Every June we take the same route to Zurich Pride, an event we always look forward to. The train ride from Lausanne has become a tradition in itself. We start a series, we laugh from the first scenes, and very quickly, Matthieu falls asleep against the window, lulled by the rhythm of the train. Meanwhile, I watch the landscape pass by, enjoying this calm and joyful beginning.
Over the years, we have tried different hotels, but one stands out as our favorite: the 25-hour Hotel Langstrasse (Langstrasse 150, 8004 Zurich). We love its location, a stone's throw from the station, in a lively and festive area. Free beers, a spa on the top floor and above all a terrace with a view of the railway tracks: there is something captivating about watching the trains come and go in the morning.
Saturday morning, things accelerate. In just twenty minutes each, a personal best, we put on our rainbow outfits. As always, the question arises: march or show? Ultimately, we do both. We dance behind the floats with the best music, we walk, we watch, we share some gin and tonics in cans.
The parade takes us to the Pride Village on the banks of Lake Zurich. The atmosphere is magical: colorful stands, friendly smiles, concerts and even free Swiss chocolate. Better yet, we meet our brothers in the crowd: Pride always has that mix of celebration, luck and warmth.
After a break at the hotel, we head to the official party in Samigo. Perched above the lake, it offers a breathtaking view. The music is blaring, the rainbow flags are flying and the atmosphere is wonderfully inclusive. We dance until late at night, our bodies tired but our hearts light.
The next morning we wake up slowly. From our room, we watch the trains rush past below, almost hypnotized. Zurich still shines in the colors of Pride, with rainbow flags flying all over the city.
Head to Kafi Dihei for a generous brunch. Matthieu opts for a “Waffle Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich”, a daily surprise creation – a bold mix of fluffy waffles and Korean fried chicken, sweet and savory, crispy and delicious, probably a temporary coffee special. After strolling around the city, you can't resist a swim. Head to Seebad Utoquai, with its wooden terraces and stairs leading directly to the lake. The water is perfect. We swim, float, enjoy the sun, before returning to the station.
On the train back to Lausanne, a quiet silence settles between us. We are tired but happy. Like every year, Zurich Pride offered us much more than just a weekend: it offered us a concentration of celebration, freedom and tenderness.