How long does it take to walk the Zurich chocolate route?

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The distance is roughly 3-4 kilometers if you include the detour to the Dolder Grand via the funicular.

Are chocolate shops in Zurich open on Sundays?

Generally, no. Most chocolate shops and retail stores in Zurich are closed on Sundays. The Sprüngli shop at the Main Train Station (HB) is a notable exception that remains open seven days a week.

Is the Zurich chocolate walk suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The route is mostly flat, and the stops involve sweets and interesting sights like the Dolderbahn funicular, which children usually enjoy.

Can I do this self-guided walk in the evening?

While the streets are beautiful at night, most chocolate shops close by 18:30 or 19:00. To taste the chocolates and enter the shops, it is best to complete the walk in the afternoon.

What is a Luxemburgerli and where can I find them?

A Luxemburgerli is a signature mini-macaron created by Confiserie Sprüngli. You can find them at their flagship store at Paradeplatz, which is a key stop on this walking route.

Is Zurich a walkable city?

Zurich is extremely walkable, especially in the City Center and Altstadt. The public transportation system is also excellent, making it easy to skip longer sections if needed.

What should I wear for a walking route in Zurich?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt. Zurich is stylish but practical, so smart-casual attire is perfect for visiting both chocolate boutiques and historic restaurants.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Zurich is a city that has perfected the art of indulgence. This self-guided walk takes you through the heart of Switzerland's financial capital, revealing that its true wealth is measured not just in gold, but in cocoa. While the city is globally recognized for its banks, its cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the history of chocolate production and refined confectionery. This walking route meanders through the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt and along the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, visiting legendary confectioners that have served royalty and modern artisans pushing the boundaries of taste. You will explore how Zurich became a global hub for sweets and learn about the pioneers who invented milk chocolate and the conching process. From the iconic Sprüngli at Paradeplatz, famous for its colorful macarons, to the boutique creations at Max Chocolatier, each stop offers a story of Swiss precision and luxury. Along the way, the route touches on local landmarks like the historic Zeughauskeller and the modern Europaallee, providing a full picture of the city's evolution. Whether you are a dedicated foodie or a traveler looking for a unique neighborhood stroll, this audio walk allows you to discover the sweet side of Zurich at your own pace, away from the constraints of a traditional guided tour Zurich might offer. Prepare to see the city through a lens of sugar, spice, and centuries of tradition.

Highlights

The legendary Luxemburgerli at Confiserie Sprüngli

Artisanal small-batch creations at Max Chocolatier

The world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, Haus Hiltl

Historic architecture of the former Mimi cinema at Ruby Mimi

The panoramic luxury and history of The Dolder Grand

Visual displays of 'Fresh Chocolate' at Läderach on Bahnhofstrasse

Tour Stops (15)

Ruby Mimi Hotel & Bar

Start your self-guided adventure at the Ruby Mimi Hotel. This building holds a special place in Zurich's cultural history; it was once the 'Du Pont' cinema, one of the city's first movie theaters. Today, the hotel retains a 'Lean Luxury' vibe with a cinematic theme that pays homage to the early 20th-century entertainment era. As you stand here near the main train station, notice the blend of historic architecture and modern hospitality. This stop serves as the perfect gateway to the city center, setting the stage for a walk that explores the finer things in life, starting with the evolution of Zurich's urban social scene.

Läderach

Step toward the famous Bahnhofstrasse to find Läderach. This family-owned Swiss chocolatier, founded in 1962, revolutionized the industry with their 'FrischSchoggi' or fresh chocolate. Look through the windows at the massive, irregular slabs of chocolate embedded with whole nuts, dried fruits, and spices. Unlike traditional boxed pralines, this chocolate is meant to be broken by hand and enjoyed immediately. The Läderach family actually invented a new process for creating thin-walled hollow balls for truffles, which changed how chocolates were manufactured globally. It is a testament to the Swiss spirit of innovation—always looking for ways to make perfection even better.

Confiserie Madeleine

Confiserie Madeleine represents the smaller, artisanal side of Zurich's sweet scene. In a city dominated by giant chocolate brands, boutique shops like this maintain the personal touch of a master confiseur. Here, the focus is on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients sourced locally. The shop is known for its elegant presentation and seasonal specialties. It's a reminder that in Switzerland, making sweets is considered a high art form, similar to watchmaking. Each praline is a result of meticulous craft, often requiring years of training to master the delicate balance of texture and flavor.

Haus Hiltl

A short walk brings you to Haus Hiltl, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant in the world, established in 1898. While it's not a chocolate shop, it is an essential stop on any food-themed walking route in Zurich. At a time when eating meat was a status symbol, the Hiltl family pioneered plant-based dining. Their success mirrors the Swiss commitment to quality and health. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for foodies, proving that Zurich's culinary history is as much about forward-thinking ethics as it is about indulgence.

Babu's

Babu's Bakery and Coffeehouse is a local favorite that captures the modern soul of Zurich's cafe culture. With its rustic-chic interior and shelves laden with homemade cakes and pastries, it offers a cozy contrast to the formal luxury of Bahnhofstrasse. This is where locals come to escape the bustle and enjoy a 'Kafi und Chueche' (coffee and cake). The atmosphere here highlights the shift in Zurich's social life—from the stiff formality of the past to a more relaxed, communal way of enjoying the city's sweet offerings. It's a great spot to observe the daily rhythm of the neighborhood.

