Zurich in the Middle Ages: A Dark History Walking Tour
About the Tour
Behind Zurich’s beautiful churches, guild houses, and cobbled streets lies a darker past. On this walking tour, you'll investigate the hidden stories of medieval Zurich. You'll uncover witch trials, public executions, religious persecution, political conspiracies, devastating fires, and the legends that shaped the city.
The tour starts at Weinplatz, you'll walk through Zurich’s Old Town and visit places connected to accused witches, powerful mayors, rebellious guilds, and persecuted religious minorities. Along the way, you'll learn how fear, superstition, and the struggle for power influenced everyday life in medieval Zurich. You'll also hear the stories behind some of the city's most famous legends, including the city's patron saints Felix and Regula, Charlemagne, the glowing deer of the Fraumünster, and the brave women said to have saved Zurich from invasion.
During this two-hour tour, you'll have a chance to:
- Discover where Zurich's witch trials were conducted and how the accused were punished
- Hear the story of Wackerbold, the baker who allegedly burned down much of medieval Zurich
- Visit the heart of Zurich’s medieval Jewish quarter and learn about the tragic pogrom of 1349
- Follow the rise of Rudolf Brun and the bloody events of Zurich’s famous Murder Night
- Explore the places associated with the Reformation and the persecution of the Anabaptists
- Learn the legends of Felix and Regula, Charlemagne, and the glowing deer of the Fraumünster
- Visit Lindenhof, where Zurich’s most famous story of civic courage is said to have unfolded
This tour reveals a side of Zurich few visitors ever discover. Behind today's peaceful streets lies a history filled with power struggles, faith, legends, courage, and some of the darkest chapters the city has ever experienced.
Tour Producer
YOUplore
YOUplore is a creative duo from Zurich, Switzerland, passionate about exploring true crime, history, architecture, art and entertainment. We love blending these worlds in our tours to create unique, immersive experiences that do not just inform, they captivate, engage, and inspire.
At the heart of YOUplore are two dedicated people with diverse backgrounds that make our tours authentic and rich:
She is a dynamic woman with a colorful life journey. She used to DJ and organize parties for years, led a sports association, and took a winding path, from training as an architect, to IT and HR roles. She also lived abroad for two years. Her passions include music, sports, and psychology, which help her weave gripping stories and lead groups with energy and flow.
He is an experienced entrepreneur who built and successfully ran a small to medium business. He has served as vice president and treasurer in various organizations. His interests range from music and sports to chess, travelling and cooking, skills that fuel creative ideas and flawless organization.
We met abroad at a festival, bonded over our shared love of music, and the rest is history.
We are passionate travelers who have already seen half the world, from exotic metropolises to hidden gems, and we bring those adventures into our tours. Yet our roots are firmly in Switzerland, especially our beloved Zurich, whose history and unique vibe we bring to life with true insider knowledge.
At YOUplore, it is about much more than sightseeing. We mix solid facts with storytelling, interactive elements, and personal anecdotes to create unforgettable moments. We believe a local guide brings out the very best in any trip, whether in person on site or through headphones on a self guided audio tour.
In an age where information is everywhere, the real details and truths often get lost. Whether you want to dive into Zurichs darker true crime side, uncover hidden historical secrets, or discover stunning architectural masterpieces, our tours are tailored for curious minds seeking something extraordinary.
Join us to explore Zurich and beyond together!
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Preview Location
Location 14
Untere Zäune (Hexen 2)
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Claudia: About 60 years after the first witch trial, Agatha Studler, Zurich's richest woman, lived here, at number one at the ...
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Major Landmarks
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Storchen Zürich - Lifestyle Boutique Hotel
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Zürich's Town Hall
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Schauplatz Brunngasse
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Cabaret Voltaire
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Grossmünster
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Krypta und Märtyrerstein in der Wasserkirche Zürich
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Fraumünster
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Bahnhofstrasse
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Lindenhof
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Lindenhof Keller (Archäologischen Fenster)
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationWeinpl. 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland -
Total distance3km -
Final location3, Zürich, Switzerland -
Distance back to start location241.81m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour starts at Weinplatz, one of Zurich’s oldest and most picturesque squares in the heart of the Old Town.
The easiest way to get there is by tram. Take tram line 4 or 15 and get off at Helmhaus, or take tram line 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 13 and get off at Paradeplatz. From either stop, it’s only a short walk to Weinplatz.
Once you arrive, look for the Winzerbrunnen (Wine Grower Fountain) in front of the historic Hotel Storchen. This is where your medieval journey begins.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Grossmünster: Worth a visit, especially if you go up the tower for a small fee and enjoy the beautiful view over the city.
Fraumünster: Visit Münsterhof and take a look at the beautiful murals.
Cabaret Voltaire: Experience a little bit of Zürich’s Dadaist history at Cabaret Voltaire.
Bahnhofstrasse: Do some shopping along Zürich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse.
Niederdorf: Stroll through the charming narrow streets, stop for lunch or dinner, or browse the many speciality shops.
Wasserkirche: Visit the church and its crypt, where you can see the martyr stone..
Best time of day
The tour is best done during daylight hours. However, it is also possible to do it in the evening after sunset. We do not recommend doing the tour at night—not because it is dangerous, but because public transportation to the starting point may not be available, and some alleys may be closed during the night.
Precautions
Zurich is built on several small hills, so the tour involves some uphill and downhill walking. However, the inclines are generally gentle and should not be too demanding.
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