Recreation and entertainment in Switzerland
A guide to 128 Recreation and entertainment in Switzerland — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 48 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Arboretum national du vallon de l'Aubonne, Musée de la mine de sel de Bex, Parc Moynier.
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Kleine Schanze
Berno
Kleine Schanze is a historic park in Bern, Switzerland, set on a former bastion just beside the main railway station and the Bundeshaus (Federal Palace). This green terrace above the Aare valley is one of the easiest places to pause in the centre of the Swiss capital. What is Kleine Schanze? The site began in the early 17th century as part of the last defensive ring on the western side of the old town; sources date construction to 1622–1623. When the fortifications lost their purpose, the ground was turned into a scenic promenade in the landscape style around 1817–1818. City documents describe it as the first conversion of baroque fortifications into a garden in Switzerland. A major redesign and extension followed around 1875, and the southern part still shows mainly features created between 1874 and 1905. Today the park lies within the UNESCO-listed old town and is protected as a historic garden. What will you see? The Universal Postal Union monument (Weltpostdenkmal) by French sculptor René de Saint-Marceaux, unveiled on 4 October 1909 for the Union's 25th anniversary. A park café with outdoor seating, popular with office workers and travellers. A raised bandstand, walking paths, ponds and benches with views over the valley. A sandstone retaining wall, restored in 2013–2014. How do you get there? The park is about a three-minute walk from Bern railway station, and the Bundeshaus is a few minutes away, so it fits naturally into a city-centre stroll. Entry is free and the park is open to everyone. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the café terrace is running and shade is easy to find. It makes a good stop between a train and the old town sights. Renovation In 2023 the city approved a credit of about CHF 4.2 million for a full renovation by Stadtgrün Bern, carried out in two stages (café and eastern part first, then the western part) and planned to run until summer 2025. Reasons included structural damage and very high drinking-water use by the pond system. Check the city's website for the current state of the grounds before you go. Frequently asked questions Is Kleine Schanze free to enter? Yes, the park is public and free. How long does a visit take? A walk and photos take 30–45 minutes; with a coffee, about an hour. Is it close to the train station? Yes, about three minutes on foot from the main station and close to the Bundeshaus. What is in the park? The 1909 Universal Postal Union monument, a park café, a bandstand and views over the Aare valley.
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Rose Garden Bern
Bern
Rose Garden Bern (Rosengarten) is a hillside park above the Old Town of Bern, Switzerland, best known for its sweeping view over the city. It covers roughly 23,000 square metres, is open around the clock and costs nothing to enter. What is there to see? The view is the reason most people climb up. From the terraces you look across the loop of the Aare river and the rooftops of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in its entirety, and on clear days to the Alps beyond. Late afternoon light on the old roofs makes for the best photos. The planting is a draw too. About 200 rose varieties and around 200 iris varieties grow here, along with 28 rhododendron species in the damper beds. In spring the park is known for its cherry trees, 110 of which were a gift from Japan. On the path down towards the BearPark you will pass a bronze figure of Albert Einstein. How did the park come about? The city bought the land in 1751 to make up for a shortage of burial space, and a municipal cemetery operated here from 1765. The name Rosengarten is older than today's flowerbeds. It dates from the cemetery era, when the rose stood for martyrdom and noble struggle. The grounds opened to the public as a promenade in 1913, and the layout has been reworked more than once, including a redesign in 1951-1962. The city's green-space department, Stadtgrün Bern, looks after the park and has commissioned a historical study of the site. Where can you eat? Restaurant Rosengarten (Alter Aargauerstalden 31b) sits at the southern entrance with a terrace facing the Old Town and the Alps. From mid-October to the end of February it serves fondue on a glassed-in veranda. Published opening hours differ between sources, so confirm them with the restaurant before you go. How do you get there? The park lies just across the Aare from the Old Town. From the centre you can walk over the Nydeggbrücke and uphill. The BearPark is right next door. There is no ticket and no closing time. Frequently asked questions Is the Rose Garden free? Yes. It is open 24 hours a day with no admission charge. When should I visit? Roses and irises peak in late spring and summer, and the cherry trees flower in spring. The city view works in every season. Is there food on site? Yes. Restaurant Rosengarten at the southern entrance has a terrace with views and serves fondue in winter. What is nearby? The BearPark and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, both reachable on foot.
