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Zurich has 1,200 wells with drinking water

Everywhere in the city, the best drinking water flows from large and small wells: Free for all.

Fresh and first-class drinking water is always available in Zurich - thanks to more than 1,200 wells that can be found every few meters in the city. This makes Zurich one of the cities with the most fountains in the world. There are exciting stories to tell about each fountain. Here are just three fountains in the city center that every visitor must have seen:

Amazonen-Brunnen on Rennweg: put into operation around 1430. With a figure adorning the fountain, it is one of the first Zurich fountains that was also considered a public work of art.

Alfred Escher fountain at the main station: in operation since 1889. Alfred Escher's figure stands in a triangle that brings together his most important achievements: as a railroad pioneer, he ensured that Zurich, with its main station, became one of Switzerland's most important transport hubs at an early stage. He was also involved in the founding of today's Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (today Credit Suisse) on Paradeplatz.

Lindenhof fountain on the Lindenhof: in operation since 1667. Today's fountain was created in 1912 in memory of the brave women of Zurich who, in battle dress, are said to have deterred an Austrian army from a city siege in 1292.

Tip 1:
If you get thirsty while walking through Zurich, you don't need a supermarket. A drinking bottle - for example, the high-quality, reusable and lightweight Sigg drinking bottle that can be purchased at the Tourist Information - is all you need. Screw it on, fill it up and enjoy cool as well as fresh water.

Tip 2:
If you want to learn more about Zurich's endless fountains, book the city tour Wasserstadt Zürich.

Tip 3:
This map shows where the fountains are located in the city.

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Freitag Tower - inspires high

Freitag Tower - stacked shipping containers are a treat for urban explorers

It is not just recycling fans who will love the colorful tower near the central Hardbrücke Station, which boasts 17 stacked shipping containers rising 26 meters (85 feet) into the air.

The rusty containers were sourced especially from Hamburg and transported to Zurich by train. Not just nice to look at, the tower is accessible as well. Over four floors, it contains the world’s largest selection of “individual recycled freeway bags” from the renowned Zurich label Freitag – 1,600 bags.

Climb further and you’ll reach the roof of the recycled skyscraper that offers a commanding view of the former industrial quarter. Look out for old factories pulsing with new life, Frau Gerolds Garten – a popular urban garden with dining options – and the arches of the viaduct that now house gorgeous boutiques, restaurants and event spaces.

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«I know Zurich for many years and will be happy to help you have an unforgettable stay!»
Sigi Gübeli