What’s On In Zurich
Mid February 2021
We hope you have enjoyed all the snow this week in Zurich and here’s wishing you a great week ahead! Please find below our latest suggestions on things to see and do.
VALENTINE IDEAS FOR 14th FEBRUARY: Valentine’s Day is Sunday 14th February so here are some ideas for presents or things you might like to do.
ONLINE OPERA INCLUDING A LIVE STREAM OF ORPHEE & EURIDICE ON 14th FEB 7PM: Enjoy the unique opportunity to watch a variety of online performances from the Zurich Opera House including a special Valentine’s Day performance of Orphée & Euridice. You can see the details here.
SPECIAL 30% OFF DEAL FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS: If you are a healthcare worker did you know that you can get 30% off deliveries to your workplace from The Butcher, Nooch Asian Kitchen and Negishi Sushi Bar. Just click on the restaurants to go directly to the offer. And if you’re not a healthcare worker but know one, do tell them!
LANDESMUSEUM VIRTUAL HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND TOURS 13th & 20th FEB: The Landesmuseum is closed but on 13th and 20th February they are running virtual online tours from 4pm- 4.45pm. See all the information here.
A CANDLE-LIT DINNER IN FEB & MARCH: Because the Kurhaus Cademario in Lugano don’t believe that you should celebrate Valentine’s Day on just one day a year, they are running romantic candle-lit dinners / spa getaway packages every Friday in February and March. So if you’ve forgotten to organise anything, you can still book a break! Read all about it at in this article.
TONHALLE ORCHESTER ONLINE: The Tonhalle has a number of concerts and recordings that you can view or listen to online. Take a look here.
KUNSTHAUS ZURICH ONLINE: You can’t go and visit the Kunsthaus art gallery at the moment – but you can view some of their art online! Check out this “Virtual Tour” of the latest collection online here.
VIRTUAL TOUR OF SNOW IN THE PREALPS BY MUSEUM BURG ZUG: The Museum Burg in Zug is allowing you to take virtual tour of its exhibition about snow in the PreAlps. You can see it here.
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Boucherville Wine Company
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Boucherville is known for its extensive range including rare and speciality wines. They sell wines from selected producers from all the major wine-growing regions, including exclusive finds from Washington State and insider tips from France, Italy and Spain.
Visit their lovely wine shop in Zurich or their online shop at www.boucherville.ch/en/
Boucherville Wine Company, Kinkelstrasse 40, 8006 Zürich
Email: info@boucherville.ch Tel: 044 299 40 30
You can visit the Boucherville Wine Company website here
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COVID TESTING LOCATIONS IN ZURICH: Many of you have been asking about where you can go to get Covid tests in Zurich so we have put together a list of places to go. See the list of Covid Testing centres here.
A LIST OF ART DOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH COMPILED BY CHRISTIES: If you’re into art and missing visiting museums right now, check out this list of documentaries on art worth watching. You can see it here.
LOOKING FOR A PICTURE OF ZURICH TO CHEER YOURSELF UP?: Check out this beautiful poster of the Grossmunster in Zurich designed by BonDay designs. It would make a great present or a housewarming or leaving gift. Reader Offer: Using our special link here you automatically get 10% off the price.
SAVE THE PLANET BY USING REUSABLE MASKS: The use of single use masks is causing a huge amount of litter and pollution so why not invest in some stylish reusable masks. We sought advice from Van Laack and Peggell and KT Boutique (who incidentally make a “warming mask” especially for cold weather) on which masks to choose as well as how to care for them to ensure they are safe. Read all about the masks here.
YOGA AND PILATES ONLINE: Many of the yoga and pilates studios in and around Zurich are offering online classes whilst they are shut. Here is a list of those which have been recommended by our readers. Not all are open at the moment – but it is also a useful list to bookmark for the future. Let us know if you have any to add! See the list of Yoga and Pilates Studios here.
Photo of Art On Ice by Tim Hughes
ART ON ICE REVISTED: Sadly Art On Ice is postponed till 2022 – but if you’re missing your fix of ice skating entertainment take a look at some of the highlights we have collated from last year here.
IDEAS TO AVOID BOREDOM DURING LOCKDOWN: Why not check out this list of ideas for things to do if you find yourself getting bored or demotivated during lockdown. Take a look at some ideas here.
BOOKS TO GET YOU THROUGH LOCKDOWN: Thank you for all your Book Recommendations! We’ve just updated our list, so please take a look at all the suggestions here.
Outdoor Excursions
VISIT THE TOWN OF BADEN: Although you can’t do all the many things one normally enjoys in Baden, it is still a very pretty town to visit and a great place to walk around. Read all about Baden here.
