Limmatplatz, Zürich, Switzerland

## Overview Limmatplatz is a bustling urban square in Zürich's District 5 (Industriequartier), home to one of the city's cherished public drinking fountains fed by natural spring water. Zürich is famous for its extensive network of over 1,200 public fountains — one of the highest concentrations of any city in the world — and roughly half of them deliver genuine spring water sourced from the surrounding Alpine foothills. The water at this fountain is believed to originate from mountain springs and travel through layers of rock and sand before reaching the tap, arriving naturally filtered and refreshingly cold. The fountain sits near the Gewerbeschule (trade school) building at the edge of Limmatplatz, a lively crossroads where tram lines, restaurants, and shops converge. It provides a continuous flow of water that locals and visitors alike use for drinking and refilling bottles. Historically, Zürich's public fountains have served as vital communal water sources since the Middle Ages, and the city's commitment to maintaining them remains a point of civic pride. While the water from Zürich's spring-fed fountains has long been considered drinkable by residents and is generally reported to be clean and fresh, visitors should note that water quality can vary and independent testing is always an option for peace of mind. ## Directions **From Langstrasse (south approach):** 1. Head north on Langstrasse toward Militärstrasse — you'll pass a variety of restaurants and cafés along the way (approximately 0.4 miles). 2. After passing Fries Brothers on your right, you will arrive at Limmatplatz. 3. Take a left turn into the square. The spring-fed fountain is located near the front of the plaza, adjacent to the road and close to the Richtig Bewegen personal training center. **From the Swiss National Museum (east approach):** 1. Head west from the museum and take a right turn at the intersection onto Sihlquai. The Limmat River will be on your right. 2. Continue along Sihlquai, then take a left turn onto Ackerstrasse. 3. After about 0.1 miles, turn right onto Josefstrasse, which leads into Langstrasse. 4. Turn right onto Langstrasse and continue straight until you reach Limmatplatz, where the fountain is located. **By public transit:** Limmatplatz is a major tram and bus hub. Tram lines 4 and 13, as well as several bus routes, stop directly at the Limmatplatz stop, making the fountain very easy to reach without a car. **GPS coordinates:** 47.3847, 8.531875 ## What to Expect The fountain at Limmatplatz is a classic Zürich street fountain — sturdy, well-maintained, and designed for everyday public use. Water flows continuously, as is typical of the city's spring-fed fountains, so there is no pump or button required. The surrounding area is fully urban: expect busy sidewalks, tram traffic, restaurants, and shops in every direction. The Gewerbeschule building provides a recognizable landmark nearby. The fountain is located right along the road, so it's easily accessible but also exposed to street-level activity. The site is kept clean and is protected from vandalism by the city's regular maintenance program. There is no fee to use the fountain. For those exploring Zürich's fountain culture, Limmatplatz makes a convenient stop — it's well-connected by public transit and surrounded by the vibrant, multicultural dining scene of District 5. Visitors often combine a stop here with a stroll along the nearby Limmat River or a visit to the Viadukt market and shops just to the west.