Welcome to the Enge
Neolithic people, Celts, Romans, and the Germanic tribes of the Alemanni: over the course of past millennia, they’ve all settled in the area now known as the ‘Enge’. The 2.5 square kilometres that form this part of the city still contain some residential buildings, but above all this is now a place where people come to work. Numerous regional, national and international companies are based in the quarter.
«We’re finally where we belong!»
May we introduce ourselves?
In the middle of May 2021, 28 employees also moved to their workplace at Zurich Convention Center, and this number is due to almost triple with its imminent reopening. “We’re finally where we belong!” enthuses Romina Böttcher, who has been working for the Convention Center since December 2020 as its Human Resources Specialist. The Convention Center attracts visitors from Switzerland and all over the world, and has some illustrious neighbours too: for example, the district is home to the Rietberg Museum, the Succulent Plant Collection, and the FIFA World Football Museum.
Between the lake, the city wall, and the River Sihl
This formerly independent municipality has been part of the city for over 130 years. According to the website of the Enge District Association, difficult social conditions resulting from industrialisation and a rapid increase in the population inevitably led to the incorporation of the quarter in 1893. Today there is nothing to remind us of this period in the prestigious district that adjoins Wollishofen and nestles between the lake, Schanzengraben, and the Sihl. The extensive and idyllic lakeside area offers relaxation, whilst the lake promenade invites you to take a stroll. It’s very hard to imagine that just under 100 years ago, in 1929, the lake froze over and attracted visitors from all over Switzerland who wanted to skate.
An adornment to the quarter
One of Zurich’s first high-rise buildings can also be found in the Enge: the Hochhaus zur Palme was – like the Convention Center – designed by the Haefeli/Moser/Steiger architectural practice. The quarter even has its own vineyard, known as the Bürgli. At last, there will shortly be an opportunity to sample a range of local and selected wines together with culinary highlights from Executive Chef Patrick Hetz while enjoying the stunning view of Lake Zurich from the generously proportioned Convention Center terrace. Until then, excitement is growing that Zurich Convention Center will soon be another meeting place in the quarter!
Picture: nchenga (flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0)
