Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is a major street in Zurich, Switzerland, running from the area around Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the main railway station) to Lake Zurich at Bürkliplatz. It spans about 1.4 kilometers and forms the central shopping and business artery of the city, connecting the train station district with the lakefront and the financial center.

The street developed in the second half of the 19th century following the construction of the main station and the removal of old fortifications to create a direct link from the station to the lake promenade. Its name, Bahnhofstrasse, translates to “Station Street,” reflecting its primary function as the access route from the station into central Zurich.

Bahnhofstrasse is renowned as one of the world’s most expensive and prestigious shopping streets. It hosts a dense concentration of international luxury retailers, department stores, and banks, contributing to Zurich’s reputation as a major global financial center. The street also serves as a key transportation corridor, with Zurich’s tram network operating along or across it and heavy pedestrian activity in the central sections.

Landmarks along or near the street include Paradeplatz, a notable financial and commercial hub, and the lakefront area at Bürkliplatz. Bahnhofstrasse remains a major destination for residents and visitors alike, valued for shopping, dining, and its role in the city’s urban life.