The Dark Side of Zurich: Self-Guided Audio City Tour

Key Points

• Self-guided audio experience with a professional speaker in English or Russian
• Explores Zurich’s dark history: medieval executions, witchcraft, and related stories
• Includes visits to prominent landmarks like Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and the Water Church
• Highlights locations where death sentences were announced and carried out
• Affordable price of $12 per person with access valid for 365 days
• Requires a charged smartphone, headphones, and internet access

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Self-Guided Tour Starting Point at Paradeplatz

The tour begins at Paradeplatz, a central spot in Zurich, where you simply plug in your headphones and access your digital guide. This self-guided experience requires no live guide, making it flexible for your schedule. Once you have the link provided after booking, you can explore the city at your own pace with detailed directions and photos to keep you oriented.

The tour’s price of $12 remains affordable, especially given that it is valid for 365 days, allowing you to choose a convenient time to explore Zurich’s darker history. The tour is designed for those comfortable using a smartphone with internet and headphones, and it typically takes from 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Exploring Zurich’s Medieval Execution Sites

One of the core attractions of this dark history tour is the visit to locations where death sentences were announced and carried out. You’ll find yourself at sites associated with medieval executions, including the square where death sentences were announced and the location where drownings occurred as a form of capital punishment.

Notably, the house of a wealthy Zurich woman who was executed for witchcraft reveals a personal story, while the house of a judge involved during the witch-hunt era offers insight into how justice was administered. These stops help paint a vivid picture of medieval prosecution and witch-hunting practices.

Visiting the Haus of a Witchcraft Victim and Torture Sites

The tour takes you to places where accused witches faced torture, including a site where a woman was tortured 15 times over 26 days. You also visit a location where guidance on recognizing and torturing witches was available, showcasing the brutal methods used during that era.

The house of a woman accused of witchcraft, her story being part of this dark narrative, is a poignant stop. These locations underscore the harsh realities of medieval justice and the hysteria surrounding witchcraft accusations, making them compelling points of reflection.

The Landmark Churches and Their Dark Histories

The Fraumünster church is a highlight, not just for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall depicting the crucifixion but also as a part of the dark history tour. The Grossmünster stands out as one of Zurich’s most recognized landmarks, and the Water Church carries significance for its connection to stories of faith and execution.

These religious sites are woven into the narrative, illustrating how faith and justice intersected in Zurich’s past. The guided audio explains their historical relevance without requiring entrance fees, which are not included in the tour price.

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The Monument to Hans Waldmann and His Fate

A visit to the monument of Hans Waldmann, who was executed in 1489, provides a chance to learn about his life and downfall. His story connects to the broader theme of political and judicial executions during Zurich’s medieval period. The audio guide shares details about his rise and tragic end, adding depth to the dark history.

The Water Church and Faith-Based Executions

At the Water Church, the tour narrates stories of brother and sister who were beheaded for their religious beliefs. This site emphasizes the role of faith in the city’s past, especially during times of persecution. It serves as a stark reminder of how religious conflicts could lead to executions.

The Place of Last Farewells and Final Destinations

The tour directs attention to the house of a baker who last served wine to those bound for execution, providing a human detail amid the grim history. It also covers where those sentenced to death exited the city, with locations where burnings and hangings occurred, helping paint a complete picture of Zurich’s dark justice proceedings.

Practical Aspects and Tour Logistics

This self-guided experience is designed for flexibility and convenience. As there is no live guide, travelers must rely on their smartphones, headphones, and internet connection. The route is clearly explained with photos, ensuring smooth navigation through the historical sites.

The tour begins and ends at Paradeplatz, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. There are no included entrance fees for sites like the Fraumünster, so budget accordingly if you wish to visit inside. The tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours offers an engaging yet manageable exploration of Zurich’s darker side.

Comparing to Other Experience Options

While this tour focuses on the city’s grim history, similar experiences include walking tours with night watchmen or hidden spot explorations. However, the self-guided nature allows for more personalized pacing and flexibility. At $12, it offers excellent value, especially considering the access validity for a year.

Suitability and Accessibility

This tour suits adults interested in medieval history, crime, and witchcraft, but is not recommended for children under 16 or for wheelchair users due to the nature of locations visited. It’s an ideal choice for independent explorers who prefer self-directed experiences over group tours.

Final Thoughts on the Dark Side of Zurich Tour

For those curious about Zurich’s lesser-known history, especially its medieval and witchcraft persecutions, this self-guided audio tour offers a fascinating, affordable, and flexible way to explore. The professional narration, detailed route guidance, and historic landmarks combine to create an engaging experience.

While it doesn’t include inside visits to churches or other sites, the tour’s focus on historical context and specific locations makes it a compelling option for history buffs and those interested in dark tales of the city. Its price of $12 and 365-day validity make it accessible and easy to fit into a Zurich visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 16 due to the dark historical content.

Do I need to pay entrance fees?
Entrance fees to places like Fraumünster are not included; you can choose to visit inside if you wish, with additional costs.

What should I bring?
You need a charged smartphone, headphones, and internet access to enjoy the audio guide fully.

How long does the tour take?
The expected duration is from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and time spent at each location.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users based on the locations visited.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, the access is valid for 365 days, so you can select a convenient starting time when booking.

Is there a guided tour option?
No, this is self-guided, with no live guide present; you explore independently using the provided link.

How do I start the tour?
You begin at Paradeplatz in Zurich by plugging in your headphones and following the detailed directions and photos in your online guide.

What types of stories are included?
The tour includes true stories of medieval executions, witchcraft, and details about historic sites connected to those events.

Would this tour appeal to history enthusiasts?
Absolutely, especially those interested in medieval justice, witch hunts, and Zurich’s darker past.

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