A TRIP TO UETLIBERG: Uetliberg is a great place to go walking anytime of year and there are plenty of trails to choose from. Read all about the trip we did to Felsenegg here. NB – it may be a bit tricker with the snow so do make sure you have good shoes!
A TRIP TO LE MIRAGE HOUSE OF MIRRORS GSTAAD: This amazing house of mirrors designed by Doug Aitken was originally supposed to be coming down in January. However, they have now decided that it will be in place until March 2021. Don’t miss visiting it – it looks amazing surrounded by snow. Take a look at our photos from the Summer here.
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TOBOGGANING NOT FAR FROM ZURICH: Check out our list of tobogganing locations – but do look at the individual websites before setting off to ensure there is sufficient snow. See our list here..
COLD WATER SWIMMING IN LAKE ZURICH: It’s not for the faint hearted – but cold swimming in Lake Zurich has been gaining a big following over Lockdown. We’ve tried it and love it! Read all about our tips here.
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
THE WORLD’S HIGHEST MICHELIN STAR JAPANESE RESTAURANT: When you next visit Andermatt, you really must taste the exquisite Japanese food at “The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt”. Situated at 2,300m above sea level the views are as spectacular as the food. At the moment it is only open for Take Away but hopefully that will change soon.Read all about The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt here.
RESTAURANTS IN ZURICH ARE CLOSED – HOW ABOUT A TAKEAWAY?: The restaurants in Zurich will now remain closed until the end of February, but many are open for take away and delivery. Please let us know if your favourite restaurant is doing take away or home delivery and is not on our list. You can check our Take Away and Delivery List here.
ONLINE GROCERY FOOD ORDERING: If you’re looking to order food online check our list here.
INDIAN RESTAURANTS: If you fancy an Indian meal many (but not all) of the great Indian restaurants on this list are currently open. See the list of Indian restaurants here.
RECIPE FOR THE VIRAL BAKED FETA CHEESE DISH: See the recipe here for the easy to make Baked Feta Cheese and Tomato dish as well as a low carb alternative.
MAKE YOUR OWN FONDUE: The restaurants may be closed but that doesn’t stop you making your own fondue as the shops are still open. See details of our recipe here.
PANCAKE DAY – SHROVE TUESDAY! It’s pancake day on Tuesday so why not make some using this easy Classic Pancake Recipe. Alternatively, you could try this Recipe for Vegan Banana Pancakes.
BLACK TAP BURGERS – NEW IN ZURICH: Black Tap Burgers arrived in Zurich at the end of 2020 and although you can’t eat in the restaurant right now, you can order a take away and they have a very impressive plant based Vegan burger too. They are also known for their Crazy Shakes. Read all about their take away offering in conduction with Smood here.
BOUCHERVILLE WINES ZURICH: We’ve discovered a wonderful wine boutique in Zurich called Boucherville. Located in Kreis 6, the shop is filled with amazing wines from all over the world. They specialise in German wines, especially Rieslings, but they have a great selection of international wines and rare wines. Read all about this wonderful wine shop here or visit it at Kinkelstrasse 40, 8006 Zürich. Tel: 044 299 40 30 www.boucherville.ch/en
HOTELS
Hotels in Switzerland are staying open during Lockdown and hotel guests are allowed to eat in the hotel restaurants. Take a look at some great hotels we have stayed at recently below – or search through our list of hotels here.
KURHAUS CADEMARIO SPA HOTEL LUGANO TICINO: The Kurhaus Cademario in Lugano is a 4 star superior Spa Hotel dedicated to healing and wellness. With an extensive spa and indoor and outdoor wellness area, as well as a fabulous restaurant
VISIT THE CHEDI ANDERMATT: If you fancy a truly luxurious break in the mountains the Chedi in Andermatt is a fabulous top class location. Read all about it here. They are currently running a number of Sports and Activity packages including one with world class skier Didier Cuche. You can read all about them here.
VISIT THE GSTAAD PALACE HOTEL: The Gstaad Palace is a luxury 5 star hotel built like a castle high above Gstaad. It offers wonderful facilities and fabulous accommodation and amazing dining. The hotel is currently offering a special Ski Package. Find out all about the hotel and its facilities and the great Ski Package offer here.
BOOK A BUBBLE HOTEL FOR THE SUMMER: Last year we stayed in a Bubble Hotel and as there is only limited availability, soon after they were all booked up. However, the Bubble Hotel have contacted us to say that they are just opening up their booking for Summer 2021 – so if you want to visit, now is the time to book. You can read all about it and find the links to the Bubble Hotel here.
WHY NOT STAY IN AN IGLOO?: Another “cool” idea is to stay overnight in an igloo for an experience you will remember! Find out all about the Igloo Villages in Switzerland here.
