Visitor Information Tourist Service at Zürich’s Main Railway Station
Attractions Main Attractions & Events
Summer in Zürich refreshing – diverse – sportive
Culture in Zürich classy – entertaining – versatile
City Life in Zürich colourful – exclusive – enjoyable
Nature in Zürich natural – relaxing – close
Three churches shape the face of Zürich’s old town: the Grossmünster with its characteristic twin towers, Fraumünster, a former Benedictine monastery and the parish church of St. Peter, the first Protestant religious building in the city of Zürich after the reformation. All a pity to miss on a stroll through the old town!
Summer sees Zürich and its lake and riverside promenades pulsing with life! Here’s the spot where families indulge in the good life, the young and young at heart revive, and street artists and business bods come alive with outdoor life under the sun. With more than 40 bathing spots, 18 of which are open-air baths by the lake and river, Zürich prides itself in having the world’s densest number of places to enjoy a refreshing dip.
Zürich: a small place with a big name as one of the world’s cultural capitals. Over 50 museums in the city and nearby, as well as more than a hundred galleries are yours to enjoy here. Diverse cultural establishments in Zürich attract guests with the best of on-stage culture – and there’s plenty to discover and enjoy in the vibrant and constantly updated alternative scene as well.
Whether Swiss quality design, bitter sweet chocolate, exclusive watches or dazzling jewellery: you find it all in Zürich. From all imaginable international luxury brands to traditional businesses and Zürich’s creative urban designers - shopping here is pure inspiration for lovers of the exclusive, the fashion-conscious and trendsetters. Countless restaurants along the Limmat cater to all tastes and gourmet palates, and a variety of city nightlife invites the young and young at heart when the sun goes down.
Take a deep breath and enjoy nature – and in no time at all you can escape the hustle and bustle and escape to Zürich’s green oases, even if it is only for just a few hours! Woods, parks and the famous Zürich Zoo invite you to relax and share in the very best of nature at any time of year.
Zürich Tourism Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station CH-8001 Zürich Tel. +41 44 215 40 00 information@zuerich.com www.zuerich.com Opening Hours 1 May – 31 October:
1 November – 30 April:
MON – SAT 08.00 – 20.30 SUN 08.30 – 18.30 MON – SAT 08.30 – 19.00 SUN 09.00 – 18.00
Zürich Tourism Hotel Reservations +41 44 215 40 40 hotel@zuerich.com www.zuerich.com/hotel ZürichCARD Experience a lot for little money! As many public transport trips as you like anywhere in and around Zürich city, free entrance to most museums, 50% discount on public walking tours courtesy of Zürich Tourism, 10% discount in selective Zürich shops – 24 hours for CHF 24.00, 72 hours for CHF 48.00.
Shopping
Key Partners
Experience Zürich in:
Important Telephone & Emergency Numbers Fire Brigade: 118 Police: 117 Ambulance: 144
4hrs
Shopping on the notorious Bahnhofstrasse, great views over the city from the Lindenhof, a glimpse of the St. Peter church, which boasts Europe’s largest tower clock face, on via Paradeplatz to the Fraumünster with its famous Chagall windows, a quick detour to the lake and via the opera house and Grossmünster on through the old town and back to the station – a small and scenic round trip with some very popular sights.
24hrs
Following a stroll through the city, purest relaxation on a boat trip around Lake Zürich, eye-opening experiences in one of Zürich’s museums or a bird’s eye view of the so-called Zwingli city from the Uetliberg: Proposals for a day full of activity at even better prices with the ZürichCARD – and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the night and a stroll around the old town to discover the culinary scene, and don’t forget the trendy bars in the Zürich-West district.
72hrs
Shopping sprees on the Bahnhofstrasse, visits to the Kunsthaus museum of art, boat trips on Lake Zürich and healthy hikes to the Uetliberg – and when you’ve done all this it’s time for a spot of relaxation at Zürich’s thermal baths for example. Before three days are up a guided city walk could well be on the cards now – at half price with the ZürichCARD – followed by a dinner in one of the restaurants in the old town to round up a perfect stay!
