Alfred Escher statue in front of Zurich HB facing Bahnhofstrasse.
If I must think of all the (main) train stations I have visited in the continent, and I indeed have visited a lot, then I have to admit that the Antwerp Central Station (in Belgium) would probably be the most impressive of them all. The cathedral-like design of the station and its grand ambiance will totally stimulate your sensory glands.
Another favourite of mine is the Sao Bento Railway Station in Porto (in Portugal) with its walls and ceiling beautifully decorated with local history painted on blue tiles called azulejos. Which by the way reminds me of Delft Blue.
And although not the grandest of them all, I still find the Zurich Hauptbahnhof quite remarkable especially if you enter the building from Bahnhofstrasse where you can find a big monumental statue of Alfred Escher, the co-founder of modern Switzerland. I liked the arch designs on the atriums, windows and walls of this neo-Renaissance building.
It is huge; it the largest railway station in Switzerland and it has an underground shopping centre. A part of the station is currently undergoing a massive renovation. When I arrived from the airport, I had to ask for help to find my way to the platform for the train going to Uetliberg, which is where I am staying for the weekend.
It used to be that public transport in Switzerland was cheaper than the Netherlands. Well this was several years ago before the Swiss Franc became stronger, or rather, before the Euro became weak.
Like most central stations, there is a locker facility here is well which I am so thankful about. My flight is leaving in the evening and I have to check out my hotel by noon and then have brunch with the girls and then spend the rest of the afternoon into the early evening in the city. I can’t be moving around with a luggage in tow.
The baggage lockers section in the airport is very easy to find. From the main hallway you will see signs and you just have to go down 1 level on the escalator and you will find the locker area to the right.
Locker rental is priced at 6 Swiss Francs and payable only in cash – coins. There are much bigger lockers available as well that could fit in several luggage in it.
The entrance to the train station from Bahnhofstrasse.
Grand ceilling interiors. Beautiful.
A flying balloon of a colourful and hip angel.
Bistros and cafes inside the train station.
The locker area of Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
Tip: Take a picture of your closet, just in case you will forget the number.
Travel Period: September 2016
Destination: Zurich, Switzerland
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
