|
 |
The largest Swiss city is also amid the most beautiful in Europe, and even today, Zurich preserves plenty of its nineteenth century charm. Lying on the northern shore of Lake Zurich in the heart of Switzerland, Zurich is both large enough to provide with all amenities its visitors and still small enough for one to discover on his own.
The city is the capital of a canton with the same name that joined the Confederation of Switzerland in 1351. Most of the over 380000 residents speak a form of German called Schwyzerdütsch (Schweizer-deutsch).
Though the city is highly industrialized, its skies remain relatively un-polluted due to the fact most of the factories run on electricity. Zurich is also a great centre of international finances - headquarters of 5 major banks are situated on Bahnhofstrasse, in the downtown of Zurich.
The city produces 1/5 of the Swiss income, but it is far from being a gloomy city of commerce only. Zurich has long been a major center of liberal thought, attracting scholars like Lenin, Mann, Jung and Joyce. The Dadaist school was established in Zurich in 1916. And the increase of visitors in the last twenty years has spurred the development of a rich and exciting nightlife and entertainments.
Erected between the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg and the Zürichberg, the city is split on two by the Limmat River. One of the most attractive pleasures to be had in Zürich is simply strolling along its quays, which line the banks of the Limmat and Lake Zürich. Many sailboats and motorboats will take visitors across the beautiful and crystal clear Lake Zurich. Zurich's Old Town(Altstadt) is one of the most impressive in entire Switzerland, with 2 giant cathedrals and numerous beautiful streets, ideal for exploring at leisure. Zürich is also a town of magnificent parks and gardens, with an especially remarkable botanical garden.
While in the city one can also take easy side-trips in the surroundings, to some of the most picturesque views of Switzerland, such as to the Uetliberg, famous as the "top of Zurich".
In place of the existing Letzigrund Stadion, home to FC Zürich, the coming years will see the emergence of a new stadium.
With the support of the city of Zurich, and with UEFA EURO 2008 in mind, the stadium is due to be open by September 2007. The elegant building blends extremely well into its surroundings with a moderate overall height. A particular feature is the surrounding and a covered ramp which leads, at its upper end, to the stadium restaurant.
