Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Stories about how main sights of the city are related to witch-hunt and executions
Clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions
Qualitative audio guide recorded by a professional speaker with an amazing deep voice
You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
There will be no live guide. Instead, you'll explore the city using the link provided after booking
If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5
Paradeplatz
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.
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.
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Darlene F,
Jul 8, 2024
- Viator
This definitely got you walking around the town more than we would normally have, but the audio has a lot of filler facts or list of facts that don’t really add to the experience. I think it’s okay to do if you’re looking for some interesting facts about the city and it gives you an insight to the darker side of the city. I think it was just too dark for me because I’m sensitive to human rights, and there doesn’t seem to have been much of that back then.
Kim B,
May 2, 2024
- Viator
We had to ask for assistance for the link to work and took long time to load . If Rick Steves would have been available would have done his tour.
Alexander S,
Mar 31, 2023
- Viator
The path was very easy to follow and the narration was interesting. If only the tour included more diverse topics from the alternative history of the city and more places one can actually enter. Nevertheless, absolutely worth time and money. I wish you had a more general sightseeing tour like this for a first time visitor
Fabiola C,
Jan 6, 2023
- Viator
Interesting stories, very clear instructions, guided us to great hidden ways, easy communication with the operator, extremely helpful and flexible. Totally recommended!!
Operated by myFive