Louis-Häfliger-Park

Louis-Häfliger-Park is a compact neighbourhood park in Oerlikon, in northern Zurich. It covers roughly 5,000 m² and gives residents and office workers a place to unwind and meet. It makes an easy stop if you are curious how Zurich turned former industrial land into everyday green space.

Where is the park?

The park sits between the Regina-Kägi-Hof housing co-operative and the old production halls of the Oerlikon-Contraves works, with newer service buildings close by. This is Neu-Oerlikon, the part of the district redeveloped under the Zentrum Zürich Nord project. Oerlikon is reached by train or tram from central Zurich, and the park is a short walk through the new quarter. Coordinates: 47.4124 N, 8.5338 E.

Who was Louis Häfliger?

The park honours Louis Häfliger (1904-1993), known as the "Saviour of Mauthausen". As a Red Cross delegate he helped save the lives of about 40,000 prisoners at the Mauthausen concentration camp. It adds quiet weight to an otherwise relaxed spot.

What will you see?

The design, titled "Quilt", won a 2000 competition run by Grün Stadt Zürich and is the work of Kuhn und Truninger. Construction started in 2002 and the park opened in 2003. The layout is a patchwork of strips with different characters:

• a lawn with pyramid-shaped mounds that children like to climb,
• a paved asphalt area planted with trees,
• a play strip with swings, slides and climbing frames,
• temporary retention basins that hold rainwater during heavy downpours.

So the park works as a playground, a place to sit, and a piece of the city's rainwater management.

How does it fit into Neu-Oerlikon?

It is one of four parks created in Neu-Oerlikon between about 2001 and 2005, alongside Oerliker Park, MFO-Park and Wahlenpark. Oerliker Park serves the wider district, while smaller parks like this one serve their immediate surroundings. If you have time, link them into a single walk.

When should you go?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when the lawn and trees are green and the play area is busiest. On weekdays around lunchtime, staff from nearby companies use the park. Entry is free and a visit takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public city park.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. There are pyramid-shaped mounds and a strip with swings, slides and climbing frames.

How long should I plan? About 15-30 minutes for the park itself; longer if you walk on to the other Neu-Oerlikon parks.

Who designed it? Kuhn und Truninger, winners of the 2000 Grün Stadt Zürich competition. The park opened in 2003.