Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich
- 1–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Stories about how main sights of the city are related to witch-hunt and executions
- Qualitative audio guide recorded by a professional speaker with an amazing deep voice
- Clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions
What's not
- 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
Itinerary
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.
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.
Absorb the poignant stories of the tortured witches of Zurich and immerse yourself in the narrative of Elsbeth, enduring fifteen days of torment.
Marvel at the majestic Fraumunster Church, renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
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.
Discover the Water Church and delve into the legend of Felix and Regula, beheaded for their unwavering Christian beliefs.
Pass by the Grossmunster, a symbol of Swiss-German reformation and a cornerstone of Zurich's heritage.
Navigate Kirchgasse, where ancient guidance on witch recognition and torture once thrived. Uncover the chilling details of this historical advice.
Pause at the residence of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of her life story.
Discover the former place of pillory.
See the house of the judge working during the peak of the witch-hunt and learn his revenge story.
Pause at Zürich's Town Hall to unravel the intricacies of medieval prosecution processes and see the square where death sentences were pronounced.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 511
- 42
- 31
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 14 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- 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.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- myFive
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Zurich
- Its from-price is 98% below the median of the 1191 experiences we list in Zurich.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 130 of 1191.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, set at the head of a clear lake with Alpine views, a medieval old town and the cabaret where Dada was born.
The Old Town spreads along both banks of the Limmat River, with narrow lanes, guild houses and church spires. The twin towers of the Grossmünster are the city's landmark, the Fraumünster has stained-glass windows by Chagall, and St Peter's Church has one of the largest clock faces in Europe. Lindenhof hill gives a peaceful view over the rooftops.
Top-ranked sights in Zurich: Lucerne, Zurich Old Town (Altstadt), Lake Zurich (Zürichsee).
Special offers in Zurich
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
