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Switzerland Adventure Guide
Switzerland Adventure Guide
Switzerland Adventure Guide
Ebook1,191 pages25 hours

Switzerland Adventure Guide

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A detailed guide to every aspect of the destination: history, culture, foods, restaurants, hotels, sightseeing, things to do - written by an author who knows the place intimately and is a long-time resident. The history and culture, the climbs, hikes and
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 15, 2007
ISBN9781588435415
Switzerland Adventure Guide

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    Switzerland Adventure Guide - Kimberly Rinker

    Zürich & Northeastern Switzerland

    Northeastern Switzerland encompasses the cantons of Zürich, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, St. Gallen and the two Appenzeller (Ausserrhoden and Innerrhoden) half-cantons. It is a region known both for its sophistication (in Zürich) and for its ultra-traditional side (Appenzell). Since many visitors arrive in Zürich, at the main airport or train station, this can often be a good starting point from which to see the region, either via car or bahn (German for train). Excluding the cities of Zürich and Appenzell, this region is often overlooked by foreign tourists. For instance, Canton Thurgau lacks the industrial development that plagues a good part of Canton Zürich. Here you'll find fruit groves, meadows and pastures that are great for relaxing walks or long hikes. The houses are half-timbered and many feature red beams that enrich the glow of stone walls. Canton Schaffhausen, which sits to the north of Zürich, often seems more a part of Germany than of Switzerland. With its picturesque villages along the Rhine River, Schaffhausen is home to one of Europe's finest natural wonders – the spectacular Rhine Falls. It is also the home of some lovely vineyards. Farther east lies the canton of St. Gallen, with the half-cantons of the Appenzells firmly entrenched within it. These cantons offer more of the refreshing Swiss countryside – gently rolling hills, the clanging of cow bells from afar, and small farms dotted throughout the land. Here, you'll find the men and women sporting traditional Appenzeller costumes of red vests, black pants and ornate embroidery work. Along the far eastern and northeastern edges of the area is Lake Constance or the Bodensee as it is known in German. With its gentle mountain slopes and crystal blue waters, relaxing shipboard excursions and walks are popular here.

    For a pleasant five-to seven-day trip through this region, we recommend using the city of Zürich as your base. If you're driving or traveling by train, you're only a short distance from most destinations here. After several days exploring Zürich, you can travel north (on Highway 1) and spend an afternoon in the artsy city of Winterthur, before heading north (along Highway 4) to Schaffhausen, where we suggest an overnight stay. You can then travel via secondary road or rail to Kreuzlingen, along the shores of Lake Constance for half a day, continuing onward to the lakeside village of Arbon. Better yet, take one of the many ship excursions available from Kreuzlingen. You can cross the lake and spend the rest of your day in Germany or simply sail on the lake, enjoying the tranquil waters and lovely scenery. From Kreuzlingen or Arbon you can head south to St. Gallen for another overnight stay and spend a day exploring this city and its surrounding villages. From here, it's a short hop to Appenzeller land and Mt. Santis, where we suggest another overnight stay. Then travel west along Road 8 to Jona, a village on Lake Zürich. From there, you can take a ship back to

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