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Sarasinpark
Riehen
Sarasinpark in Riehen is a public landscape park in the canton of Basel-Stadt and, together with Wenkenpark, one of the two largest publicly accessible parks in the municipality. It sits in a leafy residential area just beyond Basel's city limits, close to the German border, and still carries the layout of the country estates it grew out of. How did Sarasinpark come about? The land was once farmed, with farmhouses and vineyards. The park merges the grounds of three Baroque country estates: Werthemann-Stähelin, Le Grand and Elbs-Birr. The oldest, Elbs-Birr, began in 1694-95 as a wine estate and was later enlarged by Samuel Heusler into a Baroque country seat. The park's present character follows an English landscape garden of the mid-19th century. Its name comes from the Sarasin family, tied to these estates. What is there to see? A Baroque lime avenue, preserved to this day and forming the backbone of a stroll. The Orangerie, built in 1836 in the former English garden and attributed to Basel architect Melchior Berri. This classicist building is rated as architecturally significant and is listed in the federal ISOS inventory among the features of the Le Grand estate. The former manor house, owned by the municipality of Riehen since 1976 and, after renovation, used as a public music school. Open lawns and mature trees, with the park gradually being returned to its original structure. Is the park open to everyone? Yes. It is a public space rather than a private estate garden. The shift from private gardens to public park was the topic of guided tours run by the cantonal heritage office of Basel-Stadt. In the early 1980s a municipal hospital or a swimming pool was proposed for the site, but neither was built and the green space survived. When and how to visit The park is at its best from spring to early autumn, when the trees are in full leaf and the lawns invite a rest. A visit takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes, including the lime avenue and the Orangerie. It combines easily with a walk through central Riehen and a visit to nearby Wenkenpark. Frequently asked questions Where is Sarasinpark? In Riehen, a municipality in the canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, just north-east of Basel. Is there an entrance fee? No. The park is public and open to walkers. Who designed the Orangerie? The 1836 Orangerie is attributed to the Basel architect Melchior Berri. Is the park linked to Paul Sarasin, founder of Swiss national parks? The name refers to the Sarasin family, who held estates in Riehen. Paul Sarasin, the naturalist, belonged to the family and championed the national park idea in Switzerland, but the park itself is a landscaped garden, not a protected nature reserve.
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Wahlenpark
Zurych
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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Solitudepark
Bazylea
Solitudepark in Basel is a riverside green space in the Wettstein quarter of Kleinbasel, right beside the Roche headquarters and the Museum Tinguely. Mature trees and broad lawns make it a local favourite, and it is one of the few city parks that reaches the Rhine directly. How did the park come about? It grew out of an early 19th-century country estate. In 1834-35 the manufacturer Emanuel Hoffmann-Preiswerk had the former farmland landscaped, then enlarged the house as his summer home. After the couple's deaths the property went to the Hoffmann heirs in 1876. They sold it to the city in 1924 on one condition: the park had to stay open to the public for good. The layout follows the English landscape-garden model and has been altered over time, including through the building of bridges and the opening of the Museum Tinguely in 1996. What is there to see? Art. Changing works linked to the Museum Tinguely are shown in the park, and a Jean Tinguely fountain stands beside the museum. The river. There is an entry point for Rhine swimmers, and the bank along the park is a nature-protection zone. Old trees. The tree stock is especially valuable for bats. Playground and paddling pool. From May to September, on weekdays when it reaches at least 25°C, city gardeners fill the pool early in the morning. How do I get there? The park lies in Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine, off Grenzacherstrasse, next to the Roche campus. From central Basel you can walk along the river or take public transport to the stops near Roche and the Museum Tinguely. When should I go? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the lawns invite a long stay and the Rhine invites a swim. The park is free and open to all, used by neighbours and Roche staff alike. What is changing nearby? Plans exist to widen the narrow Solitude promenade along the river, and development of the neighbouring Roche site has been discussed. Check the current state of works on the embankment before you visit. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? Yes. Permanent public access was the condition of the city's 1924 purchase. Can I swim in the Rhine here? The park has an entry zone for swimmers. The current is strong, so take care. Is it good for children? Yes, there is a playground and a paddling pool that is filled on hot weekday mornings from May to September. What is next to the park? The Museum Tinguely and the Roche headquarters.
