Plizio Visual Lab
Winterthur Industrial Center
Winterthur is historically regarded as the industrial heart of Switzerland and is globally renowned for its pioneering achievements in mechanical engineering. The city was the headquarters of global corporations such as Sulzer, Rieter, and the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM). From the mid-19th century, massive factory halls and foundries shaped the cityscape, making Winterthur a center of the industrial revolution. Breakthrough technologies, such as diesel engines for shipping and advanced textile machinery, were developed here. Following the deindustrialization at the end of the 20th century, the city underwent an impressive structural change towards a modern education and technology hub. Former industrial areas, like the Sulzer site, were revitalized and now house the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), innovative startups, as well as residential and cultural spaces. Today, Winterthur combines its rich industrial heritage with forward-looking economic development in precision engineering and the green economy.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Gewerbemuseum · Uhrensammlung Kellenberger · Marionettentheater im Waaghaus
- Nearby: Illnau-Effretikon (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 94 | 74 | 92 | 91 | 141 | 139 | 144 | 146 | 103 | 100 | 87 | 102 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Foundation of the Sulzer company in 1834 by Johann Jakob Sulzer.
- Construction of the first Swiss steam locomotive by SLM in 1873.
- Rieter has been a leading textile machinery manufacturer since 1795.
- Over 30,000 people worked in Winterthur's industry during its peak.
- The Sulzer site covers an area of about 15 hectares in the city center.
- The ZHAW university now uses the former factory halls as a modern campus.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Winterthur Industrial Center (10)
Kunsthalle Winterthur🏛 museum
Kunsthalle Winterthur hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
Stadtkirche
The Stadtkirche in Winterthur's old town is an Evangelical-Reformed church building.
Stadthaus-Brunnen
The fountain at the Stadthaus in Winterthur is part of the cantonal cultural heritage.
Stadthaus
The Stadthaus Winterthur houses the city administration and a concert hall.
Kleinstes Haus der Schweiz
A very narrow building in Winterthur, known as the smallest house in Switzerland.
Stadtgarten Winterthur🌳 park
The Stadtgarten Winterthur is a public park in the city.
Sommertheater
Sommertheater Winterthur is a theatre production company with summer performances.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sulzer-Areal?
Which technical museums are located here?
Is Winterthur still an industrial hub?
Can you visit the old factory halls?
What is Winterthur known for?
Winterthur Industrial Center: where is it located?
Winterthur Industrial Center: what is there to see?
Winterthur Industrial Center: when is the best time to visit?
Winterthur Industrial Center: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
