A Day in Zurich, Switzerland
While studying abroad with Middle Tennessee State University in May 2023, we took a day trip to Zurich, Switzerland from Munich, Germany. During the day we wandered the lanes of Altstadt (Old Town), walked along the Limmatquai (waterfront promenade), and took a ferry ride across the dazzling blue Lake Zurich to tour the Lindt & Sprüngli Home of Chocolate.
Walking the streets of Zurich
The buildings were so close they seemed to brush shoulders
A Weidling (traditional Swiss flatboat) in the foreground and the Rathous (Town Hall) behind it
The Limmat River and the Rathausbrücke (town hall bridge) that connects Limmatquai with Weinplatz and the historic Schipfe quarter
Taking a ferry across Lake Zurich to tour the Lindt musuem
On board the ferry
Our study abroad crew outside the Lindt museum
As soon as we stepped foot inside the museum, the warm, delectable scent of chocolate filled the air. A thirty-foot chocolate fountain rose from the center of the room with a buzz of children and adults surrounding it. I felt like I was in Willy Wonka’s factory!
Inside the Lindt Home of Chocolate we got to see the world’s largest chocolate fountain.
Most of the study abroad group
Toscha observing the chocolate fountain
On our tour of the museum, we learned about cacao, the history of the chocolate-making process, and Lindt’s sustainability efforts in 2023.
We also got to sample any of the Lindor truffle varieties, which is making my mouth water just typing this. The end of the tour left us outside the largest chocolate gift shop, and I bought one small chocolate bar to take back.
Columbine growing on the way to the train station
After the tour, we split into smaller groups and explored the city. It was a Sunday, so most of the shops were pretty quiet.
I’m sure we put several miles on our boots, but there was so much to see and explore!
A duck overlooking the Limmat River
St. Peter’s Church, the oldest parish church in Zurich
Leaving Zurich
Once again, we headed back through the narrow, cobbled streets to the train station. At 7:00 PM, it was beginning to get dark. On the train ride back I reflected on the day’s events and thought again of the glistening, blue waters of Lake Zurich. Memories and experiences are truly the best souvenirs.