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Oerliker Park
Zurych
Oerliker Park is a public district park in Oerlikon, in the north of Zurich, Switzerland. It covers roughly 17,500 square metres and was the first of four new parks built while a former industrial quarter was redeveloped. What is Oerliker Park? The landscape architects Studio Vulkan (formerly Schweingruber Zulauf) designed the park for the city's green space department, Grün Stadt Zürich. Construction ran from 1999 to 2001. S. Hubacher handled the architecture and Ch. Haerle the sculptural elements. The park belongs to the "Zentrum Zürich Nord" development scheme, which gave the old factory districts of Oerlikon a new identity. What will you see? A regular grid of trees covers the entire site. Species and spacing shift gently from place to place, and together the crowns form a green canopy over the visitor. It keeps the park shaded on hot days and gives it the feel of an outdoor room. A central path leads through the trees to an open clearing at the heart of the park. A modular pavilion stands there, suited to resting or to temporary events, and the clearing also holds a water feature. Elsewhere you will find wooden terraces, gravel lawns, firm barrier-free paths and loosely placed seating. An observation tower rises above the treetops. It serves as a local landmark and looks out over the new buildings of Zurich North. What surrounds the park? Oerliker Park is the oldest of four neighbouring parks. MFO-Park (2002), Louis-Häfliger-Park (2003) and Wahlenpark (2005) followed. Each meets a different local need, from district park to neighbourhood green to playground. Walking all four shows how landscape design in a former factory district looks today. Who is it for? The park suits a break between sightseeing and work, a picnic, meeting friends or a walk with children. Landscape architecture fans will find a carefully composed example from the early 2000s. Frequently asked questions Where is Oerliker Park? In Oerlikon, north of Zurich's centre, on land that was once part of the city's industrial belt. Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public city park managed by Grün Stadt Zürich. Is it accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? Yes, the paths are firm and barrier-free. When was it built? Between 1999 and 2001, as the first of four new parks in the area. What else is worth seeing nearby? MFO-Park, Louis-Häfliger-Park and Wahlenpark, the other three parks from the same redevelopment programme.
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Drei Weieren Bathing Facilities
St. Gallen
Drei Weieren (Dreilinden) is a cluster of man-made ponds on the hillside above St. Gallen, Switzerland, where summer swimming facilities operate. Wikidata lists it as a bathing facility inside the Drei Weieren recreation area, north of the old town near St. Georgen and the Mühlegg stop. Locals head here to cool off without travelling to Lake Constance. How did the ponds come about? The first basins were dug around 1610 to secure a water supply for the city, mainly for the textile trade, which needed water for bleaching cloth, and for firefighting. Five ponds eventually existed. People began bathing in them in the 18th century, and the three largest were divided by sex: one for women, one for boys and one for men. The city council only officially lifted the ban on women using the men's pond in 1972. Where can you swim? Today two ponds are used for swimming. The Mannenweiher (men's pond) is a free municipal bathing spot and home to the Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden, the community pool. The other, called the Frauenweiher or family pool, is a supervised, paid facility with more amenities. Sources vary on its exact name, so follow the signs on site. The remaining ponds are left for scenery and nature. When should you go? The bathing season runs roughly from early May to mid-September. In 2026 it opened on 9 May, with the family pool closing on 6 September and the community pool on 13 September. The community pool is normally open daily from 9 to 19, but check the city's website before you travel. Outside the season the loop path around the ponds is still open for walks. How do you get there? The easiest route is the Mühleggbahn funicular, which climbs from the old town to the pond area. City buses 2 and 8 towards St. Georgen Bach also work; get off at St. Gallen, Mühlegg. In summer a free bathing bus runs from the station and Marktplatz area. What else is there to see? A walk around the Drei Weieren takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you can extend it to the Notkersegg convent. Viewpoints nearby give a panorama over the city, which makes the area popular with photographers and sketchers. A new visual identity introduced in July 2025 is meant to make the recreation area easier to find. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the ponds free? The Mannenweiher is a free municipal bathing spot. The family pool has its own supervised facilities; see the City of St. Gallen website for prices. Can you swim all year? No. Swimming is limited to the season from spring to mid-September. Outside it you can still walk the path. How long does the walk around the ponds take? About 30 to 45 minutes at an easy pace. Do you need a car? No. The Mühleggbahn funicular or bus 2 or 8 to the Mühlegg stop is enough.
