Explore the world with Singapore Masters runner and SportPlus.sg creator Paul Martin in this series that takes you through new running routes around the world, complete with food and sightseeing recommendations!
PHOTO: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Looking to incorporate a bit of exercise into your itinerary as you explore a new city on your next vacation? We might have just the thing for you.
Join Singapore masters runner and SportPlus.sg creator Paul Martin as he travels the world and takes us on his favourite running routes, sharing hidden gems you might not know of on your previous visit to a city!
PHOTO: PAUL MARTIN
If you are not a serious runner, fret not because these routes can easily be replaced with a simple walk or hike.
📍 Zurich, Switzerland
Running Route: Distance: 30 KM
"I started from fitness park glattpark in a south western direction towards the city center Stussibrunnen, then onto the lake of Zurich in a southern direction passing by Zurichhorn and Chinese Garden. Thereafter I went back into the town area passing Rathaus then to Munsterhof.
Made a bee line to Zurich main station, then a slight detour to the beautiful umbrella alley going past the Unterer Letten Swimming amd Recreational Area before heading back. Total mileage of about 30km."
PHOTO: PAUL MARTIN
Key Attractions
Stussibrunnen Fountain, City Centre
An old Stussibrunnen fountain, located in Stussihofstatt in Niederdorf, depicts a medieval knight in full armour. Good spot for taking photos for social media.
Lake of Zurich
Lake Zurich is framed on its south side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills. The lake is bordered by the cantons of Zurich, St.Gallen and Schwyz.
The best way to discover Lake Zurich is by boat, however if you are exploring the city on foot or just stopping by the lake as part of your run, it is still a beautiful stretch with many instagramable spots.
Peaceful and serene, you will also find several good dining choices in the area, which is served by regular boat service all year round.
Popular choices to visit around Lake Zurich include the largest covered water park in Europe, the Alpamare in Pfäffikon; the sunny islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, the wooden footbridge across the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden, the Baroque church in Lachen, and the famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg.
PHOTO: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Zurichhorn and the Chinese Garden
On the Zürichhorn and various other areas along the lake in Zurich-Seefeld, you’ll find popular bathing spots. From here, large rocks or small pebble beaches will lead you down to Lake Zurich. Shady trees and areas with lots of space on which to play or relax, such as the Blatterwiese, invite you to stop and linger awhile.
In the green parks around the lower basin of the lake, there’s always something going on in the summer months. Inline skaters, water sports enthusiasts, jewellery sellers and street artists all gather here to create a colourful scene. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will be able to escape the hustle and bustle on the Zürichhorn at the end of the lakeside promenade, in the wonderful Chinese Garden.
The Chinese Garden was a gift from the city’s Chinese sister city of Kunming for the technical and scientific support provided for the expansion of the drinking water supply and urban drainage in Kunming. It is classed as a temple garden and is one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China.
Chinagarten Zürich
Bellerivestrasse 138
8008 Zürich
PHOTO: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Rathaus, Town Hall in Zürich
A mere 10 minute walk from the Zurich Central Station, the Town Hall in Zürich is among the most significant cultural and architectural landmarks of the city. It is a symbol of power and prosperity of its inhabitants.
Many meetings inside this building shaped the future of Zürich. While the building looks rather modest on the outside, it is a building of significance and worth seeing (the Town Hall). Painted ceilings and unique elements line the interior of the building.
There is a lot of fretworks in the rooms of the Rathaus. The ceilings of the Rathaus are decorated with floral motives on the red and golden background. The building is more like a gorgeous palace than an administrative office.
The Zürich Rathaus was built from 1694 to 1698 and is located on the bank of the Limmat river near the Grossmünster church, on that part of the city, which is known as Old Town.
Limmatquai 55, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
PHOTO: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Münsterhof
Located in the Altstadt district of Zurich, the Münsterhof town square is a beautiful, idyllic place and home to some of the finest historical buildings in the city.
It is the largest square found within the medieval walls and is surrounded by the Fraumünster church, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen and various famous restaurants and cafes. Every three years, a medieval fun fair is organized here by the Fraumünster society.
Munsterhof, Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
PHOTO: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Umbrella Alley
Also known as "Zürich-West", this cute umbrella alley can be found in the former industry district. You'll find it near the Hardbrücke train station, and is an extremely instagram worthy spot.
Food and Beverage
PHOTO: JOHANNITER
Johanniter Restaurant
Traditional Swiss cuisine in the heart of the city of Zurich. From various locally brewed beers to fresh seasonal dishes, Johanniter offers you a great choice of German, Swiss, European and Central European delicacies. A bonus is that the restaurant is just 5 minutes walk from Zurich main station.
Address: Niederdorfstr. 70 8001 Zürich
Contact: +41 (0)44 253 62 00
Website: https://johanniter.com/en/dc-home/
PHOTO: JOHANNITER
Luigia Restaurant
Offering a great choice of Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European, Neapolitan, Campania, Southern-Italian food, Luigia is a relatively new italian restaurant chain that just arrived in Zurich, and combines a colourful indoor ambience with as many choices of food.
PHOTO: LUIGIA
PHOTO: JOHANNITER
Address: Talstrasse 61, 8001 Zurich
Website: https://www.luigia.ch/
Stay tuned for more of our #RunEveryCity recommendations with Paul, as we help you in your sports travel around the world!