Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, is well-known for its perfect lakes, breathtaking vistas of the Alps, and strong financial position. Beyond these well-known traits, however, Zurich is domestic to a wealth of lesser-known information that sheds light on its distinctive qualities, social significance, and lengthy past. Here are a few unexpected Zurich facts that you most likely didn’t know:

1. Zurich Was an Early Site of Female Empowerment

Zurich led the way in promoting female empowerment much before many other cities adopted gender equality. In 1867, women were admitted to the University of Zurich, making it the first university in Europe. Women were able to pursue higher education because to this innovative move, which also made a major contribution to the development of women’s rights in Europe. Notably, Zurich native Emilie Kempin-Spyri became the first female PhD in law recipient from a European university in 1887.
Louis the German established Fraumünster Abbey, often known as “Women’s Abbey,” in 853 AD as a present for his daughter. Given a sizable portion of the surrounding land in the eleventh century, the abbey soon gained prominence and authority. The abbess and the women who lived there rose to prominence as local politicians, a situation that persisted for a long while. Even though the abbey’s female members eventually lost power in the fourteenth century, their ability to rule successfully for such a long period of time is a significant turning point in the history of the city. The Romanesque choir and transept of Fraumünster Church, which now stands on the site of the abbey, have survived despite the replacement of most of the old building.
Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

2. Zurich Has a Diverse History

Zurich has an interesting and diverse past. Originally called “Turicum” when founded by the Romans in 15 B.C., the city has seen several political and social changes throughout the years. The history of Zurich is a patchwork of diverse influences, from its role as a key player in the Protestant Reformation to its emergence as a hub for revolutionary movements such as Dadaism. The city also offered sanctuary to intellectuals, artists, and political refugees in the middle of the 19th and 20th centuries.

4. Zurich Gave Birth to Dadaism

The little town of Zurich gave birth to Dadaism, which is an avant-garde art movement that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1916, Tristan Tzara and Hugo Ball among other intellectuals and artists established Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich. The year was World War I. This place witnessed the birth of Dadaism, a movement that stood against traditional artistic norms preferring irrationality and caprice instead. To this day, it serves as a museum and cultural venue where one can find remnants of Dadaism preserved within the Cabaret Voltaire that still exists for use up to now.

5. Lake Zurich Has Been Known to Freeze

Despite being a lovely and tranquil piece of water, Lake Zurich has an unexpected feature: it periodically freezes over. There have only been a few instances of this event, called the “Seegfrörni,” in recorded history; the most recent notable freeze occurred in 1963. The frozen lake transforms into a winter paradise during these uncommon occurrences, drawing both locals and visitors for ice skating and other winter activities.

Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

6. Zurich Is Home to Over 1,200 Drinking Fountains

There are more than 1,200 fountains in the city of Zurich. In addition to being a lovely architectural element of the city, these public drinking fountains supply safe and clean drinking water. The city is full of fountains that are dotted with cool drinks for passersby. The designs range from basic spouts to elaborate sculptures.

7. Zurich Is Switzerland’s Largest City

Zurich, with almost 430,000 inhabitants, is the biggest city in Switzerland despite its little size. It is the financial and social center of the country and is domestic to several international organizations, regarded academic institutions, and top-notch museums. Zurich is an critical member on the international scene due to its size and impact, which go well beyond its population.

8. Muesli Was Invented in Zurich

Zurich is to blame if you’ve ever loved a bowl of muesli for breakfast. Early within the 20th century, Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Brenner created this wholesome cereal. For his patients, Dr. Bircher-Brenner created muesli, a nutritious dish made of rolled oats, fresh fruit, nuts, and milk or yogurt. Granola is a broadly preferred breakfast alternative across the globe these days, frequently linked to a healthy way of living. 

Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

9. Zurich Has Many Famous Connections

Throughout history, Zurich has been home to various well-known individuals. Early within the 20th century, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) was home to one of history’s most prominent researchers, Albert Einstein. The pioneer of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, also spent a number of years residing in Zurich before departing for Russia in 1917. The city has long been a magnet for bright minds from around the globe due to its intellectual and cultural milieu.

10. The City Has a Museum Dedicated to ‘Nothing’

The Museum of Nothing is one of Zurich’s most distinctive cultural establishments. This nontraditional museum questions the basic idea of what a museum ought to be. It invites visitors to consider the nature of existence and what “nothing” means, focusing on the idea of emptiness and absence rather than showing off exhibits. It’s an engaging experience that goes above the norm for visiting a museum.

11. Google's Biggest European Office Is in Zurich

Google, the tech behemoth, has chosen to locate its greatest office in Europe in Zurich. Google’s Zurich headquarters, in the old Hürlimann Areal brewery, is a center of advancement and inventiveness. With game areas, themed meeting rooms, and even a slide, the office is well-known for its eccentric and engaging design. Zurich’s standing as one of Europe’s top tech and development hubs has been enhanced by Google’s presence there.

12. The Biggest Church Clock in Europe Resides in Zurich

The most prominent church clock face in Europe may be found in Zurich’s St. Peter’s Church. The clock is a remarkable sight, standing 8.7 meters (28.5 feet) in diameter and dating back to the 13th century. One of Zurich’s most identifiable landmarks, the clock face is a representation of the city’s historical importance.

Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

13. Switzerland Hosts the World’s Largest Machine: The LHC

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the biggest machine within the world, is found in Switzerland, though it isn’t unique to Zurich. Huge particle accelerator LHC is housed in CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, which is near to Geneva. It is utilized for cutting-edge physics experiments. Switzerland is a pioneer in scientific research and development, as demonstrated by the LHC. 

Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

14. The Gotthard Base Tunnel: A Record-Breaking Engineering Marvel

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest road and rail tunnel in the world, is located in Switzerland. This engineering marvel, which connects northern and southern Europe, stretches 57.1 kilometers (35.5 miles) through the Swiss Alps, lowering travel time and increasing transportation efficiency. The tunnel is an incredible engineering achievement and a representation of Swiss dexterity and inventiveness.

Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew About Zurich, Switzerland

15. Switzerland Has 26 Cantons

One of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, the canton of Zurich has Zurich as its capital. Switzerland’s federal system is reflected in the constitution, statutes, and governing bodies of each canton. The size, population, and linguistic diversity of the cantons all differ, which includes to the rich cultural diversity of Switzerland. One of the most populated and financially vital cantons, Zurich is essential to the development and government of the country.

16. Switzerland Has Four Official Languages

German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the four official languages of multilingual Switzerland. Although most individuals in Zurich, which is in the German-speaking locale of Switzerland, speak German, you can frequently hear people talking other languages there as well. This linguistic assortment contributes to Switzerland’s distinct charm and is a defining feature of Swiss identity. 

Zurich Limousine: The Ultimate Way to Discover Zurich

Investigating Zurich, a city known for its rich history, social landmarks, and dazzling view, can be an extraordinary experience when done right. Zurich Limousine offers a extravagant and personalized way to discover this dynamic city. By hiring Zurich Limousine, you’ll enjoy the ultimate consolation and comfort as you explore Zurich’s beautiful boulevards, whether you’re going by iconic destinations like Lake Zurich, the Old Town, or the bustling Bahnhofstrasse. The proficient chauffeurs at Zurich Limousine are not just drivers but knowledgeable guides who can offer insider tips and tailor your travel to your interests. Moreover, the service’s fleet of high-end vehicles guarantees that you travel in style, making each moment of your Zurich adventure extraordinary. For a consistent, stress-free, and elegant exploration of Zurich, Zurich Limousine is the perfect choice.