Winterthur is a city known for its art museums, the Swiss Science Center Technorama and a car-free old town with cafes and cobbled lanes.
Winterthur lies at the edge of the Zürich metropolitan area and offers a quieter, more locally flavoured alternative to Zürich. The old town focuses on Marktgasse, a pedestrian street lined with cafes, plus the Stadthaus by Gottfried Semper. The city's Kunst Museum Winterthur holds an important collection of Impressionist and modern art, and the Oskar Reinhart Collection showcases European masters. Families can spend half a day at the Technorama science centre.
| Distance | 25 km north-east of Zürich |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 18-25 minutes by train |
| Getting there | SBB InterCity or S-Bahn: departs Zürich HB every 5-10 minutes, about CHF 14 (about $18) single |
| Cost | Train about CHF 14 (about $18) each way; museum admissions vary (typically CHF 10-35) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bahnhofplatz, 8400 Winterthur |
How to get there
- Train: SBB InterCity or S-Bahn, 18-25 min
- Car: A1 motorway, 30 minutes
Location
Bahnhofplatz, 8400 Winterthur
47.5000, 8.7237 View on map
Highlights
- Kunst Museum Winterthur and Fotostiftung Schweiz
- Technorama Swiss Science Center
- Oskar Reinhart Collection 'Am Römerholz'
- Old-town Marktgasse and Stadthausstrasse
Tips for visiting
- Many museums close on Mondays
- Technorama is a short bus ride from Winterthur station
- Check museum websites for current admission and opening hours
When to visit
Weekdays outside school holidays.
Accessibility
The station and main museums are step-free; the old town is flat.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train to Winterthur?
The fastest InterCity takes about 18 minutes from Zürich HB.
Is Winterthur worth a day?
Yes, for art lovers and families; allow one day for museums plus the old town.