The Journal
3 Must-See Sights when Visiting Lake Zurich
3 Must-See Sights when Visiting Lake Zurich
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2 min
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JOIN SWISS PHOTOGRAPHER JONI HEDINGER FOR A WALK THROUGH HIS HOMETOWN RAPPERSWIL, AS HE INTRODUCES YOU TO HIS TOP THREE FAVORITE SPOTS
Follow me on a stroll through my hometown Rapperswil, situated at the beautiful Lake Zurich. Rapperswil is only a 35-minute train ride away from Zurich, where the IWC boutique is located. We will visit three captivating spots that make this town a must-see. Let’s discover the old town, the wooden bridge and Ufnau island.
— Joni Hedinger wearing the Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371617
— On the Rapperswil-Hurden bridge, you find yourself walking in the footsteps of pilgrims
— The wooden pedestrian bridge connects Rapperswil with Hurden crossing the upper Lake Zurich
STOP 1: WOODEN BRIDGE RAPPERSWIL-HURDEN
Our adventure begins on the iconic wooden bridge connecting Hurden village with Rapperswil. It is only fitting that I brought the iconic IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371617 with me.
The bridge was first built in 1358 and rebuilt in the year 2001. It marks a part of the pilgrimage route leading to Rapperswil and when crossing it you will soon see why. Walking just 1.5 meters above the water gives you a sense of calmness and peace as the rippling water provides a soothing soundtrack and the oak wood below your feet muffles your steps.
This place is definitely worth a stop during the tour. On one side you have a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains such as Speer, Säntis, Vrenelisgärtli and the Glarus alps. On the other side you can already see our next stop, the old town of Rapperswil with its castle.
STOP 2: CASTLE HILL
As for our previous stop, the ancient castle of Rapperswil is a historic place and definitely worth a visit. The 800 year-old castle, which had to be rebuilt in 1350 due to a fire, holds many different stories within its walls. It had been used for very different reasons, such as a museum and as the outpost of Polish soldiers during the Second World War. Nowadays you can even get married in the castle.
The castle is enthroned on a rocky spur, which juts a long way out into Lake Zurich and is surrounded by water on three sides, giving a tremendous view not only over the old town and the mountains, but also of Lake Zurich with its two islands. One of them being our next stop.
— Joni Hedinger taking in the view of Rapperswil
— The photographer measuring the time with his Portugieser Chronograph IW371620
STOP 3: UFNAU ISLAND
Our stroll takes an unexpected turn as we board a boat bound for Ufnau island, the third and last stop. The journey across Lake Zurich is a little rest for the mind as the gentle sway of the boat carries you towards the island. In my opinion, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371620 fits perfectly into this scene.
And your holiday does not end when the boat docks, but continues as you step onto the island, which exudes serenity and solitude. It is the largest island in Switzerland which is not linked to the mainland by a bridge. Due to its idyllic location, scenic beauty and biological diversity, as well as the extremely rare cultural-historical continuity, Ufnau is uniquely protected in Switzerland and is even part of the Swiss Federal Inventory.
ART UFNAU
The art exhibition “Art Ufnau”, a newly curated annual event, beckons on the island. You can wander through a gallery of inspiration present both inside and in the open air. As you explore the island, you will also discover some of my photographs displayed within the walls of the sacred chapel St. Martin.
With this stop, our journey through this historic town with its castle, wooden bridge and Ufnau island draws to an end. Rapperswil is more than just a collection of picturesque scenes, it is also a town with a history which is yours to discover.
So, dear traveler, I hope that you will cross the wooden bridge, stand atop the castle hill and sail to Ufnau island. Explore this fantastic city which I am proud to call my home.
— Joni Hedinger visiting St. Martin’s Chapel on Ufnau Island
Joni Hedinger sporting the Portugieser Chronograph IW371617 on Lake Zurich
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The photographer during his boat trip to Ufnau Island
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Timeless and stylish: The Portugieser Chronograph IW371620
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Joni Hedinger visiting the “Art Ufnau” exhibition on Ufnau Island
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St. Martin’s Chapel is currently hosting an exhibition of Joni’s photographs
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