City Map & Highlights For mor e informa tion visit zuerich.c om
Choice of Events in 2014
Cool open-air baths in Zürich city You don’t have to go far to take a plunge in Zürich – refreshingly different places to bathe are found all over town. Tried and proven to be most popular are for example the Strandbad Mythenquai, Flussbad Au in Höngg, Frauenbadi baths for ladies only on the Stadthausquai, Schanzengraben baths for men, riverside Oberer and Unterer Letten bathing spots in the heart of town, Sportbad Heuried with a 123 meter-long slide, Letzibad designed by Max Frisch, Art Nouveau-style Seebad Utoquai by the lake and secluded open-air baths near the attractive Katzensee lake just outside town.
All kinds of water sports Water-sports fans are spoilt for choice at Lake Zürich: Leisurely peddle-boat rides to explore the lake, sailing boats and courses for the more adventurous, and water-skiing, wake-boarding and wake-surfing for true sports fans. Whoever wants to explore the underwater world is in their element too, with daily diving courses in operation throughout the summer months – including rental gear if you don’t have your own. Stand-Up-Paddle is yet another trendy water sport, by which you paddle standing up straight on a long board – this not only sounds fun, but is a great fitness exercise as it requires plenty of balance!
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Exceptional sport’s event: 12th Zürich Marathon along the lake basin.
06.04
Sechseläuten
The Zürich guilds and entire population extend springtime a very warm welcome!
28.04
Ironman Rapperswil
Triathlon leading along the shores of Lake Zürich and on through the pre-Alps.
01.06
Zürich Festival
This year the festive event is dedicated to “Prometheus”.
13.06 –13.07
Zurich Pride Festival
Under the motto “Now more than ever!” LGBT people fight for their rights.
13 –14.06
il Tavolo
For the third time, the Zürich Food Festival invites you to Switzerland’s largest food Tavolata!
25 – 29.06
Zürich Festival
This year the festive event is dedicated to “Prometheus”.
until 13.07
Ironman Zurich
Impressive sporting event during which athletes cover more than 226 kilometers.
27.07
Street Parade
The world’s greatest Techno Party – all around the lake basin of Zürich.
02.08
European Athletics Championships
Around 1,400 athletes compete for medals at the Letzigrund stadium in Zürich.
12 – 17.08
Zürcher Theater Spektakel
International theater festival with plenty of restaurants, bars and lounges.
14 – 31.08
Weltklasse Zürich
The Letzigrund track and field athletics with extraordinary ambience.
28.08
Knabenschiessen
The notorious Zürich folk’s festival with shooting contest and large funfair.
13 – 15.09
Zurich Film Festival
Films, stars and starlets: Hollywood glamour along the Limmat.
25.09 – 05.10
freestyle.ch
Annual freestyle sporting event & popular meeting point for athletes and their fans.
27 – 28.09
Films, stars and starlets: Hollywood glamour along the Limmat.
until 05.10
June
Bahnhofstrasse The world-famous shopping mile lays on the same stretch where visitors would have witnessed the city’s protective moat a century and a half ago. The 1.4-kilometre-long street unites Zürich’s main train station with the lake. Department stores, trend brands, boutiques and jewellers all nicely lined up – and the further you venture towards the lake, the more exclusive the shops become. Centrepiece and heart of Bahnhofstrasse is Paradeplatz, surrounded by big banks and famous Confiserie Sprüngli.
Beautifully situated restaurants Directly by the lake, amid secluded gardens or with the best views over the city – such are the places that show Zürich from a very different angle: Fischer’s Fritz on the threshold to the city for one, followed by the Quai 61 or Lake Side directly on the shores of the lake. Those in seek of a verdant oasis in the heart of town can pay a visit to the Orangerie in the Enge district – or Baracca Garten by the airport – and the promise of stunning views over the city are enjoyed from the Waid or Uto Kulm.
Kunsthaus Kunsthaus Zürich is home to the most important collection of Zürich’s modern art, as well as one of Switzerland’s most significant art collections as a whole – ranging from 15th century masterpieces to contemporary works. Besides its permanent collection of art, it’s also known to be the place to view a number of exciting temporary exhibitions.
