Park im Grüene

Park im Grüene is a family-oriented public park in Rüschlikon, on the shore side of Lake Zurich just outside the city. Locals call it the "Dutti-Park". It occupies the former private estate of Adele and Gottlieb Duttweiler, the founders of the Migros retail cooperative, and has been open to everyone since 1947. It was the first of four parks Migros set up for the public.

What is the story behind the park?

The Duttweilers created the "Im Grüene" foundation in 1946 and turned roughly 45,000 square metres of their own grounds into a recreation area. The painter Hermann Gattiker reshaped the meadows with artificial hills, terraces, ponds and rocky footpaths. The estate also had a swimming pool, a tennis court and a thatched-roof house. From the upper paths you can see the lake and the Alps.

What is there to do, especially with kids?

• A large playground with a water area and waterfall, popular on hot days.
• The Bähnli, a small train that circles a forest clearing.
• Donkey rides, available for a small extra fee.
• Kasperli puppet theatre, staged outdoors on Wednesdays and Sundays at 15:00 and daily during the summer school holidays. It is free and is cancelled in rain.
• Easy walks past ponds, terraces and mature trees with lake views.

What does it cost and when should you go?

Entering the grounds is free; individual attractions such as the train and donkey rides cost extra. The park is open year-round, with longer hours in summer and shorter ones in winter, so check parkimgruene.ch before you go. A sunny weekend or a Wednesday afternoon, when the puppet show runs, works best. In summer, bring swimwear or a change of clothes for the waterfall area.

How do you get there?

The address is Alsenstrasse 40, 8803 Rüschlikon. From Zurich, take the S-Bahn to Rüschlikon and walk uphill to the park. Parking is available nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is Park im Grüene free?

Yes, entry is free. You pay only for some attractions, such as donkey rides.

Who is the park best for?

Families with children. There is a playground, a waterfall, a small train and a puppet theatre, while adults can enjoy quiet walks with views over the lake.

When does the Kasperli theatre perform?

On Wednesdays and Sundays at 15:00, and daily in the summer school holidays. Shows are cancelled when it rains.

Who founded the park?

Adele and Gottlieb Duttweiler, founders of Migros. It opened to the public in 1947.