How long does it take to walk through Zurich's Old Town?

A focused walk through the Altstadt typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This specific 1.5-kilometer route covers the key historical sites of the Dada movement at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photos and a coffee break.

Is the Dada walking route in Zurich difficult?

No, the route is rated as easy. While there are some cobblestone streets and a few slight inclines in the Spiegelgasse area, it is a relatively flat walk that most travelers can complete comfortably.

Can I see where Lenin lived in Zurich?

Yes, you can visit Spiegelgasse 14 in the Old Town, where Vladimir Lenin lived in a small apartment from 1916 to 1917. A commemorative plaque marks the building, which is a key stop on this artistic and historical route.

What is the Cabaret Voltaire and is it worth visiting?

The Cabaret Voltaire is the birthplace of the Dada movement, founded in 1916. It is absolutely worth visiting for anyone interested in modern art; today it serves as a café and performance space that honors its radical roots.

What is the best time of day for a self-guided walk in Zurich?

The best time is late morning, around 10:00 or 11:00 AM. This ensures that the narrow alleys of the Old Town are well-lit for photography and that museums and cafés like the ODEON are open for visitors.

Are there many hills on the Zurich Dadaism route?

The route has very minor elevation changes. The Spiegelgasse sits on a slight hill above the Limmat River, but the walk is generally considered flat and accessible for most fitness levels.

Is the Kunsthaus Zürich included in this walking route?

The Kunsthaus Zürich serves as the final stop of this route. While the walk takes you to its doors, you should check their official website for current admission prices and opening hours to view the Dada collection inside.

Is Zurich's Old Town pedestrian-friendly?

Yes, much of the Altstadt is pedestrian-only or has very limited vehicle traffic. This makes it an ideal neighborhood for a self-guided audio walk where you can focus on the architecture and history without worrying about cars.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

In the midst of the First World War, while the rest of Europe was engulfed in conflict, neutral Zurich became an unlikely sanctuary for the world's most radical thinkers and artists. This neighborhood stroll through the winding alleys of the Altstadt invites you to step back into 1916, the year that changed the course of modern art forever. On this self-guided walk, you will trace the footsteps of the Dadaists—a group of exiles, poets, and rebels who declared war on logic and tradition. From the very room where the first Dada performance shocked the public to the quiet residence of Vladimir Lenin, this route explores the collision of political and artistic revolution. You will wander through the heart of the Old Town, crossing the Limmat River to see where the elite establishment met the avant-garde. The walking route highlights the stark contrast between the city's medieval architecture and the explosive, nonsensical creativity that defined Dadaism. You will discover how a small group of dissidents at the Cabaret Voltaire paved the way for Surrealism, Pop Art, and the conceptual movements that dominate the art world today. Beyond the history of the movement, this neighborhood stroll offers a chance to experience Zurich's iconic café culture at the legendary Café Bar ODEON, a favorite haunt of James Joyce and Albert Einstein. The journey concludes at the Kunsthaus Zürich, home to one of the most significant collections of Dadaist works in existence. Whether you are an art historian or a curious traveler, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into a brief, chaotic moment when Zurich was the center of the creative universe. This walking tour Zurich experience is designed for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, moving through the historic Spiegelgasse and the vibrant Bellevue area without the constraints of a group.

Highlights

Visit the legendary Cabaret Voltaire, the birthplace of the Dada movement

See Spiegelgasse 14, where Lenin lived during the artistic revolution

Explore the historic Café Bar ODEON, a hub for 20th-century intellectuals

Admire the contrast of the Rococo Zunfthaus zur Meisen

End at the Kunsthaus Zürich to see world-class Dadaist masterpieces

Wander the charming, narrow alleys of Zurich's medieval Old Town

Tour Stops (6)

Spiegelgasse 14

Our self-guided adventure begins at a modest house with a massive history. In 1916, Spiegelgasse 14 was the residence of Vladimir Lenin. It is a striking historical irony that while Lenin was here plotting the Russian Revolution, the Dadaists were launching an artistic revolution just a few doors down. The narrow, cobblestone street remains largely unchanged since that era. Look for the plaque on the wall marking Lenin's stay. This quiet corner of the Altstadt served as a refuge for those looking to dismantle the old world order, whether through politics or poetry. As you stand here, imagine the clash of ideas happening in these very buildings during the height of the Great War.

Cabaret Voltaire

Just a short walk away at Spiegelgasse 1 is the legendary Cabaret Voltaire. Founded by Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings in February 1916, this was the epicenter of Dada. The performances here were designed to be chaotic, featuring 'sound poems,' simultaneous chanting, and provocative costumes. The Dadaists used nonsense to protest the 'rational' logic that had led Europe into war. Today, the space remains a vibrant cultural center. While the interior has been renovated, the spirit of subversion lingers. It was here that the name 'Dada' was supposedly chosen at random from a dictionary, signaling the birth of a movement that would influence everything from punk rock to performance art.

Zunfthaus zur Meisen

Crossing the Limmat River, we reach the Zunfthaus zur Meisen. This stunning Rococo palace, built for the city’s wine merchants, represents the very 'establishment' the Dadaists sought to mock. However, the movement was full of contradictions; in 1919, the Dadaists actually held their final, largest exhibition and 'Great Dada Soirée' in the nearby Meisen hall. The contrast between the building's refined elegance and the nonsensical, often aggressive Dada performances highlights the movement's desire to infiltrate and disrupt high society. Take a moment to admire the ornate facade and the view of the Fraumünster church across the square, reflecting the traditional Zurich that the avant-garde wanted to shake up.

Café Bar ODEON

Next, we head toward Bellevue to visit the Café Bar ODEON. Since opening in 1911, this Viennese-style café has been the living room of Zurich’s intelligentsia. The Dadaists were frequent patrons, sitting at these marble tables alongside figures like James Joyce, Stefan Zweig, and even Albert Einstein. It was a place for heated debates, manifesto writing, and observing the city's social fabric. The high ceilings, large mirrors, and brass fittings still evoke the atmosphere of the early 20th century. This is an ideal spot to pause your walking route for a coffee and soak in the history of a place that has hosted some of the greatest minds of the modern age.

Winkelwiese

Moving back toward the hillside of the Old Town, we find the tranquil Winkelwiese area. This park and its surrounding buildings are deeply tied to Zurich's theatrical and literary history. Many of the artists associated with the later stages of the Dada movement and the subsequent Surrealist wave lived or worked in this vicinity. It offers a quieter, residential perspective of the Altstadt, away from the bustling riverbanks. The Theater an der Winkelwiese nearby continues the city's tradition of experimental performance. As you walk through this peaceful green space, consider how the chaotic energy of the Cabaret Voltaire eventually evolved into more structured forms of avant-garde theater and literature.

Kunsthaus Zürich

Our final stop is the Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Switzerland's most important art museums. While Dada began as an 'anti-art' movement that rejected museums, its legacy is now preserved here for future generations. The museum holds an extensive collection of Dadaist works, including pieces by Hans Arp, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Tristan Tzara. The transition from the streets of the Altstadt to the galleries of the Kunsthaus marks the completion of the Dada journey—from radical protest to recognized art history. Explore the museum's modern wing to see how the spirit of 1916 continues to influence contemporary artists. This concludes your independent exploration of the Zurich avant-garde.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dadaism and Avant-Garde route is widely considered the best choice for art enthusiasts. It covers the birthplace of Dada at Cabaret Voltaire and ends at the Kunsthaus, which houses a world-class collection of modern art, all within the historic Altstadt.