Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage

Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage is a small green space in Zurich's Seebach district, in the north of the city. It sits beside a busy street junction and carries the name of a local politician from the early twentieth century.

Where is Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage?

You will find it in Zürich-Seebach, close to where Schaffhauserstrasse, Felsenrainstrasse, Friesstrasse and Neunbrunnenstrasse meet. The greenery lies on one side of the road; the newly built Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz is on the other. The coordinates are roughly 47.4176 N, 8.5452 E.

Who was Emil Oberhänsli?

Emil Oberhänsli-Leu (1876–1950) was born in Zezikon, in the canton of Thurgau. He moved to Seebach in 1900 and became a citizen of the municipality in 1920. A locksmith and electrical installer by training, he ran an electrical contracting firm and a hardware shop in Seebach from 1924. He and his wife Emma (née Leu) had four children, all born in Seebach.

From 1919 to 1933 he served as Gemeindepräsident, the head of the municipality, and he was the last person to hold the post before Seebach merged with Zurich. He campaigned for the merger. In a 1931 vote on financial equalisation, Seebach voters backed the plan with 98 percent, and the district joined the city in 1934.

How did it get its name?

On 10 December 2014 the Zurich city council (Stadtrat) approved a proposal from its street-naming commission. The newly laid out park and street area with a fountain became Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz, and the green space across the road became Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage.

What is there to see?

This is a modest neighbourhood green, not a half-day destination. It suits a stroll through Seebach and gives a sense of how a former village municipality sits inside a large city today. The fountain stands on the adjoining Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz, a few steps away.

Frequently asked questions

Is Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage a park? Yes, it is public greenery maintained as part of the city. It is small and works as a pocket green at a busy junction.

Which Zurich district is it in? Seebach, in the north. Seebach has been part of Zurich since 1934.

What is the difference between the Anlage and the Platz? The Platz is the newly built square with a fountain at the junction. The Anlage is the green area on the opposite side of the road.

Is there an entrance fee? No. It is open public space.