5 Best Massage Schools in Zurich Where You’ll Master the Art of Touch
Every friend group has that one person who’s naturally good at something, so now they’re your go-to for it.
For us, we have this friend who’s been our unofficial, on-the-spot masseuse for as long as we can remember. Pulled a muscle at the gym? Tension headache? Minor stiff neck? As long as it’s nothing serious, she’ll get her hands on it.
So when she casually mentioned over dinner that she’d been thinking about going to an actual massage school, we didn’t skip a beat. As her supportive friends, we naturally took it upon ourselves to do the research.
We put together a shortlist of the best massage schools, and if you happen to also be looking, you’re in luck. Here’s what we found.
How much do massage schools cost in Zurich?
Massage schools in Zurich charge around CHF 300 to CHF 650 for short courses, CHF 1,800 and CHF 4,200 for certification programmes, and a full professional qualification can go above CHF 30,000 over two to four years.
1. Massage-Fachschule Zürich
Address: Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052
Contact details: +41443010203
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
With over 20 years of operation, more than 5,800 graduates, and over 16,000 courses completed, Massage-Fachschule Zürich (MFZ) is one of the most established massage schools in the region.
They offer everything from a federally recognised Medical Masseur qualification (3 years) to shorter diplomas in Therapeutic Massage (1.5 years) and Professional Massage (6 months) qualifications.
Not only that, but there’s also a wide range of specialisations, including Lymphatic Drainage and Foot Reflexology, and even wellness-focused courses like Lomi Lomi, Thai Yoga Massage, Aromatherapy, and Pregnancy Massage.
Their diploma programmes are recognised by Swiss quality assurance bodies, meaning graduates can register as recognised therapists and have sessions covered by Swiss supplementary health insurance.
These programmes are not just for a hobby certificate. It’s a serious financial commitment, so it’s worth thinking about your long-term goals.
One detail that we like is the intentionally small class sizes that ensure personal attention to each student and a more hands-on learning experience.
Similarly, graduates also mention the warm, family-like atmosphere, and that they appreciate that the instructors are present and responsive to student needs.
The MFSZ has a very friendly atmosphere, and you’re always warmly welcomed
“I know many schools, and mistakes happen at every school, and not everyone likes every person the same. The MFSZ has a very friendly atmosphere, and you’re always warmly welcomed. You can approach the administration with any problem, and you’re sure to find a solution. The instructors all give their best and, in my experience, are competent in their subjects and as therapists. This way, the students always get the best possible experience and benefit from the instructors, all of whom are also practicing therapists themselves. I’ve always found the atmosphere in the courses to be very pleasant and welcoming 🙂 People always listen to what’s going on, and they value constructive criticism. I’m always happy to come back and would happily recommend it to others.”
- Susanne Zahn, Google Review
I was able to develop quickly and now work independently as a therapist
“I had an excellent experience at the Zurich Massage School. The welcoming atmosphere and constant willingness to help made my training particularly valuable. Thanks to the professional support of teacher Mauro and his partner Aldona, I was able to develop quickly and now work independently as a therapist. I am very grateful to them both for their guidance and continuous dedication and wholeheartedly recommend the school.”
- Leila Monteiro, Google Review
2. Bodywork Center – Massage Ausbildung Zürich
Address: Engweg 3, 8006
Contact details: +41432685454
Business hours: Not Available
Bodywork Centre (ISSB) takes a different approach to massage training. It’s the first school for Tantra massage in Switzerland and the world’s oldest training institution for sexological bodywork, having been around for 18 years now.
Their teaching focuses on the connection between physical sensations and emotional responses using breathwork, movement, and structured touch.
The Tantra massage they teach is a full-body practice rooted in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions that aim to release emotional blockages and restore vitality.
Other offerings include the Hawaiian Lomilomi and pelvic floor work, with courses going up to Master Diploma Level.
This is a great option if you’re interested in deeper, more holistic bodywork beyond just physical techniques. However, it’s not designed for those pursuing clinical massage qualifications or insurance-recognised certifications as it’s not EMR/ASCA accredited.
Another big plus for us is their strong focus on ethics. They publish their ethical guidelines openly and maintain a dedicated complaints office, which goes to show how seriously they take the boundary-setting aspect of their work.
You feel well cared for and expertly guided through all the personal processes
“I am constantly amazed by the diversity of the courses offered, and even more so by how profound and moving each one is. You feel well cared for and expertly guided through all the personal processes. The Bodyworks Center is a wonderful place to learn and grow. Highly recommended!”
- Sonia Hegnauer, Google Review
We learned a lot, laughed, and felt a lot
“My partner and I took a tantra course and later a massage course at the Bodywork Center, and it was simply fantastic! The teachers are incredibly warm, competent, and immediately create an atmosphere where you feel safe and comfortable. We learned a lot, laughed, and felt a lot. I recommend it to anyone who wants to delve deeper into bodywork and conscious encounters.”
- Marie Paolucci, Google Review
3. AlohaSpirit
Address: Alderstrasse 28, 8008
Contact details: +41763932060
Business hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Founded in 1996, AlohaSpirit is a dedicated centre for Hawaiian bodywork and culture, and it does one thing with extraordinary depth and authenticity: Lomilomi.
