Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich

4.7 (14 reviews) 1–2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

14 reviews

4.7

Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1–2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: Russian, English
Operated by: myFive

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Stories about how main sights of the city are related to witch-hunt and executions
Included: Qualitative audio guide recorded by a professional speaker with an amazing deep voice
Included: Clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions

Not included

Not included: You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
Not included: There will be no live guide. Instead, you'll explore the city using the link provided after booking
Not included: If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5

Itinerary

Paradeplatz

5 min

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.
Stop 2

5 min

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.
Limmat

5 min

Absorb the poignant stories of the tortured witches of Zurich and immerse yourself in the narrative of Elsbeth, enduring fifteen days of torment.
Fraumunster Church

5 min Admission not included

Marvel at the majestic Fraumunster Church, renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Hans Waldmann Statue

5 min

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.
Water Church

5 min

Discover the Water Church and delve into the legend of Felix and Regula, beheaded for their unwavering Christian beliefs.
Grossmunster

Passing by

Pass by the Grossmunster, a symbol of Swiss-German reformation and a cornerstone of Zurich's heritage.
Stop 8

5 min

Navigate Kirchgasse, where ancient guidance on witch recognition and torture once thrived. Uncover the chilling details of this historical advice.
Stop 9

5 min

Pause at the residence of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of her life story.
Neumarkt

5 min

Discover the former place of pillory.
Stop 11

5 min

See the house of the judge working during the peak of the witch-hunt and learn his revenge story.
Stop 12

5 min

Pause at Zürich's Town Hall to unravel the intricacies of medieval prosecution processes and see the square where death sentences were pronounced.
Stop 13

5 min

Encounter the Täufergedenkplatte memorial plate, a poignant reminder of executions by drowning.
Stop 14

5 min

Reach Rennweg and explore the house of a baker tasked with providing the "last sip" to those bound for execution.
Stop 15

5 min

Conclude your journey at Herkulesbrunnen, where the condemned exited the city. Gain insight into the locations of burnings and hangings, bringing the haunting tales of Zurich's past to a close.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

End point

Using your ticket

Please find your links to the self-guided audio tour below:

In English language:

https://myfive.travel/en/quest/1/

In Russian language:

https://myfive.travel/quest/2/

Password: 1818

Copy the necessary link and paste it into your internet browser to access the tour, and your journey through the city will begin!

Your links are accessible simultaneously from different mobile phones. This means that you can share the links with other participants and enjoy the tour, each using your own phone.