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About this place
Wahlenpark is a public park in Neu-Oerlikon, in the north of Zurich, within the Oerlikon district (Kreis 11). It covers roughly 1.2 hectares and works as a neighbourhood playground, sports space and green square for the new residential and office quarter built on former industrial land. It is a quiet stop away from the tourist centre, useful if you want to see how Zurich reshapes its old factory districts.
Where is Wahlenpark and how do you get there?
The park sits at Ruedi-Walter-Strasse 7 in Oerlikon. The district lies in northern Zurich, and its transport hub is Zürich Oerlikon station. Trains and city transport run there from the centre, and from the station you walk through the new Neu-Oerlikon housing blocks to reach the park. Entry is free and, as in most Zurich city parks, there are no opening hours.
Do not confuse it with other areas: Wahlenpark is in Oerlikon, not in Albisrieden or Aussersihl. The same district has other parks, including Oerliker Park and MFO-Park, so check the name on your map.
Who designed it and where does the name come from?
The park opened in 2005 as part of the "Zentrum Zürich Nord" redevelopment. It was the fourth and last of the parks planned in that scheme. The design was chosen in an international competition. The authors are the Basel landscape architects Dipol and Christopher T. Hunziker of Zurich, with engineering by Hans H. Moser.
The name honours Friedrich Traugott Wahlen, an agronomist and member of the Swiss Federal Council who lived in Oerlikon.
What can you see and do here?
The designers aimed for a multi-purpose space for play and movement. The park serves families with children, pupils from the nearby school and local young people. You will find playgrounds and lawns where you can rest, play, or break up a walk around Oerlikon.
If you are exploring northern Zurich, combine Wahlenpark with the other Neu-Oerlikon parks. Together they show how contemporary landscape design sits alongside the buildings of a former factory district.
When should you go?
Late spring, summer and early autumn are best, when good weather suits time outdoors. Mornings are calmer; afternoons and weekends bring families and school groups.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Wahlenpark free? Yes. It is a public city park with no admission charge.
How big is the park? About 1.2 hectares, so a walk around it takes a quarter of an hour or so. Sources give slightly different area figures.
Who is the park for? Mainly Oerlikon residents: families, pupils and young people. For a visitor it is a short break while exploring northern Zurich.
Who is the park named after? Friedrich Traugott Wahlen, an agronomist and Federal Council member connected with Oerlikon.
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