Unique boutique hotel in eight medieval townhouses features contemporary design, music theme, and central Old Town location. Award-winning restaurant and bar.
Hotel Widder Zürich is a design boutique hotel at Rennweg 7 in Zürich's Old Town, created from a cluster of eight interconnected medieval townhouses whose cellars date to the twelfth century. The project of merging and renovating these eight historic structures into a unified hotel took years of architectural work under the direction of Tilla Theus; the result is a property where each room and corridor occupies a different historical building, producing an experience of moving through distinct spaces — a Renaissance vault here, a Baroque staircase there — unified by a coherent contemporary interior design sensibility. The hotel takes its name from the historic quarter it occupies: Widder means ram, and the heraldic ram of the Lindenbühl guild has presided over the corner since the middle ages. The 49 rooms and suites are individually designed by different architects and designers, meaning no two rooms are identical; what unites them is a consistent quality of materials, natural light, and the integration of original structural elements like timber beams and stone arches into the contemporary setting. A recurring theme throughout the hotel is music: the Widder Bar houses what may be the most comprehensive record and CD library of any hotel bar in Europe, alongside live jazz most evenings in autumn and winter, and a sound system considered among the best in the city. The Widder Restaurant serves modern Swiss and European cuisine in a refined setting popular with Zürich's creative and financial industries. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Bahnhofstrasse and Zürich main station, and directly adjacent to the Lindenhügel linden grove.
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- music library
- historic building
- design hotel
Location
Rennweg 7, 8001 Zürich
47.3725, 8.5392 View on map
Highlights
- Eight interconnected medieval townhouses merged into one boutique hotel — every room is architecturally unique
- Widder Bar housing one of Europe's most extensive hotel record and CD libraries with live jazz
- Heart-of-Old-Town Rennweg address, five minutes from Bahnhofstrasse and Zürich HB
- Widder Restaurant serving modern Swiss-European cuisine popular with Zürich's design and finance communities
- Twelfth-century cellar vaults and original timber beams integrated into contemporary room design
Tips for visiting
- Request a room in the building with the most original medieval fabric for the most distinctive stay — the front desk can advise
- The Widder Bar is a destination for Zürich residents as well as hotel guests; arrive before 8 pm on weekends for a seat
- Rennweg is one of Zürich's most characterful Old Town streets — explore the surrounding lanes of the Lindenhügel quarter on foot
- The hotel does not have a spa or pool — consider combining a stay with a visit to the Thermalbad and Spa Zürich, 10 minutes away
- Rates vary significantly between room categories given the range of layouts; review photos carefully before booking to match expectations
Accessibility
Hotel Widder is a historic building assembled from eight medieval structures. Lift access is available within the hotel but the varied floor levels and heritage architecture mean some areas involve steps between sections. Fully accessible rooms are limited given the building's configuration; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss which rooms and routes are suitable.
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Frequently asked questions
How many rooms does Hotel Widder have?
The hotel has 49 rooms and suites spread across the eight historic townhouses. Each is individually designed, so room sizes and layouts vary considerably. The hotel's website provides detailed information and photos for each category.
Is the Widder Bar open to non-hotel guests?
Yes. The Widder Bar is open to the public and is a well-regarded destination in Zürich for cocktails and live jazz. The record and CD library is accessible to bar patrons. Advance reservations are recommended on jazz evenings.
How far is Hotel Widder from Zürich main station?
The hotel is approximately 600 metres from Zürich HB — about a 7-minute walk through the Old Town via the Lindenhügel quarter. Tram stops on nearby Bahnhofstrasse reach the station in 3 minutes.
Is parking available at the hotel?
The hotel does not have its own car park. The nearest public parking is at Urania (Uraniastrasse), approximately 300 metres away. The Old Town location and proximity to the main station make arriving by public transport the practical choice.