International Travel With Kids, Posts

Stuck in Zurich with Kids

lost luggage in Zurich Airport - Summer 2022
lost luggage in Zurich Airport – Summer 2022

Yes, summer of 2022 will be remembered for many difficulties when it comes to travel. We had been so lucky with our trips to Amsterdam and Prague, but we didn’t want to tempt fate, so we got to the airport early for the last leg of our vacation: London. It was Nina and Alex’s 12th birthday. To make a long story short, after six hours at the airport, our flight was cancelled. We could not find another flight (or a train or a car rental), so we ended up Stuck in Zurich with Kids.

Zurich Airport...not the worst place to spend six hours
Zurich Airport…not the worst place to spend six hours

Where we stayed

After about three weeks of traveling in warm and cold climates and for a wedding, we had five large bags plus carry ons, so we weren’t very mobile. We ditched the free shuttle transfers provided by the airline and took a taxi to the Holiday Inn Zürich Messe (we got vouchers from British Air to stay there). This hotel is surprisingly nice! The neighborhood is iffy, but the breakfast buffet is delicious and the rooms are clean.

Holiday Inn Zurich Messe
Holiday Inn Zurich Messe

We lamented our bad luck…sad to miss our Harry Potter studio tour, Les Mis on the West End and the make-your-own fascinator class…but we did our best to make lemonade out of the lemons we had.

Stuck in Zurich with kids Day 1

Market Oerlikon

I always enjoy farmers markets and this one was no exception. The cheeses and baked goods made my mouth water…and the tie-dyed eggs were pretty cool too!

Market Oerlikon, Switzerland
Market Oerlikon, Switzerland

We purchased scratch off lottery tickets at a kiosk to entertain the kids and headed to the local train station. Renato bought us each a day pass, which allows you to use any public transportation all day (including trams, trains, busses and boats).

train station in Switzerland
train station in Switzerland

Lindt home of chocolate

I can’t believe we have never been to this place before. Here, you will find self guided audio tours that teach all about the cultivation, history and production of chocolate.

Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich
Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich

Your ticket entitles you to eat AS MUCH CHOCOLATE AS YOU CAN EAT!!! (They had me at hello 😀). Throughout the experience, you will find various interactive machines that spit out candy…heaven!!!

interactive activities at the Lindt chocolate museum
interactive activities at the Lindt chocolate museum

Before exiting the museum, you can stop at the biggest Lindt shop in the world for edible souvenirs.

largest Lindt store in the world
largest Lindt store in the world

If you’re not stuffed from chocolate tasting, you can stop for a snack at the cafe. Even I was a little sick after this chocolate brunch.

treats from Lindt Cafe
treats from Lindt Cafe

To switch things up, we took a boat back to the center of town. The water in Lake Zurich is so clear and beautiful!

public transportation on Lake Zurich
public transportation on Lake Zurich

Burkliplatz Flohmarkt

Right off the boat, we stumbled upon this cool antique market. Later I learned that it is the second largest market in Zurich and operates weekly.

antique market in Zurich, Switzerland
antique market in Zurich, Switzerland

Storchen

Hotel Storchen is one of the oldest hotels in Zurich. They have a lovely outside dining space and delicious food. It was the perfect place for lunch on our first day of being stuck in Zurich with kids.

lunch at Storchen - Stuck in Zurich With Kids
lunch at Storchen – Stuck in Zurich With Kids

Pier 7 Bootsvermietung

After lunch, we rented a small (and pretty slow) motor boat. It was so much fun!

motorboat rental in Zurich
motorboat rental in Zurich

Walliser Kanne

We decided on one of our favorites for dinner tonight. Renato has needed to adjust to us Americans and force himself to eat melty cheese in the summer (as no self respecting Swiss ever would!)

traditional Swiss mountain eats at Walliser Kanne
traditional Swiss mountain eats at Walliser Kanne

Movenpick

Really, Movenpick is probably the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Its so creamy and delicious. My favorite is Swiss Chocolate. Don’t miss tasting Movenpick when you’re in Zurich

Movenpick is the best ice cream ever!
Movenpick is the best ice cream ever!

Stuck in Zurich with kids Day 2

BretzelKonig is delicious!  The raclette pretzel is my fave
BretzelKonig is delicious! The raclette pretzel is my fave

Rhine Fall

Renato though an excursion would be fun for today. Armed with snacks, we took the train through this beautiful country to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Rhinefall, Switzerland
Rhinefall, Switzerland

This picturesque site is on the German border. During WWII, people crossed the Rhine to safety near the falls.

Rhinefall -Day 2 Stuck in Zurich with kids
Rhinefall -Day 2 Stuck in Zurich with kids

Rheinfall Boat

There are several boats to take to get up close and personal with the waterfall. We chose a 30 minute trip. It’s nice and relaxing, but there’s not much to see other than the main attraction. I recommend the 15 minute boat instead.

Boat at Rhinefall
Boat at Rhinefall

PiPaPo

You have several restaurants to choose from on the grounds near the Rhinefall. We liked PiPaPo’s view and food.

PiPaPo for lunch at Rhinefalls
PiPaPo for lunch at Rhinefalls

Sadly, we had to get back to the city. Here are some of the photos I took from the train:

on the train from Rhinefalls to Zurich
on the train from Rhinefalls to Zurich

DuPont brasserie and Bar

Back in town, we found Dupont. The extensive outdoor seating area was perfect for us and the menu looked okay, so we gave it a try. I’m glad we went, despite the pretentious servers and the odd food choices. If you decide to eat there, make sure you go inside and walk the stairs down to the bathroom area. You will find a small disco room (!) when you do…so weird!!!

Dupont Brasserie and Bar, Zurich
Dupont Brasserie and Bar, Zurich

Time to go home

We finally had a flight to London with just an overnight stay before the long haul back to NY. In the end, it wasn’t so bad to be stuck in Zurich with kids. Thanks for reading!