Sunrise Tower

Sunrise Tower Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Zürich, Switzerland

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Sunrise Tower in Zürich, Switzerland, is a beacon of urban transformation and architectural innovation. Situated in the Oerlikon district—once a center of industry—the tower now epitomizes Zürich’s commitment to sustainable urban regeneration and mixed-use development. Originally completed in 2005 as a high-rise office building designed by renowned Swiss architect Max Dudler, Sunrise Tower has transitioned from a corporate headquarters for major tenants such as Sunrise AG and Credit Suisse to a vibrant residential and commercial landmark. This evolution mirrors larger trends in Zürich’s planning response to new work patterns and a pressing housing demand (loeligerstrub.ch, nau.ch).

The building’s sleek glass and steel façade reflects contemporary Swiss values: clarity, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Incorporating advanced sustainable technologies, such as high-performance glazing and energy-efficient systems, Sunrise Tower stands as a benchmark for eco-friendly urban architecture (ArchDaily, Gigon/Guyer Architekten).

While public access is mainly limited to retail and dining areas on the lower floors, Sunrise Tower’s proximity to Zürich Oerlikon railway station ensures easy connectivity. Its location also provides convenient access to local landmarks such as the Le Corbusier Pavilion, Freitag Tower, and MFO Park, making it a focal point for those interested in Zürich’s urban evolution (Zürich Tourism).

This guide delivers essential visitor information on hours, accessibility, and travel tips, as well as an exploration of the tower’s architectural heritage, its transformation from corporate to residential use, and its significance in Zürich’s ongoing development.

Origins and Urban Context

Located in Zürich’s Oerlikon district, Sunrise Tower is part of the Quadro Towers complex—one of the city’s most significant urban renewal efforts. Commissioned by Sunrise AG and designed by Max Dudler, the building was completed in 2005 and quickly became a catalyst for the district’s transformation from industrial zone to a mixed-use urban hub (loeligerstrub.ch). Its position near Zürich Oerlikon railway station provides outstanding accessibility for workers, residents, and visitors.

Architectural Development and Design

Sunrise Tower stands as a testament to Swiss architectural principles: geometric precision, functional design, and harmonious urban integration. With its striking glass and steel façade and a height of approximately 80 meters across 25 floors, the tower is a defining element of the Oerlikon skyline (loeligerstrub.ch). The large-scale branding and signage, created in collaboration with Bureaux Bölsterli and Integral Ruedi Baur, add sculptural distinction and urban visibility.

Originally developed as commercial office space with flexible layouts, the building’s design has allowed for its recent conversion to residential use (nau.ch).

Evolution: From Office to Urban Living

For nearly two decades, Sunrise Tower served as a key corporate location for Sunrise AG and Credit Suisse, underpinning Zürich’s reputation as a European business center. The shift toward remote work and changing office needs led to significant vacancies, prompting owner BVK (Zürcher Pensionskasse) to announce a plan in 2025 to convert upper floors into approximately 260 apartments. The lower levels remain dedicated to retail, dining, and services, aligning with Zürich’s strategy to alleviate housing shortages and create lively mixed-use neighborhoods (nau.ch, Baublatt).

Cultural and Urban Significance

Sunrise Tower is more than a building—it’s a symbol of Oerlikon’s renaissance. Its transformation demonstrates Zürich’s flexible and sustainable approach to urban planning, densifying housing while preserving architectural value. The integration of retail and leisure spaces at street level enlivens the neighborhood, supporting community engagement and urban vibrancy.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Retail and Dining: Expected to be open from mid-2025; typical hours are weekdays 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Sundays and holidays may offer limited access.
Upper Floors: Private residential and commercial spaces; no public access.

Tickets

Admission: Free for retail and dining areas; no ticket required.

Accessibility

Fully accessible via public transport: Zürich Oerlikon railway station is nearby, with multiple S-Bahn, tram, and bus connections.
Building entrances, restrooms, and elevators are wheelchair accessible.

Guided Tours

No regular guided tours inside the tower, but architectural tours of the Oerlikon district are sometimes available through local tourism organizations.

Nearby Attractions

Le Corbusier Pavilion: Modernist architectural gem.
Freitag Tower: Iconic shop and viewing platform made from shipping containers.
MFO Park: Award-winning urban green space with innovative landscaping.
Hallenstadion: Major concert and event venue.
Oerlikon Market Hall: Local shopping and dining.
Quadroplatz: Public square at the heart of the Quadro Towers complex.

For more visitor information, see Zürich Tourism.

Architectural Features and Sustainability

Sunrise Tower’s design by Max Dudler and the Swiss firm Gigon/Guyer Architekten is a showcase of modernist clarity and environmental consciousness (ArchDaily, Gigon/Guyer Architekten). Notable features include:

Façade: High-performance glass for energy efficiency and natural light.
Structure: Reinforced concrete core for stability and flexible layouts.
Building Systems: Automated shading, low-emissivity glass, and energy-efficient HVAC.
Public Spaces: Retail, dining, and landscaped plazas encourage community use.

Transformation and Mixed-Use Vision

The current redevelopment, set for completion by 2028, will see the creation of 260 new apartments (mostly compact units for singles and couples) on floors 7–25, with lower levels reserved for commercial activity (Baublatt). This adaptive reuse aligns with Zürich’s goals for sustainability, densification, and vibrant urban life.

Best Times to Visit & Practical Tips

Summer (May–September): Long daylight hours (sunrise ~5:28 AM, sunset ~9:24 PM), pleasant weather (18–24°C), and outdoor events (timeanddate.com, weather-atlas.com).
What to Bring: Light clothing, rain jacket, camera, reusable water bottle.
Public Transport: Use a Zürich Card for unlimited travel and discounts (zvv.ch).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Sunrise Tower apartments?
A: No, residential units are private. Public access is limited to retail and dining areas.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No regular tours of the building, but architectural walks in the district are sometimes offered.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, access to public areas is free.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, all public zones are fully accessible.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Take the train or tram to Zürich Oerlikon station; the tower is a short walk away.

Visuals and Media

View high-quality images of the exterior and renderings of the residential conversion on the Gigon/Guyer Architekten website. For interactive maps and virtual tours, refer to the Zürich Tourism portal.

Conclusion

Sunrise Tower is a key feature of Zürich’s skyline and a model for adaptive, sustainable urban development. It offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s architectural ambitions and its ongoing transformation into a livable, connected metropolis. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, urban explorer, or prospective resident, Sunrise Tower is an essential stop in Zürich’s dynamic Oerlikon district.

Stay updated on conversion progress and events by visiting official sites or downloading the Audiala app for curated guides and travel tips. For more on Zürich’s architecture and cultural highlights, explore additional articles through Zürich Tourism and related resources.

References and Further Reading

Sunrise Tower Zürich: Architectural Landmark and Urban Living in Oerlikon (loeligerstrub.ch)
Sunrise Tower Conversion to Residential Apartments (nau.ch)
Sunrise Tower Zurich: Architectural Marvel, Visiting Hours, and Travel Tips (ArchDaily)
Gigon/Guyer Architekten – Sunrise Tower Project (Gigon/Guyer Architekten)
Sunrise Tower Zürich: Visiting Hours, History, and Transformation (Tages-Anzeiger)
Baublatt – Sunrise Tower Residential Conversion (Baublatt)
Zürich Tourism – Official Visitor Information (Zürich Tourism)