Within minutes of checking into my hotel in Zurich, I was eating a boxed lunch on a bench with the locals and soaking up the sun on a warm autumn day. It was peaceful and this all seemed familiar, even though it was my first visit to this small but mighty European country. Bordered by France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, your finger might slide over Switzerland on a map because of its miniscule size, yet it's one of the wealthiest nations on the planet and one of the most visually appealing. In an upcoming feature, I'll take you to a restaurant 3,100 feet above ground with unobstructed views of Matterhorn and on a nature hike that ascends to a mountain village surely cut and pasted from a postcard - look for the article in our March 4 travel issue. Visit www.myswitzerland.com or search 'Visit Gay Switzerland' on Facebook if interested in going anytime soon. Here are five tips in advance of your Swiss adventure.
1. Getting to Switzerland
Assuming your arrival city is Zurich and knowing Seattle has no non-stop flights to Switzerland, you'll need an international connection in Paris (Air France), Frankfurt (Lufhansa Airlines), London (British Airways, Delta Airlines), or Reykjavik (Iceland Air). Should you choose a domestic connection, New York-JFK (Delta, American Airlines), Atlanta (Delta), and Newark (United/Continental Airlines) provide the most popular routes to-from there. Swiss International, the nation's principal airline, flies out of San Francisco and Los Angeles on the West Coast.
2. Currency and language
Don't make the mistake of exchanging U.S. dollars for Euros, as you'll need Swiss Francs instead, and they trade about even to American money. Beware: it's pricey over there - I paid $4 for bottled water at a Starbucks and $8.60 for a cappuccino and blueberry muffin at a no-frills café. I suggest exchanging a minimal amount of cash at the airport before take-off, just to have on-hand, and then use credit cards or ATMs once you arrive. German is most commonly spoken throughout Switzerland with several dialects pertaining to different regions of the country, and if you happen to be visiting Lugano, be prepared to bust out some Italian. English is widely spoken, especially in the urban areas like Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne. Signage is a potential problem, as so much of it is written in German, though you shouldn't have too much of a hassle in the city sectors. If you need backup, invest in a German-English dictionary.
3. Gay culture and Gay lifestyle
Feel very safe being who you are in Switzerland. The Gay lifestyle is widely accepted, and though the country has yet to legalize same-sex marriage, registered partnerships have been recognized for several years. Zurich has a vibrant Gay nightlife - I know this firsthand, as there was a raging dance club in the lobby of my hotel frequented by non-hetero men, not to mention the popular Cranberry Bar a few blocks away. Don't expect Gay districts or rows of bars to bounce in and out of - no Swiss city is large enough to boast an entire Gay-borhood - but your hotel concierge should be able to point out a few known Gay bars and/or bookstores in the vicinity, and I'll mention some of these in my upcoming travel piece on Switzerland. The Zurich Pride Festival is set for June 17-19, 2011, and is celebrated by all types. Switzerland is one of the safest countries I've traveled in, and not once during my eight-day trip did I encounter any form of disrespect or harassment.
4. Gay travel in Switzerland
Swiss Pass, provided by Rail Europe, allows visitors to travel within Switzerland by train on a package plan - prices depend on dates of travel and cabin class. I traveled first-class and the compartments were clean as a whistle with seating for one or two, or lounge-style booths for groups. Attendants will come through with snacks and beverages, although these are not included with the ticket price. If the word 'flughafen' appears on a train, know that it's headed to the airport. Traveling by rail is the most convenient, inexpensive method of seeing as much of Switzerland on your trip. Swiss Pass also includes a museum pass that permits you into over 400 museums around the country at no additional cost, and it also covered my rail transfers between the airport and downtown Zurich. Switzerland has a terrific ferry system, too, so if you happen to be in Lucerne or Lausanne, definitely spend an afternoon visiting lakeside villages and boutique hotels along the water.
4.1 Zurich
The high level of gay acceptance in Zurich makes it like a big gay-friendly hotspot. There are several gay venues in the city ranging from simple gay bars, gay clubs, gay saunas or even gay cruising clubs. The gay hotspots of Zurich are:
GAY FRIENDLY CAFÉ & RESTAURANTS
-Rathaus Café – The perfect gay-friendly café to enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate next to the Limmat river.
-Barfusser – A fancy sushi place and cocktail bar for mixed crowds.
