Photo Walk Zurich: One city, multiple perspectives
A train station hall full of people, light between the old town houses and a group that keeps discovering something different: Our photo walk through Zurich on September 27, 2026 was lively, sometimes a bit bustling and full of different perspectives.
We met at the main train station at 10 a.m. Ahead of us lay about three hours of exploring and photographing together – from the train station through the old town to the opera house.
This walk originated from an initiative of the photo app . For me, it was also the start of something I want to continue: being out and about together, taking a closer look, and sharing photographic ideas.
First, get to know each other.
I arrived early at the meeting point in Zurich's main train station. In my description, I had mentioned the "block" as well as the angel – and discovered on site that the two were further apart than my description had suggested. So, I learned my first lesson even before starting: next time, the meeting point will be clearer.
Finally, we all found each other. Checking in via the Luma app worked well. The names were the bigger challenge. So many new faces all at once! Now, after reviewing and compiling the submitted photos, I can match more and more names. I haven't memorized them all yet, though.
This beginning already showed what I had been particularly looking forward to: bringing together people who are keen to be out and about with their camera and share their view of the city.
Zurich had a lot planned for that day.
A week earlier, I had checked the route again on Sunday. The city had been pleasantly quiet. On the morning of our walk, however, it was a different story: during the Zurich Film Festival, there was significantly more activity – especially in the train station and along Bahnhofstrasse.
This made orientation more challenging for our group. However, there was plenty to photograph: people in motion, silhouettes against bright doorways, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Even the station concourse offered photographic subjects. The passageway leading to the station square, in particular, is a beautiful spot to work with depth, framing, and backlighting. A bright exit, dark areas in the foreground, a person at the right moment: sometimes just a few elements are enough for a picture.
From the big picture to the smallest detail
Along Bahnhofstrasse, our eyes wandered left and right: to facades, shop windows, reflections, and the light between the buildings. Our route then led us to Rennweg and up to Lindenhof.
It is precisely these changes that make Zurich photographically interesting for me. A bustling street gives way to a narrow alley. After surveying the city, one might spot a solitary windowsill, a door, or a shadow on the pavement.
At Lindenhof, there was an opportunity to look around and find different subjects to photograph. Benches under trees, large chess pieces, people at the viewpoint, and the city on the other side of the Limmat: we were all in the same place, but by no means all focused on the same scene.
This is also reflected in the submitted photos. Some focus on the architecture, others on encounters on the street. Some images are characterized by color, others by black and white, movement, or an unusual perspective.
Through the old town to the lake
After further loops through the old town, we headed back down towards the storks and the Limmat River. Even the temporary footbridge over the river became a subject for our photograph: its metal construction, lines, and shadows offered a completely different visual character than the historic facades.
On the other side, our route led us through the Niederdorf district, past Café Schober, and on to the Grossmünster. We also took our group photo along the way in a narrow alleyway in the old town.
Of course, our group didn't always stay together. Whoever spotted a photo opportunity stopped. Whoever looked around the next corner was already a step ahead. So every now and then we had to regroup – but in the end, we always found each other again.
I adjusted my originally planned route slightly along the way. Time had passed more quickly than expected, and we still wanted to head towards the lake. So the last leg took us to the opera house, where we took another group photo. Our walk together ended around 1 p.m.
The talks continued
A joint get-together was planned from the start. We decided spontaneously where we ended up. I had the lovely kiosk at Bürkliplatz in mind, but given the size of our group, I wasn't sure if we'd all fit there.
Some said their goodbyes after the walk. About eight of us walked back towards Bellevue and stopped at Vapiano.
The smaller group allowed time to get to know each other better and continue the conversations from the morning. It was interesting and entertaining – I could easily have stayed longer.
I particularly enjoyed this personal exchange. Sitting together after taking photos is also an essential part of a successful photo walk for me.
What I'm taking away from this photo walk in Zurich
What pleased me most was the openness and interest of the participants. They took photos, observed, asked questions, and talked to each other. I was also very happy with the feedback after the walk.
At the same time, I realized how much attention organizing a large group requires. I would have liked to talk more about individual themes and creative possibilities along the way. Often, however, I first had to check if everyone was still there.
For my upcoming photo walks, I've therefore made a clear decision: the group will be limited to a maximum of twelve people. This allows more time for conversations, questions, and shared observations. I want to be able to exchange ideas with each person and have the opportunity along the way to delve deeper into light, composition, and perspectives.
The pictures now have their own place.
After the walk, participants were able to submit three of their photos each. Many took advantage of this opportunity.
These pictures now have their own gallery on my website. They show how different the same walk together can look – and allow me to relive the morning through different eyes.
What's next?
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their photos, and gave me feedback. It's precisely this exchange that makes the format so exciting for me. Especially in today's digital world, an IRL event is a very welcome change.
Preparations for the next photo walk are already underway. The wishes and interests of those on the new waiting list are also helping me plan future routes. I will announce the next date shortly.
If you'd like to participate, you can put yourself on the waiting list. You'll be the first to know when registration opens.
Cover photo Zurich tram: Dominik Joachim
