The Dark Side of Zurich: Self-Guided Audio City Tour
Aussersihl, Zurich
Explore the dark side of Zurich as your audio guide tells you about medieval executions and witchcraft in the city. Listen to true stories of real people. Duration: from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Zurich Dark History Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore Zurich’s dark past on a self-guided audio tour, ideal for history enthusiasts interested in medieval executions and witch trials.
Highlights
- Learn about Zurich’s executioners and witchcraft trials through true historical stories
- Visit sites where death sentences were announced and carried out
- Enjoy a professional audio guide with clear explanations, photos, and detailed directions
Description
Start your tour at Paradeplatz by plugging in your headphones and using your smartphone to listen to the audio guide.
Discover where Zurich’s executioners lived and learn about their salaries. Visit the place where accused witches were tortured, including the story of a woman tortured 15 times over 26 days.
Explore the Fraumünster church and hear about its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Visit the monument to Hans Waldmann, executed in 1489, to understand his life and death in Zurich.
Walk to the Water Church to learn about siblings who were beheaded for their faith. See the Grossmünster church, known as one of Zurich’s notable landmarks.
Find the location where guidance on identifying and torturing witches was available. Visit the home of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and the former site of the pillory.
Continue to the house of a judge from the peak of the witch-hunt era to uncover his story of revenge and medieval prosecutions.
See the square where death sentences were publicly announced and a memorial marking the site of executions by drowning. Walk to the baker’s house, where victims were given their last glass of wine.
Conclude your tour at the city exit where those sentenced to execution left, and learn about the locations where they were burned and hanged.
Includes
- High-quality audio guide available in English or Russian
- Clear route explanation with photos and detailed directions
Excludes
- Entrance fees to Fraumünster church
- Live guide; the tour uses a digital link sent after booking
- Participants must have their own smartphone with internet access and headphones
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, start this tour during daylight hours and wear comfortable shoes. Ensure your device is fully charged before beginning.
