Nightwatchman Ralf Tours

Before You Book (Tour Information)

How long is the Nightwatchman tour?  The tour lasts 90 minutes in summer and 60 minutes in winter.

Is the tour suitable for children? While our Private Tours can be tailored to our clients' wishes, we generally do not recommend bringing children under the age of 12. The nature of the stories can sometimes be a bit too spooky or intense for very young children.

Is the Nightwatchman tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Nightwatchman Walk - Yes.

Medieval Walk - YES, the majority of the tour is wheelchair accessible. However, due to a set of stairs, a small section of the tour is unfortunately inaccessible.

One or Two Hours Classic City Walks - NO

Please be aware that the historic city center includes cobblestone streets and some stairs, which may pose a challenge for wheelchairs or guests with limited mobility. Accessibility update: The newly installed stairlift at the Kapellbrücke now supports up to 300 kg, which ensures that also heavy electric wheelchairs can be safely transported.

What language is the tour conducted in? Public tours are held in English (Tuesdays) or German (Saturdays). Private tours can be held in English, German and Swiss German.

What makes the Nightwatchman tour special compared to others? This is not an ordinary city tour. As Nightwatchman Ralf, I use a unique blend of traditional storytelling (spoken, rhymed, and even sung) and modern media. I bring history to life using a portable projector, historical images, and an iPad to create an unforgettable experience.

Booking & Cancellation

Do I have to book in advance, or can I just show up? Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, as group sizes are limited.

What are your cancellation terms?  Cancellations are free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins. After that, the full amount is due.

Where is the best place to book your tour? While you can book our tours through any of our partners, we always appreciate it when you book directly on our website. Rest assured, our prices and conditions are identical, no matter where you book. Book wherever you feel most comfortable. We just look forward to welcoming you!

Do you offer private tours or group discounts? Yes, absolutely! We offer discounted, tiered pricing for groups of 10 or more people. The larger the group, the lower the price per person. You can check the exact group rates and book your tour directly through our website's booking system.

Preparing for the Tour

Where is the exact meeting point? We meet at Rosengartplatz   (Rosengart Square), which is located on the Rathausquai, directly between the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and St. Peter's Chapel. It is on the right bank of the Reuss river (the bank on your right as the river flows).

What happens in case of bad weather (e.g., rain or snow)?  The Nightwatchman walks in (almost) any weather! The tour takes place even if it rains. Please dress for the weather and bring an umbrella if needed. Only in cases of extreme weather warnings (severe storms, flooding) would we cancel the tour, in which case we would contact you directly.

What should I wear?  We will be outside for the entire tour. Comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather are highly recommended.

Do I need to bring a printed ticket?  No, a digital ticket on your smartphone is perfectly fine and better for the environment.

Can I take photos or videos during the tour? You are welcome to take photos for your personal use at any time! I am also happy to take a photo with you after the tour. However, video or audio recordings of the full tour narrative are not permitted.

After the Tour

Why don't you reply to reviews on GetYourGuide, TripAdvisor & Co.?  Your feedback is incredibly important to us. When you take the time to leave a review on sites like GetYourGuide, Viator, or TripAdvisor, we want you to know that we are truly grateful. We read every single one. These reviews are essential, helping other travelers discover our tours and helping us understand what you loved most. You might have noticed, however, that we do not post public replies or comments on these reviews. This is a firm policy we have held from the very beginning. We believe in being fair and consistent. If we started to comment on one review, we would feel the need to comment on all of them. To be fair to everyone, we have chosen not to reply publicly on these third-party websites. We hope you understand this decision. Please be assured that we read and value every piece of feedback you share, even if you don't see a public 'thank you' from us on those platforms. Thank you again for your support.