Old Town Trends and traditions come together in Zürich’s old town – with handicrafts, antiques, book and flower shops along with trendy stores, jewellery shops, Zürich brands and hairdressers dotted all over the place. A unique combination found only in the old town which, together with the picturesque alleyways, make Zürich’s Altstadt a matchless spot to shop around! Many of the businesses also look back at a longstanding tradition, such as the 140-year-old Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren family business.
Coffee Houses Zürich is a traditional spot for excellent coffee houses – the Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz, Café Schober or the Teecafé Schwarzenbach in the old town belong to the list of classics. Most popular are also Babu’s Bakery and Coffeehouse, Café Felix, Cakefriends, the Kafi Schoffel and history-steeped Cafébar Odeon. Simple, uncomplicated yet stylish cafés run by Zürich’s youth, such as the Café Zum Guten Glück, Kafi für Dich or the Kafi Schnaps are also trendy places – and their names say it all!
Boat Trips - from nostalgic steamboat to party boats Boat trips on the lake with Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft last from between an hour to as many as seven. The Limmat riverboats travel to and fro beneath seven bridges, and nostalgic steamboats or modern motorised boats run to the various lakeside stops as an attractive and convenient means of transport. How about a carefree hour with a short round trip on the lake or, if you have time for more, one of the longer four hour trips? A practical departure point for boat rides is the centrally located Bürkliplatz boat station – where party boats add to fun and adventure when night falls. From golden oldies with hits from the 80’s through to party, salsa and tango boats, there’s something for all tastes. For private boat tours we recommend the following boat rental addresses: Bootsvermietungen Lago Utoquai, Bürkliplatz, Enge and Pier 7.
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Opera House With a mere 1,100 seats, Zürich’s Opera House is viewed as one of the smallest of the great opera houses at an international level – with top-notch opera and ballet performances of highest artistic standards. In 2012, having shaped the face of the opera house over the past 20 years, Alexander Pereira stepped down as head of productions, leaving maestro Andreas Homoki to take the reigns.
Zürich-West & Aussersihl Creative ideas are met with open ears in Zürich. Particularly in the trendy Zürich-West and Aussersihl districts – where in many cases creativity has found a home in former factories as well as other extraordinary places. The “Freitag” brand is one such example, with cult bags stemming from a stack of containers and many other popular labels nestling in the nooks and crannies of Letten’s 36 viaduct arches – the surrounds of which also pave the way for a pleasurable stroll or bike ride.
Centre Elegant clubs with big names are found in the city centre – first and foremost the Kaufleuten club. But the Icon Club, tasteful Aura or the Club Jade have also made up a name for themselves as far as exclusivity is concerned. Just a few steps away from the station you come across the glamorous Amber, and Mascotte is the name to remember for uncomplicated celebrations. And if a cool drink on a hot day is all you’re after, the Rimini open-air bar is the place to be.
Schauspielhaus The Zürich theatre first made a name for itself owing to its controversial and often criticised programme during the Second World War. However, today it’s viewed as one of the most important German-speaking theatres attracting the masses with its varied programme and twenty to thirty new performances annually.
Seefeld The Seefeld district, on the right-hand side of Lake Zürich, is a popular spot to live, and correspondingly it is pretty exclusive. Clothing stores and boutiques, artistic handicrafts, jewellery and accessories, hairdressers and delicatessen shops all cater to good taste here – with a number of equally attractive restaurants and cafés inviting you to take a seat and breather!
Langstrasse A cultural melting pot and scene setter – with a mix of residential area, entertainment district and red light zone lending the Langstrasse its own special charm. Certainly worth a visit are the legendary Mata Hari Bar, dignified Acapulco meeting point and the Bar Rossi. Inside Revier – today a bar and club – the set-up reminds one of the days of cabaret. The downstairs Gonzo club is famous for its dance parties, and at the popular Plaza – once a cinema – today you find a club, bar and disco.
Tonhalle On the subject of acoustics, Zürich’s Tonhalle is hard to beat even as far as international concert halls go. Under star conductor David Zinman, the Tonhalle musicians have developed into one of Europe’s leading orchestras – with hundreds of talented musicians presenting over a hundred concerts per season and around fifty different programmes.
