Centred around the lakefront city of Zürich and backed by the Swiss Alps, the Canton of Zürich is the most populous canton in Switzerland. It’s the country’s financial hub and home to several high-ranking universities, with the German-based dialect of Züridüütsch the most commonly spoken tongue.
Things to do in Zurich
Centuries-old architecture, world-class museums and spectacular scenery - the Canton of Zürich has it all.
Sightsee in Zürich. Situated at the northern end of Lake Zürich, this bustling city features an atmospheric Altstadt where you’ll find medieval churches and the 17th-century Town Hall. Admire the guild houses that line the Limmat River and explore some of Zürich’s outstanding cultural institutions, which include the Swiss National Museum, the art-filled Kunsthaus Zürich and the FIFA World Football Museum.
Soak up the views from the Uetliberg. Rising west of Zürich is the Uetliberg, an 870-metre-high mountain that offers sweeping views across the canton from its lookout tower. Ride the train that connects to the Uetliberg railway station, then continue along one of the walking trails that lead to the summit. You can dine on Swiss-inspired cuisine at the Uto Kulm restaurant, ride the cable car from Felsenegg to Adliswil or descend to Triemli along the downhill mountain biking track.
Explore the museums of Winterthur. Located north-east of Zürich, this high-tech industrial city is clustered with museums, which include the interactive exhibits of the Swiss Science Center Technorama. You can browse the photographic displays of the Fotomuseum Winterthur or admire the extensive art collection of the Museum Oskar Reinhart where works by Swiss, German and Austrian artists are showcased. Modern pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Paul Klee are a highlight of the Kunstmuseum Winterthur.
Getting around Zurich
Zürich Airport is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Zürich and has flights to destinations across Europe, Asia and North America. International trains connect to the Zürich railway station while railways run through all of the canton’s major valleys. An extensive network of buses also serves the Canton of Zürich.