car hire Zurich

Originally established as a Roman customs post, the Swiss city of Zurich was slow to develop until a growing textile trade afforded it the presence to assume the role of a free city under the Roman Empire, in 1218. As its increasingly independent artisans and traders formed guilds, they took over the governing of Zurich in 1336. The city began creating a reputation as an intellectual and cultural centre after joining the Swiss Confederation in 1351. This reputation gained steam around World War I, when important thinkers and artists came to live in Zurich, with Hans Arp, Trotsky, Lenin, and James Joyce among them. The Dada art movement got its start here as well, thanks to Hugo Ball. Today, Zurich stands proudly as Switzerland's commercial and financial hub, as well as its most affluent city.

Zurich puts on a good show for travellers in search of events. Sechseläuten is a parade and festival heralding the arrival of spring in April. Zürcher is a celebration spanning mid-June to mid-July, with a full slate of arts and music events. Street Parade puts the Zurich summer into full swing with an array of internationally known DJs spinning tunes for this electronic music fest. Wine buffs should check out Expovina, a wine-tasting event in November that's held on boats on the Bürkliplatz dock of the River Maur.

Kloten Airport, or Zurich Airport, makes your car-hire pick-up efficient and convenient. For travellers looking to take a short trip outside the centre of Zurich, there are plenty of nearby options. Literary enthusiasts will appreciate Kilchberg, a five-minute drive from Zurich. It was here that legendary scribe Thomas Mann spent his last years, and he is buried near the small church in the village. Alpamare, the biggest water park in Europe, is close by as well, and a good bet for families. The complex has both outdoor and indoor facilities, so it stays open year-round. For a majestic view of Zurich and its surrounding countryside, take the 15-minute excursion (via mountain railway) to Uetliberg. From its summit you can see as far as the Black Forest, on a clear day.