Markets & Souvenirs The “Im Viadukt” market hall offers fresh vegetables, bread, cheese and wines in the former railway viaduct. Additional farm-fresh produce is also available on Wednesdays at the BahnhofMarkt in Zürich’s main train station, or on Tuesdays and Fridays at the market on Helvetiaplatz. Schweizer Heimatwerk is the name to look for while in search of quality souvenirs or authentic Swiss crafts; Sprüngli, Läderach or Teuscher the names associated with finest Swiss chocolate and Helvetiaplatz or Bürkliplatz are the hot spots for flea markets.
Zürich-West From industrial to trendy entertainment district – in Zürich-West today you find restaurants, clubs and bars that have moved where factories left off. The popular Hard One, Escher Wyss and the Aubrey combine both club and lounge, and the Moods jazz club is the place to enjoy ever-returning artists and some great jazz names on the national and international scene. The Vierter Akt or Big Ben Pubs more than meet that real pub feeling and the Hive is the best address for fans of electronic music.
Winter in Zürich reflective – sparkling – enchanting
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July
August
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Schiffbau The upswing of the Zürich-West district began with the opening of the Schiffbau Cultural Centre in 2002, with galleries, restaurants and nightclubs soon to follow suit. Today, visitors witness a shrewd and sophisticated merge between old and new in the former historic shipbuilding halls with a branch of Zürich’s theatre, jazz club, restaurant and tower bar all yours to enjoy.
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Theaterhaus Gessnerallee Gessnerallee Zürich is the address for important productions and presentations able to compete on both national and international levels in the realm of performing arts. Here, theatre, dance, visual arts, music and more are all open to the public at the affordable price of solely 16 francs per person.
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October
City Tours Information, tickets & reservations at the Tourist Service inside the Main Railway Station
Time for contemplation: at the station, in Niederdorf, on the Bellevue Square and Werdmühleplatz.
In winter a blanket of reflective peace and tranquillity appears to reign over the otherwise busy streets of Zürich. Bahnhofstrasse is further embellished by a starry sky as Christmas lights sparkle above your head – and strolling between the many attractive Christmas market stands is an enchanting experience as you ponder over possible gifts to buy.
December
Stories of the Old Town A guided walk through the old town - and worthwhile journey of discovery for locals as well as visitors from near and far: Get to know Zürich’s past and present through a selection of buildings, stories and anecdotes.
Zürich & Surroundings Culture & Nature: Firs you visit the most important and popular sights of interest, followed by a ferry ride across Lake of Zürich and on up to the Felsenegg vantage point by cable car to enjoy some truly beautiful views.
Summer: daily
Daily
15.00
Christmas Markets
Time for contemplation: at the station, in Niederdorf, on the Bellevue Square and Werdmühleplatz.
New Year’s Magic courtesy of Zürich hoteliers
Switzerland’s greatest New Year’s Party with a gigantic fireworks display.
13.00
SAT, SUN 11.00 / 15.00
Winter:
WED, SUN 11.00 SAT
11.00 / 15.00
The Zürich Trolley Experience Exclusive tour of the city with the unique “Classic Trolley” passing many of Zürich’s top spots and places of interest. Detailed commentary in a choice of eight languages tells you a lot about Zürich.
The Best of Zürich Besides seeing Zürich’s most popular sights the guests can gather interesting facts about the famous Chagall windows of the Fraumünster Church – and also enjoy a Dolderbahn rail-ride to the Dolder vantage point.
Daily
Summer: daily
9.45 / 12.00 / 14.00
Winter: The Other City Tour From the up and coming ZürichWest district to the sweet side of life at the Lindt Chocolate Shop in Kilchberg, followed by a leisurely hour on the lake on a public boat back into the city. Return journey by bus in winter. MON-FRI
15.30
daily
Winter:
daily
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Casino American Roulette, Black Jack or Punto Banco – Switzerland’s largest casino causes hearts to beat faster! Visitors can try their luck at the spacious new Swiss Casino Zürich, on 3000 square meters, at 400 slot machines and 26 games tables. Following a pleasurable aperitif in the ambiance-packed lounge «faites vos jeux» is the name of the game!
Masoala Rain Forest The Masoala Rain Forest is part of the Zoo Zürich – and in this particular rain forest visitors immerse themselves in a real jungle ambiance comparable with Madagascar. Temperatures here range between 20 and 30 degrees all year round, with humidity constantly at around 80 percent. On the 11,000-square-meter area you can expect to see lemurs, bats, chameleons and a number of free flying birds.