Often called the “queen of massages”, Lomilomi uses long, flowing, wave-like movements to work the entire body.
Its therapeutic effect has been scientifically studied, which is why it now appears on the Swiss EMR methodology list and is ASCA-recognised.
AlohaSpirit is the only Lomilomi school in Europe officially recognised by the Association of Lomilomi Hawai’i, and their teachers are exclusively Hawaiian Kumu.
The training starts with a four-day introductory workshop, and from there, the students can progress through the full Lomilomi Therapist diploma at their own pace.
They also offer Hula dance classes, but that would be pretty much it. If you’re after a broad, multi-disciplinary massage qualification, this isn’t exactly the place.
Most students appreciate the sense of community, or “Ohana”, as they call it, and describe the school as more like a cultural space.
Gave a chance to learn Healing Arts from Hawai‘i directly from the source
“Mostly appreciated is the practical Focus in connection with Hawai’i and its values, whether it is in Lomilomi or Hula. The Alohaspirit Team is highly qualified, motivated and respond to the individual needs of the participants. A clear recommendation for anyone who wants to strengthen both, their professional and personal skills, in a sustainable way. A real highlight is the chance to learn Healing Arts from Hawai‘i directly from the source. Mahalo nui loa! 🌺🙏🏼”
- Mary Stony, Google Review
The massage is superb, not too hard but just right
“Very nice and relaxing experience 😊 the massage is superb, not too hard but just right 💪 I liked the traditional Hawaiian chanting and music, it makes a wonderful and complete experience 💫 Thank you Silva for the friendly and professional service 😀
- Diego Caviglia, Google Review
4. Züri Massage Schule
Address: Oerlikonerstrasse 47, 8057
Contact details: [email protected]
Business hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
With locations in both the city and Bubikon, Züri Massage Schule is one of the most accessible options around.
You can start with short workshops and pick up individual modules at your own pace, allowing you to learn massage without a full professional training programme.
Standalone courses and workshops cover head and facial massages to Sensual Touch, Yoni and Lingam massage, and classical wellness massage.
But for those who want to go all the way, they offer two diploma tracks—Wellness and Health (classical, sports, Lomilomi) and Wellness Sensual Masseur (sensual massage, Tantra, and BDSM-Bodantra massage), which are niche offerings.
The more intimate nature of courses may not be for everyone, so it’s important to attend an introductory session before signing up to understand which course aligns with your goals.
Asking around helps, too. Students we spoke with have a lot of insights about the classes, as well as their actual experience. They highlight the comfortable and welcoming learning environment, which really helped set expectations.
That said, they are not EMR/ASCA accredited for those who wish to pursue the clinical massage path.
The workshop itself was very pleasant, almost like a family atmosphere
“High praise. I was able to experience a tantra workshop that was simply fantastic. From the online booking to the quick answers to my questions, appointment suggestions, and confirmation of the dates, everything was very professional. The workshop itself was very pleasant, almost like a family atmosphere. Great teacher, friendly, attractive model. Excellent course materials. I just booked the Tantra course and am benefiting from a subsequent discount.”
- Tomas Fernandes, Google Review
Very friendly and attentive hosts, and an interesting insight into tantric massage
“Tantra Workshop from November. Very friendly and attentive hosts, a beautiful location, and an interesting insight into tantric massage, as well as a wonderful personal experience. Highly recommended to anyone interested.”
- Rita Frei, Google Review
5. Bina Taverna
Address: Frankentalerstrasse 55, 8049
Contact details: +41786456605
Business hours: Daily: 24 hours
The last spot belongs to Bina Taverna, an independent practitioner and facilitator rather than a traditional massage school with classrooms and diplomas.
Bina herself has been featured across several media outlets and podcasts, which speaks to the growing recognition of her work within the somatic and conscious intimacy space.
She’s one of the few who offers Shibari, which is the Japanese art of rope bondage. She approaches it as a therapeutic practice using the physical sensation of rope for body awareness and emotional release.
She combines it with Tantra, as well as Thai and Ayurvedic healing traditions, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Lessons span one-on-one sessions, intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, group workshops, multi-day retreats, and even online Shibari tutorials, and the ropes used can be bought through her shop.
However, the lack of a professional diploma might understandably be a dealbreaker for some.
Bina creates such safety that I was able to explore the edges of my comfort zone
“Bina is a powerful teacher who leads with grace, beauty and professionalism. She creates such safety that I wanted and was able to explore the edges of my comfort zone and explore new ways of being. I am a stronger and more confident person as a result.”
- Tanya Murphy, Google Review
Bina is a stellar facilitator of shibari and of deeply inhabiting the heart and body
“Bina is a stellar facilitator not just of shibari but of deeply inhabiting the heart and body. She has a unique transmission around coming into deeper contact with my heart and vitality in a way that feels grounded and safe in my body, which is an incredible healing edge for me. So grateful for her wisdom.”
- Nick Shrewsbury, Google Review