Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich

4.7
(14 reviews)

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1 to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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
There will be no live guide. Instead, you'll explore the city using the link provided after booking
If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Paradeplatz

At the designated meeting point, there won't be a live guide present. We invite you to commence this self-guided tour using the link provided at the time of booking.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 1 to 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Absorb the poignant stories of the tortured witches of Zurich and immerse yourself in the narrative of Elsbeth, enduring fifteen days of torment.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Marvel at the majestic Fraumunster Church, renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Discover the Water Church and delve into the legend of Felix and Regula, beheaded for their unwavering Christian beliefs.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

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

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Navigate Kirchgasse, where ancient guidance on witch recognition and torture once thrived. Uncover the chilling details of this historical advice.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Pause at the residence of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of her life story.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Discover the former place of pillory.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    See the house of the judge working during the peak of the witch-hunt and learn his revenge story.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11

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

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Encounter the Täufergedenkplatte memorial plate, a poignant reminder of executions by drowning.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Reach Rennweg and explore the house of a baker tasked with providing the "last sip" to those bound for execution.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 14

    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by myFive

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Crime Tours
Culture
Additional fees
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 14 14 reviews
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