In this beautiful city it’s not the common courtesy to talk or shout loudly in public, which is why it’s hailed as Europe’s quietest place to visit.
Unwind and soak up some pure silence in the world’s quietest city, which is just a stone’s throw from the UK. There’s nothing worse than going on holiday for a week of rest, only to realise you’ve managed to pick a hotel in party central. If you’re sick of hearing drunken tourists stumble home, or families rowing, it might be time to ditch the annual trip to Tenerife and give another destination a try. Switzerland may not be the first place you think about for a quiet weekend trip – well known for its huge ski resorts and luxury chalets scattered in the alps. However, there is a much less active and wild side to the country…
A study conducted by Mimi Hearing back in 2017 gathered hearing test data from more than 200,000 participants, as well as statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the SINTEF report on noise pollution. It ranked Zurich – the largest city in Switzerland – as having the least incidence of noise pollution while Guangzhou, in China, had the highest.
“Lake Zurich is very clearly a call to relaxation,” says travel brand EnVols. “A peaceful stroll along its shores, on foot or by bike, is the perfect way to take in the shimmering waters. Weather permitting, a cruise on the lake will also provide an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. With an environment so conducive to tranquillity, it’s a good thing that Zurich is a city and its residents are keen to limit noise pollution.”
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Swiss etiquette shuns loud mouths, and promotes remaining quiet while in public or closed places like public transportation. “No one needs to hear about your business,” states Study in Switzerland – pointing out that even chewing gum in public is viewed as rude and ‘irritable’. Of course, you can still let your hair down and listen to music in night clubs or pubs – but when your head hits the pillow – you won’t be disturbed.
If peace is what you’re after, you can fly directly to Zurich from most UK airports – including Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow. Flights from London take an average of one hour and 45 minutes – meaning it’s ideal for a quick city break. If you’re flexible with dates, you can also grab a great deal – with direct flights in December going for as little as £61.
What European city is at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments section below