Forchdenkmal

Forchdenkmal (officially the Wehrmännerdenkmal) is a war memorial on the Wassberg hill near the village of Forch, in the municipality of Küsnacht, canton of Zurich. A concrete stepped pyramid crowned by a tall copper flame honours Swiss soldiers who died during active service in the First World War, many of them from the 1918 influenza epidemic. It is among the best-known military monuments around Zurich and a favourite hiking goal.

Who built it and what does it look like?

The Neue Unteroffiziersgesellschaft in Zurich launched the project. Roughly 90 designs were submitted (sources say 91 or 95), and the winner was "Das Opfer" ("The Sacrifice") by Otto Zollinger, an architect from Fällanden. The monument is an eleven-step reinforced-concrete pyramid with a flame of partly gilded copper sheet on top, about 17.5 to 18 metres tall. Küsnacht contributed 9,000 francs towards the cost, and the Forchbahn railway added 7,000.

When was it opened, and what happens here?

It was dedicated on 24 September 1922 by Federal President Robert Haab, with tens of thousands of visitors estimated to have climbed the hill for the ceremony. Casualty figures vary by source: some cite 365 Zurich soldiers who died of flu, others around 3,000 army members who died in service. A ceremony here marked the centenary of the armistice in 2018. A recent restoration refreshed the inscription with real gold leaf.

How do you get to the Forchdenkmal?

The easiest way is the Forchbahn from Zurich to Forch or Neue Forch station, followed by a short walk across meadows and woodland to the hill. The memorial also sits on hiking routes, for example between Forch and Uster. Sources give the elevation as roughly 680 to 730 metres, and the final climb is gentle.

What will you see?

• the pyramid itself, whose steps you can climb, with the flame visible from far around;
• the inscription commemorating the soldiers;
• views over the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, towards Lake Greifensee;
• a quiet open space where locals, including young people, like to meet.

When should you visit?

The site is open all year and free. Late spring, summer and golden autumn offer the best weather and views. Paths can be slippery in winter, but the snow-covered pyramid is striking.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in open terrain and can be visited at any time.

Who is the monument dedicated to? Soldiers who died on active service during the First World War, largely in the influenza epidemic of 1918.

How long does a visit take? The walk from the railway station takes around fifteen minutes. With time at the top and for the views, plan on about an hour.

Can I get there by public transport? Yes, on the Forchbahn from Zurich. The Forch and Neue Forch stations are close to the hill.