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    Zurich Spectacular Record Snowfall And Unique Frozen Lake Archives

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    Zurich Spectacular Record Snowfall And Unique Frozen Lake ArchivesZurich Spectacular Record Snowfall And Unique Frozen Lake Archives
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    Zurich experienced spectacular snowfall in January 2021. It covered the city with 30-50cm of snow in just a few hours.

    It looked stunning, photogenic, and very Alpine-like. The social media was full of dazzling photos that surely will go to the weather chronicles. That made me remember unique photo archives of people ice skating on the frozen Lake Zürich. I saw them in the book by Walter Baumann, Alfred Cattani, Hugo Loetscher, Ernst Scheidegger “Zürich zurückgeblättert 1870-1914 Werden und Wandel einer Stadt”. I also searched and gathered together other photo-records to share with you that rare lake condition.

    Seegfrörni 1891, Frozen Lake Zurich
    Seegfrörni 1891, Frozen Lake Zurich. The photo from the book by Walter Baumann, Alfred Cattani, Hugo Loetscher and Ernst Scheidegger “Zürich zurückgeblättert 1870-1914 Werden und Wandel einer Stadt”

    Zurich Winter Wonderland

    An interesting fact about Zurich is that the weather might change from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. From snowing to raining, depends on elevation. While the higher areas have some snow from time to time, it was unusual and exciting to see a puffy white blanket of snow enveloping the city centre.

    Winter Archives Of Frozen Lake Zürich 

    Lake Zürich (Zürichsee) is everyone’s favourite place to be during warm summer days. However, not long ago, it was also a popular place for ice skating during frosty winter. The lake has a max. length of 40 km; a max. width of 3 km and a max. depth of 136 m. Impressively, this massive amount of water can indeed be completely frozen.

    Throughout history, the lake has been frozen more than once. In fact, 25 times since 1223, with the latest freeze in 1963.

    Seegfrörni, Zürichsee, 1891
    Seegfrörni, Zürichsee, 1891. «Die Stadt Zürich»; Preuss-Verlag, Zürich 1896

    Around 1855, the first ice skates with steel skate blades replaced the wooden ones on Lake Zürich.

    Since then, the lake’s frozen shores have become one of the most popular meeting points for ice skating enthusiasts.

    The first widely photo-documented “Seegfrörni” (“lake freeze”) took place in 1891. Besides food, drinks and numerous selling stands, visitors could also enjoy toboggan riding, ice skating and horse sledging. For the first time, women were allowed to go on the ice with ice skates.

    Seegfrörni, Zurich Lake, 1891
    Seegfrörni 1891, Zurich Lake. The photo from the book by Walter Baumann, Alfred Cattani, Hugo Loetscher and Ernst Scheidegger “Zürich zurückgeblättert 1870-1914 Werden und Wandel einer Stadt”
    Seegfrörni 1891, Frozen Lake Zurich
    Seegfrörni 1891, Frozen Lake Zurich. The photo from the book by Walter Baumann, Alfred Cattani, Hugo Loetscher and Ernst Scheidegger “Zürich zurückgeblättert 1870-1914 Werden und Wandel einer Stadt”
    1891 "Seegfrörni" Zurich Lake
    1891 “Seegfrörni” Zurich Lake. Photo: ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv / Photographer: Unknown

    Another memorable “Seegfrörni” happened in 1963. Once again, citizens and guests of the city of Zurich could enjoy the frozen lake. However, we should not forget the police and the city engineering department’s hard work, who made it safe for citizens as well as rescued many lake birds. On February 10, 1963, over 150,000 people were on the ice, enjoying jazz music, hot-chestnut stands, grilled sausages, drinks and of course ice skating.

    "Seegfrörni" in 1963, Zurich Lake
    “Seegfrörni” in 1963, Zurich Lake. Photocredit: Peter Märki
    "Seegfrörni" in 1963, Zurich Lake
    1963 Seegfrörni, Zurich Lake. Photocredit: Peter Märki
    1963 "Seegfrörni" Zurich Lake, snowmobile
    1963 “Seegfrörni”, Zurich Lake. The snowmobile of lake police. Photo: Stadt Zürich, Sicherheitsdepartement, Erlebnisse rund um die Seegfrörni 1962/1963
    Frozen Zurich Lake (Seegfrörni), 1963
    Frozen Zurich Lake (Seegfrörni), 1963. Photocredit: Peter Märki

    Imagine, Street Parade atmosphere with rhythmic beating and yummy eating, but on the frozen lake. Incredible ice party!

    So, can we expect this thrilling phenomenon occur any time soon again? That really depends on particular weather conditions, but I really hope so.

    You might also be interested to check stunning photos of St. Moritz, and the world-famous events, like Snow Polo World Cup and White Turf, that take place on its frozen lake.

    Finally, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me -> GET IN TOUCH.

    BE HEALTHY AND WEALTHY! :)

    Yuliia Caliskan
    Yuliia Caliskanhttps://www.moname.ch/about-me/
    As someone deeply immersed in the marketing and PR industry, my journey has led me to the Content and Publication Director position at MonAme Magazine. Our magazine is dedicated to promoting sustainable travel, culinary excellence, and an active lifestyle. During my earlier professional years, I had chosen to become a medical doctor specialising in Dermatology. Even today, I remain passionate about the latest advancements in dermatology and cosmetology. My professional path has also taken me to the role of Communications Manager at a medical NGO, where I found immense fulfilment in contributing to the community dedicated to improving the lives of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. My diverse experiences fuel my motivation to make a positive impact and share inspiration for sustainable lifestyle.

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