This past week, the greater part of Europe was hit with “the beast from the East” – an unusual stratospheric phenomenon that brought arctic temperatures from Siberia’s polar north. As such, the continent experienced unseasonal bitter cold and some strange sights, like snow in London and Rome. Before the snow started falling in Zurich, however, the Swiss city first felt the severe drop in temperatures… which took a surprisingly beautiful toll on the hundreds of fountains around town. Since the waterworks continued to run through the chill, Zurich became the temporary home to some incredible ice sculptures. I managed to get out and about one morning to see a few firsthand, and I just had to share some snapshots with you of my favorite frozen fountains in Zurich.
Most people don’t pay too much attention to the Alfred Escher monument that stands between the Zurich Main Station and Bahnhofstrasse. (Which is really such a shame, because Herr Escher is also known as the Czar of Zurich and did a lot for the city/country in the late 1800s.) This week, Alfred and his minions have been enjoying celebrity status as passersby stop to take photos of this massive chunk of ice.
As I’ve already shared in this post, one thing that makes life in Switzerland so great is the appreciation and abundance of nature. One of my favorite ways nature is incorporated into the Swiss life is through the practice of placing fresh flowers in public fountains for special events or holidays. When this fountain of roses froze over, it immediately became the most beautiful fountain in all of Zurich!
Finally, one of Zurich’s best-kept-secret fountains stands in a courtyard just a stone’s throw from Paradeplatz. When this gorgeous structure froze over, it added a whole new level of magic to this charming space.
Thankfully, the deep freeze is moving on and Zurich is more than ready for the warm embrace of spring. But no matter whether you visit my Swiss city in the winter or in the summer, hopefully you’ll find something beautiful to enjoy!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO SHARE…
Brrrr!!! Were you affected by “the beast from the east,” too? Do you think these fountains make the cold worth standing? Which one was your favorite? Are you ready for spring?
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