Is it worth visiting the Law Library if I'm not a student?

Yes, the Rechtswissenschaftliche Bibliothek is an architectural marvel. The way Calatrava integrated modern glass and steel into the old courtyard is stunning, but remember it is a silent study space, so keep noise to a minimum.

Can I enter the Toni-Areal for free?

Yes, the public areas, ramps, and some gallery spaces of the Toni-Areal are free to enter. It is a working university building, so you can explore the impressive industrial architecture and rooftop garden without a ticket.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

Late afternoon is ideal, especially for MFO-Park and Leutschenpark, as the light filters through the structures beautifully. The Law Library is best at midday when the sun is directly overhead to illuminate the light well.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

While the theme is architecture, children often enjoy the 'castle' look of the National Museum and the climbing structures and stairs at MFO-Park. The Toni-Areal's large ramps also provide a unique space for exploration.

Are there many places to eat along the way?

Absolutely. Zurich West (near Toni-Areal) is famous for its trendy cafes and food halls. Oerlikon also has a wide variety of international dining options near the train station, catering to the local business community.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route follows paved city sidewalks and modern parks with ramp access. Most public buildings in Zurich, including the museums and university buildings mentioned, have elevators for accessibility.

What is the most famous building on this walk?

The Swiss National Museum is the most historically famous, but the Law Library by Santiago Calatrava is the most celebrated among modern architecture enthusiasts.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Zurich is far more than a global banking hub; it is a living laboratory of architectural evolution. This neighborhood stroll takes you beyond the medieval Old Town to explore the city's cutting-edge design landscape. From the bold juxtaposition of the Swiss National Museum's extension to the vertical gardens of Oerlikon, this walking route showcases how Zurich integrates historic preservation with futuristic vision. You will witness the transformation of industrial zones into vibrant cultural hubs, like the Toni-Areal, and step inside hidden gems like Santiago Calatrava’s breathtaking library. This self-guided walk is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of form and function. As you move from the city center toward the developing district of Zurich North, the scale of the architecture shifts. You'll encounter 'green' architecture that redefines urban parks and massive industrial conversions that now house the city's creative elite. It is a journey through materials—concrete, steel, and glass—and through time, as the city moves from its 19th-century roots into a 21st-century aesthetic. This route is perfect for photography enthusiasts and design lovers looking for a deeper understanding of Swiss precision and creativity. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this exploration offers a fresh perspective on the city's identity. You can pause whenever you like to grab a coffee in a repurposed factory or sit in a park that feels like a cathedral made of vines. This walking tour Zurich experience allows you to skip the crowded tourist paths and dive into the neighborhoods where modern life truly happens. By the time you reach the final stop at Leutschenpark, you will have seen a side of the city that most travelers miss—a Zurich that is daring, innovative, and visually stunning. This walking tour Zurich route is your independent key to unlocking the architectural soul of Switzerland's largest city.

Highlights

Contrast between the Swiss National Museum's historic and modern wings

Santiago Calatrava’s floating library at the University of Zurich

The massive industrial-to-cultural conversion of the Toni-Areal

The vertical steel garden of MFO-Park in Oerlikon

Contemporary urban design and the 'blue world' of Leutschenpark

Tour Stops (6)

Swiss National Museum

Start your journey at the Landesmuseum, where the past meets the future. The original 1898 building, designed by Gustav Gull in a Neo-Gothic style, resembles a fairytale castle. However, look toward the rear to see the 2016 extension by architects Christ & Gantenbein. This jagged, concrete wing creates a sharp, intentional contrast. The bridge-like structure houses modern exhibition spaces and represents Zurich's willingness to embrace bold, contemporary additions to its historic skyline. Notice the circular windows and the way the raw concrete mimics the stone of the original building while remaining defiantly modern.

Rechtswissenschaftliche Bibliothek

Tucked inside a traditional 19th-century university building is one of Zurich's greatest architectural surprises. Designed by the world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this Law Library features a massive glass dome that floods the interior with natural light. Calatrava inserted six oval galleries that seem to float within the old courtyard, connected by slender stairs. The white wood and steel create a sense of weightlessness. It is a masterpiece of 'building within a building' design, showcasing how modern engineering can breathe new life into heritage structures without destroying their character.

Toni-Areal

Welcome to Zurich West’s creative heart. Once Europe's largest yogurt factory, the Toni-Areal was transformed by EM2N architects into a massive campus for the Zurich University of the Arts. This is industrial chic on a monumental scale. The design retained the original industrial ramps—large enough for milk trucks to drive up—and converted them into pedestrian walkways and social spaces. The building is a city within a city, featuring concert halls, a cinema, and a rooftop garden. It stands as a prime example of how Zurich repurposes its industrial past for a cultural future.

MFO-Park

As you move into the Oerlikon district, you'll encounter MFO-Park, a structure that blurs the line between architecture and nature. Built on the site of a former engine factory, this is a 'park without a floor.' It is a double-walled steel trellis, 17 meters high, covered in over 100 species of climbing plants. You can walk through the 'skeleton' of the building and climb the stairs to the top deck for a panoramic view of the neighborhood. It is an award-winning example of urban renewal, providing a lush, green social space in a densely built industrial area.

Hallenstadion

The Hallenstadion is an icon of Swiss engineering. Originally opened in 1939, it was once the largest indoor arena in Europe. Its most striking feature is the massive, column-free roof, a feat of 1930s engineering that allowed for unobstructed views. While it has undergone several renovations to keep it world-class for concerts and sports, the exterior remains a symbol of Zurich's mid-century modernist ambitions. It serves as a bridge between the early industrial era of Oerlikon and the ultra-modern developments you see surrounding it today.

Leutschenpark

Your final stop is Leutschenpark, a symbol of the 'New Zurich.' Designed by Dipol Architects, the park is defined by its striking circular 'tree crown'—a raised walkway that allows you to walk among the treetops. The ground is paved with blue recycled glass and concrete, giving the entire area a surreal, watery glow known as the 'blue world.' The park is surrounded by the headquarters of major tech and media companies, representing the sleek, polished conclusion of Zurich's architectural journey from the stone castles of the city center to the glass towers of the north.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total walking time for this specific route is about 90 minutes of movement, but with stops, you should allow 3 to 4 hours. The distance is roughly 6 kilometers if you walk the entire way, though many visitors use a short tram ride between Zurich West and Oerlikon.