Schipfe village in the city Zurich

Below Lindenhof, between Rathaus- and Rudolf Brun Brücke on the left shore of the Limmat River, you will find the historic Schipfe area.

This district is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Zürich. Schipfe's name is derived from the word “Schupfen”, which means “to push” in Swiss German. For a long time, flat transport ships were pushed ashore here. In the Middle Ages, the waterways were the safest and fastest means of transportation and, therefore, of great importance. To this day, the Schipfe hosts the clubhouse and is part of the Limmat Club, whose members sail wielding boats and help in emergencies on the water.

Today's houses date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries and have been beautifully restored. I love strolling through the romantic streets so close to the water and taking a look at the lovely craft stores, small boutiques and the equally historic Limmatquai opposite, whose picturesque houses are reflected in the river on sunny days.

Small walls along the banks and benches invite you to linger beneath the trees. Some footbridges even stretch over the water, and in an arcade open only to the river, it's easy to imagine how traders sold their wares here hundreds of years ago.