Brutal Zürich: The Grand Tour Bike Ride

Brutal Zurich, The Grand Tour Bike Ride, Composite © Karin Bürki. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
  • Private Tour
  • March – November
  • Architecture, Art, Culture, City Experience

Are you a brutalism fan? Love big city rides? Planning a team event or a relaxed day out with friends? Looking for a unique Zurich experience?  You’re in luck – our Grand Tour bike ride ticks all the boxes!

Discover the groundbreaking brutalist icons that have reshaped Zurich and equally bold, yet climate-positive new interpretations. Venture to the city’s toughest towers and experience their softer side. What makes this ride extra special? At each stop, you will see architecture, art and nature come together to create stunning total works of art. But that’s not all! As you ride from the Cultural Mile to the hip districts 3, 4 and 5, as well as the popular Letten Canal, soak up plenty of real Zurich vibes. Plus, look forward to exciting stories, insights and fun facts. No matter whether you’re an expert, novice or local – expect to be brutally wowed!

Your tour guide is Karin Bürki, Head of HEARTBRUT

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Aula Rämibühl
  • Pavillon Le Corbusier (think überdaddy of brutalism)
  • Hochhaus zur Palme high-rise
  • Triemli-Tower
  • Tanzhaus
Triemli Tower, Esther + Rudolf Guyer, Swiss brutalism icon, © Karin Bürki/HEARTBRUT. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
Aula Rämibühl, Kantonsschule Rämibühl, Zürich, © Karin Bürki. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

STARTING POINT

Literargymnasium Rämibühl (Square in front of main entrance)

OVERVIEW

  • Bike tour
  • Packs: 12 stops
  • Distance: 15.5 km
  • Pure riding time: 1 hour
  • Total duration: 4 hours
  • Tour with gentle to moderate inclines, ideal for fit city riders and e-bikes
  • Group size: max 15 people
  • Language: DE/ENG
  • Bring your own bike and helmet
  • Make it YOU: optionally top up tour with additional objects / special focus
  • Book at least one week in advance
  • Price: 800 CHF

BOOK TOUR

Ready to explore? Get in touch to plan your experience.

GOOD TO KNOW

Our walks and rides take place in all weathers. If a tour has to be cancelled due to particularly bad weather, we will contact you. Where possible, we will arrange an alternative date.

  • Don’t forget to pack drinks and snacks
  • Weatherproof clothing is recommended

You can safely ride a bike in the city. Participants bring their own bicycles, e-bikes and helmets. In Zurich, ‘Züri rollt’ offers free city bikes (with a deposit) and e-bikes for CHF 30 per day. Other rental options in Zurich and Basel include PubliBike and Rent-a-Bike. International guests should enquire at the local tourist information office about special rental offers.

Public tours: see programme.

Private tours: advance payment. In exceptional cases, we also accept a deposit. Please contact us regarding payment terms.

Participants are responsible for their own insurance covering accidents, illness, theft, cancellation costs etc.

  • Cancellations made between 120 and 60 days before the tour date will incur a service fee of 10% of the total amount.
  • Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the tour date incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the total amount.
  • Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the tour date are not refundable.

 

If we have to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, such as very bad weather, illness or accident etc:

1. The tour takes place on the alternative date.

2. If there is no alternative date, you will receive a full refund of any payments you have already made within five working days of us cancelling your tour.