High up in the Swiss Alps there exists a winter wonderland for skiers and a nearby gay apres ski nightlife waiting to be discovered. As the largest city in Switzerland, Zürich is home to probably one of that country's liveliest gay scenes. Besides the action on the nearby slopes, Zurich boasts a vibrant gay nightlife, with its clubs and bars, and is host to a number of GLBT cultural events such as the "Warmer Mai" (Gay May) festival, featuring the Swiss gay and lesbian film festival, Pink Apple.
Zurich, situated at the northern end of Lake Zurich and encompassing the river Limmat, has remained a small town by international standards. Yet this lively city in Switzerland offers all the advantages of a pulsating international metropolis and skillfully combines a cultural environment, an historic city, the shopping mile and economic banking centre for urban diversity. There are numerous ski resorts within about one hour's journey from the city which makes it possible to enjoy a day of skiing high in the Alps with memorable vistas followed by a night on the town filled with great dining and partying.
Renowned for bankers, cheese, army knives, watches, chocolate and fondues you might be surprised to discover how gay-friendly Zurich has become and for a city of 400,000 people the gay entertainment options are extensive. Most of the gay or gay-friendly accommodations, bars and restaurants can be found in the Old Town but there are several other gay businesses just a short tram ride from one another.
Starting with some daytime skiing or outdoor activities there are numerous options to choose from located within a short drive or train ride from central Zurich. Frequent train service from Zurich is available to most popular ski resorts and several destinations have trains departing from Zurich airport. You can either spend a few days in the mountains followed by a stay in the city or you can plan several day trips to different ski areas close to the city.
The Alpine resort of Saas Fee is at an altitude of 6000' and is a small ski village with narrow streets lined by chalets and is surrounded by thirteen separate mountain peaks reaching 13000' above sea level. Nearby Zermatt ski region is dominated by Switzerland's most famous landmark----the Matterhorn-and it is known as the country's best all-round ski resort. With twenty-nine peaks over 13000' high these are the tallest mountains in Europe and some of the best winter snow sports in the world are available to outdoor enthusiasts. At these two resorts you can cross-country or downhill ski, snowboard and toboggan year round. Both villages are vehicle free and offer a snow capped wonderland to enjoy.
Several other ski regions are also within a short journey from Zurich including the neighbouring ski communities of Arosa and Lenzerheide or Crans-Montana, Adelboden and Lenk. All of these Alpine resorts provide a European ski experience which is recognised around the world for excellent conditions and breathtaking scenery. Of course if you have the time for a few days in heaven then don't overlook St. Moritz-the ultimate Swiss ski resort for a century or more---- it's the prime winter retreat of the international jetset, who over the years have created a mini-Manhattan of Vuitton and Armani in this stunningly romantic setting comprising forest, lake and mountains.
Winter in Switzerland will be full of memories for the avid skier or anyone who enjoys winter outdoors and spectacular scenery, but the gay-friendly Swiss Alps provide a vacation wonderland during any season.
Amidst the cobbled streets plus numerous historic clock-towers and steeples, the Old Town of Zurich is a veritable feast for down-to-earth gay apres-ski enjoyment after any amount of time high up in the Alpine peaks. Approximately thirty businesses make up the gay community's bars, clubs, restaurants, spas, shops and accommodations offering a diverse entertainment experience for the gay vacationer. Just remember there's less oxygen at that altitude and you may need a few naps to keep you going through the day and into the night.
Whether you are seeking the up-beat pop music in places like the multi-level Dynasty Club or savoring sophisticated cocktails in the trendy and comfortable Cranberry Bar, if you are kicking off a party night or bringing an exciting day to a close, Zürich's gay and lesbian bars lack nothing in entertainment choices. In a twenty-block radius within the Old Town there are almost twenty bars, clubs and pubs to choose from plus a multitude of dining selections. The Friends Gaymap is an excellent source for information on everything gay that this city has to offer and is available almost everywhere in the Niederdorf district of Old Town.
Staying gay in Zurich offers only one choice-Hotel Goldenes Schwert-but most hotels are gay friendly and the boutique hotels Adler and Scheuble are extremely welcoming to the gay tourist and are located in the heart of the gay scene. All three offer reasonably priced rooms but the Hotel Scheuble offers unique sizes and shapes to rooms with a designer decor and flair plus exceptional friendly staff. The Scheuble also has a wonderful restaurant Tagliatelle in the hotel lobby with a cosy and intimate setting for elegant dining on exceptional Italian cuisine, specialty pasta dishes and local wild game. It is also the location of the daily complimentary breakfast buffet for hotel guests. Hotel Scheuble is directly across the street from the tri-level Dynasty Club, one of the most popular gay bars in the neighbourhood. The Adler provides Heidi-style dining in their Swiss Chuchi family restaurant specialising in fondues, local dishes and raclette-an orgasmic experience for cheese lovers. The gay Goldenes Schwert Hotel occupies the same building as T&M, one of the best gay bar/cabaret/disco venues in the city, dark, campy and cruisey. The impeccable Swiss hosting style and guest service is guaranteed to make your stay memorable no matter which accommodations you select.
Whether or not you are a skier, a day strolling through the Old Town is a must and will reveal the true history of Zurich. From the 16th Century silk industry buildings on Schipfe, to the Romanesque oldest parish church boasting Europe's largest clock face on its tower, to the views across the city and river Limmat from the Lindenhof hill amongst the remains of a Roman Fort, or strolling down quaint old world Augustinergasse, the Swiss culture and Zurich's rich past abounds. There is a multitude of merchants, artisans plus vendors tucked away in every nook or cranny of the old streets and you might come across treats like an Argentinian Vineyard with it's own retail store for sampling their vintages accompanied by pate, meats or cheeses. The Bahnhofstrasse reputedly claims the most expensive real estate prices in the world and is home to the renowned Swiss Banks, exclusive boutiques, watch emporiums and street-side cafes. All of Zurich's history and its contemporary buildings make it a fascinating city to explore.
Other attractions abound in the Zurich region and short train or cable-car rides offer some picturesque mountain escapes. The medieval castle at Rapperswil, the Abbey Church at Einsiedeln, the Rhine waterfalls at Schaffhausen, a trip along the Forch railway terrace high above lake Zurich or a visit to the small town of Baden, are all short excursions from the city which afford a unique perspective on life in the Swiss Alps. But an absolute must is the twenty- minute train ride to Zurich's Uetliber--- the mountain overlooking Lake Zurich and the city---- with spectacular views and mountain vistas in every direction. The Hotel Uto Kulm is located atop this peak providing excellent refreshments, appetisers or entrees as you sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Pick up a copy of the Zurich Leisure Guide Map at any tourist office to find information on everything the region has to offer an inquisitive visitor.
Whether you're looking for skiing year-round, hiking in the mountains, discovering history or simply fun gay nightlife, the Zurich region offers it all with a very gay-friendly resident population happy to welcome the gay traveller.
The altitude might leave you breathless and a little light-headed but the scenery will take your breath away completely
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