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Parc du port Choiseul
Versoix
Parc du port Choiseul is a small lakeside park in Versoix, in the canton of Geneva. It covers roughly 0.6 hectares at Chemin des Graviers 35 and ranks among the larger green spaces in town. It sits beside the Port-Choiseul marina, so a stroll on the lawns comes with views of moored boats, jetties and open water on Lake Geneva. What is there to see? The park offers grassy areas with benches facing the water. Next door is the marina's pebble beach, and a lakeside promenade runs along the shore with continuous views across the lake. According to the canton, the harbour has more than 700 leisure moorings, making it the second largest in the canton after Eaux-Vives. Three places to eat and drink operate nearby, including a seasonal buvette linked to the local sailing club. A ramp at the beach lets visitors with reduced mobility enter the water, an uncommon feature on this side of the lake. What is the history of Port-Choiseul? The name honours the Duke of Choiseul, minister to Louis XV. Around 1766–1770 a fortified trading town with a harbour was planned here to capture traffic between Geneva and Bern, and Voltaire championed the idea. More than a thousand workers gathered on site in 1770, but Choiseul's fall from favour that December left the scheme without its patron and unfinished. Stone from the old works was later reused for quays at Versoix and Cologny (1886–1888). The present harbour dates from a 1962–1963 reconstruction as a pleasure-boat marina. How do you get there? Versoix lies north of Geneva on the lakeside rail line. From Versoix station, walk downhill toward the shore; the marina is a short walk of around fifteen minutes. From the park you can follow the waterfront path toward the town centre. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn, when the beach and buvette are active and swimming is possible. Outside the season it works well for a short walk with lake views and, in clear weather, distant mountains. What else can you do nearby? The marina draws sailors, kayakers and pedalo fans. Families use the beach, while others settle for a coffee by the water. The commune has discussed further redevelopment of the shoreline, including the grassy La Grève area, so the surroundings may change over time. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? Yes. The park is public, and local listings describe the neighbouring beach as free too. Can you swim? Yes, at the marina's pebble beach, which has a ramp into the water. Swimming is at your own risk. Is there food nearby? Yes. Three eateries operate around the harbour, including a beach buvette. Is it suitable for families? Yes. Lawns, a beach and short distances make it easy with children.
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Orto botanico di Valmadrera
Valmadrera
Orto botanico di Valmadrera, officially the "Riccardo Villa" Botanical Garden, sits in the town of Valmadrera, about 3 km west of Lecco in Lombardy. It occupies grounds inside the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and is listed as a natural-science site in the Lecco Province Museum System. What is the history of the garden? It started life as a monastic herb plot. The friars who ran a hospice and a pharmacy workshop here grew medicinal plants. The municipality bought the Fatebenefratelli complex in 1979 and restored it; it now holds a library, an auditorium, exhibition rooms and spaces for local associations. The garden was recreated on the old convent land and keeps the original division of the ground into four large plots. Planting followed advice from Professor Fornaciari, head of the botanical garden in Bormio. In 2022 it was named after Riccardo Villa, one of the people who pushed for its revival. What will you see? More than 900 species grow here: officinal and medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, fibre and dye plants, species of wetlands and water, and native wild flora of the area. The garden also supports Lombard biodiversity, including plants at risk of extinction. It suits a relaxed visit of about an hour, especially if you like herbs and traditional plant lore. How do you get there? Valmadrera lies on the shore of Lake Lecco, a few kilometres from central Lecco. The garden is in the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre in the middle of town. From Lecco you can drive or take a local bus, and the visit combines easily with a stroll along the lakefront. When should you visit? According to leccotourism.it, the garden opens from early March to the end of October on Saturdays, 2 pm to 6 pm, with free entry. No official confirmation of these hours turned up, so check the Valmadrera municipal website or leccotourism.it before you go. Spring and early summer are the best seasons, when most plants are in flower. What else is nearby? The town sits at the foot of Monte Barro. Its nature park (regional park since 1983, nature park since 2002) offers trails and the Piani di Barra archaeological site. Lecco itself is a short drive away. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? Yes, according to leccotourism.it. How many plant species are in the garden? Over 900, from medicinal herbs to aquatic plants and local wild flora. Why is it called "Riccardo Villa"? It was named in 2022 after one of the promoters of its restoration. Is the garden open all year? No. The listed season runs March to October, so confirm hours before visiting.
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Parco San Grato
Lugano
Parco San Grato is a botanical park in Carona, a few kilometres from Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It sits at roughly 690 m above sea level, on a slope between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora, and is known for its azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers. Regional sources describe the collection as one of the largest of its kind in the whole Insubric region. What will you see at Parco San Grato? The main draw is the flowerbeds and banks planted with azaleas and rhododendrons, with specimen conifers growing between them. More than 5.5 km of paths are arranged by theme: botanical, relaxation, panoramic, artistic and fairy-tale. A sensory trail, designed for exploring plants by touch and scent, was added for the park's 60th anniversary in 2017. The grounds also hold a chapel dedicated to Saint Grato and a playground, which makes the park an easy outing for families. How did the park begin? The land used to be pasture for horses. In 1957 industrialist Luigi Giussani, founder of the former Monteforno steelworks in Bodio, bought it and had the first azaleas and conifers planted. An earlier owner was the jurist Martin Winterhalter. The park passed through several hands, and the City of Lugano took it over in 2024. When is the best time to visit? April and May are best, when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom and the slopes turn into a patchwork of colour. The park stays open all year and admission is free, so it is also worth a stop in late spring or summer for shade and views over the surroundings. How do you get there? Carona stands on a hillside above Lake Lugano. It is a drive of about a quarter of an hour from central Lugano, and the village is also served by public transport. Check current timetables with the local operator before you go. Frequently asked questions Is entry to Parco San Grato free? Yes. Admission is free and the park is open year-round. When do the rhododendrons bloom? Azaleas and rhododendrons peak in April and May. How long does a visit take? The path network exceeds 5.5 km, so allow a few hours for an unhurried walk with stops. Is it suitable for children? Yes. There is a playground, and the fairy-tale and sensory trails suit younger visitors.
