Your Travel Story

02/07/2024

🇨🇭 The sun peeked out during Zurich's once-in-12-years Federal Costume Festival (Trachtenfest). For three vibrant days, the city transformed into a celebration of Swiss heritage and tradition, awash in color, music, and the swirl of traditional costumes.

📸 Our friends at Cloudia Chen Photography beautifully captured the joy, spirit, and camaraderie of this unique cultural event. See more pictures from them in the comments below.

12/06/2024

While Switzerland is having an extremely delayed summer, there are many parts of Europe that are having the opposite challenge.

Please stay hydrated and out of the sun during the afternoons/hottest part of the day when traveling for summer break. And when you are out, wear sunscreen! Sites like the Acropolis are closing this afternoon during the current heat wave.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/12/climate/greece-shuts-acropolis-heat-climate-intl/index.html

Are you in Athens right now? The afternoon could be a time for resting at the hotel, heading to a cafe/restaurant for some yummy Greek fare, exploring the Acropolis Museum, or finding some shade in the National Garden.

One of Greece’s most famous landmarks will close during the hottest time of the day as a heat wave sweeps parts of the country

06/02/2024

Heads up if you are in Switzerland Wednesday Feb 7 - it’s the first Wednesday of Feb, which means the national siren test. 🚨

So at 1:30pm on Wed, don’t be *alarmed* when you hear sirens… everywhere.

And here’s a glimpse to behind the scenes on how they do it https://youtu.be/zybgpvd3ExE?feature=shared

How They Test Sirens in Switzerland?Test de sirènes avec une voix de chèvre en Suisse. RELATED POSTSBlow a Fuse: Schneider Electric Wiser Ad (Video)Elephant ...

28/01/2024

Pamper yourself with an AMA river cruise on the Rhine. 😍

23/01/2024

If you're visiting Switzerland before Mar 19th, or you are looking for something to do for the upcoming school sportsferien/sports break, take advantage of this SBB deal (day passes on sale until Feb 18th or while supplies last).

Essentially, you get a Swiss Travel Pass (or GA card for locals) for a day. Mountain trains would be at a reduced price like usual. Don't forget that Rigi and Stoos are included (i.e. free)! And both are lovely to visit in winter. ❤️❄️🎿🛷

https://www.coop.ch/en/promotion/special-1-day-travelpass.html

You can use the special 1-day travelpass to travel the length and breadth of the country in one day. Discover the best beauty spots by train, Postbus, boat, tram and bus.

22/01/2024

There’s just something beautiful about going ice skating on a crisp winter day (and getting the rink all to yourself for a bit😜).

And it’s even nicer when the beautiful Dolder Christmas tree is still up and an icy Olaf is still around!

18/01/2024

❄️ One of our favorites with kids in winter - snow tubing on at snow park! It makes for an easy day trip from or .

Snow tubes and sleds are provided (you just need to pay for the cable car to get up the mountain) or bring your own sled.

There's a magic carpet to enable the kids to bring their snow tubes/sleds back up the hill on their own (magic carpet = best winter invention for parents?? 😉)

💡Tip: Afternoons tend to get busy so go up the mountain early. Bring a snack or eat at a restaurant.

https://www.titlis.ch/en/activities/truebsee-snow-park

12/01/2024

This event is filled with hot air, in a good way!

From Jan 20-28th, the 44th Swiss hot air balloon festival takes off in Château-d’Oex, not too far from Montreux.

Over 60 balloons from 15 countries will participate. The area’s special microclimate makes it a draw for hot air balloon enthusiasts.

Admission fees for weekend:
• Adults: CHF 10 from age 16 and up
• Children free

Weekdays: free entry

Festival package:
You can buy a pin (CHF 25) that gives free access to the festival.

Balloon rides and helicopter rides are extra; prices can be found on the website.

Tip: check weather forecast before you head there. And go at 8.30am to see them inflate the balloons. The vast field transforms as the balloons get inflated and pilots take to the skies.

