Zurich: City by the water Cosmopolitan, vibrant, young.
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Intro
Zurich is the largest and probably also the most diverse city in Switzerland. The cosmopolitan city at the waterfront combines city life with unspoilt nature. From the banks of the Limmat to the top of the Uetliberg: runners love Zurich because of its greenery. We take you on three different routes through Zurich and show you not only the highlights but also unknown spots of the city.
Mike takes us on the run with him. He is a UX designer at On. Mike loves fresh air and exercise, as well as a varied training program.
I especially like running in Zurich because you have a river and a lake you can jump into. You have altitude differences and you have a brilliant mix of nature and urbanity.
Urban Zurich around Lochergut The 5 km route
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The 5 km route leads through urban Zurich. Here you will get to know spots that are not in any travel guide, but which are extremely popular with the locals.
The route starts and ends at Lochergut. The Bäckeranlage, a green park, is part of it – as is the Langstrasse, the nightlife of Zurich and the upcoming district Europaallee. Shortly before the finish line, you pass Bullingerplatz. This is packed in nice summer evenings. Not least because the sun shines longest here. In case you are in the mood for a beer, you should drink it at the Bar Sacchi. Half the neighbourhood meets here for an aperitif.
The downtown round The 10 km route
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The 10 km route is full of touristic highlights. Unique views, green parks and the scenic old town await you. On top of that is the deep blue lake.
The route starts at the National Museum, right by the railway station Hauptbahnhof. Then it heads up to the university with the Polyterrasse. Make sure to stop and enjoy the view. Continue to the Kunsthaus, through the old town and to the lake. If you run along the lake promenade, you will come to the Hafen-Enge-Beiz. A break and refreshment here will make you fit for the rest of the run. And that is full of contrasts: Belvoir Park, the path under the motorway bridge, Bahnhofstrasse, Lindenhof. By the way: one of Mike's favourite sections is the wooden footpath to the old botanical garden and the idyllic garden itself. Take your time for it!
Pure nature meets urbanity The 15 km route
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The 15 km route starts at Escher-Wyss-Platz in the middle of the city and then leads steeply up to Chäferberg. The effort is worth it, the view all over Zurich to the lake is priceless. Afterwards, you run along the crystal-clear Limmat for a long time. The river has something magical about it. The view from Hardbrücke over the tracks to the snow-covered Alps is mystical too. At the ViCAFE between the Prime Tower and the viaduct arches, just off Geroldsgarten, you can get a delicious coffee. Perfect for a well-deserved break. The 15 km run is a tough one. Afterwards, step on the gas once again and run along the Limmat to the Dynamo cultural centre. Here half of Zurich jumps into the river. Including Mike. For him, cooling off with a river swim is the crowning glory of the long 15 km route.