Travelers departing from Washington, D.C., have another reason to celebrate spring this year. On March 28, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the flagship carrier of Switzerland, launched nonstop service between Washington, D.C., and Zurich, Switzerland.
With daily flights during summer and five weekly flights during winter, this new flight route marks SWISS’s sixth gateway in the United States and serves as a symbolic bridge between two cities steeped in history, art, and global influence.
According to Dirk Janzen, vice president of passenger sales for The Americas at Lufthansa Group Airlines, this new connection enhances the Lufthansa Group’s presence in the U.S. capital and provides access to all five of its hubs and hundreds of destinations worldwide.
Flights will depart Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) at 8:45 p.m. and arrive at Zurich International Airport (IAD) at 10:05 a.m. the next day. The return flight will depart ZRH at 12:55 p.m. and arrive at IAD on the same day at 4:15 p.m.
Passengers aboard the three-cabin Airbus 330-300 aircraft will experience Swiss hospitality, gourmet dining, and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment options. An added perk of traveling on SWISS is the airline’s Air Rail service, which allows travelers to conveniently transfer between Zurich’s airport and Basel or Lugano railway stations on any train operated by Swiss Federal Railways, known as SBB.
Zurich consistently ranks among the top five cities for quality of life and has a wealth of attractions for art, nature, history, and food lovers. You can explore Switzerland’s largest city and one of the world’s prettiest cities when embarking on SWISS’s new airline route.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts and Culture
Zurich is an art lover’s dream. The city houses more than 100 art galleries alongside renowned museums like the Kunsthaus Museum. These collections transcend movements, from medieval and Renaissance masterpieces to modern works by legendary artists like Chagall, Monet, Van Gogh, and Munch. The city was also the birthplace of the Dada movement, an avant-garde, satirical art movement that emerged in 1916 and challenged conventional notions of art and society.
Explore Zurich’s Old Districts
Wander through the Altstadt, the city’s historic heart, to admire impressive architecture — the Zurich Opera House and the Grossmunster and Fraumunster, which feature magnificent stained-glass windows by Chagall.
Get Outdoors
Connect with nature at one of Zurich’s 70 parks and gardens. For an even more tranquil escape, check out public baths like Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich, and the nearby majestic Rhine Falls. More adventurous travelers can explore the medieval village of Stein am Rhein or ascend the Uetliberg Mountain for stunning panoramic views. Zurich is just two hours from several Swiss ski resorts, including Grindelwald Ski Resort.
Try Swiss Chocolate, Fondue, and Chocolate Fondue
Some of the biggest names in chocolate — Nestle, Lindt, and Toblerone — originate in Switzerland, so sampling chocolate treats at shops like Max Chocolatier and Confiserie Sprungli is a must. The Lindt Home of Chocolate also offers an interactive chocolate tour.
The city takes pride in its fondue culinary tradition. Locals and tourists can savor the beloved dish at numerous spots, like Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, which serves authentic cheese fondue.
Many chocolate shops, like Cafe & Conditorei 1842 and Cafe Felix, serve decadent pots of melted chocolate with accompanying assorted fruits and pastries.
Go Shopping
Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s bustling luxury retail district, caters to all shoppers. The upscale avenue offers high-end boutiques, watch stores, and jewelers. Visitors who seek a more eclectic shopping experience must explore Langstrasse, Zurich West, and the Viadukt Arches. The area, housed under 36 viaduct arches, is home to various trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and designer shops.
Where To Stay in Zurich
The Dolder Grand offers unmatched luxury accommodations. The award-winning hotel and spa boasts a serene setting adjacent to Zurich’s Adlisberg Forest, only minutes from the city center. Its modern art collection, expansive spa facilities, and Michelin-starred The Restaurant offer exclusivity and extravagance.
One of the city’s newest hotels, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, is housed in a historic property dating back to 1838. At the 1838 rooftop bar, you can sip on a cocktail and savor delicious Asian-inspired cuisine and taking in the fantastic views of the city.
