Polyterrasse (ETH Terrace) Zurich
Iconic ETH Zurich terrace offering breathtaking, free panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. A must-visit for stunning vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Polyterrasse (ETH Terrace) Zurich
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic ETH Zurich terrace offering breathtaking, free panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. A must-visit for stunning vistas.
"A short ride with a big view – Zurich's hidden gem offering stunning panoramic views."
Ride the Polybahn for Views
Take the Polybahn from Central for a quick, scenic trip up to the ETH campus and its amazing views. :mountain_railway:
Free City Vistas
The Polyterrasse offers incredible, free panoramic views of Zurich. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Polyterrasse Viewpoint
ETH Zurich Campus
Panoramic views of Zurich's rooftops, Limmat River, lake, and distant Alps. Stunning at sunset.
Polybahn Funicular
Central Station to ETH Zurich
A charming, short funicular ride offering scenic city views on its ascent.
ETH Zurich Campus
Zentrum, ETH Zurich
Explore the historic campus where Einstein studied, with impressive architecture and free access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride the Polybahn for Iconic Views
Free Campus Exploration & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ride the Polybahn for Views
Take the Polybahn from Central for a quick, scenic trip up to the ETH campus and its amazing views. :mountain_railway:
Free City Vistas
The Polyterrasse offers incredible, free panoramic views of Zurich. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Explore ETH Campus
Wander the historic ETH Zurich campus, where Einstein taught. Free to enter and explore. +1 :university:
Sunset Spot
Polyterrasse is ideal for sunset views as it faces west. Enjoy the city lights twinkle on. :city_sunset:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ride the Polybahn for Views
Take the Polybahn from Central for a quick, scenic trip up to the ETH campus and its amazing views. :mountain_railway:
Free City Vistas
The Polyterrasse offers incredible, free panoramic views of Zurich. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Explore ETH Campus
Wander the historic ETH Zurich campus, where Einstein taught. Free to enter and explore. +1 :university:
Sunset Spot
Polyterrasse is ideal for sunset views as it faces west. Enjoy the city lights twinkle on. :city_sunset:
Budget-Friendly Excursion
A great free activity in an expensive city. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the terrace! :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Polyterrasse for its stunning, accessible panoramic views of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps. The short, scenic Polybahn ride up to the ETH campus is a charming bonus, making it a highly recommended, budget-friendly excursion for a quick taste of the city from above. +1
"A Short Ride with a Big View – Zurich’s Hidden Gem
We took the Polybahn from the city center, and in just 2 minutes, arrived at a charming observation deck just in front of ETH Zurich’s main building. From here, the panoramic view of Zurich’s rooftops, the Limmat River, and distant lake is absolutely stunning.
A highly recommended mini excursion — especially if you're short on time but want to enjoy Zurich from above."
Alfred Ng
"A very beautiful point where you can have a nice small view over Zurich. It was amazing being able to visit this place!"
Codrin Ghindoc
"The imposing building of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) was built in 1864 according to plans by Gottfried Semper. Fifty years later, the University of Zurich (UZH) was built right next door, a no less impressive building, which today houses over 30,000 students and staff.
The viewing terrace in front of the ETH main building – called Polyterrasse – is connected to thePolybahnIt can be reached from Central Station in just 2.5 minutes. From here, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the old town.
Out of consideration for other visitors, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM."
Nuwan Wickramasinghe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the historic Polybahn funicular from Central Station directly to the ETH Zurich campus. The ride is short and offers great views. Alternatively, it's a pleasant 5-10 minute walk uphill from Central.
Yes, the Polybahn is part of Zurich's public transport system. If you have a Zurich Card or a valid public transport pass, the ride is usually included. Otherwise, a single ticket is quite affordable.
Yes, you can walk to the Polyterrasse from Zurich Main Station (HB). It's about a 10-minute walk uphill. The Polybahn offers a more scenic and quicker ascent if you prefer.
For visitors, the Polybahn funicular from Central is the most direct and enjoyable route to the ETH Zurich campus and the Polyterrasse. It's a quick and iconic way to get there.
