Discover the Grossmünster

01.01.2023

The tower (Karlsturm)

The Grossmünster has two prominent tower, one of which (Karlsturm, closer to the Limmat) can be visited. Through a narrow staircase, 187 steep steps will take you to the top of the Tower. On the way up, you will come across the ‘Totentanz Cycle’ (Dance of Death) created by the Zurich-born street art pioneer Harald Naegeli (*1939). At a height of 50 metres, you’ll be able to enjoy the view over the city and the lake, in fine weather even as far as the Glarus Alps. For safety reasons, the gates to the terraces are closed to the public.

Architecture

The distinctive «helmets» of the Grossmünster towers (or citrus squeezers, as the sharp-tongued might call them) are now the landmark of Zurich – although in the original construction in the 13th century, they were hardly taller than the ridge of the nave. They are considered early examples of neo-Gothic architecture.

Tower opening hours

Summer | 1 March – 31 October
Mon–Sat, 10 am – 5.30 pm
Sun 12.30 pm – 5.30 pm

Winter | 1 November – 28 February
Mon–Sat, 10 am – 4.30 pm
Sun 12.30 pm – 4.30 pm

No lift available
(187 steep steps up a narrow staircase)

More information for your visit

Admission

Adults: CHF 5.–
Children and adolescents under the age of 17, students : CHF 2.–

Audio guide with guided tour in German, English, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romance. Available at reception, included in the tower admission (plus CHF 5.– deposit).

Admission entitles you to visit the bible collection (Schriftensammlung) and to a discount of CHF 5.– on the admission to the collection at Kunsthaus Zürich (CHF 11.– instead of CHF 16.–).