Tour poster: The Definitive Zurich: Saints, Sinners, and Swiss Francs
Red Thread OriginalZurich
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Self-guided audio tour

Zurich

The Definitive Zurich Saints, Sinners, and Swiss Francs

Power, Protest & Civic SpacesHistory & Memory
Distance
1.9 km
Duration
100 min
Route
8 stops

Uncover the beating heart of Zurich, a city built on profound and fascinating contradictions. From the hushed, ancient cobblestones of Lindenhof to the gleaming, trillion-dollar vaults of Paradeplatz, this redthread tour reveals how a strict Protestant work ethic birthed a global financial empire.

Ian MacLeod
Your guide Ian MacLeod Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
Audio sample

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Uncover the beating heart of Zurich, a city built on profound and fascinating contradictions. From the hushed, ancient cobblestones of Lindenhof to the gleaming, trillion-dollar vaults of Paradeplatz, this redthread tour reveals how a strict Protestant work ethic birthed a global financial empire. You will trace the Limmat River through time, standing where martyrs lost their heads, where a radical monk sparked a religious revolution, and where the Dadaists declared war on meaning itself. Join us to decode the dualities of a city that is simultaneously austere and opulent, disciplined and wildly rebellious.

Your in-app experience

This is how the Red Thread app brings your tour to life.

Red Thread guides you through the city's stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Authentically and compellingly told by our experts and locals.

Home
01

Home

Get inspired and choose a story that fits your location and your mood.

Search for tours directly
02

Search for tours directly

Use the map to find tours in your city or at a specific address.

Redeem in the app
03

Redeem in the app

Redeem purchased tours or City Passes in the app using a voucher code or QR code.

Start well prepared
04

Start well prepared

Explore the route, stops, and many additional features for your experience.

Listen where it happened
05

Listen where it happened

Hear the stories where they happened.

Ask your guide
06

Ask your guide

Get extra context, deeper details, or useful tips nearby.

Collect discoveries
07

Collect discoveries

Build your travel passport and explore fascinating insights.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Lindenhof

The historical core of Zurich, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the Limmat River and the Old Town.

Lindenhof

Pic by Roland zh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.49 km • 8 min
2

STOP 2

Paradeplatz

The epicenter of Switzerland's banking district, exploring Zurich's reputation as a global financial hub.

Paradeplatz

Pic by Fred Romero on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.23 km • 3 min
3

STOP 3

Fraumünster

A former abbey featuring stunning Marc Chagall stained glass windows, representing Zurich's deep artistic legacy.

Fraumünster

Pic by Fred Romero on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.08 km • 1 min
4

STOP 4

Münsterbrücke

The bridge connecting the Fraumünster and Grossmünster, serving as a physical and narrative link between two distinct identities.

Münsterbrücke

Pic by Roland zh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.10 km • 2 min
5

STOP 5

Wasserkirche

The 'Water Church', legendary execution site of Zurich's patron saints, adding ancient myth to the religious narrative.

Wasserkirche

Pic by Roland zh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.16 km • 3 min
6

STOP 6

Grossmünster

The cradle of the Swiss-German Reformation, defined by its austere interior and iconic twin towers.

Grossmünster

Pic by Roger Wollstadt on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.31 km • 5 min
7

STOP 7

Cabaret Voltaire

The birthplace of the Dada movement, providing a rebellious artistic contrast to Protestantism.

Cabaret Voltaire

Pic by Fred Romero on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.53 km • 8 min
8

END

Café Odeon

A grand historic café where intellectuals gathered, encapsulating Zurich's role as a neutral haven.

Café Odeon

Pic by Schölla Schwarz on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious urban explorers interested in the intersection of religion, art, and global finance.
  • Best time Late morning or early afternoon, allowing you to see the stained glass of the Fraumünster in optimal light and end your tour with a coffee at Café Odeon.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the cobblestones.
  • Church etiquette Remember to keep your voice low and shoulders covered inside the minsters.
  • Pacing Take your time on the bridges; the views of the Limmat are spectacular.
  • Refreshments Save your appetite for a historic pastry at the final stop.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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