Plus, some of the activities are first come first serve. Early bird gets the worm!

https://www.festivaldeballons.ch
(English link in comments)

43e Festival International de Ballons à Château-d'Œx. Du 21 au 29 janvier 2023

09/01/2024

A beautiful venue in which to experience musical magic: Tonhalle Zürich. 😍 The venue was beautiful before but after its 4-year renovation, it’s been magical to attend concerts there.

We got to hear our friends perform Aurora Chorealis last night (and there’s another show tonight) with Sinfonieorchester Tifico and its choir. Congratulations on a wonderful performance!

04/01/2024

Tips for Interlaken for this new year!

27/12/2023

Sometimes elevating the already-amazing Swiss ski experience with a nice backdrop can help make memories *extra special.* 😜

Head up on Zermatt’s Gornegrat railway for some fun on the slopes with a view! ➡️Sit on the right in the direction of travel for a good peek at the peak. 🗻

🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

24/12/2023

Happy holidays! The Christmas markets stalls might have shuttered their shutters but there are still festivities going on through New Year’s. Check out the list below! ⬇️

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve! See what’s on in Zurich here: https://newinzurich.com/2023/12/whats-on-in-zurich-december-2023-christmas-new-year/

19/12/2023

For our local Swiss friends: it's that time of year - updating the autobahn vignette! While technically the grace period for this year's sticker lasts until the end of January, you can get some deals in renewing it this month. For example, here's an upcoming flash sale for members: https://www.lidl.ch/p/de-CH/autobahnvignette-2024/p10013908

Denner fans can get a discount by end of the year (link in comments). Feel free to share other offers below!

And for the first time, the vignette is also offered electronically. See info in comments. No more scraping off all those old vignettes (after you scrape off the 2023 one that is 😜).

Autobahnvignette 2024​ - 1 Vignette pro Einkauf ab einem Einkauf von CHF 70.– exkl. Vignette** pro 1 Stück​​ bei Lidl Schweiz

09/12/2023

We are headed into (by !) to run in the and then have some fun at the Christmas markets!

Happy Sunday!

Silvesterlauf Zurich 2023 - A Winter Fun Run Through The City of Zurich Switzerland which takes place annually in December

01/12/2023

Lots going on in Zurich this weekend for the holiday season! It's another Sunday shopping day coming up too. ✨

Also, Christmas markets in Bern, Lucerne, and Lugano have begun!🎄

Visit Zurich and experience an enchanting Advent with all the family, with a host of adventures for big and small.

29/11/2023

Registration is open still for ’s on December 10th! Hope you see you there! 🤩

21/11/2023

When you're walking around now, you can see the holiday lights getting strung up and Christmas market stands getting built. They are waiting for you to see them in all their glory Thursday! 🎆 Don't miss as well:

Starting Thursday 23rd Nov
✨Holiday lights (“Lucy lights”) turn on at 6pm along Bahnhofstrasse
🎵Singing Christmas Tree @ Werdmühlplatz
🎄Christmas Markets open around town, including at HB, Bellevue, Werdmühlplatz
🪄Zauber Park @ Zurich Airport

Starting Sunday 26 Nov
🧑‍🎄Samichlaus (Santa) parade starts at 5pm @ Werdmühlplatz
🛍 Sunday Shopping Day

Open now
🎆 Illuminarium @ Landesmuseum
🕯Candlemaking @ Burlikplatz

Check out https://newinzurich.com/2023/11/the-top-christmas-events-in-zurich-for-2023/ for details and additional activities.

NewInZurich ̈rich ̈rich

Top Christmas Events in Zurich 2023. All the fun Christmas events taking place in Zurich over Advent and the festive season

19/11/2023

The ( train) is back! Children 4-9 years old take a ride on a festively decorated tram around Zurich with Santa. The kids are read a story (German) and enjoy some treats.

It’s a great time for parents to step over to the Bellevue Christmas Market for their own festive fun. 🌟✨

Tickets at https://www.jelmoli.ch/maerlitram and picked up at Jelmoli department store. Get your tickets now because they go fast! (They are made available 1 week in advance.)

