Did you know that Hard in Zurich was once part of Aussersihl municipality? It became part of Zurich in 1893. Now, Hard is a vibrant quarter in District 4.
Today, we are exploring Hard. This area covers 1.46 square kilometers. Around 12,715 people call Hard home. Let’s discover what makes this area special.
One notable landmark is Swissmill. It is the largest mill in Switzerland. Swissmill processes 800 tons of grain. The silo’s design is quite deliberate. Municipal authorities have said its appearance reflects its industrial purpose.
Hardbrücke also plays a vital role here. Hardbrücke means hill or forest. The bridge’s name comes from the area’s German name. Many nearby places share the name Hard. Hardplatz and Hardturm are examples.
The current Hardbrücke opened in 1972. It was intended as a temporary solution. This happened while Zurich considered building an expressway. The expressway’s Y-shaped section never materialized. Until 2009, Hardbrücke carried much of the north-south traffic.
In 2009-2011, the bridge underwent significant refurbishment. Tramway tracks were added between 2015 and 2017. Tram route 8 now extends from Hardplatz to Hardturm. A plan to extend tram lines further was rejected in 2020.
A railway station sits below Hardbrücke. It’s called Zurich Hardbrücke station. This station is on the Zurich-Baden and Zurich-Winterthur lines. Many regional trains stop here. It’s one of Zurich’s busiest stations.
Private cars and public transport use the Hardbrücke. A tram and bus stop is located above the railway station. Tram route 8, trolleybus routes 33 and 72, and bus route 83 all stop here. The Hardbrücke also serves as a main bike route.
Hard offers a blend of industry and transport. It connects different parts of Zurich. From Swissmill to Hardbrücke, the area is full of activity. It shows how Zurich blends history with modern life.