Botanical Gardens A visit to the botanical gardens is worth it at any time of the year, whether as a passionate flower lover, out of botanical interest or to experience an attractive place to relax in. Around 9,000 different species of plants, of which many are in bloom at different times of the year, delight visitors here. An expansive stretch of grass together with a pond invites you to peace and tranquillity.
Bürkliplatz & Lakeside Promenade In-line skaters, bathing fans, market sellers and street artists love gathering around Lake Zürich basin during the summer months. Here’s the place to rejoice in annual markets and festive gatherings – while in winter the lakeside promenade is a less busy place to enjoy a casual stroll with great views of the snow-capped Alps on the horizon. Winter’s also the time of year to enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot “Schoggi” chocolate drinks or delicious mulled wine to warm your hands and soul!
Cable & Funicular Rail From the Römerhof stop in the Hottingen area the Dolder funicular railway connects to Dolder station at the top of Adlisberg at 606-meter altitude. The small and precious Polybahn is a funicular that runs from the city centre to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), it is known as the student express - and the Adliswil–Felsenegg cable car ascends a total 307-meter altitude climb in just five minutes.
Thermal Baths & Spa Zürich In Zürich’s thermal baths and spa you find yourself bathing amid the century-old stone vaults of the former Hürlimann brewery. From inside the mountain, the way leads up and out to the rooftop baths under the open sky with magnificent views over the city of Zürich. Fresh thermal water, full of precious minerals, stems straight from Zürich’s “Aqui” source. And the choice between the thermal baths world and the Irish-Roman spa ritual is yours and yours alone!
9.45 / 12.00 / 14.00 12.00
Arrival time for tours at least 10 minutes prior to departure please! Programmes may be subject to change; certain tours require a minimum number of participants.
Imprint Publication: Zürich Tourism, www.zuerich.com Print: gdz AG Print run: 400’000, © 2014 All rights by Zürich Tourism.
Museums Zürich proves that museums are not only something for adults! The small and charming toy museum presents a collection of European toys from the 18th to 20th century, the Nonam offers a glance at Indian and Inuit-Indian culture in North America, the tram museum delights kids with rolling “Cobralino”, and inside the Mühlerama you can feel things shake as well as feel the heat of the steam – a sure winner for all the family!
Rote Fabrik On the shores of Lake Zürich, the Rote Fabrik is the venue for alternative thinkers and cultural events. The old red brick factory – hence the name – works on current trends, lending a platform to a variety of creative artists and varied programme of events. Reasonably priced entrances and a place to relax together with good food and drink.
31.12 Gastronomy
Magical Christmas markets Meander through the colourful stands, admire the exhibits and breathe in the glorious scent of spices, teas and scented candles together with a taste of heart-warming mulled wine – Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Christmas market in Advent! Some of the best known Christmas markets are the Christkindli market in Zürich’s main station with the sparkling Swarovski Christmas tree, the Christmas market on Europaallee, «The Singing Christmas Tree» and the Christmas market on the Werdmühleplatz, the market held at Zürich Bellevue and last but not least the charming Christmas market in the old town. Several smaller Christmas markets are also held in other districts, for example Wollishofen or Wipkingen, where people love to gather for a friendly chat.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” Christmas lighting Zürich’s Christmas lighting lovingly named “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” brightens the winter mood with a sparkling sea of lights. Starting at the end of November the decorative lighting is on from 4 until 11 p.m. and in the mornings from 6.30 until 8 a.m. On festive days such as the 24th, 25th and 31st of December, as well as 1st January, “Lucy” beams down on you from above up until midnight. The approximately 1000-meter-long canopy of lights comprises 23,000 colourful LED lights that spread cheer and enchanting ambiance along the entire length of the notorious Bahnhofstrasse until the beginning of January. Come along and enjoy the bright side of life!
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Museum Rietberg Located in an attractive park by Zürich-Enge, the Museum Rietberg is the one and only museum for non-European culture in Switzerland. The internationally renowned collection includes art from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania.
