Schanzengraben Canal Zurich – Walk on the Water

Starting from the Bürkli Platz, just behind a luxurious hotel Baur au Lac begins a manmade canal through the city. It follows the outskirts of the old town and offers picturesque views of the boats, pretty facades, and terraces.

Follow the canal on a sunny day and stop by one of the many terraces. On your way, you will pass several interesting spots. One of them is the Old Botanical Garden. Located on a hill overlooking the city, this tiny and uncrowded park is a good stop for a short relaxing moment. On the canal waters, you will also spot a training ground for a kayaking club, and if you are lucky, you can watch one of their training sessions.

Further down, you encounter a badi (swiss germ. for an open-air public bath), which is reserved exclusively for men (Männerbadi). According to urban rumors, many of the visitors are influential bankers from the nearby financial district. For all genders, the badi opens as a bar on the water (Rimini bar) from 6.45 PM onwards. The badi and the bar are open over the summer season. Further down, following the shadowed promenade, the canal merges with the Sihl river not far from the main train station.