-Aron Lounge Café – It’s a spacious café offering a good diversity of drinks and snacks to enjoy through the day.
GAY BARS
- Cranberry – One of the most popular gay bars in Zurich, operating since 1997. It has a modern and trendy environment and it’s situated in Zurich’s central Old Town. It gets really busy during weekends
- Predigerhof Bistro Bar – It’s a central gay bistro-bar with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where you can relax drinking wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. You can also enjoy a good diversity of snacks & small meals.
- Les Garcons – It’s a classy gay dance bar with a decoration that reminds of the 20s. It organizes several amazing dance parties, but you can also enjoy a cocktail with the relaxed atmosphere of a bar. Every weekend it stays open until 4:00A.M.
- The Dynasty Club – It’s another gay lounge bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a downstairs dance floor playing German music. It stays open up to 2:00A.M. every day!
GAY SAUNAS
- Renos Relax Sauna – Definitely the best gay sauna in town, Renos Relax Sauna is located in the heart of Zurich. It has many excellent facilities like a steam room, a bar, a sauna, a maze and cabins.
- Sauna Moustache - Being totally refurbished in 2011, Sauna Moustache is near many gay bars and clubs in district 4. In addition to the standard sauna facilities, it also has a Finish and a Bio Sauna.
- GayAqua - It's a small gay sauna in the Wallisellen district that has a good variety of cruising areas, a sauna, a steam room, XXX cinema and a bar.
- Paragonya Wellness Club - Boasting to be the biggest gay sauna in Zurich, Paragonya is situated in a central location and it extends in two floors.
Sauna Apollo - It's a small gay sauna with a perfect location in the middle of Altstadt that attracts more mature crowds.
4.2 Geneva
Even if Geneva doesn't have big and sparkling gay life, its gay scene is definitely something worthy to remember. It's no wonder why it's included into the top cities to visit in Switzerland if you are a gay traveller. In Geneva, you will find several small bars and cafe with an original and stylish atmosphere while a gay-friendly attitude is prominent through the whole city. Here are some amazing hotspots to visit in Geneva:
GAY BARS
- Le Declic - It's the oldest gay bar in Geneva with plastic palm trees, fairy lights, animal prints and those horrific IKEA mirrors: definitely a unique place to have a drink or a coffee. Karaoke nights are organised every friday while several different gay-themed parties take place here occasionally.
- Le Phare - It's a young and alternative stylish gay lounge bar located in Central Zurich. The exterior of the cafe is decorated with street art while the drinks are very reasonable priced. It has a mixed crowd, but its atmosphere is more than just friendly!
- L'Aiglon - It's a stylish gay-friendly bar-restaurant in central Geneva. It attracts mixed crowds but you will meet many gay couples too.
- La Garconniere - It is a gay dance club that features every-day drag cabaret shows from 11:30pm and 02:30pm. It's very close to center of Geneva!
- Club Duplexx - It's a gay sauna, cruise club in the center of Geneva. It has a very safe and clean environment with modern facilities that include a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, dark room, a naked zone and relaxing cabins. It attracts a diversity of men ranging in size and age.
- Brains de l'Est - It's a popular big gay sauna, around 500m, located in the east side of Geneva center. It has all the standard sauna facilities including massage services, gym, solarium, bar etc.
- Sauna des Sources - It's a gay sauna with all the modern sauna facilities that welcomes only gay men until 6pm. After that hour, it is open to women too!
Booking.com
1. Getting to Switzerland
Assuming your arrival city is Zurich and knowing Seattle has no non-stop flights to Switzerland, you'll need an international connection in Paris (Air France), Frankfurt (Lufhansa Airlines), London (British Airways, Delta Airlines), or Reykjavik (Iceland Air). Should you choose a domestic connection, New York-JFK (Delta, American Airlines), Atlanta (Delta), and Newark (United/Continental Airlines) provide the most popular routes to-from there. Swiss International, the nation's principal airline, flies out of San Francisco and Los Angeles on the West Coast.
