A hilltop square under old lime trees overlooking the Limmat, once a Roman fort and Carolingian castle site, with one of the best free views in the old town.
The Lindenhof is a small plateau above the Limmat where Roman soldiers built the Turicum fort, and later the Carolingian kings raised a palace. The castle was demolished in 1218, and the city kept the hill as a public space, which it still is. A shaded terrace of linden trees, a stone fountain, and chess boards with large pieces make it a favourite local hangout. The viewpoint over the Limmat looks across to the Grossmünster and the twin towers, with the Rathaus and bridges at your feet. It is quiet at sunrise and lively in the early evening. The climb is easy from the Rathausbrücke side but steep from some alleys. A fountain topped by a statue of a Zürich woman in armour, the Hedwig fountain, recalls the legend that the city's women helped save it from a Habsburg siege in 1292, which adds historical flavour.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 30-60 minutes |
| Best time | Sunrise or early evening |
| Getting there | Walk 8 minutes from Zürich Hauptbahnhof; nearest tram stops are Rathaus (4, 15) or Bahnhofstrasse/HB (3, 6, 7, 11, 13) |
| Address | Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, couples, history buffs
Location
Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3729, 8.5402 View on map
Highlights
- Free panoramic view over the Limmat and old town
- Roman and Carolingian fortification site
- Giant outdoor chess boards under linden trees
- Calm spot between Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmat
Tips for visiting
- Climb the stepped alleys from Rathausbrücke or Schipfe
- Bring a coffee and sit under the lime trees to watch the old town
- Look for the Roman Turicum fortification plaque on the terrace
When to visit
Sunrise or early evening.
Accessibility
The terrace is level, but all approaches from the Limmat side are stepped alleys; the gentlest route is via Pfalzgasse.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lindenhof free?
Yes, it is a public square open at all hours.
Is it worth visiting at night?
Yes, the view of the lit-up bridges and church towers is attractive, but the area is quiet so visitors should use normal city caution.