Winterthur’s range of accommodation is geared largely towards the business trade, though prices are still generally lower than in Zürich. You should bear in mind that hotels in town are often booked solid, and definitely need reserving ahead.

The nearest campsite is Am Schützenweiher, Eichliwaldstrasse 4 (052/212 52 60), 1.5km north of town, some 300m south of the N1 (Ohringen exit). Open year-round, it has good facilities, and access onto the forested Wolfensberg nearby; take bus #3 to Seuzacherstrasse, then walk 300m north. The basic HI hostel is in Schloss Hegi, Hegifeldstrasse 125 (052/242 38 40, fax 242 58 30; a; March–Oct), a fifteenth-century stately home; take bus #10 or #680 to Schlossacker. Large dorms come without breakfast (Fr.16 first night, Fr.14 thereafter). At the time of writing, it was uncertain whether the hostel would abandon the castle for new premises in town; check with the tourist office for the latest news.

Albani, Steinberggasse 16 (052/212 69 96, fax 212 69 86). Best budget hotel, above the famous Old Town club and music venue just south of Kirchplatz. The OK rooms are big and well kept, but aren’t en suite and there’s no breakfast. Free entry for gigs downstairs. a.

Grüntal, Im Grüntal 1 (052/232 25 52, fax 232 25 33). Solid country inn at a quiet crossroads 4.5km southeast of town, with hospitality, good service and pleasant rooms making up for the journey to and from. Bus #6 to Grüntal. b.

Hessengüetli, Oberfeldstrasse 10 (052/224 32 32, fax 052/224 32 33). A tiny, family-run hotel above a Chinese–Vietnamese restaurant in a quiet area 1.5km northwest of the centre, with a stream on one side and the wooded Brüelberg rising behind. Their en-suite rooms are good value, and you’ll have no trouble with car or bike parking. Bus #2 to Feldtal. b.

Krone, Marktgasse 49 (052/213 25 21, fax 213 48 08). Historic renovated Old Town building, stylish and super-comfortable. c.

Loge, Graben 6 (052/213 91 21, fax 212 09 59, hotelloge@access.ch, www.hotelloge.ch). Modern and very quiet hotel in the heart of the Old Town – go for the light, top-floor rooms with panoramic balcony. On-site parking. c.