Parking directly at the ETH campus is limited and primarily for staff. It's recommended to use public transport and the Polybahn, or park in a central Zurich parking garage and walk or take public transport to Central Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Polyterrasse itself is a public viewing terrace and is free to access. You only need a ticket for the Polybahn funicular if you choose to ride it.
The ETH Zurich campus buildings, including the main building and the Polyterrasse, are generally free to enter and explore for visitors. +1
The Polyterrasse is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM.
Yes, you can explore many of the public areas of the ETH Zurich campus, including the main building and its surroundings. Some specific labs or offices may require appointments or student/staff access.
Yes, there is a small fee for the Polybahn ride if you don't have a valid public transport ticket or Zurich Card. The cost is typically around 1.20 CHF per ride.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire terrace offers fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the sweeping city skyline, the Limmat River, Lake Zurich, and the distant Alps. It's particularly beautiful during golden hour and sunset.
Absolutely! The Polyterrasse faces west, making it an excellent spot for capturing stunning sunset views over Zurich. +1
From the Polyterrasse, you get a magnificent panoramic view of Zurich's old town, the Limmat River, Lake Zurich, and on clear days, the Swiss Alps.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted in public areas of the ETH campus. However, commercial photography or filming might require special permission.
While views are good throughout the day, late afternoon and sunset offer the most dramatic and picturesque scenery as the city lights begin to glow. +1
ℹ️ 💡 General Tips
After enjoying the views, you can explore the ETH campus, visit the nearby University of Zurich (UZH), or walk down to the Niederdorf (Old Town) for charming streets, shops, and cafes.
Yes, there's a Mensa (cafeteria) and the BQM bar located below the terrace on the ETH campus for affordable food options. You can also find numerous restaurants and cafes in the nearby Old Town.
The Polyterrasse is a wonderful spot for a picnic, especially on a nice day. You can enjoy your own food while taking in the spectacular city views.
ETH Zurich is a world-renowned university for science and technology, famous for its research and for being the alma mater of Albert Einstein.
Yes, searching for Einstein's locker on the ETH campus is a fun side quest for visitors interested in his legacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ETH campus itself is more academic, the open space of the terrace and the novelty of the funicular can keep children engaged. It’s a great way to show them the city from above without a long commitment. Consider combining this with a visit to the nearby Zoological Museum, which is also free and offers a fun, educational experience for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt to walk up to the terrace instead of taking the Polybahn if you want to save a few francs, though the funicular ride is a unique experience worth considering for its low cost. Bringing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the terrace is also a smart way to save money on food while enjoying the scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The best time for photography is undoubtedly during the golden hour leading up to sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the city. The contrast of the historic ETH architecture against the modern cityscape also provides interesting photographic subjects. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective from the Polybahn as it ascends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Polybahn and Polyterrasse Experience
Upon arrival at the top, you're greeted by the impressive architecture of the ETH main building and, more importantly, the Polyterrasse. This expansive viewing terrace provides breathtaking panoramic views over Zurich. From here, you can see the winding Limmat River, the shimmering Lake Zurich, the charming rooftops of the Old Town (Altstadt), and on clear days, the majestic Swiss Alps in the distance. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to soak in the city's beauty, especially during sunset.
Many visitors find the Polyterrasse to be a highlight of their Zurich trip, offering a stunning vista without the need for a long trek or expensive cable car ride. It's a perfect example of how Zurich offers accessible beauty and iconic landmarks.
Exploring the ETH Zurich Campus
Beyond the main building and the Polyterrasse, the campus is a vibrant place. Below the terrace, you'll find the Mensa (student cafeteria) and the BQM bar, offering affordable dining options for students and visitors alike. The ASVZ sports facilities are also located here, showcasing the active student life. For those interested in science and history, the campus itself is a testament to Zurich's intellectual heritage.
While you can't access all areas without specific credentials, the public spaces are more than enough to appreciate the scale and atmosphere of ETH. It’s a great place to combine with a visit to the nearby University of Zurich (UZH) for a broader understanding of Zurich's academic landscape.
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