Kannenfeldpark

Kannenfeldpark in Basel is the city's largest public green space, covering 8.5 hectares in the St. Johann district. Today it is a calm area of open lawns and mature trees, but it began life as a cemetery.

How did the park come about?

The site served as a burial ground, the Kannenfeld Gottesacker, from 1870. Once the Hörnli central cemetery opened and burials stopped, residents pushed for a park, with the first requests dating back to 1931. The cemetery was formally abolished in 1952, and the park was laid out from 1951. The graves were cleared and no headstones remain, but the conifers stayed. After decades of growth they stand as huge living sculptures across the central lawns.

What is there to see?

• Trees and arboretum. The historic paths and tree stock still define the park's layout. Over the years the city gardeners planted surplus rare broadleaf trees from other parks along the edges, grouped by botanical family.
• Main entrance. At the Strassburgerallee stop, the old cemetery gate is flanked by four statues: Moses, Daniel, Jesus and Paul.
• Circular path. A redesign by Fontana Landschaftsarchitektur added a ring path and pared back older elements.
• Play islands. Five themed play areas line the cross path, devoted to climbing, swinging, sliding, sand and mud, and paddling. The last two, a sand-and-mud island and a climbing island, opened on 6 July 2018.

How do you get there?

The park lies in St. Johann, north of Basel's centre. Take public transport to the Strassburgerallee stop, right next to the main entrance.

When should you visit?

The park is open all year and free to enter. Late spring and summer are best, when the trees are in full leaf and the play areas are busiest. In autumn the arboretum turns colourful.

Frequently asked questions

Are there still graves in Kannenfeldpark? No. The graves were removed when the park was created and no headstones remain. The trees and the historic path layout survive.

How big is the park? It covers 8.5 hectares and is Basel's largest public green space.

Is it a good place for children? Yes. Five play islands offer climbing, swinging, sliding, sand and mud play, and paddling.

Has the park won any awards? In 2025 the city received the Schulthess Garden Prize from Swiss Heritage for the park's continued development.