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Liesbergermatte
Basel
Liesbergermatte is a compact neighbourhood park and playground in Basel's Gundeldingen district, known locally as "Gundeli", just south of the main railway station. It is run by the city's parks department, the Stadtgärtnerei, and was fully refurbished by spring 2016. Families with children and local sports fans get the most from it, and it makes a useful break in a densely built part of town. What is there to do at Liesbergermatte? This is a working park rather than a showpiece. You will find a football pitch, a basketball court, a table-tennis table, a nest swing and a climbing tower for children up to 12. In summer the paddling pool is the main draw, and the marble runs built into it were inspired by drawings from pupils at the neighbouring school. Benches, tables, public toilets and drinking fountains are on site. What is the history of the park? The green space was laid out in 1916 together with the Thiersteiner school building. In 1956 city gardener Richard Arioli added the paddling pool, a sandpit and a ball field. The latest overhaul ran in 2015 and 2016: cracked asphalt gave way to a rubber-granulate surface that cushions falls and cuts noise, and new goals, hoops and seating went in. The renewed park was handed back to residents on 16 April 2016. The project belonged to a wider green and open-space plan for Gundeldingen, a district with very little free land. In 2019 the canton extended the floodlights on the sports field so they now run until 10 p.m. all year. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn. From May to September, parks staff fill the paddling pool on weekday mornings once temperatures reach 25°C, so on cooler days it may be dry. Thanks to the floodlit pitch, the park stays lively into the evening. How do you get to Liesbergermatte? Gundeldingen starts right behind Basel SBB station on its south side, so the park is a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour from the platforms. It sits among apartment blocks close to the Thiersteiner school. Coordinates: 47.5421 N, 7.5961 E. Entry is free. Who is it for? Families, teenagers playing football or basketball, and neighbours who meet here every day. If you only want the Old Town sights, this is not a headline attraction. If you are staying in Gundeldingen with children, it is a dependable place to burn off energy. Parts of the grounds are set aside as protected zones that support biodiversity. Frequently asked questions Is Liesbergermatte free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no entrance fee. Does it have a paddling pool? Yes. Staff fill it on weekday mornings between May and September when it is at least 25°C. What age is the climbing tower for? Children up to 12. Are there toilets and drinking water? Yes, the park has public toilets and drinking fountains. Can you play football or basketball there? Yes. There are separate pitches for each, and the football pitch lights stay on until 10 p.m.
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Tschudi-Park
Bazylea
Tschudi-Park is a small public green space in the St. Johann district of Basel, Switzerland. It is not a showpiece garden: it is a neighbourhood lawn lined with trees, used by locals for kicking a ball around or taking a break. It makes a pleasant short stop if you are staying nearby or walking between the Rhine and the university's life-sciences area. Where is Tschudi-Park? The park fills the block bounded by Spitalstrasse, Wilhelm His-Strasse and Johanniterstrasse, next to the St. Johann primary school. The setting is dense city, not a riverbank or hilltop. The area is under heavy redevelopment, with new buildings rising for years, and a new University of Basel life-sciences building is being built across the road on the Schällemätteli site. Why is it called Tschudi-Park? The site used to be known as the "Turnplatz", a gymnastics ground. In 2010 the canton's naming commission renamed it after Hans-Peter Tschudi, a Basel native who served on the Swiss Federal Council from 1959 to 1973. He was born in Basel in 1913 and died there in 2002. A naming ceremony was scheduled for 21 June 2010. What will you see? An open lawn, a row of trees and a fence separating the grass from the surrounding streets. Until the late 1940s the plot was densely wooded; today it is open ground. Its main use is informal football. On the adjoining school grounds you will find seating and play areas shaded by concrete structures and tree islands, and since 2025 a ground-level trampoline. Who is it for? Families with children looking for a pitch or play space in St. Johann. Walkers who want a green pause between sights. Visitors curious about everyday Basel beyond the old town. The park is maintained by Stadtgärtnerei Basel, the city's parks and gardens department, which looks after more than 50 parks and gardens covering about 248 hectares of public green space. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a free public green space run by the canton of Basel-Stadt. Who is the park named after? Hans-Peter Tschudi, a Federal Councillor from 1959 to 1973. The name replaced the earlier "Turnplatz". Can you play football here? Yes, the lawn is mainly used for casual football. Is there a playground? The neighbouring St. Johann school grounds have play areas and seating, plus an in-ground trampoline added in 2025. Who manages the park? Stadtgärtnerei Basel, the city parks and gardens department.
