My wife and I will be flying to Zurich in late June(taking advantage of the new UAL service from Washington, DC). We hadn't originally planned on staying in Zurich during the trip, but I just found out that we will be there during the Zuri Fascht celebration July 2-4, so we would like to check it out. Can anyone give me any recommendations for a hotel near the festival area...or any other tips for this event. We had a similar experience a few years back when we flew to Amsterdam to visit Keukenhof and accidently ended up in the middle of the Queen's Day celebration, so I'd like to be a little more prepared this time. Any experiences with Zuri Fascht you could share? Thanks.

I'm glad your trip times well with this event as it only happens once every three years. There are tons of hotels in town. There's a Sheraton in the center, a Marriot a little further away and several boutique hotels in my area (Seefeld, close to the Opera house). There are some awesome, unique hotels such as the Widder Hotel if you want an upscale experience.

The festival, if it's organised similar to past events will center up close to the lake between Burkliplatz and Bellevue. Ask what ever hotel you end up booking how to get to either of these locations. If they suggest a taxi or the S-bahn, pick another hotel closer in with good tram connections.

Thank you for the reply. I am looking at the Hotel Adler, which seems to offer a good, central location in the old city as well as a (fairly) moderate price. When travelling in Europe, we always prefer these more traditional hotels to the larger chains, which tend to be farther from the city center. Is the Fascht a large tourist attraction, or is it aimed more at residents of Zurich? There seems to be no shortage of available hotel rooms (unlike Oktoberfest in Munich, where it would be very difficult to find a room this close to the event).

Hello,

It is mostly a regional F�scht. Even actually a city F�scht. Usually people come from all over the canton of Z�rich and as the public transport runs longer, they usually go home afterwards or enjoy themselves all night long, depending on the weather.

One can count with approx. 400'000 people walking along the lake especially on the evening where the fireworks are on. There are hundreds of little stands selling all kinds of food, drinks, there are different bands playing and dancing possibility.

Hotels are no problem. The Swiss hotel business is suffering from bad quality and much too high prices... despite everything you might hear. There are of course, excellent hotels but on the long run, most do not offer enough for the rates they charge. The Swiss franc is also at fault. Too high.

You will enjoy a colourful F�scht in perfect security. Make sure you go well in advance along the lake if you want to get a good position to watch the fireworks accompanied by beautiful classical music.

Have a good time

Magexpect covered a lot of it. It will definitely have a local feel. Lot's of fun and the city truly relaxes into it. And if the weather is good, then the sidewalk cafe's (Zurich has the most in Europe) will be the place to be.

Also, the Adler is just OK. One of the better tourist trap hotels. Although, I'd recommend somewhere out of the Niederdorf. This area is a great for drinking and eating in a rowdy sort of way but definitely loud and touristy.

What kind of budget are you on? There are several nice lowish cost hotels in Seefeld that I could recommend. Seefeld is a relaxing 10 minute walk (15 at the most to the Bahnhofstrasse) or 5 minute tram ride to all the action. Great restaurants, close to the lake, and quiet once you are in your room. It's the best part of Zurich if you ask me.

And did I mention that this is where I live?

Thanks to both of you for the replies. It sounds as though it should be a lot of fun, and we are definitely looking forward to our trip. Michswiss.... I'd love to hear your hotel recommendations. I'm not sold on the Adler... and loud and touristy is not my cup of tea. We would like to stay in a nice central location, within walking distance of the main sights and the Fascht area, with some pleasant "local" restaurants. I don't know what qualifies as "lowish-priced" in Zurich, but I'm willing to spend CHF 250-300 for a comfortable hotel. I don't need an elevator, or room service, but a quiet area is a big plus. Thanks again.

kvan, The fireworks were great tonight. It went on for what must have been 30-40 minutes. I hope you were able to see them. The whole city is already buzzing and active. Case in point, the train will be running overnight for the next three days. Zurich doesn't do this too often. Can anyone say PARTY!

If you see a tall woman on sunday evening carrying golf clubs. It's me!

Timely post, thank you. ms. birdstrike and I will be at the Kindli the night of the 4th and 5th and we had no idea this celebration would be going on.

How does F�scht translate into english?

There are many definitions for the word, here they are:

celebration, festival, festive celelebration, feast, feasting, merrymaking.

You may choose which one you find most appropriate.

Enjoy yourselves.

F�scht sounds like German Fest, right?

michswiss mentioned one translation already: "Can anyone say PARTY!"

Cheap hotel Zurich, the 78 room Leoneck Hotel is centrally located in Zurich, some rooms have balconies, $64US, includes coffee and croissant breakfast, http://www.leoneck.ch
(from Nat. Geographic Traveler mag Nov/Dec 2004)

Had a buddy who stayed here and liked it a lot, fyi.

Priceline can get you a 4* hotel in Zurich. 2 weeks ago, I got the Intercontinental for less than US$60.00 (not the best property) and 4 months ago, the Marriott for US$78.00.

Check out www.biddingfortravel.com for a description of Zurich accomodations (but be careful for the woman who runs the site!!)

-fduvall

My wife and my 3 year old son along with myself will be in ZRH on our way back from BOM to JFK for 2-3 days on Feb 28,2006. Can anyone suggest a place to stay as well as places to visit for 2-3 days.

If you're not too tired from travelling, I'd recommend that you stay in ZRH for at most one night and then head to either Lucerne or Berne (or even Interlocken). All can be reached by train within an hour and a half from ZRH.