Zürich: a city where Swiss Germans let loose and techno reigns supreme. Nestled at the northern tip of Lake Zürich, this vibrant city is a Mecca for music lovers who want to dance the night away. You get the vibe when you walk around the city; the fashion sense is quite similar to Berlin.
With its stunning natural beauty and thriving cultural scene, Zürich is the perfect place to let your hair down and embrace your inner raver. To be honest, I arrived in Zürich being very biased by all of the Swiss German stereotypes: that they were psycho-rigid, obsessed with bins and just cold.
Turns out everyone I met was simply lovely, and man do Swiss Germans know how to party!
Since then, I’ve been back quite often, so here is my list of the Top 5 techno clubs in Zürich.
Hive
Hive is an iconic techno club in Zürich, and for a good reason. This club has been a fixture of the city’s nightlife scene for more than 20 years, and it’s easy to see why it’s still going strong. The industrial design of the club, combined with its state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, makes for an unforgettable sensory experience. The dance floor is always packed with party animals who know how to let loose and have a good time, and I was one of them last weekend long after the sun was up. Make sure you don’t wear fur when you go, they won’t take your coat in the cloakroom!
PS: EDM/House legend Carl Cox, Deborah de Luca and Fritz Kalkbrenner amongst others are coming on 3 June, not to be missed!
Geroldstrasse 5, 8005 Zürich
Check their website for their opening hours, they are opened from 11 p.m. until noon on weekends!
Zukunft
This underground venue has been around for more than 30 years and has earned a reputation for showcasing some of the best up-and-coming artists in the scene. The club’s cozy atmosphere, futuristic vibes, and banging sound system make it the perfect place to discover new talent and dance the night away.
Plus, their strict no-photos policy makes the whole vibe nicer and more party than Instagram-prone, which is always a big plus.
Dienerstrasse 33, 8004 Zürich
Supermarket
Supermarket is the quirky and eclectic techno club that you need to experience to believe. Despite its name, this venue is far from ordinary. With its creative decor and funky lighting, Supermarket is the perfect place to let your hair down and dance like nobody’s watching. Their diverse music selection will satisfy techno lovers of all tastes, and the spacious outdoor terrace provides a welcome break from the dance floor.
Geroldstrasse 17, 8005 Zürich
Opened from midnight until 6 a.m on Fridays, and midnight until 7 a.m. on Saturdays
Frieda’s Büxe
Frieda’s Büxe is the underground club that’s not for the faint of heart. Located in the heart of Zürich’s red-light district, this venue has a reputation for hosting some of the wildest parties in town. The dimly lit interior, graffiti-covered walls, and pounding bass create an atmosphere that’s both exciting and slightly dangerous. But if you’re up for a wild ride, Frieda’s Büxe is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the unexpected.
Friedaustrasse 23, 8003 Zürich
Opened from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Fridays, and 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturdays
Rote Fabrik
Rote Fabrik is more than just a techno club; it’s a cultural institution that’s been around since the 1980s. This former factory is now a hub for art, music, and culture, and its techno club is one of the best in Zürich. With its panoramic views of Lake Zürich, spacious dance floor, and diverse lineup of DJs, Rote Fabrik is a must-visit for techno lovers. And with its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, you can feel good about partying here.
Seestrasse 395, 8038 Zürich
Check out their website for their opening hours.
There you have it, techno lovers: Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a curious newbie, these five clubs will take you on a wild ride. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and dance like nobody’s watching (even if they are). So come for the scenery, stay for the techno, and get ready to party like a Swiss-German!
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Read more about Switzerland and Zürich here in Dispatches’ archives.
Charlotte Laborie grew up in England, Belgium and Switzerland. Charlotte then moved to Paris and graduated from Sciences Po Paris. She is still based in Paris, where she works in marketing.
