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Rapperswil Rose Garden and Altstadt
From the Lindenhof – the Linden Courtyard, a public square on a a moraine hill above Rapperswil – we get views down over the wine-grape terraces to the famous rose gardens. The rooftops of the Old City almost obscure Lake Zurich, which sits between us and the surrounding mountains.
Travel in Europe is such a joy!
Everywhere you go, there are beautifully-maintained, fresh and green outdoor public spaces, and well-preserved and integrated historical buildings.
Take Rapperswil on Lake Zurich in Switzerland, for example. Part of the municipality of Rapperswil-Jona, this is a town I probably would never have heard of, had we not been staying with friends who live there! While it may not be at the top of the Swiss “must visit” list, there was still plenty to do and see, both in the town and nearby (e.g.: Weekly Wanders: Around Lake Zurich).
An early-August Sunday brought rains, but we went ahead with our scheduled lunch cruise on nearby Lake Zug, knowing that the boat had plenty of cover. We chose to amend our afternoon outdoor plans, and instead, stopped in to see the Black Madonna (no photos allowed!) in the Kloster Einsiedeln, an expansive Baroque building housing a Benedictine Monastery on a site dating back to 934.
The next day dawned clear and sunny: perfect for a short walk up nearby Bachtel Mountain (1,115 m) to climb the Bachtelturm, a 60 m tall radio tower affording views across the Zürcher Oberland, and then to enjoy lunch nearby.
After lunch on the mountain, we returned to Rapperswil to explore the historic Altstadt (Old City). Rapperswil is called the “Town of Roses” (Rosenstadt) for the flowers on the city crest, but it also takes enormous pride in the three designated rose gardens that are open to the public; August is the perfect month to appreciate the vast array of varieties.
Join me for some lesser-known Swiss sites:
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Rainy Reflections on Lake Zug
The weather might have been disappointing, but I love the layered reflections you can get in low light. (iPhone5)
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“Golden Lady Fountain”
I was lucky to have my umbrella-holder with me: the rains came down as I tried to get an angle I liked on the ornate golden statue of the Madonna in front of the Baroque Einsiedeln Abbey.
Golden Crown
No photos are allowed inside, so you have to imagine the elaborately dressed Black Madonna in her Chapel of Grace – or look up a stock photo. The current statue – one of about 400–500 Black Madonnas in Europe – was brought to Einsiedeln in 1466. Her colour is said to be from years of candle smoke.
Einsiedeln Abbey
The abbey complex is huge, and houses a monastic community, an extensive library, and even a stables. It is still an important pilgrimage stop on the Way of St. James.
Signposts
The weather was a beautiful contrast the next day – perfect for starting a hike to one of the many designated points in the surrounding Swiss Alps.
Dogs on the Hill
There were plenty of companion animals out waiting for their owners in the fresh air.
View from Bachtelturm
Bachtel Tower is a 60 m (200 ft) tall radio tower. The viewing platform half-way up yields panoramic views over the countryside.
Shingled Rooftops
Early afternoon back in Rapperswil, we enjoy more wonderful views: this time over the old city from the Lindenhof – the Linden Courtyard.
Linden Leaves
A native to Europe, the linden tree is highly valued in folk medicine. Its flowers, leaves, and bark are all used in herbal infusions.
Lindenhof
These beautiful spreading deciduous trees give this vantage point over Rapperswil its name: the Linden Courtyard.
Down through the Vines
Steep staircases lead down from the courtyard through the grapes to the rose garden below.
Old World Ivy
Angel Watching over Fallen Brothers
Part of the way down the hill, the Capuchin Friary, established in 1606, sits overlooking Lake Zurich.
Antoniusgrotte – St. Anthony’s Grotto
Votive candles are the only light inside the grotto dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua.
Rapperswil Roses
Along with the grotto, the rose gardens of the Kapuzinerkloster – the Capuchin Monastery – are a popular pilgrimage destination.
Trellises – Rosengarten
From the rose gardens, we can look back up over the vines to the towers of the Rapperswil Castle.
House Front : Hintergasse
Hauptplatz to the Castle Clock Tower
The old streets up to the castle are charming.
“Swiss Cheese”
The Stadtmuseum (City Museum) Rapperswil-Jona is located across three medieval buildings dating back to 1492 and joined together with an extension called “Janus”. The modern space, completed in 2011, makes me think of player pianos and Swiss cheese.
The thought of Swiss cheese made me hungry. It was definitely time for afternoon coffee!
And, as is the case in most parts of Europe, the coffee shops were ready with their fragrant brews to revive us.
Perfect.
Until next time!
Pictures: 03-04August2014
[…] WaterfrontWe, however, are crossing the lake the long way: by boat. On the harbour, we get a lovely view of the ships in the port, the beautiful old buildings dating back to the 1200s, and the castle at the top of the hill that we walked around on another day (see: The Roses of Rapperswil). […]