Zurich Dark History Tour: Discover Medieval Trials, Witch Hunts, and Executions

Uncover Zurich’s dark history on a guided tour through medieval trials, witch hunts, and executions. Explore key locations and hear the stories of real people who endured torture and met their fate in this hauntingly fascinating city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Paradeplatz - Start your journey at Paradeplatz, where the mysterious realm of witches and executioners comes to life. Explore the history of a Zurich executioner’s home and understand the intricacies of their unique profession, including fascinating details of their training.
  • Börsenstrasse - Walk along Börsenstrasse, where medieval…
What's Included
  • Tales of the city’s connection to witch-hunts and executions
  • A clear, photo-filled route guide with detailed directions
  • High-quality audio guide narrated by a professional with a deep voice
What's Not Included
  • You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
  • There will be no live guide. Instead, you’ll explore the city using the link provided after booking
  • If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5
Additional Information

What do people often say about Zurich? Switzerland’s financial hub… A city of bankers and shoppers… Streets bustling with hurried individuals…
We invite you to discover a completely different side of Zurich.
Imagine stepping back 500 years into a medieval city with its ancient customs. Nearby, an executioner resides, across the street, a woman…

Location
Paradeplatz
At the designated meeting point, there won't be a live guide present. We invite you to commence this self-guided tour using the link provided at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(14 Ratings)
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1 star
Jessie_g
Sep 28, 2025
Great little self guided tour! - Very easy to follow and very informative. It’s a great way to walk about the city and see things perhaps you may not encounter otherwise. Easy to understand. Definitely go inside the church to see the stained glass windows. Appreciate all the hard work to put this together.
Review provided by Viator
Sunshine43683034181
Dec 28, 2024
A fascinating journey through the history of Zurich - This is my second tour from this author, and I am absolutely delighted again! It was incredibly interesting to delve into historical events and listen to the personal stories of ordinary people who lived at the time and whose lives were connected to the places where I was at the time of the audition. The itinerary is very original and fascinating - it reveals Zurich from a new perspective. Thanks to the actual photos, it was easy to navigate the terrain, so it is simply impossible to get lost! I would like to express my special gratitude for the quality of the audio support: the author's voice is pleasant and disposing, and the melody in the background creates a special atmosphere, as if it were transported back in time. Once again, thank you very much to the author for your work! Looking forward to more tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yakilka
Jun 30, 2023
So-so great! - It was so great! I loved the tour. I could walk at my own pace, could read text in case of background noise or misunderstandings. I'm impatient to take another tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
312nataljam
Jun 23, 2023
Audio guide - Really liked the audio guide. Historical facts are very interesting and well selected. I live in Zurich and it was interesting to know the story.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nataliegy916er
Jun 16, 2023
Very interesting information - Taught great pleasure for an informative guide to the dark places of Zurich,it was very interesting for unusual details. Thanks a lot!👍👍👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olgagq7733es
Jun 14, 2023
I recommend that you look at Zurich from an unaccustomed perspective! - A very interesting tour with an unexpected theme. I have been living in Zurich for several years and have learned a lot. Nice interface.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabiola_c
Jan 6, 2023
A different and flexible way to learn more of the city!! - Interesting stories, very clear instructions, guided us to great hidden ways, easy communication with the operator, extremely helpful and flexible. Totally recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
Darlene_f
Jul 8, 2024
I would suggest this activity. - This definitely got you walking around the town more than we would normally have, but the audio has a lot of filler facts or list of facts that don’t really add to the experience. I think it’s okay to do if you’re looking for some interesting facts about the city and it gives you an insight to the darker side of the city. I think it was just too dark for me because I’m sensitive to human rights, and there doesn’t seem to have been much of that back then.
Review provided by Viator
Alexander_s
Mar 31, 2023
The path was very easy to... - The path was very easy to follow and the narration was interesting. If only the tour included more diverse topics from the alternative history of the city and more places one can actually enter. Nevertheless, absolutely worth time and money. I wish you had a more general sightseeing tour like this for a first time visitor
Review provided by Viator
Kim_b
May 2, 2024
Average - We had to ask for assistance for the link to work and took long time to load . If Rick Steves would have been available would have done his tour.
Review provided by Viator
From $13
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).