Urania Observatory, Zurich
The observatory, or Urania Sternwarte, is named for the muse of astronomy from ancient Greece. The observatory's 50-meter (167-foot) tall tower catches your eye from nearly anywhere in Altstadt (Zurich's historic district). It was begun in 1899 and began service in 1907.
Inside the tower is a Carl Zeiss-designed, two-lens system refracting telescope, giving up to a 600-power magnification. The 5-meter long telescope is installed on a pillar foundation, which goes straight through the buildings to a vibration-free mount below. Although now well over a century old, the telescope is still considered a technical masterpiece. In 2007, for the observatory's centennial, the telescope was entirely restored by Carl Zeiss AG (the company named after Carl Zeiss) in Germany.
Not only will you see the moon, planets of the Solar System, stars, nebulae, and galaxies, but you'll also be treated to a spectacular view of the city. Guided tours are available on Friday and Saturday evenings, and they host special events throughout the year. There's even a restaurant and bar on-site.
Inside the tower is a Carl Zeiss-designed, two-lens system refracting telescope, giving up to a 600-power magnification. The 5-meter long telescope is installed on a pillar foundation, which goes straight through the buildings to a vibration-free mount below. Although now well over a century old, the telescope is still considered a technical masterpiece. In 2007, for the observatory's centennial, the telescope was entirely restored by Carl Zeiss AG (the company named after Carl Zeiss) in Germany.
Not only will you see the moon, planets of the Solar System, stars, nebulae, and galaxies, but you'll also be treated to a spectacular view of the city. Guided tours are available on Friday and Saturday evenings, and they host special events throughout the year. There's even a restaurant and bar on-site.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zurich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Urania Observatory on Map
Sight Name: Urania Observatory
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Zurich, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Zurich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zurich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walk
The Old Town, or Altstadt (in German), is the historic heart of Zurich which beats on both sides of the Limmat River that runs through it. "Zurich is a city, but Altstadt is a village" – this saying reflects the charming, small-town feel of Old Town Zurich, which stands in contrast to the more modern and cosmopolitan areas of the city.
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Zurich Introduction Walking Tour
Walking around Zurich is a walk through history. The city was first officially settled by the Romans in 15 BC, who called it Turicum. But there were earlier inhabitants–evidence has been found of settlement that dates back more than six millennia. One of the oldest parts of town is Lindenhof Square, an elevated hill that was one of the earliest sites.
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Zurich Gourmet Tour
Apart from its high-quality watches, Switzerland is famous for its unique delicacies. The secrets of their making have been preserved for centuries and passed on from father to son. In this respect, it is not at all surprising that a global banking and financial center such as Zurich can be also a haven for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights. On this self-guided walk, we invite you to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Zurich Souvenir Shopping
Zurich has no shortage of tourists, and when it comes to souvenirs, there are plenty of options available.
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Zurich's Historical Churches Tour
The history of Christianity in Zurich is duly reflected in the local churches, found here in abundance. Indeed, Christianity has been the dominant religion of Zurich for many centuries. And while, historically, the city was a center of the Protestant Reformation, today it is home to both Catholic and Protestant communities.
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Distinctively Swiss Things to Buy in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and although it may feel like a bustling metropolis, the tranquil essence of the Alps flows fervently through the lively cobblestone streets, the buzzing train station, and the frenzied designer boutiques. Most shops in downtown Zurich open at 9 am and close...