Wipkingen Zurich
Wipkingen offers a relaxed local vibe with charming cafes and direct access to the Limmat River for summer fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for river activities
Wipkingen Zurich
Best Time
Perfect for river activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wipkingen offers a relaxed local vibe with charming cafes and direct access to the Limmat River for summer fun.
"A relaxed local vibe with charming cafes and direct access to the Limmat River for summer fun."
☀️ Summer River Float
Grab a rubber boat and float down the Limmat from Wipkingen. Don't forget sunscreen!
☕ Cozy Cafe Vibes
Explore Wipkingen's charming cafes for great coffee and pastries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Limmat River Relaxation
Along the Limmat River
Float down the river in a rubber boat, swim, or sunbathe on the banks. A quintessential summer activity.
Nordbrücke Cafes
Around Nordbrücke
Discover cozy vintage cafes and bakeries offering great coffee, pastries, and brunch.
+2
Wipkingen Park
Near Wipkingen Park
A charming area with bakeries and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Limmat River
Explore Local Cafes & Bakeries
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Summer River Float
Grab a rubber boat and float down the Limmat from Wipkingen. Don't forget sunscreen!
☕ Cozy Cafe Vibes
Explore Wipkingen's charming cafes for great coffee and pastries.
🌳 Green Spaces Nearby
Enjoy proximity to parks and the river for outdoor relaxation.
✈️ Easy Airport Access
Wipkingen offers direct airport connections without going through Zurich HB.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Summer River Float
Grab a rubber boat and float down the Limmat from Wipkingen. Don't forget sunscreen!
☕ Cozy Cafe Vibes
Explore Wipkingen's charming cafes for great coffee and pastries.
🌳 Green Spaces Nearby
Enjoy proximity to parks and the river for outdoor relaxation.
✈️ Easy Airport Access
Wipkingen offers direct airport connections without going through Zurich HB.
🍽️ Weekend Brunch Spots
The Artisan offers a delicious, albeit pricier, weekend brunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wipkingen is appreciated for its relaxed local vibe, charming cafes, and excellent access to the Limmat River for summer recreation. While the modern train station is aesthetically pleasing, its limited train service is a recurring point of criticism. Some find the dining options can be pricey, but the overall neighborhood charm and natural beauty are highly valued.
"Wipkingen Train Station: Newly built shining & nice. When it comes to connecitons it serves only one train i.e. S24 serving every 30 minutes. Takes 3 to 5 minutes to reach Zurich HB & those travelling to Airport, just in 8 to 10 minutes they are already getting off to take the flight.
Previously there was one central reservation that catered both platforms & passengers used two set of stairs on each side of station, with no lifts. With newly constructed layout is very different. It has split the platforms having lines in the middle however each platform has it's own set of stairs. The good thing I can see is addition of lifts however platform 1 has lifts on both sides while platform 2 has only lift on Nordstrasse, instead it has a ramp for wheel chairs. This can be issue for elderly passengers, as I have seen them struggling & limping to get up using ramp. This layout has it's own advantages however if one passenger comes to wrong side will have to actually go out of station to get to other platform that means on Nordstrasse he will have to climb two floors to go up & then back down on other side (or use lifts).
The other improvement is extension of platforms, so from Zone A to D they have now been extended from A to F. However platofrms being so long has only two information display sets on each side, this means passengers waiting for train in the middle (C,D) area cannot see the information for displaying being too far. I think SBB should put one display in the middle too. One more thing worth mentioning the roof, in old layout, roof covered pretty much 80% of platforms while new layout covers hardly 40%. Also the sitting capacity has also shrunk from three set of benches in old one to only one large bench in newly constructed one.
In conclusion I'd say newer layout may look nicer & clean, but from passenger point of view in terms of comfort & practical usage the older layout was much better. The only postive side is addition of lifts."
ẬỈỉ Ñåjûm
"Not the cleanest station but fairly close to the river / good spot if you want to tan, swim, sunbathe etc."
Frederik W. R.
"It’s such a waste of structure since the trains only run twice an hour"
Guilherme Soares
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wipkingen has direct train connections to Zurich Airport via the S24 line, making it convenient for travelers. The journey typically takes around 8-10 minutes.
Yes, Wipkingen is well-connected by public transport. The S24 train line provides quick access to Zurich HB (main station) in about 3-5 minutes. Buses also connect it to other parts of the city. +1
Yes, you can easily reach Wipkingen from Zurich HB (main station) by taking the S24 train. The journey is very short, usually only 3 to 5 minutes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Wipkingen offers easier access to the mountains and surrounding nature compared to central Zurich, as you don't need to travel through the city center first.
Walking along the Limmat river from Zurich HB towards Wipkingen and beyond is a great way to explore different neighborhoods and enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wipkingen itself is a neighborhood, so there are no general entrance fees. Activities like visiting specific cafes or restaurants will have their own costs. Access to the Limmat river banks for relaxation is free.
No, enjoying the Limmat river for swimming, sunbathing, or floating is generally free. You might need to purchase a rubber boat if you plan to float down the river.
Opening hours vary by cafe. For example, Nordbrücke cafe is open Monday-Thursday 8 AM-1 AM, Friday 8 AM-2 AM, Saturday 9 AM-2 AM, and Sunday 9 AM-12 AM. Always check individual cafe hours.
