Sights in Winterthur
Old town, art, science and nature: Winterthur is rich in sights and ideal for a city trip.
Old Town Winterthur: The Historic Heart of the City
The old town of Winterthur is one of the largest continuous pedestrian zones in Switzerland. Guild houses with ornate façades stand alongside small shops, cafés and restaurants. Highlights include the city church with its twin towers and the picturesque fish market. In summer, street festivals, open-air concerts and markets create a lively atmosphere. Anyone wishing to experience city life will find the perfect starting point here.
Kunst Museum Winterthur: Masterpieces in Three Acts
Winterthur is a city of art. No less than three venues belong to the Kunst Museum Winterthur: Reinhart am Stadtgarten with classical modernism, Villa Flora with Impressionists, and the main museum with contemporary art. Works by Monet, van Gogh, Picasso and Giacometti attract international attention. In addition to permanent and special exhibitions, concerts and lectures are held regularly. Art lovers will also find extraordinary museums in Zurich, Basel and Lausanne, reflecting Switzerland’s cultural wealth.
Technorama: Experience Science Firsthand
The Swiss Science Center Technorama is one of the most well-known sights in Winterthur. With over 500 hands-on stations, physics, biology and technology become tangible. Whether it’s sparks flying, liquids freezing or optical illusions amazing visitors – the exhibitions are an experience for all age groups. Particularly popular are the electricity demonstrations, considered among the most impressive in Europe. The Technorama is an ideal excursion destination for families, but adults also discover new things through play here.
Rose Garden and City Park: Green Winterthur
Winterthur also impresses with its spacious parks. The City Park is a place to relax, while the Rose Garden on Lindberg hill delights in summer with over 2,000 rose bushes in more than 300 varieties and a panoramic view over the rooftops. In the evening, the spot becomes a popular meeting place for locals. Nature and tranquillity in the middle of the city offer a unique contrast to the vibrant old town.
Excursions from Winterthur: Kyburg and Rhine Falls
Winterthur is also a starting point for experiences in the surrounding area. Kyburg Castle is one of the most important castle complexes in Switzerland and vividly depicts life in the Middle Ages. The Töss Valley offers hikes along clear streams and through deep forests. In just 30 minutes, you can reach the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Europe’s largest waterfall. Travellers will also find impressive nature and cultural experiences in Geneva and Lucerne, which can be combined with a visit to Winterthur.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The old town, the Kunst Museum, the Technorama, the rose garden and Kyburg Castle are among the highlights.
One day is enough for the old town and a museum. Those who want to visit the Technorama or take excursions to the surrounding area should plan for two to three days.
The Kyburg Castle, the Töss Valley and the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen are all easy to reach. Cities like Zurich, Basel or Lucerne can also be easily combined with a visit to Winterthur.
Free activities in Winterthur include walks through the old town, visits to the City Park or Rose Garden, hikes in the Töss Valley, and visiting selected museums on the first Sunday of the month.
Winterthur is known for its old town, the Technorama, its diverse art museums, and its rich cultural and music scene.