2. Currency and language
Don't make the mistake of exchanging U.S. dollars for Euros, as you'll need Swiss Francs instead, and they trade about even to American money. Beware: it's pricey over there - I paid $4 for bottled water at a Starbucks and $8.60 for a cappuccino and blueberry muffin at a no-frills café. I suggest exchanging a minimal amount of cash at the airport before take-off, just to have on-hand, and then use credit cards or ATMs once you arrive. German is most commonly spoken throughout Switzerland with several dialects pertaining to different regions of the country, and if you happen to be visiting Lugano, be prepared to bust out some Italian. English is widely spoken, especially in the urban areas like Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne. Signage is a potential problem, as so much of it is written in German, though you shouldn't have too much of a hassle in the city sectors. If you need backup, invest in a German-English dictionary.
3. Gay culture and Gay lifestyle
Feel very safe being who you are in Switzerland. The Gay lifestyle is widely accepted, and though the country has yet to legalize same-sex marriage, registered partnerships have been recognized for several years. Zurich has a vibrant Gay nightlife - I know this firsthand, as there was a raging dance club in the lobby of my hotel frequented by non-hetero men, not to mention the popular Cranberry Bar a few blocks away. Don't expect Gay districts or rows of bars to bounce in and out of - no Swiss city is large enough to boast an entire Gay-borhood - but your hotel concierge should be able to point out a few known Gay bars and/or bookstores in the vicinity, and I'll mention some of these in my upcoming travel piece on Switzerland. The Zurich Pride Festival is set for June 17-19, 2011, and is celebrated by all types. Switzerland is one of the safest countries I've traveled in, and not once during my eight-day trip did I encounter any form of disrespect or harassment.
4. Gay travel in Switzerland
Swiss Pass, provided by Rail Europe, allows visitors to travel within Switzerland by train on a package plan - prices depend on dates of travel and cabin class. I traveled first-class and the compartments were clean as a whistle with seating for one or two, or lounge-style booths for groups. Attendants will come through with snacks and beverages, although these are not included with the ticket price. If the word 'flughafen' appears on a train, know that it's headed to the airport. Traveling by rail is the most convenient, inexpensive method of seeing as much of Switzerland on your trip. Swiss Pass also includes a museum pass that permits you into over 400 museums around the country at no additional cost, and it also covered my rail transfers between the airport and downtown Zurich. Switzerland has a terrific ferry system, too, so if you happen to be in Lucerne or Lausanne, definitely spend an afternoon visiting lakeside villages and boutique hotels along the water.
4.1 Zurich
The high level of gay acceptance in Zurich makes it like a big gay-friendly hotspot. There are several gay venues in the city ranging from simple gay bars, gay clubs, gay saunas or even gay cruising clubs. The gay hotspots of Zurich are:
GAY FRIENDLY CAFÉ & RESTAURANTS
-Rathaus Café – The perfect gay-friendly café to enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate next to the Limmat river.
-Barfusser – A fancy sushi place and cocktail bar for mixed crowds.
-Aron Lounge Café – It’s a spacious café offering a good diversity of drinks and snacks to enjoy through the day.
GAY BARS
- Cranberry – One of the most popular gay bars in Zurich, operating since 1997. It has a modern and trendy environment and it’s situated in Zurich’s central Old Town. It gets really busy during weekends
- Predigerhof Bistro Bar – It’s a central gay bistro-bar with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where you can relax drinking wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. You can also enjoy a good diversity of snacks & small meals.
- Les Garcons – It’s a classy gay dance bar with a decoration that reminds of the 20s. It organizes several amazing dance parties, but you can also enjoy a cocktail with the relaxed atmosphere of a bar. Every weekend it stays open until 4:00A.M.
- The Dynasty Club – It’s another gay lounge bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a downstairs dance floor playing German music. It stays open up to 2:00A.M. every day!
GAY SAUNAS
- Renos Relax Sauna – Definitely the best gay sauna in town, Renos Relax Sauna is located in the heart of Zurich. It has many excellent facilities like a steam room, a bar, a sauna, a maze and cabins.
- Sauna Moustache - Being totally refurbished in 2011, Sauna Moustache is near many gay bars and clubs in district 4. In addition to the standard sauna facilities, it also has a Finish and a Bio Sauna.
- GayAqua - It's a small gay sauna in the Wallisellen district that has a good variety of cruising areas, a sauna, a steam room, XXX cinema and a bar.
- Paragonya Wellness Club - Boasting to be the biggest gay sauna in Zurich, Paragonya is situated in a central location and it extends in two floors.
