Are you traveling to Switzerland soon? If you love exploring offbeat places, these unusual things to do in Zurich will absolutely blow your mind. Zurich is a city where the past and present intersect. With a pre-medieval history, it is now Switzerland’s economic leader and known worldwide for its financial district. It’s also home to picturesque landscapes and elaborate architecture. But did you know that Zurich also has some pretty unusual places? Whether you’re a lover of the macabre or just someone who likes a weird experience now and then, these unique places in Zurich will leave you wanting more.
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Where To Stay in Zurich
If you want an upscale hotel in the center of everything, then I have to recommend the hotel I stayed at in Zurich. 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse is a tad outside the city center, but it’s still in the middle of all the action, and most importantly, it’s super close to public transit. And honestly, it’s perfect for one day in Zurich because it’s literally IN the name!
Additional perks of this hotel are that it’s pet friendly, has parking, kids stay free, and it even has laundry facilities in case you need to get a load done to avoid a smelly suitcase situation. It’s very modern, and the rooms are uniquely designed. It definitely has the boutique hotel feel without actually being one.
You should always look for accommodations with ease of access to everything you want to see and do, especially if you’re only in your destination for a limited time.
PHOTO CREDIT: 25 HOURS HOTEL ZURICH LANGSTRASSE VIA HOTELS.COM
The Best Offbeat Things To Do in Zurich
Make Your Skin Crawl the Moulagenmuseum
This place is top-tier if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Zurich. The Moulagenmuseum is not for the weak of heart (or stomach). This place is dedicated to the art of moulage and three-dimensional mock-ups of diseases and injuries. Literally a hypochondriac’s worst nightmare, but it’s also REALLY cool!
The wax models in this museum were used initially to train health professionals and share medical knowledge. They now stand as a testament to the impact that various diseases can have on the human body. The museum houses about 600 wax figures, and they are considered to be the most well-preserved and lifelike representation of moulages in the world!
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Become Fascinated at Pegasus Small World
Who doesn’t love toys? This place isn’t just for the kids; it will also captivate any adult who walks through its doors. The Pegasus Small World Toy Museum houses tons of small toys dating back to the late 19th century. In fact, their entire collection consists of rare and unusual toy animals, dolls, model trains, and a display of 700 Steiff teddy bears. That’s not a typo – it’s a brand dating back to the late 19th century.
In addition, the museum features special exhibitions two times a year. There’s also a museum shop that has many hard-to-find toy parts, antiques, and model cars, as well as a specialist who repairs and refurbishes toys. This is a fascinating collection of very unique and unusual toys from days gone by.
Visit the Birthplace of Dadaism at Cabaret Voltaire
About a hundred years ago, this tiny house in downtown Zurich became the birthplace of the Dada movement. In July 1916, German artist and poet Hugo Ball stood in the small performance space at Zurichโs Cabaret Voltaire.
They read the first Manifesto introducing the world to a new concept in thought and culture: “An International word. Just a word, and the word a movement.” It’s now a cafรฉ and educational center dedicated to this off-beat art movement.
Dadaism emerged as a backlash against World War I and was made up of artists who opposed capitalism. As a result, the entire movement was a strange mix of expressionism and absurdism. If you’re a history buff or someone who is simply fascinated by the stories of the past, dive into the world of the Cabaret Voltaire.
Drink From the Ceiling at Oepfelchammer
I’m all for a good drink and a good time, but this is literally next level. This 200-year-old tavern challenges you to finish a glass of wine while hanging from a ceiling beam. Yes, you read that right.
The tavern’s drinking ritual is known as “balkenprobe,” or beam challenge. The point of the challenge is to finish a glass of wine without spilling while hanging upside-down on a ceiling rafter. What’s the payoff? Successful participants get their names added to the collection of carvings on the wall. I don’t know if that’s really worth it, but simply attempting it is an adventure in itself.
Another unusual fact about this place is that after 6 p.m., visitors are only allowed to drink water, grape juice, or wine. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Search for the Findling vom Geissturm
Speaking of unusual things to do in Zurich, you should definitely check out “Findling vom Geissturm,” which is basically a random boulder sitting by a building, but the story behind it is fascinating.
On June 10, 1652, a bolt of lightning struck the Geissturm, igniting a massive explosion. The tower and parts of the wall that surrounded it were destroyed. The stones that made up the tower were thrown by the force of the blast and scattered around the surrounding area. One boulder, weighing about 1,800 kg (4,000 lbs), was thrown over 230 meters (750 feet) and landed next to the Grossmรผnster, where it remains to this day.
PHOTO CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS, CC 3.0
Experience History at Kulturama
Kulturama is a museum in Zurich dedicated to examining the evolution of life and human culture. It houses displays of animals, plants, and the planet.
The museum is extensive, with three stories, and has fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, a vast range of taxidermy animals, medical and biological models from different epochs, and liquid preservation.
Something to note before you go is that the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the special exhibitions are only open and accessible on weekends.
Dine in the Dark at Blindekuh
In 1999, Blindekuh claimed fame as the worldโs first so-called “dark restaurant.” When you go here, you’ll be dining in total darkness, which honestly heightens your senses, including taste. The gist is that it’s a surprise 3-course dinner in complete darkness, served by blind and partially sighted waiting staff.
The concept became so popular that it has subsequently been exported as far away as Beijing and Sydney. There are even some TV shows and movies that feature “dark restaurants” in some of their scenes. If you want a dining experience like no other and REALLY want to taste your food on another level, this is the place to eat.
More Fun Things To Do in Zurich
Whether you plan to spend one day in Zurich or several, there’s a lot to see and do in this beautiful city, like visiting all the most Instagrammable places in Zurich and saving some money on your stay by hitting up all of the free activities that Zurich offers.
Be sure to follow me if you want more unique travel tips for your next international (or stateside) vacation.
