I'm going to have a 12-hour layover in Zurich on my way to Madrid. I have a visa to study in Spain, but I don't know if I need a different one to visit Switzerland for a day. Also, is there anything interesting to see nearby the Zurich airport?
2006-12-27 06:12:18 · 5 answers · asked by Pelendra 2 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
american citizens do not need a visa for visiting Switzerland, just show your passport at the Passport Control (btw, if you're interested, stays up to 3 months do not require a visa). if you do not have an american passport, then check the Swiss entry requirement for your country.
12 hours isn't a whole lot of time. the flughafen itself is rather nice, very modern with lots of shops (even more shops in the connected building across the street from the terminals). but the airport is not really within Zurich, but rather in Kloten, about 15min away from the city.
take the train (there's 1 every 15min) to the Zurich HB (for Hauptbahnhof, or Main Station). from there, you can walk right into the Bahnhofstrasse, famous for its shopping, check out the designer boutiques, or Swiss dept stores like Globus, Jelmoli, and Manor. definitely go to Sprungli, the premier Zurich chocolate maker, at Paradeplatz (a main square on the Bahnhofstrasse), and if it's wintertime, try the hot chocolate or luxemburgerli (a local dessert specialty). sample some bratwurst; i like the restaurant Zeughauskeller, but many others recommend Sternen Grill (i think it's at Bellevue). other famous landmarks include the Fraumunster with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, Grossmunster, St. Peter's with the largest clock face in Europe. cross the Limmat River via the many bridges and walk along Niederdorfstrasse, on the cobblestone roads with surrounding archaic architecture. Uetliberg is a popular excursion among Zurichers, about 20min train ride to the top of a nearby small mountain with great views of the city and beyond. Zurich is a very attractive city worth hours of meandering; you can get more ideas at the tourist office (located in the Hauptbahnhof).
2006-12-27 09:01:21 · answer #1 · answered by Starwalker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it all depends on your nationality, see the link suggested.
The most recommended would be to visit the city of Zurich with its picturesque old town and the lake - and of course there are many other attractions.
As there is a railway station directly in the airport, you have direct connections to Zurich every about 15 minutes.
2006-12-27 23:26:25 · answer #2 · answered by swissnick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are an American passport carrying person, you will have no problems going into town! If you aren't American, check the swiss tourism office sites and they will let you know if you qualify for leaving the airport.
2006-12-27 07:26:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call the Swiss Embassy, or call your airline to see if you can leave the airport.For a twelve hour layover, their is nothing realy to see unless your staying for a few days.
2006-12-27 06:26:45 · answer #4 · answered by etihad 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you're American, I don't think so. The last time I was in Switzerland, I only needed a passport.
2006-12-27 13:39:55 · answer #5 · answered by Answer Master Dude 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