That summer feeling in the garden city

Intro

Winterthur is a city of many colours and contrasts. Spacious parks and gardens give Switzerland’s sixth-largest city a seductive mix of big-city flair and the natural beauty of a small town, which is the reason behind its legendary reputation as a “garden city”.

Urban Golf

The Urban Golf Course in Winterthur offers an alternative way of playing golf. The game is not played on traditional golf courses, but rather at various locations in the city, such as industrial halls, parks and squares. Equipment can be rented from the Skills Park. The game is suitable for up to eight people in groups of no more than four and takes around two to three hours. The trail offers a fun way to discover the city of Winterthur as you play.

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Winterthur’s colourful old town

Steinberggasse in the old town is an extremely lively place in summer. The compact rows of houses, narrow alley and backyards create a charming atmosphere. A market is held in the alley twice a week, and you’ll also find a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. The modern fountains designed by artist Donald Judd are particularly impressive. These minimalist fountains offer refreshment for both body and soul. On hot days, they invite you to take part in a spot of “urban swimming”.

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ANTE Festival

Pleasant spring evenings, a good glass of wine and captivating music in an intimate atmosphere – that’s the ANTE Festival. Since 2021, it has been held at a number of exceptional locations in Switzerland. It all began on the idyllic Bäumli, which sits high above Winterthur. There, music is offered in the lush green setting, while you enjoy the view of the city and the sunset.

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Afro-Pfingsten Festival

The Afro-Pfingsten Festival in Winterthur is Switzerland’s largest multicultural festival and attracts around 60,000 visitors each year. In addition to concerts, the festival also includes markets with international offerings and an extensive cultural supporting programme with free concerts, workshops and art exhibitions. It is a hotspot for intercultural exchange and has been taking place for over 30 years.

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The Lauschig Literature Festival

The Lauschig Literature Festival in Winterthur offers readings by authors and spoken word performances outdoors in exclusive gardens and beautiful parks. The format focuses on the personalities of the authors and promotes young Swiss talent in particular. The festival offers inspiring texts, exciting stories and stimulating conversations, all framed by atmospheric music.

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Winterthur Music Festival Weeks

Winterthur really turns up the heat at the end of summer: the Music Festival Weeks event transforms the city centre into a world of sound. International stars and regional talents offer a varied programme of rock, pop, hip hop, electronic and more over twelve days. Cabaret artists and street musicians provide entertainment, while an armada of street food stalls cater for guests’ physical well-being.

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Rooftop terrace to the hoopoe

The hoopoe has built its nest on the roof terrace of the former Haldengut brewery in Winterthur. The terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Pre-Alps of Eastern Switzerland and is a great place to enjoy drinks, cocktails and delicious hot dogs when the weather is warm. In autumn or winter, the eatery can be hired exclusively for events.

Portier

The Portier is a cosy café in the former porter’s lodge of the Sulzer works in Winterthur. With just a few tables inside and twice as many seats outside, it offers a special industrial-style ambience. The Portier is very close to the train station, making it perfectly situated for an after-work beer in summer.

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Sulzerareal

The Sulzerareal in Winterthur, which was once an important location for industrial production, has evolved into a trendy district. Today, students, designers and entrepreneurs find the ideal breeding ground for their ideas here. The site is a place of creativity and culture, which includes a cinema and concerts – a wonderfully anarchic place in otherwise perfectly composed Switzerland.

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Geiselweid outdoor pool

The Geiselweid open-air pool in Winterthur is not only the oldest open-air pool still in operation in Switzerland, but also has Switzerland’s largest natural pool. Built between 1908 and 1911, the pool offers a wide range of leisure activities in summer. These include a large outdoor pool, spacious lawns, play areas and a beach volleyball court. A restaurant with a sunny terrace takes care of guests’ physical well-being.

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That summer feeling in the garden city.

Intro

Urban Golf

Winterthur’s colourful old town

ANTE Festival

Afro-Pfingsten Festival

The Lauschig Literature Festival

Winterthur Music Festival Weeks

Rooftop terrace to the hoopoe

Portier

Sulzerareal

Geiselweid outdoor pool

Sustainable dining and accommodation options

Park Hotel Winterthur - The urban oasis in the heart of Winterthur

Sorell Hotel Krone

Restaurant "Das Taggenberg"

Wirtshaus zur Krone