Urania Observatory

The Urania Observatory has been a vibrant part of Zurich's cultural scene for over a century, offering fascinating tours for people of all ages. Public tours are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening:  

Winter schedule : 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. and Summer schedule : 9:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. Special tours are frequently organized to explore unique astronomical events and captivating topics in astronomy. Children's tours take place on the first Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. School tours can be arranged individually, with Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons typically reserved for such bookings. Private tours are also available and can be scheduled upon request. 

Please note: The Urania Observatory will be closed from December 23, 2024, to January 2, 2025, and no guided tours will be offered during this period.

Activities

Public tours 

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, the Urania Observatory welcomes visitors to its observatory dome, regardless of the weather, for fascinating astronomical tours.

• Winter schedule: 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
• Summer schedule: 9:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.

Explore intriguing questions like: What sets stars apart from planets? How many moons does Jupiter have? Marvel at satellite images of astronauts' footprints on the moon or discover how a supernova is represented on the Swiss 20-franc note. Under the observatory's impressive wooden dome, the tours offer captivating insights into astronomy and fascinating facts about the universe. On clear nights, guests can even observe celestial wonders directly through the telescope. Lectures are enriched with images and animations, making every visit to the observatory a stellar experience, no matter the season or weather.

• Evening lectures are conducted in German and are ideal for children aged 9 and older. For groups with multiple children, one adult must accompany every three children.
• Public tours in English are held approximately every three months, while private tours can be arranged in English or French.

Please note that the observatory is not heated, so visitors are encouraged to dress warmly according to the outdoor temperature.

Prices:

• Adults: CHF 20

• Youth (12–16 years), students, or adults with Kulturlegi/ZürichCARD: CHF 15
• Children (6–11 years) or youth/students with Kulturlegi/ZürichCARD: CHF 10

Children's tours

The wooden dome creaks as the roof rotates, revealing the sky through a narrow opening—an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to the observatory. Children's tours are held on the first Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Regardless of the weather, these tours offer children and their accompanying adults countless opportunities to explore the universe and admire the enchanting dome of the historic observatory. Using simple explanations and computer simulations, the demonstrator guides participants through the planetary system. When visibility allows, budding astronauts can peer into the cosmos through the observatory's century-old telescope to observe celestial wonders firsthand. The telescope itself is also explained during the tour. The tours are held rain or shine and are designed for school-aged children accompanied by up to two adults. Please note that the tours are not suitable for toddlers or babies. Tickets are available for a nominal fee of CHF 5 per person (both children and adults).  A private children's tour lasts 75 minutes and costs a flat rate of CHF 500.

School tours

Computer simulations on screens allow visitors to explore the universe, regardless of the weather. On clear days, celestial bodies can also be observed during daylight hours. Students are encouraged to think critically and discover answers to questions such as:

• What distinguishes planets from stars?
• Why does the Earth rotate?
• How can the universe be infinitely large?
• Where does the Sun’s energy and light come from?
• How do we search for life in space?

School tours are designed for children from 2nd grade onwards and can be tailored to the class's knowledge level and specific teacher requests.

• Each guided tour lasts 75 minutes and is priced at a flat rate of CHF 250 for a school class with up to 40 participants, including up to three accompanying adults.
• To qualify for the school rate, the billing address must belong to an educational institution.

School tours are primarily available on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons, though alternative dates can be arranged upon request.

Private tours

Tours are conducted regardless of the weather, with demonstrators ensuring an engaging and enjoyable experience for all visitors. From the 50-meter-high tower, guests can take in stunning views of the city. The observatory's majestic dome, combined with lectures enhanced by images and animations, makes every visit worthwhile, no matter the conditions. As the observatory is not heated, visitors are advised to wear warm clothing during colder months. Private tours are available in English and French and can be scheduled individually, except during public tours or on Sundays. A private tour is priced at a flat rate of CHF 500 and can accommodate up to 40 participants.