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Urania Observatory Photo by Uwe Aranas

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Urania-Sternwarte (Observatory)

Urania Sternwarte is a public observatory in the Lindenhof quarter of Zürich, Switzerland. Its name Urania refers to the muse of astronomy in Greek mythology. In 1899, the Zürich merchant Abraham Weill Einstein initiated the oldest observatory in Switzerland, situated near Werdmühleplatz (Uraniastrasse).

On June 15, 1907, the observatory was given to operational use. Its 51 metres (167 ft) tower dominates the western end of Zurich’s historic Altstadt. Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about it;

1.Its origins are based on a first observatory on the roof of the Zunfthaus zur Meisen

Its origins are based on a first observatory on the roof of the Zunfthaus zur Meisen. In 1759, so called «Astronomische Kommission» succeeded from this location for the first time, to define Culminatio solis and thus calculated the exact global location of the city of Zurich.

In later years, astronomical observations were done from the Grossmünster’s southern “Karl’s tower”, followed by scientific observations (not for public use by interested enthusiasts) from the Federal observatory, built 1861/64 for ETH Zürich by Gottfried Semper.

2.It is the first building in Zurich to be made from concrete

Urania Sternwarte in Zürich (Switzerland) Photo by Roland zh

The Urania observatory, which opened in 1907, was the first building in Zurich to be made from concrete. It is still one of the most distinctive buildings in the historical Old Town, and has been listed as a protected monument since 1989.

The 12-ton Zeiss telescope underwent extensive renovation on the occasion of the observatory’s centenary in 2007.It is currently one of the best attractions in Zurich and one of the most visited sites in Switzerland. It is also one of the most loved places in Zurich. 

3.The observatory is always a memorable experience because of its features

Urania observatory in Zurich Photo by Shesmax

In the heart of central Zurich, astronomy fans can reach for the stars. In the 50m (164ft) high round tower of the Urania observatory, visitors can observe the heavenly bodies through a telescope that allows magnifications of up to 600 times.

Whether you want to take a closer look at the craters on the moon, the bands of clouds surrounding Jupiter, or the church tower of the Fraumünster: a guided tour to the non-profit public observatory is always a memorable experience.

4.Urania Sternwarte has a kids free guided tour

Urania Sternwarte has a kids free guided tour which takes place only on the first saturday of the month. The tour is run in only Germany (or better Swiss Germany) and uses a simple language well suited for kids. The kids guide is very highly insightful. 

The hour long guide covers basic of Astronomy all presented in a clear and simple way, yet engaging. During the tour they will tell you how the observatory works because only one small part of the dome opens, they also explain how the hand operated mechanism that allows the dome to rotate works. 

5.The observatory also has a Mezzanine where you stand to look inside the telescope

The observatory also has a Mezzanine where you stand to look inside the telescope. The mezzanine can rotate and also go up and down to help the viewer a better observation. The mechanism that works here is the same old hand operated one. 

The dome is all covered with thin strips of wood and the Mezzanine is wooden and hand operated to help the viewer into the refracting telescope. The experience her is one of the best ever and one can see the stars and the planets easily from here. 

6.The observatory also offers  special events for a wide audience

Urania Sternwarte in the center of Zurich, Switzerland.Photo sourced from

The observatory also offers  special events for a wide audience, as well as individual tours for schools and groups. Paid public tours can be found on clear weather from Tuesday to Friday, starting at 20:00 (8 pm). The central location and the city of Zurich overriding observation tower also provide an unusual view of the city, Lake Zurich and Alps.

The Urania house hosts a restaurant and an exclusive Bar, too. At the same time, its location in the middle of the city of Zurich is a serious problem: light pollution allows restricted observations of few galaxies and nebulae. Therefore, observations are limited practically to the moon and planets and bright celestial objects. 

7.The observatory is listed as a Class A object of national importance

The observatory is, as part of the building ensemble at that area, listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance as a Class A object of national importance which is a register of cultural property in Switzerland.

It was established according to article 5 of the second protocol to the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which provides for the establishment of national registers of cultural property.

8.Urania’s refracting telescope is equipped with a Fraunhofer two-lens system

Urania’s refracting telescope is equipped with a Fraunhofer two-lens system of 30 cm aperture and focal length of 5.05 meters, allowing maximal 600-fold magnification (mostly used 150- to 205-fold magnification). The refractor in the dome area is the center of the imposing tower building. 

The telescope stands on a pillar, contact-free installed through the center of the building to the foundations of the business house Urania, fitted with anti-vibration installations.Its optical telescope measures twelve tons and was designed by Carl Zeiss AG in Jena, Germany, considered as a technical masterpiece.

9.There are several hotels and restaurants near it 

There are several hotels and restaurants near it including; Widder Hotel – Zurich’s Luxury Hideaway which is 0.13 miles away, Glockenhof Zürich(0.12 mi) Glockenhof Zürich (0.12 mi), Herzkammer (0.05 mi) and Hotel Seidenhof – Member of Sorell Hotels which is 0.06 miles away from the observatory. 

The restaurants include; Confiserie Honold which is 0.03 miles away, Suan Long Bahnhofspassage Zürich (0.03 mi), HITZBERGER Halle Landesmuseum (0.03 mi), The Lion Pub (0.03 mi) and Sesam Falafelbar which is 0.04 miles away. 

10. It is one of the tallest buildings in Zurich

The highlight of the observatory is the view which is perfect in nearly the center of the “Old Town”. You also get great views of Uetliburg to the west and the newer, formerly industrial north end of Zurich where the Prime Tower is. 

The views from Urania observatory are unbelievable, the whole Zurich opens up under your feet – easy to get to by tram. All instruments and the complete observatory are still in great conditions – despite it was already built around 1901.it one of the tallest buildings in Zurich.