The Swiss Adventure: Day 6 - An Afternoon In Zurich (MyPictureDay)
The second half of the day, we arrived in Zurich on the train from Rapperswil.
Thankfully the weather followed us. We left the station, which involved ascending up three escalators to ground level (yep, the platforms are underground) and crossed the bridge... OK, I decided to stop in the middle of the bridge as I couldn't resist this photo. I set up the tripod, put on an ND filter and took this photo with a 10-second shutter speed.
On the left are the twin-towers of Grossmünster and on the right over the bridge is the spire of Fraumünster.
Fraumünster
Our first stop in Zurich was to head to Fraumünster, a church built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women. There were very strict "no photography" rules inside the church which was a huge shame as some of the stained glass windows were stunning, including 5 large stained glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall.
We left Fraumünster and headed towards Grossmünster.
Grossmünster
Adorned by 2 identical towers, Grossmünster is undoubtably the most recognisable landmark in Zurich. And the great thing about it... you can stand on top of one of the towers!
This was an exciting prospect, but once we set off climbing the endless, narrow flights of stairs with very little passing room for the people coming down them, we took advantage of the various resting / crossing platforms.
Fraumünster through the window from Grossmünster
Yes, she had the bobble had on again!
Eventually, we made it to the top and wow, what a view!
Time for dinner, more melted cheese!
Whilst walking around Zurich, we found a restaurant called 'The Raclette Factory'. We could not resist more melted cheese! Mmmmm!
It might not look it, but that Blue Cheese Raclette over mashed potato with sausage was just incredible!
Next, suitably filled with potatoes and cheese, we ventured up the hill to the Zurich University area to the Zurich Zoological Museum.
The Zoological Museum
A very impressive building, both inside and out. Filled with so many incredible, weird and wonderful exhibits and free! A rarity in Zurich, so we took full advantage.
After spending several hours in the museum, we left and headed back down into Zurich.
Twilight in Zurich
As the sun began to set and things started to get darker the hanging lights that were all over the streets of Zurich started to come on and the whole town started to look even more beautiful.
Heading back to the station
On the way back to the station, we crossed the bridge and once again I couldn't help myself. I set up the tripod and went for another long exposure. Man, am I glad I did!
In closing
What a great way to spend the day. Walking around 2 incredibly beautiful towns with my amazing wife. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend it!
Tomorrow's plan
- Did you know that Zurich has a zoo? Neither did we! Well, that's tomorrow sorted!
The trip so far...
- Trip Preview
- Day 1: Home to Zurich, via Amsterdam
- Day 2: Bern, City of Bears
- Day 3: Up through the Alps to Davos
- Day 4: A Day In The Alps
- Day 4 - Astrophotography Attempt & Light-painting
- Day 5 - New Year's Day
- Day 6 - Rapperswil
- Day 6 - An Afternoon In Zurich
Camera used
Canon 6D with Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 lens
These photos are like...magical. Haha. I have never been to any of these places and it's just incredible that they even exist! I have spent most of my life in the desert and I don't get out much, so photos like these are like a little slice of heaven for me! Thanks for bringing everything closer! :)
There are so many really cool and amazing places in Switzerland. It helps that I love photography too so I spend ages working on getting the right image (much to the annoyance of my wife who just wants to see the places!)
It's more than a pleasure to provide this images for your enjoyment. I'm sure there are some really great photo opportunities in the desert!
There is a definite beauty to the desert. The sunsets are second to none, the sky feels HUGE and you can't find haboobs and saguaros too many other places, but there is something truly magical about old places with a history. Arizona has barely been a state for 100 years, prior to that the history is found in Native American tribes, and that's all amazing too! But Europe just dazzles me! I can't wait to go one day! For now, I will look at pictures and live vicariously through them!
Again, you did a great job. I saw your capture and fell in love at first sight.