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About this place
Arboretum Zürich is a public park and botanical garden in the Enge district, on the western shore of Lake Zurich. It covers roughly 20 hectares, stays open all year and is looked after by the city's Grün Stadt Zürich department. Entry is free, and a stroll among exotic trees with lake views is one of the calmest ways to take a break in the city centre.
What is the Arboretum?
The park forms part of the Quaianlagen, the chain of lakeside promenades and gardens laid out in the late 19th century following the plans of city engineer Arnold Bürkli. The Arboretum itself was built between 1882 and 1887 as a park for the people of Zürich, designed as an English landscape garden: wide lawns, curving paths and tree groups placed to open up changing views across the water.
What can you see here?
- Trees and shrubs — native species grow beside exotic ones, which makes autumn colour a highlight.
- The big meadow by the water, where locals picnic, play and sunbathe in summer.
- A lido with a lake sauna — swimming in summer, sauna visits in the colder months.
- Voliere Zürich — an aviary together with a care station for sick and injured birds, described as unique in Switzerland.
How do you get there?
The park sits between Mythenquai and General-Guisan-Quai, next to the Enge harbour. Take tram 5 or bus 161 or 165 to the Rentenanstalt stop. From the main station it is a short ride, or you can walk along the lake promenade. Many visitors combine the Arboretum with Zürichhorn on the opposite shore.
When should you go?
The park is open year-round. Late spring, when the foliage fills in, and autumn, when the leaves turn, show it at its best. On hot days, pair the walk with a swim in the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee? No. The park is public and open all year; only the lido and sauna may charge.
How long should I plan? One to two hours for a relaxed walk, longer if you swim or picnic on the meadow.
How do I get there from central Zürich? Tram 5, or buses 161 and 165, to Rentenanstalt.
Is there anything besides trees? Yes: a lake lido with sauna, and the Voliere Zürich with its bird care station.
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