ETH, Zürich — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

ETH Zurich (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is where Albert Einstein studied, and that is just the beginning of its extraordinary story. Founded in 1854 and opening its doors on October 16, 1855, ETH has grown into one of the world's top universities, consistently ranking among the top 10 globally. Einstein earned his degree in Mathematics and Natural Sciences here between 1896 and 1900, and the foundations of his revolutionary theories of relativity were laid during his time walking these halls.

The numbers behind ETH's impact are staggering: 22 Nobel laureates (beyond Einstein), two Fields Medalists, three Pritzker Prize winners, and a Turing Award recipient have all been affiliated with the institution. The university comprises 16 departments covering engineering, architecture, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and more, attracting scholars and researchers from around the world. Its campus in central Zurich reflects the vibrant intellectual culture that has defined the institution for nearly 170 years.

For visitors, ETH offers the chance to walk the same grounds as Einstein and some of the greatest scientific minds of the modern era. The main building's terrace also provides one of the best free viewpoints in Zurich, overlooking the city, the lake, and the Alps on clear days. Questo's Zurich adventures bring you to the ETH neighborhood with stories about Einstein's student days and the discoveries that emerged from this remarkable institution.