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Elfenaupark
Berno
Elfenaupark in Bern is a large landscape park on the city's south-eastern edge, close to the Aare. Once the country estate of a Russian grand duchess, it is now one of Bern's most important recreation areas and a historic garden of national significance. Where does Elfenaupark come from? The park dates back to 1814, when Anna Feodorovna (1781-1860), a grand duchess of the St Petersburg court who had left her unloved husband and come to Switzerland, bought the Brunnadern estate. She renamed it Elfenau, "meadow of the elves". Legend says the name recalls a morning when the meadow in front of the house shimmered with dew, as if elves had been dancing on it. The 18th-century manor was remodelled in Empire style and surrounded by an English-style landscape park, with the architect Joseph Baumann credited with the plan. During the 1820s she bought further land in the municipality of Muri, and the new areas were shaped to fit the existing design. After her death in 1860 the estate passed to the von Wattenwyl family, and since 1918 it has belonged to the City of Bern. What is there to see? Around 40 hectares of meadows, mature trees, avenues and open viewpoints surround the former manor and its farm buildings. Since 1928/29 the city nursery, now Stadtgrün Bern, has been based on the grounds, with greenhouses and workshops. The old orangery houses Parkcafé Orangerie, and a working farm still operates in the park. A waterfall opened in 2014 gives a contemporary take on the garden's historic water features. A city conservation plan (Parkpflegewerk, 2009) protects the park and gradually restores its original layout. How do you get there? Elfenau lies a few kilometres from the centre of Bern, in the district of the same name. City public transport runs from the main station, and walking paths along the Aare lead into the park from the riverside. Entry is free and the grounds are open as public green space. When is the best time to visit? Spring to autumn is ideal: blossom in spring, shade and open meadows in summer, colourful foliage in autumn. Café hours change with the season, so check Stadtgrün Bern or the city website before you go. Frequently asked questions Is Elfenaupark free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no admission charge. Why is it called Elfenau? Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna chose the name after buying the estate. According to legend it refers to elves dancing on a dewy morning meadow. Is there a café in the park? Yes, Parkcafé Orangerie in the former orangery, open seasonally, usually from spring to autumn. How much time should I plan? One to two hours covers the main paths; allow half a day if you walk down to the Aare and stop at the café.
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city garden of Chur
Chur
Stadtgarten in Chur is a small public park in the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It covers roughly 0.3 hectares just west of the Old Town, and Chur Tourismus lists it among the city's recommended outings. What sets it apart is its past: for centuries this green space was a graveyard. How did the Stadtgarten come about? Burials took place here from 1529. Between 1866 and 1868 the cemetery was remodelled into a park, in the years when strolling and promenading had become a popular pastime and towns across Europe were laying out public greenery close to their centres. That makes the Stadtgarten one of Chur's older city parks. What is there to see? Traces of the old graveyard remain: gravestones are set into the walls around the park. Two monuments are worth a look as well: a memorial to the poet Johann Gaudenz von Salis (1762–1834), a notable literary figure from Graubünden, a memorial to those who died on military service during the world wars. The park is compact, so a visit takes a quarter of an hour or so. Treat it as a stop on a longer walk through town rather than a destination in its own right. How do you get to the Stadtgarten? The park lies on the edge of the Old Town, in western central Chur. Chur Tourismus gives the address as Grabenstrasse, 7000 Chur, while other listings name the neighbouring Fontanastrasse. Coordinates are about 46.850 N, 9.530 E. It is a few minutes' walk from the Old Town and easy to combine with a visit to nearby Fontanapark. When is a good time to visit? The Stadtgarten works best as a short rest, especially on warm days when its greenery offers shade after exploring the narrow Old Town lanes. It is a quiet corner for a stroll, and for anyone curious about local history it is a chance to see the grave slabs and memorials up close. Frequently asked questions Was the Stadtgarten in Chur once a cemetery? Yes. Burials began in 1529, and the park was laid out in 1866–1868. How big is the park? About 0.3 hectares, making it a small city-centre park and the fourth largest in Chur. Which monuments stand in the park? A memorial to the poet Johann Gaudenz von Salis and one for those who died on military service during the world wars. Where exactly is it? West of Chur's Old Town, around Grabenstrasse and Fontanastrasse.
