Private Tour
Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich
Overview
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
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
What To Expect
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.
Options
Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great little self guided tour!
Jessie G,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very easy to follow and very informative. It’s a great way to walk about the city and see things perhaps you may not encounter otherwise. Easy to understand. Definitely go inside the church to see the stained glass windows. Appreciate all the hard work to put this together.
A fascinating journey through the history of Zurich
Sunshine43683034181,
Dec 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my second tour from this author, and I am absolutely delighted again! It was incredibly interesting to delve into historical events and listen to the personal stories of ordinary people who lived at the time and whose lives were connected to the places where I was at the time of the audition. The itinerary is very original and fascinating - it reveals Zurich from a new perspective. Thanks to the actual photos, it was easy to navigate the terrain, so it is simply impossible to get lost! I would like to express my special gratitude for the quality of the audio support: the author's voice is pleasant and disposing, and the melody in the background creates a special atmosphere, as if it were transported back in time. Once again, thank you very much to the author for your work! Looking forward to more tours!
I would suggest this activity.
Darlene F,
Jul 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00This 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.
Average
Kim B,
May 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00We 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.
So-so great!
YaKilka,
Jun 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so great! I loved the tour. I could walk at my own pace, could read text in case of background noise or misunderstandings. I'm impatient to take another tour!
Audio guide
312nataljam,
Jun 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really liked the audio guide. Historical facts are very interesting and well selected. I live in Zurich and it was interesting to know the story.
Very interesting information
nataliegY916ER,
Jun 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taught great pleasure for an informative guide to the dark places of Zurich,it was very interesting for unusual details. Thanks a lot!👍👍👍
I recommend that you look at Zurich from an unaccustomed perspective!
olgagQ7733ES,
Jun 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very interesting tour with an unexpected theme. I have been living in Zurich for several years and have learned a lot. Nice interface.
The path was very easy to...
Alexander S,
Mar 31, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00The 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
A different and flexible way to learn more of the city!!
Fabiola C,
Jan 6, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting stories, very clear instructions, guided us to great hidden ways, easy communication with the operator, extremely helpful and flexible. Totally recommended!!
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