Zurich – Sights & Nature

Zurich is one of the most popular cities in Switzerland – and for good reason. It is the country’s largest city and its economic and financial hub, beautifully located on Lake Zurich and along the Limmat River.

Sights in Zurich

Visit Switzerland’s impressive financial center and admire its historic buildings. Stroll through the old town and explore the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Together with Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, the city offers a unique blend of nature, water and mountains.

Grossmünster

The Grossmünster is considered the symbol of Zurich. Its twin towers, including the famous Karlsturm, dominate the skyline. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass windows by Sigmar Polke, the Romanesque crypt, choir windows by Augusto Giacometti, bronze doors by Otto Münch and the Reformation Museum.

The stained glass windows by Sigmar Polke were added in 2009 and depict motifs such as the scapegoat and the Son of Man. The choir windows by Augusto Giacometti fill the church with soft colors.

Climb 187 steps to reach the viewing platform and enjoy panoramic views of Zurich’s old town and Lake Zurich.

Please note that construction work is planned from January 2025 until 2027, which may restrict access.

Fraumünster

The Fraumünster is a former women’s abbey and another landmark of Zurich. It combines history, art and architecture in a unique way.

Highlights include the Romanesque choir, the vaulted transept, windows by Augusto Giacometti and the famous stained glass cycle by Marc Chagall. Church music concerts are also held regularly.

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main shopping boulevard, connecting the main railway station with Lake Zurich. The Paradeplatz forms its heart and is also a key banking center.

Zurich Opera House

The Zurich Opera House is one of Europe’s leading cultural institutions, offering opera, ballet, concerts and youth programs at the highest artistic level.

Lindenhof

The Lindenhof is a peaceful green oasis in the city center, offering stunning views over the old town and serving as a popular meeting place for chess enthusiasts.

Nature around Zurich

Lake Zurich

Today, Lake Zurich is a popular leisure destination. Boat cruises, lakeside restaurants and swimming areas make it ideal for relaxation.

Nearby attractions include the islands of Ufenau and Lützelau, the town of Rapperswil, the Baroque church in Lachen and the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory.

Limmat River

The Limmat originates from the Linth River and is the main inflow to Lake Zurich. The Linth Gorge in the canton of Glarus is particularly worth seeing.

In summer, excursion boats even operate on the Limmat within Zurich, offering scenic city views.

Uetliberg

At 870 meters above sea level, Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain and offers breathtaking views over the city and the Alps.

The Uetliberg can be visited all year round – whether for hiking, mountain biking or sledding in winter.

Digital vignette: easy & convenient

Before traveling to Switzerland, make sure to obtain a digital vignette, which allows you to use the entire Swiss road network.

Order your digital vignette online, benefit from a simple booking process and avoid fines. Traveling should be easy!