Magic Zylinder, Kloten: Switzerland’s Specialist Magic Shop

What it is

Magic Zylinder is a specialist magic retailer and services business in Kloten, just outside Zurich, with roots going back to 1988. It sells magic props, tricks, and related material, and also operates as a place for courses, seminars, and shows. That makes it more than a shop counter: it is a working hub for people who practise, perform, or simply enjoy magic. The setting is modest and commercial, not theatrical, but the focus is unusually tight and well defined.

What the visit feels like

Expect a small, indoor retail space rather than a browsable attraction with long dwell times. Most visitors come with a purpose: to ask for advice, compare props, buy a gift, or enquire about lessons. The atmosphere is specialist and hobbyist, with the kind of practical conversation that comes from a shop serving regulars as well as first-timers. If you are not already interested in magic, the visit may feel niche; if you are, it can be absorbing in a compact, low-pressure way.

Why travellers stop here

Travellers usually come for the unusual subject matter and the chance to see a serious magic shop in operation. It works well as a short detour from Zurich or as a stop near the airport corridor, especially for families with curious children, teens, solo travellers with an interest in performance, or anyone looking for an offbeat purchase. Because the business also offers instruction and shows, it has a stronger community role than a standard souvenir shop, even if its public-facing footprint remains small.

Setting and access

The shop sits on Flughafenstrasse in Kloten, in a built-up area shaped by airport traffic and local services. There is no scenic backdrop, no outdoor grounds, and no heritage streetscape around it; the appeal is entirely inside. Public transport is the most practical way to reach it from Zurich, with Kloten well connected by regional rail and local transit. Driving is possible, though airport-area traffic and parking can be less convenient than a train-and-walk approach. The location is easy to reach rather than remote.

Practical expectations

Plan on a short visit of 15 to 30 minutes if you are browsing casually, or up to an hour if you want advice or are considering a course. Weekday afternoons are the normal opening window, with Saturday hours earlier in the day; Monday is closed. The shop is indoors and works year-round, so weather has little effect beyond the journey. Facilities appear limited to the retail space itself, so do not expect a café, visitor centre, or full set of public amenities.