Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and boasts a history spanning over 2000 years. Consequently, the historical landmarks in Zurich are diverse and richly spread throughout the city. We would like to introduce you to the most important architectural structures, museums, and meeting points of this unofficial Swiss cultural capital.
GROSSMÜNSTER
These famous twin towers should be included on every postcard from Zurich, so we want to start with this attraction. According to legend, Charlemagne discovered the graves of city saints Felix and Regula and ordered a church to be built as a canonical monastery in Zurich's Old Town. Construction began around 1100. Ascending the Karlsturm tower of the Grossmünster church is especially worthwhile on a beautiful day – you will be able to savour the view from the top all the better.
LAKE ZURICH
Without a doubt, our next recommendation is also one of the most important and well-known sights of Zurich: Lake Zurich originates directly in the city and is therefore the most popular recreational destination for locals and city tourists. Why not stop by at one of the numerous restaurants or cafes on the shore and enjoy the view? The lake and its islands can also be explored from the water – a Lake Zurich boat trip is one of the city's classic sightseeing activities.
FRAUMÜNSTER
The Fraumünster is another sacred building you should absolutely visit on your sightseeing tour of Zurich. This Old Town church set next to a nunnery was founded in 853 by King Louis the German and was inhabited by women of the European high nobility. The colourful stained-glass windows are just as impressive as the organ, which is the largest of its kind in the Canton of Zurich with 5,793 pipes.
NATIONAL MUSEUM ZURICH
The National Museum Zurich is the most popular museum of cultural history in Switzerland and boasts the country’s largest collections of art and cultural history artefacts. Various special exhibitions make a visit to the museum particularly appealing and the central location directly behind the main train station is definitely a big plus.
OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH
Of course, musical highlights can be found in Zurich as well. The Zurich Opera House, then called “Actien-Theater”, opened in 1834 with the premiere of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Today, after a renovation from 1982-1984 and the construction of an additional building at Utoquai, the Opera House holds about 1,100 visitors. Each year, the in-house orchestra Philharmonia Zürich performs more than 250 ballets and operas.