The hill above the Limmat where Romans built the Turicum customs post and later Carolingian rulers raised a royal palace, now a public terrace under linden trees.
The Lindenhof hill is the birthplace of Zürich. The Romans fortified it around 15 BC as Turicum, a customs station on the road between Gaul and Raetia, and a surviving tombstone of a customs officer from the 2nd century, now in the Swiss National Museum, records the name. In the Middle Ages the hill carried a Carolingian royal palace and later a castle of the Dukes of Zähringen. After the Zähringer line ended in 1218, the citizens demolished the fortress, and in 1252 the council decreed that no building should ever stand there again, so the hill became a public square. Today it is a shaded terrace with a fountain, chess boards and a panoramic view across the Limmat to the Grossmünster and the Rathaus. The surrounding streets, Schipfe and Strehlgasse, retain medieval houses.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Why it matters
The city's origin site, whose public status dates from a 13th-century council decree.
Location
Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3729, 8.5402 View on map
Highlights
- Terrace with views over the Limmat and the old town
- Site of the Roman fort and the Carolingian palace
- Hedwig fountain recalling the legend of Zürich's women in 1292
- Medieval alleys of the Schipfe below
Tips for visiting
- Climb via Pfalzgasse for the gentlest slope
- Pair with St. Peter's Church two minutes away
- Take the stairs from Rathausbrücke for a more dramatic approach
- Bring a coffee from a nearby bakery
When to visit
Early morning or sunset, when light and views are best and the square is quiet.
Accessibility
The terrace is level, but approaches from the river are stepped; Pfalzgasse is the easiest route.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lindenhof free?
Yes, it is a public square open at all hours.
What remains of the Roman fort?
Few visible remains survive; finds are displayed in the Swiss National Museum and on-site plaques explain the history.