Quaibrücke & the Quirks of Zurich Life

Not Just Another European City

If you think you've seen one European city, you've seen them all: Quaint Old Town, picturesque lake, historic churches - hold your overpriced Zurich coffee! 

Take the Quaibrücke, for instance: not just a bridge, but a launchpad. From here, boats glide into the lake with more than just tourists and cameras onboard. How about a Hot Stone Ship? Yes, that’s a thing, but it has nothing to do with a Spa Day! It's a floating culinary experience where you sizzle your own steak on a searing slab of volcanic rock while the Alps shimmer in the distance. Prefer cheese to char? There's a fondue cruise. Brunch with bubbles? Also on the menu. And when the sun sets, Lake Zurich doesn’t sleep; it dances. Onboard the Salsa Ship, hips sway to Latin beats. The Country Ship two-steps under string lights. The 80s Party Ship resurrects big hair and synth pop. And then there’s the Silent Party Ship, where everyone dances to their own beat - literally, with headphones. 

Quaibrücke is your boarding gate to all of it: a bridge, yes, but also a portal into the kind of quirky, curated charm that sets Zurich apart from the “every European city” crowd.

Zurich Pride Festival: A Celebration of Diversity

Every year, the Zurich Pride Festival attracts thousands of supporters and friends of the LGBTQ+ community, making it one of the most vibrant and inclusive events in the city. The festival has its roots in Christopher Street Day, which has been celebrated annually in Zurich since 1994 as a powerful stand against discrimination and in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

In 2009, Zurich hosted Europride, an event that significantly expanded the festival's reach and impact. Following this, Christopher Street Day was renamed to Zurich Pride Festival to reflect its growing importance as a global celebration.

Held every June, the festival transforms the Landiwiese into a lively hotspot of inclusivity and fun. While the event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, its welcoming atmosphere explicitly encourages participation from everyone - heterosexuals included. The highlight of the Zurich Pride Festival is the iconic demonstration parade, which attracts around 70,000 people each year. Participants march through the streets in a colorful show of solidarity, equality, and love. 

Alongside the parade, concerts by national and international artists add to the festive spirit, making Zurich Pride a true celebration of diversity.

How Did Our Pedestrian Crossings End Up Wearing Rainbow Colors?

It was the unexpected yet fabulous way the Zurich Lake Basin neighborhood dressed up its streets for the 25th anniversary of Zurich Pride in 2019. Street signs, lamp posts, pedestrian crossings, they all got a bold rainbow makeover. The organizers used the name of the Quaibrücke for a clever prelude and renamed it the Gay Bridge for the event. And the most delightful part of it? It was entirely legal! The city council voted 92 to 17 in favor of this colorful show of support. Way to go, otherwise conservative Switzerland!

Bürkliplatz: Where History Meets Lake Life 

Bürkliplatz is more than just a landing stage for boats, it's a vibrant hub for markets, art, events, and alpine views. The square owes its existence to the transformation that followed the demolition of Zurich’s old city fortifications. From 1882 to 1887, city engineer Arnold Bürkli oversaw the construction of the quay. Land was reclaimed along the lakeshore, and the Quaibrücke bridge helped shape a continuous lakeside promenade lined with avenues, meadows, and parks.

Today, Bürkliplatz remains a key starting point for cruises on Lake Zurich, but its role extends far beyond transportation. Twice a week, the Bürklimäärt brings fresh produce to the square, while summer Saturdays draw treasure hunters to the bustling flea market. It's also the launchpad for major sporting events, most notably the Zurich New Year’s Eve Run (Silvesterlauf), an event that brings the city’s residents together in celebration. In this festive mass-participation race, young and old take to the illuminated city streets, often dressed up as Santa or any fantasy costume really, running routes ranging from 1.6 to 10 kilometers (1 to 6 miles). The evening culminates in a wonderful community spirit as friends and family cheer on the runners, making it not only the largest sports event in the canton but also one of the most heartwarming.

Speaking of... Bürkliplatz also serves as parking lot for the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck!

🎡 A View with a Spin: Ferris Wheel at Bürkliplatz

In joyful anticipation of Zurich’s Sechseläuten festival (I talked about it just a few days ago), a nostalgic Ferris wheel sets up at Bürkliplatz from March 23 to April 24. Step aboard and slowly rise above the lakeside buzz, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Limmat River, Lake Zurich, the Alps on the horizon, and the charming neighborhoods that frame the city. Whether you're a school boy or a Mom, there’s something quietly magical about watching the world shrink beneath your feet, the scent of spring in the air and the glint of sunlight bouncing off the lake.

You don’t need to spend to experience Zurich's Charm

Ferris wheels and boat rides may not be free, but even without spending a cent, there’s plenty to see and do around the Quaibrücke. One natural direction to wander is toward Bellevue, officially Bellevueplatz, a spacious square on the edge of Zurich’s Old Town and one of the city’s most important transportation hubs.

When “promenading” (walking) became fashionable in Zurich around 1800, the largest contiguous green area of the time was created around the lower basin of Lake Zurich and Zurich transformed from a small town by the river to a large city by the lake. The lakeside promenade served as a recreational area for a broad public - and nothing has changed to this day. Swan feeders, inline skaters, bathers, jewelry sellers and street artists meet up in the quayside facilities for a colorful rendezvous.

The Bellevue tram station is a true nerve center, with over 250,000 transfers per day and seven tram lines passing through. Add to that two regional bus lines and all city night buses on weekends. Just a short walk away is Stadelhofen S-Bahn station, serving another 150,000 commuters daily. In short: if you’re going anywhere in Zurich, chances are you’ll pass through Bellevue.

But Bellevue is more than just a place to switch trams—it’s a stage for the city’s communal life. From rallies to open-air festivals, street parties to spontaneous celebrations, this central spot knows how to host a crowd. 

Next door is Sechseläutenplatz, home to Zurich’s beloved Sechseläuten festival. 

Speaking of... Since you have expressed no interest in wearing a dress to see a play at the opera, but would much rather witness the Böögg explode, here's a little something for you:

The Sechseläutenplatz is also a lively venue year-round. In May, the Knie Circus pitches its tent here. In summer, you’ll find a temporary amusement park complete with—you guessed it—another Ferris wheel. Add to that food fairs like the Züri Fäscht, the Weihnachtsdorf (outdoor Christmas market) and large-scale public viewing events.

Linguistic Detour: What is "Swiss Public Viewing"?

Wait - what??? In German speaking countries, we use the term public viewing a bit... differently. No need to dress in black, this isn’t about paying respects to the dearly departed. Here, public viewing means gathering to watch major sporting events (think European Championship or World Cup) on giant outdoor screens. It’s more beer garden than funeral parlor: there's benches, bratwurst, buzzing fans, and the kind of joyful chaos that brings people together.

From the vibrant Pride celebrations to quirky boat parties and Ferris wheel views, Zurich is full of surprises. 

What's your favorite way to explore a city: By taking in the usual landmarks, or by seeking out those hidden gems that make a place unique?