Gourmet Zürich is an eldorado for lovers of stylish ambiance and tasteful cooking - whether on the Adlisberg, in The Restaurant of The Dolder Grand Hotel with views over the city, in the heart of town at the restaurant Pavillon of the Baur au Lac Hotel close to the lake – or fresh oysters and lobster served at the St. Gotthard Hotel, meals at the romantic Rôtisserie inside the Storchen Hotel, the haute cuisine of the Mesa or the creative cuisine of Didi’s Frieden – you’re spoilt for choice in Zürich!
Cabaret Voltaire Cabaret Voltaire in Zürich’s old town was the birthplace of Dadaism at the beginning of the twentieth century. At the same time, the rooms served as club, gallery, bar and theatre. And with the re-opening of the Cabaret Voltaire in October 2004 a new Dada era began. Today, it comprises an exhibition room and café, in which (neo-)dada-related events take place.
Classics Those who crave a taste of local specialities – such as the famous Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – and at the same time want to get to know the trendy hot spots to eat, should take a closer look at the following restaurants: the Zeughauskeller close to the Bahnhofstrasse, Brasserie Johanniter in the old town, Swiss Chuchi inside the Hotel Adler for Fondue or the legendary Kronenhalle – once upon a time a popular meeting point for musicians, actors, writers and artists.
Löwenbräu Areal An exciting complex and deft merge of old and new that’s found a home on the former grounds of a brewery in Zürich-West. A novel and worldwide unique building complex uniting commercial, private and public areas with contemporary art, galleries, private collections and institutions all under the same roof.
Guild Houses Guild houses in Zürich look back at a longstanding tradition – and each of the 26 guilds has its very own guild house, or lounge, which have often gained an excellent name as restaurants. The Zunfthaus zur Waag is one such example, the Zunfthaus zur Haue yet another or the Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten, Restaurant Weisser Wind, Zunft zum Weggen and Restaurant Zum Grünen Glas of the Riesbach guild.
Haus Konstruktiv Haus Konstruktiv is set in a former sub-station of the city’s electricity works – An establishment dedicated to the historical and thematic exploration of concrete art, conceptual art and, as the name suggests, constructive art. Exhibitions and presentations are made up of the in-house collection as well as loans.
Scene A classic in the trendy restaurant scene is the renowned Kaufleuten, close to Bahnhofstrasse, with a very extensive menu. The Iroquois is another popular meeting point in the Zürich Seefeld district serving a variety of burgers, fresh salads and wraps. The vegetarian Hiltl seldom needs a mention as it’s well known by vegetarians and equally as popular with others - and the Frau Gerolds Garten has developed into a hip meeting point in the urban Hardbrücke district of Zürich-West in no time at all!
10.15 / 13.00 13.00
Circle Tour Nostalgic trolley-bus ride and city tour from the Sihlquai bus station, followed by an hour-anda-half boat ride on the Lake of Zürich. Tour end at the Bürkliplatz harbour.
Summer: daily
Zoo Zürich Over 360 species and around 4,000 animals await being discovered at the Zoo Zürich – elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, tigers and a whole bunch of monkeys are just a few of the inhabitants at the zoo on Zürichberg. The carers who present the animals every day reveal much as they comment on the behaviour of the various species. Another great attraction is the penguin parade, when the temperature drops below 10 degrees in winter and visitors see the king penguins roaming the premises to pay visits to other animals in the zoo.
Family
November Christmas Markets
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Uetliberg Above the rooftops of Zürich reigns the Uetliberg – from the top of which you have beautiful panoramic views over the city and lake as far as the Alps. Hiking along the planet path to gain an exciting image of our solar system. In summer the Uetliberg is a popular destination for a number of signposted hikes and mountain bike stretches, and winter sees the very same stretches transformed into exciting toboggan runs.
Wellness
September
Zurich Film Festival
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Nightlife
April Zürich Marathon
Swiss National Museum Always worth a visit! The spectacular building built over a century ago appears somewhat like a fairy-tale castle from the outside, while inside it’s home to Switzerland’s largest collection of historic and culturally interesting objects. Several times a year changing exhibitions on cultural and historical subjects take place here – including the winning exhibits in connection with the annual “Swiss Press Photo” journalist awards.