While Wipkingen is a residential area, enjoying the Limmat river, parks, and exploring the neighborhood's streets are free activities.
For popular brunch spots like The Artisan, especially on weekends, booking a table is highly recommended due to its popularity.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular outdoor activity is floating down the Limmat river in a rubber boat during summer. The riverbanks are also great for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Wipkingen has a relaxed, local vibe with charming cafes, bakeries, and easy access to nature along the Limmat river. It's a great place to experience a more laid-back side of Zurich.
Yes, Wipkingen is close to the Limmat river and parks, offering pleasant walking paths. It's also a good starting point for exploring further along the river or towards nearby green areas. +1
Wipkingen is known for its access to the Limmat river for summer activities and its collection of cozy, local cafes and bakeries that offer a distinct neighborhood feel.
Wipkingen offers a natural environment with the river and parks, which can be enjoyable for families. However, specific family-friendly attractions might be limited compared to central Zurich.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Artisan, located at Nordbrücke 4, is highly recommended for its delicious weekend brunch, though it can be on the pricier side. Don't miss their 'Chriesi Royal' croissant.
While not in Wipkingen proper, the nearby Commihalle restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat spaghetti experience, and Öpfelchammer restaurant is known for a unique Swiss tradition involving climbing rafters. +1
Wipkingen has several charming cafes, including vintage spots like Nordbrücke, and places like Nude Café offering vegan options and a peaceful terrace. Wim Bakery is a newer spot for sourdough and pastries.
Yes, places like Nude Café in Wipkingen are known for their vegetarian and vegan options, making it a good choice for those with dietary preferences.
Dining in Wipkingen can range from moderately priced cafes to pricier brunch spots like The Artisan. Overall, it offers a mix, but it's generally in line with Zurich's cost of living.
📸 📸 Photography
The Limmat riverbanks offer scenic views, especially during summer. The charming cafes and their unique interiors also make for great photo opportunities.
The unique tradition at Öpfelchammer restaurant, where patrons climb through rafters, could offer a very unique photo opportunity if you participate.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, can offer beautiful light along the Limmat river. Daytime is great for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the cafes.
Yes, the interiors of cafes like Nordbrücke and Nude Café are often visually appealing and suitable for photography, capturing the cozy or unique ambiance.
While Wipkingen itself is relatively flat, the nearby Polyterrasse offers panoramic views of Zurich, which can be accessed via the Polybahn funicular. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't many dedicated children's attractions within Wipkingen itself, the natural surroundings provide space for outdoor play and relaxation. Exploring local bakeries and cafes can also be a pleasant experience for families looking for a casual bite.
+2 For a broader range of family activities, families might consider combining a visit to Wipkingen with other Zurich attractions accessible via public transport. The proximity to the airport via the S24 train is also a convenient factor for families traveling.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Exploring the charming cafes and bakeries provides affordable options for meals and coffee breaks.
+2 The S24 train offers quick and relatively inexpensive transport to Zurich HB and the airport, making it easy to navigate without a car. 🌳 Nature & Outdoor Enthusiasts
The area also provides pleasant walking paths along the river and access to nearby green spaces and parks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Limmat River: Wipkingen's Summer Playground
This creates a unique, relaxed atmosphere where people swim, sunbathe, and simply drift along. It's a quintessential Zurich experience that embodies a laid-back summer vibe. Beyond just floating, the Limmat offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Areas like Werdinsel are frequently mentioned as great spots for these activities.
Several spots along the Limmat near Wipkingen are known for their relaxed atmosphere and social gatherings, especially after work during sunny periods. Places like Dynamo, Oberer Letten, and Stazione Paradiso are mentioned as popular hangouts.
Wipkingen's Cozy Cafe Culture
+1Nordbrücke is highlighted as a vintage cafe bar in the heart of Wipkingen, known for its cozy ambiance and memorable interior design.
Similarly, Nude Café is recognized for its peaceful terrace, vegetarian/vegan options, and a generally pleasant vibe. For those seeking freshly baked goods, Wim Bakery, located near Wipkingen Park, offers sourdough bread, pastries, and a variety of coffee and tea options, alongside breakfast and lunch selections. While many cafes offer a delightful experience, some, like The Artisan, are particularly popular for weekend brunch. Although it can be pricier, the quality of the food, including unique items like the 'Chriesi Royal' croissant, makes it a worthwhile indulgence for many.
These cafes contribute significantly to Wipkingen's charm, providing residents and visitors with delightful spots to relax and savor local flavors.Wipkingen Station: A Modern Hub with a Past
However, the station's utility has been a point of discussion. Since 2014, only the S24 train line stops here, running every 30 minutes. While this provides quick access to Zurich HB (3-5 minutes) and the airport (8-10 minutes), the limited service makes the station somewhat redundant for many travelers. [^Review] This infrequency has led to comments about it being a 'waste of structure.' [^Review]
From a passenger experience perspective, the new layout has pros and cons. While lifts are a positive addition, the extended platforms (from Zone A to F) have fewer information displays, making it difficult for passengers in the middle sections to see train times. [^Review] Additionally, the roof coverage is reduced compared to the old layout, and seating capacity has shrunk. The station's design is visually appealing, but practical usage and comfort have been debated, with some preferring the older layout's functionality. [^Review]
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