Hotels near Lindenhof

Lindenhof is the low, tree-covered hill on the west bank of the Limmat where Roman Zurich began around AD 15 as the customs post Turicum. The Roman fort was later replaced by a Carolingian imperial palace under Charlemagne's grandson, Louis the German, and the medieval city grew outward from here. Nothing of the palace remains except a single Roman gravestone in the paving, but the terrace itself is one of the most peaceful spots in central Zurich.

From the balustrade you get a straight-on view of Grossmunster's twin towers, the ETH Zurich buildings on the opposite hill, the Rathaus, and the red-tiled roofs of the medieval Old Town sloping down to the river. Chess is played on the giant boards year-round, and locals treat it as an outdoor living room. In 1292 a group of Zurich women reportedly saved the city here by lining up in armour to trick the invading Habsburgs into thinking a garrison remained - a story every local schoolchild learns.

Pro Tip: Come at golden hour for photos and bring a takeaway from the nearby Cafe Schober on Napfgasse. Access is via a set of steep stone stairs from Fortunagasse - the elevator at Rennweg 4 (the gap between two shops) is a locals' shortcut that most tourists miss.