The Züri Märlitram Is Back (And the Böögg Is Driving!)

Growing up in Switzerland, the Märlitram was the stuff of childhood legend. Every December, my family and I would scan the streets of Zurich, hoping to catch a glimpse of that magical, decorated tram gliding through the city.

I never actually rode it, though. And now, as a grownup, I've come to accept that this one is simply not for me. The Märlitram is a children's experience through and through. But honestly? Watching the joy on little faces as that century-old tram rolls by? That might just be enough.

What Is the Züri Märlitram?

The Züri Märlitram is no ordinary tram. Built in 1913, it has been rolling through Zurich's streets as a storytelling tram since 1958. This makes it the oldest tram still operating in Zurich.

For decades, it was exclusively a Christmas tradition, enchanting children with fairy tales and festive magic during the Advent season.

But 2026 changes everything. For the first time in its history, the Märlitram is venturing out in spring. Instead of Christmas lamps, the streetcar was dressed in fresh greens.

Wait, and who's that behind the wheel? None other than the Böögg! The snowman is Zurich's unofficial icon, and the star of the beloved spring festival, Sechseläuten!

A New Chapter: The Spring Märlitram

The spring edition of the Märlitram runs from March 20 to April 26, 2026, winding its classic 20-minute loop through Zurich's inner city.

The route goes from Bellevue via Limmatquai and Central, along the Bahnhofstrasse shopping mile, and back to Bellevue.

Inside the tram, children are treated to three specially written stories told by storytellers dressed in traditional Zurich costumes.

The tales are age-appropriate and weave together Zurich's customs, the legend of the Böögg, and the guest canton of the year, Graubünden. So charming!

Think of it this way: just as Samichlaus (St. Nicholas) drives the tram during Advent, the Böögg takes the wheel for spring. It's a brilliant swap that feels both playful and deeply rooted in Zurich tradition. Kudos to Zurich Tourism and their partners for pulling this off.

All About the Böögg - Zurich's Spring Icon

If you're not yet familiar with the Böögg, you're in for a treat! This cotton-wool snowman is the centerpiece of Sechseläuten, Zurich's grand spring festival.

Every year, the guilds of Zurich parade through the city before setting the Böögg ablaze atop a massive bonfire. The time it takes for his head to explode is said to predict the summer weather.

We've covered this fascinating tradition in depth, so please check out these posts to get the full picture:

• Everything You Need to Know About the Böögg and the Sechseläuten Bonfire
• The Zurich Snowman Burning: Meet the Böögg
• Zurich's Sechseläuten Through the Lens of a Professional Photographer

Now imagine that same iconic figure, the Böögg, steering a century-old tram through the streets of Zurich while children listen to fairy tales inside. That's the kind of magic only Zurich can pull off.

Who's Behind This Magical Collaboration?

The spring Märlitram is a partnership between three key players:

• Zürich Tourismus, championing Zurich as a family-friendly destination for locals and visitors alike
• Coop City St. Annahof, bringing community spirit and retail partnership to the project
• VBZ (Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich), Zurich's public transport authority, keeping the historic tram on the rails

The project is also developed in close coordination with the central committee of Zurich's guilds (Zentralkomitee der Zünfte Zürichs), making sure the storytelling stays true to authentic Zurich traditions. For instance, children will learn how the Böögg is constructed...

Zürich Tourismus Director Thomas Wüthrich put it beautifully in the press release: "With the spring Märlitram, we expand our family offering and strengthen Zurich as a versatile destination for young and old. At the same time, we make local traditions tangible for guests and locals alike."

How to Get Tickets

Here's everything you need to know to snag your seats:

• Price: CHF 12 per child
• Tickets: Available exclusively online
• Ticket pick-up locations (from March 9, 2026):
  • Coop City St. Annahof
  • Coop City Bellevue
  • Coop City Sihlcity
  • Coop City Oerlikon
  • Tourist Information at Zurich Hauptbahnhof
• Important: Tickets must be picked up at least 2 hours before departure

Some Important Logistics

Once you've secured your tickets, keep these things in mind for a smooth experience:

• Tram pick-up/drop-off: Bellevue
• Route: From Bellevue along Limmatquai, Central, Bahnhofstrasse, Paradeplatz, and Bürkliplatz before heading back to Bellevue.
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
• Language: (Swiss) German
• Stories: There will be a total of three stories, told at random:
  • Der Züri Leu & der Böögg - das Geheimnis des Sechseläutens
  • Wie die Zünfter den Böögg bauen
  • Nesa und Fiorella (Gastkanton Graubünden)
• Blackout dates: March 23/24, March 30/31, April 12 (Zurich Marathon), April 19 (Sechseläuten children’s parade), April 20 (Sechseläuten)

Why You Shouldn't Miss This

Whether you grew up in Zurich like I did, straining your neck to spot that magical tram from the sidewalk, or you're visiting the city for the first time, the Züri Märlitram in spring is a genuinely special experience.

It bridges generations, celebrates local culture, and gives children (and nostalgic adults!) a window into the heart of Zurich's traditions.

I may have missed my chance as a child, and as an adult, the Märlitram remains out of reach. This magical ride is reserved for the little ones. But if you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or young friends in your life, this is your moment. Take them. Give them the memory I never had...

Have you ever ridden the Märlitram as a child? Drop your memories in the comments below - I'd love to hear them!