Europaallee

Europaallee represents the newest chapter of Zurich's urban development. Located right next to the Central Station, this district was transformed from a former railway postal site into a sleek corridor of modern architecture, shopping, and education. It showcases the 'New Zurich'—cosmopolitan, efficient, and stylish. While the Altstadt focuses on history, Europaallee focuses on the future. As you walk through, you'll see how the city integrates green spaces and contemporary design into its dense urban fabric, creating a lifestyle destination that caters to the city's international workforce and students.

Restaurant Volkshaus

The Volkshaus, or 'People's House,' has been a cornerstone of Zurich's social and cultural life since 1910. Originally built to provide a space for the working class, it has hosted everything from political rallies to jazz concerts and art exhibitions. Its architecture is a fine example of the sober yet grand style of the early 20th century. Today, it houses a classic brasserie that remains a meeting point for intellectuals, artists, and locals. It serves as a reminder that Zurich's history isn't just about luxury and finance; it also has a deep-rooted tradition of community and social progress.

mit&ohne kebab

For a brief departure from the sweets, mit&ohne represents the modern, diverse culinary landscape of Zurich. This isn't your average kebab shop; it's a testament to how Zurich embraces international flavors with Swiss standards of quality. Using high-quality ingredients and creative twists, it has become a cult favorite in the Langstrasse area. It highlights the city's multiculturalism and the fact that Zurich's food scene is constantly evolving, blending traditional Swiss influences with flavors brought by its global community. It’s a savory pause in an otherwise sugary journey.

Frau Gerolds Garten

Located in the industrial-chic Zurich West district, Frau Gerolds Garten is a modular urban garden that changes with the seasons. In the summer, it's a vibrant beer garden with sun terraces and vegetable patches; in the winter, it transforms into a cozy wooden hut serving traditional cheese fondue. This site is a perfect example of Zurich's 'interim use' culture, where industrial areas are repurposed into creative community spaces. It reflects the city's quirkier, more relaxed side, proving that Zurich knows how to have fun in an environmentally conscious and artistic way.

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant

Heading back toward the Old Town, you find Swiss Chuchi, the first restaurant in the Altstadt to serve fondue to tourists back in 1953. While chocolate is Switzerland's sweet ambassador, cheese is its savory counterpart. The restaurant’s rustic Swiss chalet decor in the heart of the city offers a nostalgic look at Swiss traditions. Even the air here smells of melted Gruyère and Vacherin. It represents the 'Heimat'—the feeling of home and tradition that remains central to Swiss identity, even in a globalized city like Zurich.

Max Chocolatier

Max Chocolatier is the pinnacle of the 'Grand Cru' chocolate movement in Zurich. This family-run boutique focuses on small-batch production using only the finest natural ingredients. They are known for their seasonal collections, which change to reflect the flavors of the time of year. Each piece is handcrafted in Lucerne and brought to this elegant shop. Here, the chocolate is treated like fine wine, with an emphasis on the 'terroir' of the cocoa beans. It’s a must-visit for those who want to understand the modern, artisanal heights of Swiss chocolate making.

Zeughauskeller

Housed in a former armory built in 1487, the Zeughauskeller is a place where history and hearty food collide. The walls are decorated with medieval weapons and armor, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back 500 years. While it's famous for its Kalbsgeschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce), its presence on this route highlights the medieval roots of the city. The contrast between the rugged, stone-walled armory and the delicate chocolate shops you've visited illustrates the dual nature of Zurich: a city built on strength and defense that eventually became the world capital of luxury and sweetness.

Confiserie Sprüngli

No walking route of Zurich's sweets is complete without Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz. Established in 1859, this is the grand dame of Swiss confectioneries. It played a pivotal role in establishing Zurich’s reputation for chocolate. Sprüngli is most famous for its 'Luxemburgerli'—light, airy macarons that come in dozens of flavors. In the 19th century, this was the place to see and be seen for Zurich’s high society. Today, it remains an icon of quality. Standing here at Paradeplatz, surrounded by the world's biggest banks, you can see how chocolate and finance have grown up side-by-side in Zurich.

Vollenweider Chocolatier Confiseur

Vollenweider is another bastion of traditional Swiss confectionery. This family-owned business has been operating for generations, maintaining a commitment to hand-made excellence. They are particularly famous for their artistic pralines and their 'Giraffentorte.' Their presence near the Opera House adds a touch of culinary drama to the neighborhood. The shop’s dedication to preserving old-world techniques in a fast-paced world is a quintessential Swiss trait. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details of a single chocolate truffle.

The Dolder Grand

For the final stop, look up toward the Adlisberg hill at The Dolder Grand. While it requires a short ride on the Dolderbahn funicular to reach, it is the ultimate symbol of Zurich's luxury. Opened in 1899 as a 'Curhaus' (health spa), it has hosted world leaders and celebrities for over a century. The hotel's architecture, blending historicism with modern wings designed by Norman Foster, is breathtaking. Ending your journey here offers a panoramic view of the city and the lake, reflecting on the layers of history, from medieval armories to the world's finest chocolate, that make Zurich so unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the City Center focusing on the chocolate shops of Bahnhofstrasse and the Altstadt is ideal. This route covers iconic spots like Sprüngli and Läderach as well as the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, Haus Hiltl.