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alpine botanical garden of Meyrin
Meyrin
Jardin botanique alpin de Meyrin (the Alpine Botanical Garden of Meyrin) is a municipal mountain-plant garden in Meyrin, canton of Geneva, right next to the city of Geneva. It pairs a collection of alpine flora with a historic villa and works as a green refuge inside the urban area. What is the story behind the garden? From 1915 the estate belonged to Amable Gras, a Geneva textile merchant. He had a rock garden built with a stream and a small pond, tended by his gardener Annibal Miazza. The villa took its name, Montgardin, from the owner's home village in the Hautes-Alpes. The garden became known well beyond Geneva, and the French magazine L'Illustration featured it in 1932. The commune of Meyrin bought the property in 1960, which saved both the villa and the garden. What can you see? After a three-year redevelopment the garden reopened, with an inauguration on 10 September 2016. On site you will find: rock beds planted with mountain species, set in the original landscaped terrain, the former gardener's house, now used for conservation and educational activities, the villa, called Le Cairn, dedicated to contemporary art, a wooden chalet and a goat pen, a scent trail and a playground. The garden also runs a seed exchange with other botanical gardens. It belongs to the international IPEN network under the code MEY and issues an annual seed catalogue, the Index Seminum. Has it won any awards? Yes. In 2019 Meyrin received the Prix Schulthess des jardins from Patrimoine suisse. The award recognised the careful transformation of the site into a lively meeting place and green haven in the Geneva area. How do you get there, and when should you visit? Meyrin lies northwest of central Geneva, near the airport and CERN, so public transport from the city is straightforward. The garden sits at roughly 46.2268 N, 6.0804 E. The commune offers visits without booking during opening hours; check meyrin.ch for current times and events before you go. Spring to early autumn is the best period for flowering beds and family activities. Is it good for families? Yes. There is a playground, goats, a scent trail and an activity booklet that guides children around the grounds. You can add a stop at Le Cairn when an exhibition is on. Frequently asked questions Where is the Jardin botanique alpin de Meyrin? In Meyrin, canton of Geneva, Switzerland, a few kilometres from the centre of Geneva. Since when is the garden owned by the commune? Since 1960. From 1915 it was the private estate of Amable Gras. Has the garden received any distinction? Yes, the Prix Schulthess des jardins from Patrimoine suisse in 2019. Can visitors buy seeds? The garden exchanges seeds with partner institutions and publishes an Index Seminum catalogue. This is aimed at gardens and enthusiasts rather than casual visitors.
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Fontanapark
Chur
Fontanapark in Chur is a compact public park in the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden, tucked behind the cantonal bank and the cantonal court off Grabenstrasse. At roughly 0.4 hectares it is the city's second-largest park, and it makes an easy green pause between the Old Town and the museums. What will you see at Fontanapark? The present layout follows the outline of a Baroque garden that stood here before 1860. A flower parterre in front of the old building keeps its original length. Few historical records survive, so the planting is contemporary rather than a strict reconstruction: a modern garden inside a historic footprint. The landmark beside the park is Villa Fontana, built around 1898–1900 for Jacques Ambrosius von Planta. He was the same patron behind Villa Planta (1874–76), now home to the Graubünden art museum. Villa Fontana started out as a residence combined with a children's home, was altered in 1911 and 1916, and opened as a women's hospital in 1917. Its tower with a cupola and gallery dates from 1911. Look for the Art Nouveau fountain from 1899; inside the building are wall paintings by Hanni Bay. How do you get there and when should you go? The park sits in the city centre, a few minutes on foot from the Old Town and the railway station. Chur Tourism lists it as open daily from 7:00 to 21:00, and entry is free. Late spring and summer show the flower beds at their best, while the shaded benches work on hot afternoons. What else is nearby? Villa Planta and the art museum are a short walk away, and the other direction leads into the Old Town's narrow lanes. The Stadtgarten, a separate and smaller park of about 0.3 hectares, lies west of the Old Town on Fontanastrasse. Fontanapark is also a stop on a guided city walk run by Chur's city police, which covers both parks. Frequently asked questions Is Fontanapark free to visit? Yes, it is a public park open daily, normally 7:00–21:00. How long does a visit take? Plan 20–40 minutes for a stroll and a rest. Add time if you want to look at Villa Fontana and nearby sights. Is Fontanapark the same as the Stadtgarten? No. They are two separate parks. The Stadtgarten is west of the Old Town on Fontanastrasse, while Fontanapark is by Grabenstrasse. Is it a good stop while sightseeing in Chur? Yes. It is quiet, central, and has benches and greenery a few minutes from the main attractions.
