Lindenhof
A linden-shaded hill in the heart of the old town, site of a Roman-era castle, and a free viewing terrace over the Limmat and the university across the river.
Lindenhof is a glacial hill on the west bank of the Limmat, and it's where Zurich began. The Romans built a checkpoint fortress here called Turicum, and later the Carolingian dynasty built a royal palace on the site. Today it's a quiet square paved with gravel and planted with linden trees, with chess tables, fountains, and benches. Locals often come here for a game of chess or to sunbathe. Standing by the low wall on the east side of the square, you can overlook the Limmat, the red rooftops of the Niederdorf old town on the east bank, the twin towers of the Grossmünster, and the main buildings of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich on the hillside. It's one of the classic views for photographing Zurich's old town. The fountain sculpture in the center of the square commemorates the legend of 1292, when Zurich women donned armor to frighten off the enemy besieging the city. Admission is free. It's a 5 to 10 minute walk from Bahnhofstrasse or the main station, and you can easily combine it with St. Peter's Church and the Fraumünster.
Opening hours
Open all day; free admission
Nearby sights
- St. Peter Church
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Niederdorf (Old Town)
- Fraumünster
- Confiserie Sprüngli Paradeplatz
- Grossmünster
- Zurich Lake & River Baths (Badi)
- Zürich Hauptbahnhof