How long does it take to walk through Zürich West?

A standard self-guided walk takes between 2 to 3 hours. The distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers, but you will likely want extra time to browse the shops at IM VIADUKT or grab a drink at Frau Gerolds Garten.

Is Zürich West worth visiting if I only have one day?

Yes, if you want to see a side of Zurich that isn't the Old Town. It provides a sharp contrast to the traditional sights and offers great photo opportunities like the FREITAG tower and the Viaduct arches.

Can I do this self-guided walk on a Sunday?

You can walk the route and see the architecture, but most shops at IM VIADUKT and the FREITAG store will be closed. Some restaurants and Frau Gerolds Garten may still be open, but the vibe is much quieter.

Is the Zürich West walking route family-friendly?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The route is flat and stroller-accessible, and spaces like Frau Gerolds Garten have a relaxed atmosphere that children enjoy. The FREITAG tower is also a hit with older kids and teens.

Where does the Zürich West walk start?

The walk typically begins at IM VIADUKT, which is easily reachable by tram to the Dammweg stop or by taking the train to the Hardbrücke S-Bahn station.

What are the must-see landmarks in Zürich West?

The key landmarks include the FREITAG Flagship Store (made of shipping containers), the IM VIADUKT arches, the Prime Tower, and the Schiffbau cultural center.

Are there good places to eat along this walking route?

Absolutely. The Markthalle at IM VIADUKT offers fresh local food, Puls 5 has several cafes, and Schiffbau houses the famous LaSalle restaurant. For something more casual, Frau Gerolds Garten is perfect for outdoor snacks.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the polished bank facades of the city center and discover the grit and glamour of Zürich West. This self-guided walk explores a district that has undergone one of Europe's most dramatic urban transformations. Once a soot-stained industrial zone filled with foundries and shipbuilding factories, Zürich West is now a vibrant hub of creativity, architecture, and nightlife. As you follow this walking route, you will witness how the city has breathed new life into its 19th-century skeletons, turning railway arches into boutiques and old steel mills into world-class theaters. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of modern Zurich: a place where the industrial past is not demolished, but celebrated through innovative design. Throughout your self-guided adventure, you will encounter landmarks like the IM VIADUKT, where local artisans occupy the spaces beneath active train lines, and the Prime Tower, a shimmering glass monolith that redefined the city's skyline. You will also explore the roots of Zurich's sustainable fashion at the iconic FREITAG tower and soak in the community atmosphere of urban gardens nestled between container towers. This walking tour Zurich offers a look at the city's 'cool' side, perfect for those who appreciate street art, industrial heritage, and the intersection of history and modernity. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to see where the locals hang out, this route provides a comprehensive overview of Zurich's creative heart. You can explore at your own pace, stopping for a coffee in a repurposed factory or browsing unique design shops along the way. While many visitors stick to the Old Town, this neighborhood stroll reveals the urban grit that makes Zurich a truly multi-faceted destination. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

IM VIADUKT: A vibrant market and shopping street built into 19th-century railway arches.

Schiffbau: A massive former shipbuilding factory turned into a cultural and theatrical powerhouse.

Prime Tower: Take in the architecture of Zurich's former tallest building and its green-tinted glass facade.

FREITAG Flagship Store: See the world's most famous recycled bag shop housed in 17 stacked shipping containers.

Frau Gerolds Garten: Experience a quirky urban garden and social hub built from repurposed materials.

Puls 5: Walk through a former steel foundry that now houses a massive industrial-chic plaza.

Tour Stops (6)

IM VIADUKT

Start your self-guided adventure at IM VIADUKT, a remarkable example of urban recycling. Built in 1894 to support the railway line, these 36 stone arches were once used for storage and workshops. Following a major renovation in 2010, they were transformed into a 500-meter-long shopping and cultural street. As you walk alongside the arches, notice how the historic masonry contrasts with the modern glass shopfronts. The highlight is the Markthalle, where local farmers and food producers sell artisanal Swiss products. It is a social cornerstone of the neighborhood, blending the utility of transport infrastructure with the charm of a local market. Look up and you might hear the rumble of a train passing overhead, a constant reminder of the area's ongoing industrial utility.

Schauspielhaus Zürich: Schiffbau

Standing before the Schiffbau, you are looking at a cathedral of industry. Until the 1990s, this massive hall was used by Escher Wyss to build ships—an ironic feat for a landlocked city. Today, it is one of the most important cultural venues in Zurich, housing three theater stages, a jazz club, and a high-end restaurant. The architects intentionally left the industrial character intact; the heavy steel beams, weathered brickwork, and vast open spaces serve as a backdrop for contemporary performances. It is a testament to Zurich's philosophy of 'preservation through use,' where the ghosts of the industrial past provide the energy for the city's artistic future.

Puls 5

Continue your neighborhood stroll to Puls 5, the former Giessereihalle or foundry hall. This is perhaps the most impressive interior space in Zürich West. Inside this steel-and-glass shell, you will find a 'building within a building' concept. The original industrial machinery and massive structural columns have been preserved, creating a cavernous plaza that now hosts shops, offices, and fitness centers. The sheer scale of the hall reflects the neighborhood's history as a powerhouse of the Swiss machinery industry. Take a moment to walk through the central hall to appreciate how the architects managed to make such a gargantuan space feel accessible and integrated into modern daily life.

Prime Tower

Look up at the Prime Tower, a symbol of Zurich's 21st-century economic shift. Completed in 2011, this 126-meter skyscraper was Switzerland's tallest building for several years. Its distinctive green-tinted glass changes hue depending on the light and the angle of your approach. The tower sits on the site of a former cogwheel factory, marking the transition of Zürich West from blue-collar manufacturing to white-collar services and tech. While the tower itself is a business hub, its presence has acted as a catalyst for the surrounding development, bridging the gap between the gritty industrial heritage and the sleek, modern city Zurich has become.

Frau Gerolds Garten

Just a short walk from the tower lies Frau Gerolds Garten, a modular urban oasis that captures the DIY spirit of the neighborhood. This space is intentionally temporary, built using shipping containers and recycled materials. It evolves with the seasons: in the summer, it's a sun-drenched beer garden with vegetable patches and small boutiques; in the winter, it transforms into a cozy fondue village. This site represents the 'interim use' movement, where vacant industrial land is given back to the community for social and creative purposes. It is a favorite local hangout and the perfect place to see the relaxed, informal side of Zurich life. Note that the layout and art installations here change frequently, reflecting the site's dynamic nature.

FREITAG Flagship Store Zürich

Your walking route concludes at one of the most photographed spots in the city: the FREITAG Flagship Store. This 26-meter-high tower is constructed from 17 rusted shipping containers, stacked precariously toward the sky. It is the ultimate monument to the brand's philosophy of upcycling. Inside, you will find thousands of unique bags made from recycled truck tarpaulins, bicycle inner tubes, and seatbelts. The store is not just a shop; it is a statement on sustainability and urban design. If you're feeling energetic, climb the stairs to the rooftop observation deck for a panoramic view of the railway tracks and the industrial landscape you have just explored. It is the perfect vantage point to reflect on the urban grit and chic transformation of Zürich West.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Zürich West route is widely considered the best for modern architecture. It features the Prime Tower, the repurposed Schiffbau, and the industrial-chic Puls 5, showcasing the city's transition from industry to high-tech design.