Das beliebte Jelmoli Märlitram ist vom 25.11. bis 24.12. wieder unterwegs und fährt mit dem Samichlaus und zwei Engeln durch die Zürcher Innenstadt.

07/11/2023

Last week was all about the pumpkin; this week (month!) is all about the turnip.

And one of the most popular events featuring these carved root vegetables is coming up this Saturday in just a 30 min train ride from to the other end of Lake Zurich.

Take the train there, wear warm layers-hat-gloves, and be prepared to be stunned by what can be done with turnips and candles. It's magical. The children love it too.

This is also where we were first introduced to Gluhwein (mulled wine) and takeaway fondue in bread (like soup in a bread bowl but the bread is different. And it's a lot more cheesy 😉).

NewInZurich

The Rabeliechtli in Richterswil is the largest illuminated turnip festival in the whole of Europe taking place 2nd Sat of November every year

01/11/2023

As mentioned in our last post, we have lots of pumpkins here. 😉

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween!

Questions we get asked in the fall from visitors (the last one more from kids): do we have pumpkins, do people carve them, and do kids go trick-or-treating in .

😁 Yes, we have .

🎃 Some people carve them. (It's much more common to carve a turnip, which we'll show you soon!) And they often use it to show they're ready for trick-or-treaters.

🍭 And it's become more and more popular for kids to go out trick-or-treating. (It depends on the neighborhood a lot too.) But there's a lot of walking around to find the buildings and apartments that are giving out candy.

27/10/2023

The leaves have been changing after a mild autumn… some faster than others. ☺️

Fall in has its own special allure. And the ever-present water fountains can be found even during a quick bicycling break to play with some leaves by a nature preserve.

The kids tried to make a leaf chicken. How do you think they did? 🤩

20/10/2023

We visited family near so headed to the city center for our last day in Belgium.

The art around town was larger than life! sculptures took our breath away. Near were the whale and town murals on the same staircase different directions.

We headed to the top of belfry tower (and thankfully eardrums remained intact when its 49 bells chimed while we were up there!). The views were incredible as well. 🥰

And we couldn’t leave Belgium without eating some mussels!

🇧🇪

18/10/2023

is a beautiful town in 🇧🇪 filled with cobblestone streets, charming canals and architectural highlights, airy gothic cathedrals including Church of Our Lady with its sculpture, and incredible history.

This stop is one of the highlights of our !

17/10/2023

The chocolate tram is baaaack! From Nov 3-12th, Confiserie Honold runs its around city center. It's a fun, short, sweet tram ride! Tix sell quickly so get your seat asap! https://www.honold.ch/ for more info and tix.

15/10/2023

Brussels is only 2 hours away from Düsseldorf and we headed there next. The fun and quirky city has quite an international scene and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Amidst the chocolate, waffle, and fries stops 😅, we also got to crash a graduation ceremony at Grand Place (even the was dressed for the occasion), check out chocolate museum, visit the at the EU, and stop by (and with kids!).

Like the cities we visited earlier, is a low-emission zone. (L*Z). But we weren’t staying in the city center so we just parked the car at a park+ride on the outskirts of the L*Z and took the train in. With our metro card, we were able to get free parking for the day too!

🇧🇪

14/10/2023

40 min drive (or 30 min train ride away) from Cologne is Düsseldorf and that’s where we headed next. What a mix of old and new in this city of architecture, art, fashion, and commerce.

The city is split by the with the old town on one side and more modern commercial area on the other.

The castle tower and St. Lambertus Church date back to the 13th century.

We look forward to visiting again!

🇩🇪

11/10/2023

The medieval town of (pronounced like “mines”) in is famous for being the birthplace of and his printing press.

Sitting along the banks of the Rhine where the Main “mine”(Rhine’s longest tributary) splits off, this town is also known as the wine capital of Germany. This is a popular stop for river cruises! (And a great stop on our road trip as we continued through DE.)

10/10/2023

We continue on our road trip and head 1.5 hours north of Europa Park to , a beautiful town known for its castle, university, views, and so much more. It was well into fall but thankfully the temperatures were mild and we could still get good views overlooking the town and Neckar River.