Traveler's Guide: Buying Swiss-Made Products in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and although it may feel like a bustling metropolis, the tranquil essence of the Alps flows fervently through the lively cobblestone streets, the buzzing train station, and the frenzied designer boutiques. Most shops in downtown Zurich open at 9 am and close at 8 pm during the week. Souvenir and chocolate shops, along with the shops located in the main train station, often operate longer hours. There, you will find some of the items listed in this article fit to make you an ideal Swiss gift!

Everyone loves an adorable cuckoo clock and anticipating the tiny bird’s signal of the hour striking. Though most people may believe that the cuckoo clock is a German invention, the Swiss have contributed their own special touch to its design. Swiss cuckoo clocks differ from their German counterparts in a sense that they resemble a traditional wooden Swiss chalet. Some feature St. Bernard dogs, colorful flowers, and people dancing in traditional Swiss clothing. Swiss cuckoo clocks are specifically sought after for their high-quality craftsmanship, delightful music and, of course, irresistible charm. Clocks range in quality and price, from 392 to 925 CHF for wooden, handmade, pendulum-operated versions, or similar battery-operated ones for 365 CHF, available at Schweizer Heimatwerk. Less expensive clocks can be purchased from most souvenir shops in Zurich, including Teddy’s Souvenir shop at Limmatquai 34, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Teddy’s sells a pendulum-operated clock for as little as 32.80 CHF, and a mechanical 8-day clock with music for 2,000 CHF. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).