This historic quarter is filled with medieval alleyways, Zurich’s finest churches, artisan’s shops and a hilltop featuring Roman ruins and sweeping city views.
The Lindenhof quarter is one of the oldest and most historic neighbourhoods in Zürich. Walk up Lindenhof Hill with a picnic, relax under a tree, admire the sweeping views of the city and enjoy the rich history the area has to offer.
Lindenhof Hill offers some of the most scenic views in Zürich. This small green square, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Limmat River, has a remarkable past. Once a Celtic settlement, it became a Roman fort in the fourth century to protect the city against the Alemanni. See the remains of the fortress walls and a Roman gravestone with the inscription of the earliest known reference to the city of Zürich. In A.D. 835 the grandson of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne built his palace here and since then, the area has been known as a place of peace and reflection.
Today you can sit under the trees and admire the sweeping views of the city or play a game of chess on the giant chessboard. Gaze out over the rooftops of the Old Town, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the blue spire of the Fraumünster. On sunny days the picturesque Limmat River sparkles, while in the distance the Swiss Alps beckon. Stroll up the hill in the early morning with a coffee, bring a picnic and a book during the day or enjoy a romantic stroll at twilight.
A walk back down the cobblestone streets through the Lindenhof quarter will take you along medieval alleyways, past small boutiques, cafés, courtyards, fountains and historic houses. See local craftsmen ply their trade as goldsmiths, painters, bakers and couturiers. Whilst in the quarter, explore three of the most important churches in Zurich, the Fraumünster, St. Peter’s and the Augustinerkirche.
Lindenhof is located between Limmat and Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich and Lindenhof Hill is in the centre of the Old Town.
