive, the local culture including Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, Kunsthaus Zurich are something not to be missed. They tell the entire history of the Schweiz people and show the range of art this country has to offer. Zurich is a city that also offers a variety of landscapes including the ability to enjoy the local Lake Zurich by cruising across it. This large bustling city certainly has a lot to offer and the city may be better explored with a car. If you want to hire a car this can be done from the local airport via companies such as Sixt, Car Hire 3000, Europ Car and Budget Car at a reasonable cost per day.
Zurich Airport information
The Romans were the founders of Zurich approximately 7,000 years ago. By the year 15 BC, the settlement was called Turicum. A Roman castle remained standing until the 7th century, and then a Carolingian castle was built on the same site by Charlemagne's grandson Louis the German. Louis endowed the lands of Zurich to the Benedictine convent of his daughter Hildegard. King Henry III allowed the convent to collect tolls, market, and mint their own coins in 1045. In the 13th century, a wall was built to enclose the city. The convent held the power until the 14th century. Zurich achieved the status of imperial immediacy and followed that by becoming the center for Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. The 16th and 17th centuries saw a Zurich that tried to remain separated from ongoing wars. In 1648, the city proclaimed itself a republic. Zurich lost control of its independence in 1798 during the Helvetic Revolution. Walls built in the 17th century were torn down to allow for growth and bonding with the outer settlements. Many of the 17th and 18th century structures are gone now, but if you hire a car in Zurich, there are many things to see that date to the start of the railroad in 1871 and the beginning of the stock exchange in 1877.
Places to visit around Zurich
The more popular city sights are located on either side of the Limmat River. This area is bordered by Lake Zurich and the main railway station. This is the heart of the old city and there are many old churches clustered around it. The Lindenhof is the site where the Roman castle once stood and that was followed by the Imperial Palace on the same spot. You will want to get a car hire in Zurich to see all the sights when you visit to save time and transportation expense. Many come to the city for the Zoological Garden because there are over 2200 animals and 260 species. A gift to the city of Zurich from the Chinese town of Kunming, The Chinese Garden represents the "Three Friends in Winter," which are the pine, bamboo, and winter cherry. The third garden is the Botanical Garden, and it has over 15,000 varieties of trees and plants. Plant varieties come from such places as Africa, and there are over three million plants total. Uetliberg is located to the west and 813 meters above sea level to provide a great view of the city, and it is accessible by local trains.
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