Historic observatory offering narrated tours with telescope viewing, plus scenic city views.
Urania Sternwarte in Zürich (Kreis 12)
Description
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We had a private tour and were just amazed. The tour guide was fantastic, super enthusiastic about the observatorium, the stars and everything. We had many questions and he had an answer to all of them. He had his repertoire but was more than willing to adjust to all our requests. The only downside was that after an hour the clouds blocked our view into the sky. But even for that he had a plan B to demonstrate us the capabilities of the telescope.
MoreBeautiful view of Zurich and nice observatory w/ a tour dedicated to kids every first Saturday of the month for just 5 CHF / person. Totally worth the visit.
More20 CHF per each, and weve seen nothing, they showed us the star of Fraumunster in the telescope 🤷♀️ they should refund tickets on cloudy days
MoreOur fault that we did not read more info about being only in german so I guess totally unfriendly for tourists from the rest of the world . It was ssooo boring even for germans you could see them yawning...we only saw an upside down building...ridiculous for an observatory...personally I can judge because I have been to others...a total waste of money....
MoreGreat 90 min of science, view of stars and Zürich
Absolutely amazing observatory! They have a lot of public tours, and if the weather cooperates, you can even observe through the gigantic telescope yourself! On the top they also have a small cafe and an observation deck for the city view. Magnificent!
MoreThe show is very interesting. The view of Zürich was great. Had three opportunities to look through the actual telescope but that took quite a long time for the 30 or so people present. Saw saturn, jupiter and the moon. Great.
MoreBest place to see zürich. The lectures are also very exciting. Very nice!
Beautiful experience, something you really dont do everyday. Unfortunately, the tour was in German only. You also have to be lucky with the weather, as clouds can obscure the sky. However the view from the top is very cool
MoreBeautifully designed and located right at the city center
Very cool place! You can not only look at the sky and the stars, but also across Zurich. We did a daylight visit to look at the sun and its corona. The guides were very helpful and did a great show explaining sun flares and dark spots!If you want to bring kids, they should have certain age as they might get bored otherwise (our 8 year old was in any case :-)Hope to visit again soon
MoreVery interesting experience, the presenter is very knowledgeable and you get to enjoy the visit regardless of the weather. Would recommend!
MoreThe tour was informative and interesting. The telescopes are quite impressive, there is a big one and two smaller ones. The weather did not permit to study the sky, thus there was a presentation of the equipment, the planets and stars we can see with the telescope on a clear night. The presentation was held in German. We could also see the city of Zurich from the terrace.
MoreThe tour was in German. Since I was a tourist and didnt speak German, the whole 1 hour session was kind of mime. Though few of my fellow attendees were very helpful and translated the explanations. I did see jupiter and saturn.
MoreNice...
Galactic magic in the heart of Zürich. On a clear summer sky, we were able to see the Moons craters, Jupiter and its satellites and Saturn and its rings. Just witnessing the wooden dome rotate above you is a spectacle on its own, as well as the glimpses of the Zürich city at night from high above. Our narrator had a PhD in Astrophysics, was a lead of a telescope in Tenerife, and sent a few satellites to space for Nasa. The presentation was done in German, worth checking if there is an English version
MoreIn the city center. Great for adults and kids
I wasted thirty years of living in the Zürich Area by not having been here sooner!Very informative and interesting tour with the opportunity to look beyond the moon and examine the the stars.
MoreFascinating place where you can hear about the universe and get close to a five ton refraction telescope. Try the Jules Verne cocktail bar one floor down afterwards.
MoreHave to take the elevator to the Jules Verne restaurant to access the observatory. Hours arent as posted online so make sure to call ahead to check hours.
MoreThe lecture is only in German, which unfortunately they failed to mention. That piece of information is hidden within one of the pages on the site, but not mentioned during the booking process. The person giving the lecture was kind of rude rude when asked about English, not even letting us finish the question (which would have been a request to translate the instructions for operating the telescope). Otherwise the experience looked that it would have been nice, if we hadnt left. Definitely not a tourist place.
MoreAccess to obervatory is little tricky. No signs or directions. Have to enter the restaurant to take the lift. Also not open all the time. Check timings before going there. Cant say much about observatory, as it was closed when I went there :(
MoreGo there for one of the many tours they offer! Beautiful place + great guides, super interesting even if weather not perfect
MoreA bit expensive (To be expected in Zurichbut an amazing view :)
A shame that theres no english tour (exc those made by appointment), but its definitely worth the visit! You get to experience an amazing panoramic view of zurich, all while learning new things about telescopes and the outer space
MoreThe guided tour was really boring.
Such a nice and intresting place.
Quote ok
A great place to learn something about the universe. And in the middle of Zürich
MoreObservatory trip only held in German. Bummer for ones who don’t understand it.The entrance to the observatory is through a restaurant below. Elevator’s last stop takes to the observatory and a coffee place beneath.One can go up the elevator and enjoy the view of bahnofstrasse for free.
MoreBuild 1910 the king was present
The tour they offer is cool and informative but make sure you go when the sky is really clear.
MoreBeautiful but very crowded
Great view of Zurich old town at night. But tour in German, no English tour otherwise five star review
MoreDefinitely worth a visit!
This historical Observatory is located in center of Zürich city. We had a private guide in English for our children. They are very kind and professional. We like this trip a lot!
MoreGreat tour. Very well done and interesting! They also have a kids tour.
This is a great place, specially for the kids. We went on a grown-up tour, and it was good - weve seen two stars - the Sun and Arctur, and two planets. The telescope doesnt have an amazing resolution or zoom factor but the way it works is amazing. The whole atmosphere there is awesome. It goes a bit slow, would be great to be able to see more - although I have no idea how much more would be technically possible.The view from there is also great - you see all Zurich actually, in the summer its still light outside, and when it gets darker the lights are on - and that view is amazing as well.Will definitely come back on kids tour - it is on every first Saturday of the month.
MoreGreat view, but the menu could a little bigger
The friendliest bar with the best views in ALL of Zurich!! A must for anyone visiting Zurich - 10/10!
MoreGood for the view and to try out something different. Service could be better. Nice view of town.
MoreThey offer a guided tour for children on the first Saturday of every month. In addition, the building and the telescope are of historical interest as they were built in 1905.
MoreLoved it here! Be half an hour earlier and you have the coolest experience ever! We saw Saturn and two suns, spinning around each other.
MoreExcellent views from the city. Come early to grab a spot, its tiny.
For the Observatory, go Thursday - Saturday between 21:00 - 22:00There are paid public tours given in the evenings (if there is clear weather). Tours on Thursday - Saturday evenings 21:00 - 22:00 hrs.The telescope is a two lens system allowing for 600-fold magnification. Interesting to visit.
Moregreat bar with a view on Zurich. especially nice for tourists
The guide was uncomfortable with English speakers in the group and wouldnt let us in. Beware if you dont speak German.
MoreHorrible service and too crowded. Very confusing to reach if it is the first time you go. The info on the website mixes the menu from the restaurant from the first floor, which apparently is the same but with a complete different look and name. A great mess that made me miss my birthday dinner.
MoreFar from perfect for watching the stars, but a nice steampunky place to visit.
sorry guys, but it doesnt work. there is too much light pollution in zurich.
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