Welcome to our VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N. 40!
Often overshadowed by the excitement of June’s festivities and the looming back-to-school frenzy, July simmers with potential. With extended daylight hours and a relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect time to spark a new passion, reconnect with nature, or finally chip away at that language-learning goal you’ve been meaning to tackle.
Embrace the sunshine and let July be your launchpad for exploration and discovery. VOX-Sprachschule, is here to support you on your journey, whatever that may be. Make the most of your summer by enhancing your language skills with our convenient 15-minute WhatsApp lessons—a perfect way to practice and learn on the go!
July is more than just a month; it’s a vibrant invitation to explore, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
VOX Quiz:
🗣️This Sino-Tibetan language is tonal and uses both simplified and traditional characters. Identify the language.
a) Tibetan
b) Cantonese
c) Mandarin Chinese
d) Dzongkha
🇨🇭Which Swiss city is known as the “Silicon Valley of Robotics” due to its significant contributions to robotics research?
a) Lausanne
b) Zurich
c) Geneva
d) Lugano
(Keep scrolling for the answer)
FESTIVALS
Music Festivals
Shake your tail feather at Switzerland’s sizzling summer music scene! From electrifying beats to smooth jazz, there’s a festival to ignite your musical soul:
– Caliente, 5 – 7 July
– Openair Frauenfeld, 11 – 13 July
– Paléo Festival Nyon, 23 – 28 July
– Moon and Stars, 11 – 13 July
– Gurtnefestival, 17 – 20 July
Montreux Jazz Festival
Tap your toes and practice your French at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival! Soak up the charming atmosphere of Montreux and pick up some French – it’s the perfect way to add another dimension to your festival experience!
WHEN > 5 – 20 July
WHERE > Montreux
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Open-air cinema
This July, the Zurich Allianz open-air cinema returns, transforming the lakeside into a spectacular open-air movie theatre. For several weeks, audiences can flock to this scenic location to enjoy a unique cinematic experience under the twinkling night sky.
WHEN > 18 July – 18 August
WHERE > Zurich
Vitaparcours
Zurich vitaparcours offers a network of fitness trails. Work out for free, whenever you choose, and enjoy the invigorating fresh air while getting fit amidst stunning scenery. You can also personalise your workout and discover trails near you with the vitaparcours app.
WHERE > Zurich or throughout Switzerland
Pop-Up Glamping
Trade the city lights for alpine nights! TCS Pop-Up Glamping whisks you away to a luxurious escape in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Reconnect with nature in style in a comfortably furnished tent. The surrounding area brims with activities, catering to all interests.
WHEN > summer 2024
WHERE > Flims Laax
Europa-Park
Europa-Park is now even more accessible with the introduction of train connections. For the first time ever, the direct train service whisks you straight from Basel to Europa-Park. Skip the traffic jams and arrive refreshed, ready to conquer thrilling rides – all while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
WHEN > weekends
WHERE > Basel SBB
Summer Badis
Chill out and soak up the summer vibes with a refreshing dip in Zurich’s many swimming spots. Float in the calm waters of local lakes, feel the current in the cool rivers, or unwind at a public pool. For a more adventurous splash, consider joining the annual Zurich Lakecrossing – a thrilling open-water swim experience!
WHEN > until October 2024
WHERE > Zurich
FILMFLUSS
As twilight paints the sky and the last swimmers depart, Flussbad Unterer Letten undergoes a magical metamorphosis. The tranquil bathing area transforms into a captivating open-air cinema, where a diverse selection of films comes alive under the enchanting Swiss night sky.
WHEN > until 28 July
WHERE > Flussbad Unterer Letten
Street Food Festival
Dive into the vibrant world of street cuisine at the Zurich Street Food Festival which offers a spectacular array of international dishes and drinks by the lakeside, providing the perfect setting to enjoy good food and great company.
WHEN > 11 May – 18 June
WHERE > Zurich
Greisinger Museum
The Greisinger Museum, welcomes enthusiasts into the fantastical world of Middle-earth. Home to the world’s largest and most significant collection dedicated to Middle-earth, the Greisinger Collection includes an extensive array of art, literature, and collectables.
WHEN > Open Year-Round
WHERE > Jenins
WOW City Rally
The WOW Outdoor City Rally transforms Zurich into an interactive playground, where teams navigate through the city, uncovering optical illusions and tackling diverse challenges. It blends exploration with creativity, offering a unique way to discover Zurich’s most picturesque corners.
WHEN > Available Daily
WHERE > Starting from WOW Museum
Parks and Gardens
Zurich is home to around 70 parks and green areas, which offer places for people to meet, relax and enjoy themselves and their food. There are lots of benches, trees, and grassy spots for a picnic or gathering with friends.
WHERE > Zurich
MUSEUMS
More Than Gold
This new exhibition unveils the rich cultural heritage and artistry of pre-Hispanic Colombia. With around 400 pieces, many for the first time in Switzerland, it highlights indigenous perspectives on cosmology, nature, and materiality in collaboration with LACMA and the Arhuaco community.
HEN > until 21 July
WHERE > Museum Rietberg
Museums After Work
For those working full-time and looking to explore art and culture beyond regular hours, Zurich’s museums offer extended openings. Enjoy evening visits to a variety of museums with hours extending until 7 pm or later!
WHEN > Various evenings throughout the week
WHERE > Multiple locations across Zurich
Exploring Life’s Tapestry
This exhibition showcases the intricate beauty of biodiversity. From the colourful array of insects and plants to the exploration of ecosystems and genes. Explore nature’s wonders and the critical conversation on conservation efforts.
WHEN > until 14 July
WHERE > ETH
Pierre Gianadda Foundation
The renowned Pierre Gianadda Foundation is a hub of cultural and historical exhibits including a Gallo-Roman Museum, an Automobile Museum, and a vibrant Sculpture Park.
WHEN > Open hours vary by season
WHERE > Martigny
Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
Yearn for a simpler time? Step back in time and experience life as it once was at the Ballenberg Open-air Museum. Imagine a world without electricity, technology, or cars – a world where knowledge is passed down through generations is a hands-on experience.
WHERE > Brienz
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Leonardo da Vinci
Journey back to Renaissance Florence at this exhibition, which traces Leonardo da Vinci’s early life and apprenticeship with master artist Andrea del Verrocchio. This exhibition highlights his initial artworks and the development of his unique perspective on nature, revealing the early brilliance of a universal genius.
WHEN > until 20 October
WHERE > Lichthalle MAAG
CITY TOURS
Cityillusion
Zurich is a city with a rich history and culture that can now be explored in an entirely new and exciting way. Take a VR city tour and explore the different places in Zurich while meeting famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Katharina von Zimmern. Gain insight into the lives of several influential historical figures and discover the city in an interactive way.
WHERE > Zurich
SCIENCE
Experience the Zurich night sky
The guided tours in German at the observatory beneath its imposing oak dome, provide visitors with an understanding of astronomy and reveal fascinating details about the cosmos.
WHEN > selected dates each month
WHERE > Sternwarte Urania, Zürich
VOX Quiz Answers:
- c) Mandarin Chinese. Both simplified and traditional characters are used for writing Mandarin Chinese.
- a) Lausanne. While both Zurich and Lausanne are important hubs for robotics in Switzerland, Lausanne is particularly known for its focus on robotics research.
Thank you for reading the VOX Cultural Digest.
Here’s to exploring and learning new languages!
