Zürich’s Brand-New Cycle Tunnel

Monday VIP live lesson https://app.swiss-german-online.com/home

 

On this week’s Swiss German Online LIVE lesson-podcast, host Kathrin Erni takes you on a ride—literally and linguistically—through Zürich’s just-opened Velotunnel. Dug decades ago for a scrapped expressway and finally repurposed in May 2025, this 6-metre-wide, bike-only passage now links Kreis 4 and Kreis 5 beneath the main station.

🔸 What’s Inside

• The tunnel’s back-story: from abandoned motorway tube to city-funded cycling corridor after years of grassroots lobbying by Pro Velo Zürich.

• A first-person tour of the tunnel’s gentle ramps, stylish lighting and colossal Velostation Europaplatz—hundreds of racks, lockers and a paid, serviced bike park.

• Design quirks: those controversial anti-car bollards, 48-hour parking rules and why the tunnel could unclog surface streets.

🔸 Live Lesson Extras

• Four ready-made Swiss-German dialogues (almost finished!) that we’ll read, translate and discuss in class.

• Vocabulary and conversation practice on cycling, social engagement and everyday Zürich life.

• Chat with Kathrin about your own riding habits—city bikes, e-bikes or no bike at all—and hear her tips for getting around Switzerland on two wheels.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a language learner itching to practise Swiss German, or simply curious about Zürich’s newest piece of urban infrastructure, tune in Monday night at 10 p.m. CET. Replays are available for VIP members, and newcomers can test the course free for one week.

Grab your helmet (or headphones), and let’s roll.

Learn Swiss German https://www.swiss-german-online.com/