Voliere Zürich

Voliere Zürich is an aviary and veterinary hospital for birds tucked into the Arboretum park on the shore of Lake Zurich, along the Mythenquai in the Enge district. Many visitors pass it on a lakeside stroll without realising that it is also a working rescue centre.

What is Voliere Zürich?

The site combines two roles. It is an aviary where you can watch native and exotic birds, and it houses the Vogelpflegestation, a bird care station regarded as unique in the city. Injured or sick wild birds arrive here, along with fledglings that have fallen from their nests. The station also acts as an information point for the public and as a centre of expertise on birds.

How long has it been around?

The aviary in the Arboretum opened in 1902, so it has more than a century of history behind it. According to the facility itself, it is home to over a hundred animals across a few dozen species. Numbers change over time, so treat them as approximate.

Where is it and how do I get there?

The address is Mythenquai 1, 8002 Zürich. The Arboretum sits right on the water, next to a promenade popular with locals and visitors alike. It fits easily into a walk along the lake or a visit to the nearby parks.

Is it free, and when can I visit?

Admission is free. The outdoor aviaries can be visited at any time. The indoor areas have their own opening hours: according to tourism sites, daytime hours with a midday break from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Hours can change, so check the official website voliere.ch before you go.

Who pays for it?

The city of Zürich ended its support in 2000. Since then the foundation has been funded by contributions from members of the donor association Voliere-Gesellschaft Zürich. A 2020 city council proposal nevertheless set out annual contributions for 2021 to 2025, including up to 66,000 francs for the Arboretum aviary. The city describes this site, like the Voliere Seebach, as a popular destination for private visitors and school classes and as a care station for injured birds.

Is it good for children?

Yes. Free entry, close views of birds and a look at how wild animals are cared for make it a good stop for families and school groups. A visit does not take long, so it slots easily between other plans.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Voliere Zürich free? Yes, admission is free.

Can I bring an injured bird I found? The care station takes in injured and sick wild birds and fledglings that have fallen from nests. Contact the centre before visiting to ask about how to hand a bird over.

Where exactly is the aviary? In the Arboretum park at Mythenquai 1, on the shore of Lake Zurich in the Enge district.

When was it founded? In 1902.

How much time should I plan? A short visit of about an hour is usually enough, depending on how long you want to watch the birds.