Unwind and soak up some pure silence in the world's quietest city, which is just a stone's throw from the UK. There's nothing worse than going on holiday for a week of rest, only to realise you've managed to pick a hotel in party central. If you're sick of hearing drunken tourists stumble home, or families rowing, it might be time to ditch the annual trip to Tenerife and give another destination a try. Switzerland may not be the first place you think about for a quiet weekend trip - well known for its huge ski resorts and luxury chalets scattered in the alps. However, there is a much less active and wild side to the country...
A study conducted by Mimi Hearing back in 2017 gathered hearing test data from more than 200,000 participants, as well as statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the SINTEF report on noise pollution. It ranked Zurich - the largest city in Switzerland - as having the least incidence of noise pollution while Guangzhou, in China, had the highest.
"Lake Zurich is very clearly a call to relaxation," says travel brand EnVols. "A peaceful stroll along its shores, on foot or by bike, is the perfect way to take in the shimmering waters. Weather permitting, a cruise on the lake will also provide an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. With an environment so conducive to tranquillity, it's a good thing that Zurich is a city and its residents are keen to limit noise pollution.".