Sauna Apollo - It's a small gay sauna with a perfect location in the middle of Altstadt that attracts more mature crowds.
4.2 Geneva
Even if Geneva doesn't have big and sparkling gay life, its gay scene is definitely something worthy to remember. It's no wonder why it's included into the top cities to visit in Switzerland if you are a gay traveller. In Geneva, you will find several small bars and cafe with an original and stylish atmosphere while a gay-friendly attitude is prominent through the whole city. Here are some amazing hotspots to visit in Geneva:
GAY BARS
- Le Declic - It's the oldest gay bar in Geneva with plastic palm trees, fairy lights, animal prints and those horrific IKEA mirrors: definitely a unique place to have a drink or a coffee. Karaoke nights are organised every friday while several different gay-themed parties take place here occasionally.
- Le Phare - It's a young and alternative stylish gay lounge bar located in Central Zurich. The exterior of the cafe is decorated with street art while the drinks are very reasonable priced. It has a mixed crowd, but its atmosphere is more than just friendly!
- L'Aiglon - It's a stylish gay-friendly bar-restaurant in central Geneva. It attracts mixed crowds but you will meet many gay couples too.
- La Garconniere - It is a gay dance club that features every-day drag cabaret shows from 11:30pm and 02:30pm. It's very close to center of Geneva!
GAY SAUNAS
- Club Duplexx - It's a gay sauna, cruise club in the center of Geneva. It has a very safe and clean environment with modern facilities that include a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, dark room, a naked zone and relaxing cabins. It attracts a diversity of men ranging in size and age.
- Brains de l'Est - It's a popular big gay sauna, around 500m, located in the east side of Geneva center. It has all the standard sauna facilities including massage services, gym, solarium, bar etc.
- Sauna des Sources - It's a gay sauna with all the modern sauna facilities that welcomes only gay men until 6pm. After that hour, it is open to women too!
4.3. Arosa
Arosa is a peaceful & alternative skiing resort in Switzerland that isn't popular in the travel industry... or better used to be. It's unimaginable how a simple event could turn an alternative unknown resort into the hottest skiing destination of Switzerland. Indeed, Arosa Gay Ski Week is, once again, ready to open its gates and welcome the gay travelers to the most colorful ski resort on earth!
So, What's Arosa Gay Ski Week?
Arosa Gay Ski Week is one of most successful gay events in Europe, which will last for a week from 10 to 17 of January 2016. More than 600 participants from over 30 countries attended the event the previous year while many more are expected to come in the following event. The selection of the destination wasn't random, as Arosa is generally a very gay friendly town and an LGBT flag fly at the center of it through the whole year.
And... What's so appealing about this event?
Sadly, the majority of the gay events nowadays are fetish gay parties, with only Prides standing out as something different. Arosa Gay Ski Week comes to offer something different to the people who are fed up by the worn-out gay events that are only about clubbing and cruising. This event gives you the opportunity to meet other gay people & have fun doing winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. Though, there are several small events, such as ski, pool & disco parties, or even opera shows, organized through the weekend which will help you break the ice (literally) and meet new people easier.
Search best gay hotel in here:
Arosa is a peaceful & alternative skiing resort in Switzerland that isn't popular in the travel industry... or better used to be. It's unimaginable how a simple event could turn an alternative unknown resort into the hottest skiing destination of Switzerland. Indeed, Arosa Gay Ski Week is, once again, ready to open its gates and welcome the gay travelers to the most colorful ski resort on earth!
So, What's Arosa Gay Ski Week?
Arosa Gay Ski Week is one of most successful gay events in Europe, which will last for a week from 10 to 17 of January 2016. More than 600 participants from over 30 countries attended the event the previous year while many more are expected to come in the following event. The selection of the destination wasn't random, as Arosa is generally a very gay friendly town and an LGBT flag fly at the center of it through the whole year.
And... What's so appealing about this event?
Sadly, the majority of the gay events nowadays are fetish gay parties, with only Prides standing out as something different. Arosa Gay Ski Week comes to offer something different to the people who are fed up by the worn-out gay events that are only about clubbing and cruising. This event gives you the opportunity to meet other gay people & have fun doing winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. Though, there are several small events, such as ski, pool & disco parties, or even opera shows, organized through the weekend which will help you break the ice (literally) and meet new people easier.
Search best gay hotel in here:
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