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Zurich region

Winterthur

Winterthur is the second largest city in the canton of Zurich. Its train station is a transportation hub and Zurich airport is only 15 km away. With 18 museums, 8 libraries, nine theaters and several cinemas and cultural centers, Winterthur is a cultural center of Switzerland. Every year, about 60 artists in Winterthur open their studios to visitors on the last weekend in September. The "Open Days" are known beyond the borders of the country. 4 castles and a ruined castle as well as an old town with archaeological sites show the historical development of the city. The generous urban planning helped Winterthur to earn the nickname "Garden City".

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Around Winterthur

Christmas in Winterthur

  • Winterthur Christmas Market 2026

    Winterthur Christmas Market 2026

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  • Winterthurer Weihnachtsmarkt

    Winterthurer Weihnachtsmarkt

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  • Winterthurer Wintermarkt

    Winterthurer Wintermarkt

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  • Christmas markets in Switzerland 2026

    Christmas markets in Switzerland 2026

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Sights nearby

Aerial image © swisstopo

Winterthur on the mapBookable experiences, places and events at a glance
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Train travel to Winterthur

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Getting around: passes & scenic trains

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Frequently asked questions

What sights does Winterthur have?

The old town of Wintherthur is the cultural center of the city. This is also where most of the events take place. The sights include architectural gems such as:

  • the main railway station (19th c.)
  • the former weighing house (16th c.)
  • town house (built by Semper)
  • town hall (15th c.)
  • town church (12th c.)
  • the Judd Fountain in Steinberggasse (1996-97)
  • Haus zur Geduld (17th c.), Haus zur Sonne (16th c.), Haus zum Warteck (19th c.) Among the most important museums are:
  • Art Museum with several locations
  • Technorama
  • Kunsthalle in the former Waaghaus
  • Hegi Castle
  • Mörsburg Castle
  • Nature Museum
  • Kellenberger clock collection The rose garden contains hundreds of rose varieties. It is located on a hill and offers a view of the old town.
What are the hot activities in Winterthur?

Within the city, private and public city tours are suitable to get to know Winterthur excellently and quickly. You can get to know Winterthur in a playful way with various trails. Fox Trail, Krimi Trail, Food Trail, URBANescape or the smartphone scavenger hunt Explorial Winterthur are suitable for this. Outside you can explore the hilly Zürcher Weinland on foot or by bike. The paths are well signposted. In summer you can swim in the Thur or in the Husemersee For a wine tasting at one of the surrounding winegrowers you should book in advance or book a guided tour

Which destinations can you reach within half an hour?

Around Winterthur you will find several beautiful destinations. They are reached in a short time:

  • 30 min (car/public transport) to the famous Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. Trains run every 15 min
  • 20 min by car brings you to Kyburg Castle south of Winterthur. It is located about 150 m above the valley. The castle museum shows the 1000 year history of Kyburg Castle
  • 30 min by car is the nature center Thurauen in the northwest of Winterthur.
  • 40 minutes via the A1 to the popular excursion destination Tösstal with its small valleys, hills and streams.

Planning your trip to Winterthur?

Alpi knows the best experiences on the ground and builds you a route to match.