Zurich is on the Move

Events and Initiatives Fill 2007 in Zurich, Switzerland

Dec 11, 2006 Bridget Lux

Zurich has a lot going on in 2007. From sporting events to museum exhibits, new hotels to a new city quarter called Sihlcity, the Swiss city is bustling with activities.

People not familiar with Zurich may be surprised by all the city has to offer. Following are just a few of the major initiatives and events planned for the Swiss city.

• A new quarter called Sihlcity is planning to open its doors in Spring of 2007. The complex, which is forming where a paper factory once stood, will include at least 13 eateries, 80 stores, nine movie theaters, hotels and a fitness center. Sihlcity, which currently is the largest private construction site in Switzerland, will blend the past with the present by taking reviving pieces of the former architecture as well as utilizing modern architecture.
• New and refurbished hotels are springing up all over the place. In addition to the Four Points Sihlcity Zurich, which is scheduled to open in Spring of 2007, there are several other hotel projects going on around town. Switzerland’s first Courtyard by Marriot opened in September, and the Dolder Hotel, a 100-year-old exclusive hotel, will reopen in 2008. Additionally, the Radisson SAS Hotel Zurich Airport is set to be completed in the Fall of 2008.
• Sporting events will draw thousands of participants and spectators to Zurich. On April 1, 2007, the International Zürich Marathon will be held, and on June 24, 2007 the Ironman Switzerland hits Zurich. Letzigrund Stadium will host matches for the European Soccer Championship on June 9, 13 and 17, 2008.
• The museums of Zurich also have a full roster of events. The Kunsthaus Zurich will showcase a retrospective of Auguste Rodin, famed French sculptor, from Feb. 9 to May 13, 2007. After three years of renovation, the Rietberg Museum will reopen on Feb. 18. The museum will feature an exhibition devoted to Kannon, which will feature early Budhist art from Japan.
• And, for the first time in Switzerland, EuroPride will be held in Zurich in June 2009. EuroPride is the largest gay and lesbian festival in Europe and includes a film festival and other events.

Like many other European cities, Zurich has a tourist card, the ZurichCARD, that offers unlimited travel on public transportation, admission to more than 40 museums, the night club, Adagio Club, discounts on drinks, meals, tours, car rentals and more. The card costs $14 for 1 day, $28 for three days.

Click here for more information about Zurich.

The copyright of the article Zurich is on the Move in W Europe Travel is owned by Bridget Lux. Permission to republish Zurich is on the Move in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.