SNOWSHOEING
Take a look at the following Snow Shoeing Hikes, most of which are not far from Zurich:
SKIING
SKIING IN SWITZERLAND: Check out the following articles on these resorts:
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: Studen is a great place to go Cross County Skiing. Read all about our Cross Country Skiing experience there. Take a look here.
ZURICH IN THE SNOW: Zurich looks quite different in all the snow – Take a look here at some photos of Zurich in the snow for your inspiration.
LEAVING SWITZERLAND? If you’re leaving Switzerland anytime soon, check out our handy list of things you need to do before you go. See details here.
TOP TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS: Some top tips for Newcomers to Zurich and more tips to help you feel at home here.
FOUNDATIONS FOR LEARNING MEDITATION COURSES FOR STUDENTS: Did you know that the Foundations for Learning in Zurich run a number of Meditation Courses? The courses are online and include courses such as Meditative Arts: An Exploration of Mindfulness and Creativity, which is aimed at students aged 14 to 18 years old, and aims to enhance creativity and emotional well-being. Visit the Foundation webite for more information.
HUBLOT UNVEILS NEW WATCH COLLABORATION WITH TAKASHI MURAKAMI: The other week Hublot unveiled its latest art of fusion collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Find out all about the exquisite Classic Fusion All Black watch here.
SPECIAL OFFER ON BOOK – EXPERT GUIDE TO LIVING IN SWITZERLAND: Don’t forget our special offer on the “Expert Guide To Living in Switzerland” which is available in both English and German language versions. This book makes perfect reading material for anyone new to Switzerland. With the code NEWINZURICH you get 10% off the book (and any other books you choose to buy from Bergli Books) as well as free postage on purchases over CHF 30 when you use code NewInZurich. You can visit Bergli Books Online Shop here.
CARMEN SIRBOIU FAMILY PORTRAITS PHOTO EVENTS: How about a family portrait for the New Year? Carmen has great experience in doing both family and pet portraits both at her photographic studio in Zurich and outside in the open air. Why not give a present that will last forever? Find out all about Carmen’s photo shoots here.
NEW MUM IN ZURICH? GoMomGo is a start up looking for new mothers to test out their 4 week program called the Restart yourself program. The program begins on 1st March so if you are interested please visit the website here and contact the organisers direct.
ONLINE COACHING WITH NATHALIE VOSSKAMP: If you are feeling anxious or worried or are in need of coaching, Nathalie Vosskamp runs one to one coaching sessions and you can contact her by visiting her website here or contacting her by email: nathalie.vosskamp@weitblickcoaching.de or by phone: +49 (0)2373 9160190. Please note that to be sure this is for you Nathalie offers a FREE phone call up to 45 minute to discuss your requirements or goals.
SPORT SHOP TIME OUT SKI SERVICING AND TELEPHONE SALES: Sports Shop Time Out in Uster is still open for all its Ski and Snow Board Servicing – so do get in contact if you need any help. They are also available for shopping if you know what you are looking for – simply phone them up and they have some great sale stock too! Address: Pfäffikerstrasse 30, 8610 Uster. Tel: 044 942 0616 Please see details here.
CORONA UPDATES & UPDATES ON QUARANTINE & FREE TESTING
LATEST COVID MEASURES: Please see the latest information regarding the Corona measures in Switzerland until the end of February. Also there is updated information about new fines coming in for Covid non-compliance and Quarantine being limited to 7 Days and FREE Covid Testing – see details here.
You may also be interested in the infographic (above) about the regulations regarding people entering Switzerland.
The most recent Lockdown measures came into force from Monday 18th January and are currently planned to run until the end of February. The key points for Zurich are as follows:
- all non-essential shops to close
- no more than 5 people from 2 different households to meet for private gatherings
- no more that 5 people to meet for public gatherings
- requirement to wear a mask at the workplace if more than one person is in the room
- mandatory to work from home if possible
- right to work from home (or paid leave) for those at risk
- restaurants and bars remain closed (but take away and delivery are allowed)
- museums, zoos, cinemas and gyms etc remain closed
- hotels remain open (and hotel restaurants for hotel guests)
- supermarkets, bakeries, hardware and gardening stores remain open
- pharmacies and hairdressers remain open
Check the Swiss Government BAG website for the latest information on Covid.
SWISS COVID APP AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD: If you haven’t downloaded the Swiss COVID APP it is available on both Apple and Android stores. Find out more about it here and see a short video.
For the latest information see these official resources:
Click here for Swiss Health Guidelines and Advice
Information on the Track and Trace App in Switzerland
Click here for World Health Organisation Guidelines and Advice
Click here for NHS Health Guidelines and Advice
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Have a great week ahead!
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Some Guides You May Find Useful
Chocolate Factories In Switzerland You Can Visit
1200 Drinking Fountains in Zurich
6 easy Circular Hikes Near Zurich
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