Ice skating in Zürich and tobogganing on the Uetliberg As temperatures drop and Zürich turns into a winter wonderland, this is the time to put on your skates! With a visit to the Dolder ice rink for example – where you can slip and slide on 6000m2, this is Europe’s biggest open-air ice rink. And when temperatures really hit rock bottom you can even skate on some frozen lakes – the idyllic Katzensee lake to name just one. The Uetliberg reigns over Zürich’s rooftops at a height of 871m; from the summit of which you enjoy sweeping views from all angles over the lake and city as far as the Alps. November in particular appears to attract visitors here, as on a misty day you have marvellous views from the top while looking down over a blanket of fog. And naturally winter sees the hiking paths rapidly transformed into delightful toboggan runs!
Culinary Zürich in winter The Tirggel, also known as Züri-Tirggel, is a delicacy that solely Zürich’s city bakeries were permitted making until 1840. The sweet treat made of honey, flour and a combination of spices is just perfect for Christmas – although roasted chestnuts also go down well at this time of year. The edible chestnuts roasted over hot coals are found on many street corners - as a very welcome sight if you feel a bit peckish. For healthier appetites, and a good solid meal hot Swiss cheese in the form of Raclette and Fondue are great winter classics. And you don’t have to go to any of the many restaurants to enjoy these tasty dishes, as special fondue trams and fondue boat rides add to palatable pleasures!
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“Züri rollt”: free bike rental Exploring the city under your own steam and getting from A to B in record time? If the sound of this appeals to you then a rented bike is the thing for you! Robust city bikes are freely at your disposal all year round in the city of Zürich. On presenting valid personal identification together with a 20-franc deposit you’re able to rent bikes in diverse locations in and around Zürich.
Freestyle-Park For pros and novices alike – the Freestyle-Park Allmend is open to everyone. The street area with ramps, steps and walls – together with the pool area – invite you to plenty of practice! In case of bad weather, skaters, BMXers, micro-scooters, in-liners and other freestyle-sport fans can find cover indoors in the large 1000m2 freestyle hall which, together with the neighbouring Bike-Park, add up to be the largest facility of this kind in all of Europe.
City Parks Oases in Zürich – to picnic, relax and lay back and enjoy the sun! For example the Belvoir Park between the Enge and Wollishofen districts, the close-by Rieter Park, the Zürichhorn with its Chinese gardens, the Lindenhof with views over the old town, the natural Irchel Park with a lake, the Werdinsel island directly on the Limmat, the historical Bäckeranlage with ancient trees and, last but by no means least, the Josefwiese green with plenty of space for beach volleyball, Pétanque and BBQ spots.
Playgrounds Whether climbing, swinging or playing games, there’s no end of fun and games for kids on the playgrounds in Zürich. The Bachwiesen playground is equipped with a climbing tower, nets, ropes, wooden swings and curved slide; the Blatterwiese playground by Zürichhorn provides ample space for climbing, swings, slides, a sandpit and water game – and the Schindlergut neighbourhood park with sunbathing lawn, spacious playground and perfect spots to grill and picnic is ideal for the whole family.
City Woods Welcome places to keep cool in summer, bursting displays of colour in autumn, snow-covered fairy-tale wonderlands in winter and a breath of fresh air in spring – all found in Zürich, which is surrounded by woods! On Käferberg, Hönggerberg, Zürichberg, Uetliberg or Adlisberg you can enjoy all of this and there are no better places to indulge in sport, relaxation or a simple breath of fresh air!
Zürich Airport Observation Deck B Flying fascinates people of all ages – and on the Observation Deck B at Zürich Airport you can enjoy things up close. The walk-in tower permits a view inside the cockpit and pilots in action; medial binoculars known as Airport-scopes provide background information on points of interest at the airport, and small children can be a part of it all thanks to a mini-airport.
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Zürich Aviary A great attraction for passionate birdwatchers, locals and tourists. Some of the rarest bird species in Switzerland and the world have found a pretected place to nest in the Zürich Aviary. The approximately 111 exotic beauties are also intended to rekindle an awareness for the world’s natural bounty and the importance of preserving it. Close-by you also discover the Arboretum - a historic lakeside environment.