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Zurich
Leisure and Cultural Attractions
Help Ensure High Quality of Life
Zurich, famous as a financial services hub, is also a
dynamic cultural and tourism centre, and the Canton of
Zurich’s tourism attractions are not only drawing visitors
but also helping to ensure an enviable quality of life.
Quality of life a determining factor
As Willi Meier, CEO of the Greater Zurich Area, points
out, “When a region is ranked one of the global leaders
in ‘hard’ factors like favourable taxes, infrastructure
and a supportive environment for business, ‘soft’
factors can often make the difference for companies
choosing a location. For a company to be sure of
attracting the best human resources, it must be able
to guarantee an attractive quality of life.” Zurich has
made sure it scores at the top of the “quality of life” list.
In fact, Zurich has been ranked number one in quality
of life for several years in a row in a study conducted by
Mercer Human Resources.
Zurich’s Old Town
Most visitors begin their visit to the canton in the city
of Zurich, whose Old Town (the Altstadtbummel)
offers picturesque architecture as well as a wealth of
trendy restaurants and boutiques. Other popular attractions
include taking a cruise on the Limmat River or
Lake Zurich, or basking in the sun in the popular beach
resort of Strandbad Mythenquai on the lake. Käferberg
Mountain, which offers a pleasant backdrop to much of
the city, has walking trails and splendid panoramas.
The city’s historic landmarks include Fraumünster
Cathedral, which dominates the Münsterplatz, and the
larger Grossmünster Cathedral across the Limmat River.
Kyburg Castle (Schloss Kyburg), which dates back to the
11th century, is now open for special exhibits.
Natural beauty a plus
Google is one international investor in Zurich whose
employees are very happy with their company’s choice
of location. Randy Knaflic, Head of Recruitment for
Google in Zurich, says, “Going for a swim in the Limmat
in the summer, riding my bike or hiking along the trails
in Uetlibert, and admiring the Alps every morning
when I get up: this is my daily life. Google is able to
attract employees from all over the world here to Zurich
thanks to the city’s quality of life.” Zurich’s attractions
are pleasing both visitors and residents alike.
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