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Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich

9 Reviews 4.56 out of 5 stars Based on 9 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Zurich, Switzerland

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On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

1 to 2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

What do people usually say about Zurich? Switzerland's financial heart... The city of bankers and shoppers... The streets where everyone is in a hurry...

We invite you to get to know a radically different Zurich.

Think 500 years back and imagine a medieval city with medieval customs. An executioner lives somewhere nearby, across the street they are taking a woman suspected of witchcraft to prison, and not very far away the city council is deciding on how to execute the guy who stole four bags of salt.

Do you want to see and find out where people were tortured in Zurich and how, where the pillory was located and where executions took place? We will not only guide you through the key places associated with this dark side of the city, but also tell the true story of the real people. You will learn how stoically the beautiful Elsbeth, suspected of witchcraft, endured torture, how cruelly the maid Adelheid was executed, and how rich Agatha did not manage to escape a death sentence.

What's Included

  • Stories about how main sights of the city are related to witch-hunt and executions
  • Clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions
  • Qualitative audio guide recorded by a professional speaker with an amazing deep voice
  • You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
  • If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5
  • There will be no live guide. Instead, you'll explore the city using the link provided after booking
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Paradeplatz
8001 Zürich, Switzerland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Bahnhofstrasse
8001 Zürich, Switzerland

What To Expect

Paradeplatz

Begin your exploration at Paradeplatz, where the enigmatic world of witches and executioners unfolds. Delve into the history of a Zurich executioner's residence and grasp the nuances of their unique profession, including the intriguing details of their training.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Börsenstrasse

Stroll down Börsenstrasse, where the medieval executioners once resided. Uncover the secrets of the most "popular" execution methods, the executioner's salary, and the frequency of these somber events.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Limmat

Absorb the poignant stories of the tortured witches of Zurich and immerse yourself in the narrative of Elsbeth, enduring fifteen days of torment.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fraumunster Church

Marvel at the majestic Fraumunster Church, renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hans Waldmann Statue

Pause at the Hans Waldmann Statue, erected in memory of a historical figure executed in 1489. Learn the intricacies of his extraordinary life and demise.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wasserkirche

Discover the Water Church and delve into the legend of Felix and Regula, beheaded for their unwavering Christian beliefs.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grossmunster (Pass By)

Pass by the Grossmunster, a symbol of Swiss-German reformation and a cornerstone of Zurich's heritage.
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Kirchgasse

Navigate Kirchgasse, where ancient guidance on witch recognition and torture once thrived. Uncover the chilling details of this historical advice.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Untere Zäune

Pause at the residence of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of her life story.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Neumarkt

Discover the former place of pillory.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Obere Zäune

See the house of the judge working during the peak of the witch-hunt and learn his revenge story.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Zürich's Town Hall

Pause at Zürich's Town Hall to unravel the intricacies of medieval prosecution processes and see the square where death sentences were pronounced.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Täufergedenkplatte

Encounter the Täufergedenkplatte memorial plate, a poignant reminder of executions by drowning.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rennweg

Reach Rennweg and explore the house of a baker tasked with providing the "last sip" to those bound for execution.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Herkulesbrunnen

Conclude your journey at Herkulesbrunnen, where the condemned exited the city. Gain insight into the locations of burnings and hangings, bringing the haunting tales of Zurich's past to a close.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 13 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-310164P1

Reviews

4.56
9 reviews

Average 4.56 out of 5 stars based on 9 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Stories about how main sights of the city are related to witch-hunt and executions
  • Clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions
  • Qualitative audio guide recorded by a professional speaker with an amazing deep voice
  • You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
  • If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5
  • There will be no live guide. Instead, you'll explore the city using the link provided after booking

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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