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Parc Gustave et Léonard Hentsch
Genewa
Parc Gustave et Léonard Hentsch is a large public park in Geneva's Charmilles district, laid out on the site of a former football stadium. It is a free green space amid dense housing, and locals simply call it Parc Hentsch. Who is the park named after, and what is its history? The name honours the Hentsch family, well known in Geneva for banking. Bénédict Hentsch donated the park to the city in 2016. The land has a layered past: during the 1720 plague in Marseille, authorities set up a lazaret here, a quarantine station for travellers and goods. The railway cutting of 1857 sped up the neighbourhood's growth, Servette FC settled nearby in 1901, and the Stade des Charmilles later occupied the plot. A few traces of it remain. What is there to see? A broad central lawn and walking paths that link the park to the surrounding streets. Roughly 20,000 plants and more than 400 trees. Water terraces (Terrasses d'eau). A 25-metre floodlight pylon, the last remnant of the stadium. A 5-metre earth mound that dampens noise from Avenue de la Châtelaine. Sculptures by the artist Zaric. A playground and outdoor fitness equipment from the Proxisport programme. The grounds are maintained ecologically, without chemical products. How to get there and when to visit The park lies by Avenue de Châtelaine and Chemin des Sports, northwest of central Geneva, and is entered from the Charmilles streets. It is open every day, around the clock. Warm days are best, when the water terraces are in use and the lawn invites a picnic or a rest. Park rules Visitors are asked to keep the peace. Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed. Dogs are banned from the lawns but may use the paths on a leash. Frequently asked questions Is Parc Hentsch free to enter? Yes. It is a public park, free and open 24 hours a day. Is it suitable for children? Yes. There is a playground, and outdoor fitness equipment sits nearby. Can I bring my dog? Yes, on a leash and only on the paths. Dogs are not permitted on the lawns. What remains of the Charmilles stadium? Mainly the 25-metre floodlight pylon, which stands as a landmark of the site's sporting past.
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Erlenmattpark
Bazylea
Erlenmattpark in Basel is a public park in the Kleinbasel district, laid out on the site of a former German railway freight yard. It forms the green centre of the new Erlenmatt neighbourhood, close to the Rosental, Matthäus and Klybeck areas on the right bank of the Rhine. For visitors it is a relaxed stop away from the old town, and a good example of how Basel turns former industrial land into open space. How did the park come about? From 1905 until 1998 the land served as the Deutsche Bahn goods station. When rail operations ended, local logistics firms took over the site. An urban-planning competition followed in 2001, and a public vote on 27 February 2005 created the legal basis for redevelopment. The park was built in three stages. The first, 33,000 of a planned 58,000 square metres, opened on 9 April 2011 with a community festival. The final stage was celebrated on 20 March 2026, roughly fifteen years after the first. In 2013 the park received the Schulthess Garden Prize from the Swiss Heritage Society (Heimatschutz). What will you see? The city's gardening department, the Stadtgärtnerei, shaped the grounds to resemble natural river floodplains: winding paths, meadows and varied planting instead of formal flower beds. The industrial past shows in the layout of the terrain rather than in decoration. Facilities include: a large lawn for picnics and resting, two big playgrounds for different ages, one with a nature theme offering climbing, sliding, swinging, seesaws, and sand and water play, table-tennis tables and basketball hoops, a public toilet on Erlenmattstrasse. Is there somewhere to splash around? The main park has no pool or bathing fountain. The paddling pool (Planschbecken) is in the neighbouring Im Triangel green space, which belongs to the same recreational area. On hot days it is the first place families head for. When should you go? The park is open to everyone and free. Late spring to early autumn is the best time, when the lawns and playgrounds are fully in use and weekends feel lively. A visit combines well with a walk through Kleinbasel towards the Rhine promenades. The park sits at about 47.5725 N, 7.6003 E. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public park with free access. Is it suitable for children? Yes. There are two large playgrounds, a paddling pool in the adjacent Im Triangel, plus table tennis and basketball. Are there toilets? Yes, a public toilet stands on Erlenmattstrasse. What was here before? A German railway freight yard that operated from 1905 to 1998. The park is now the heart of the Erlenmatt district.
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Cécile Ines Loos-Anlage
Bazylea
Cécile Ines Loos-Anlage in Basel is a small, nature-oriented park in the Breite quarter, right by the Schwarzwaldbrücke bridge. It opened in 1993 and carries the name of Basel writer Cécile Ines Loos. The city itself calls it a "near-natural oasis" within a built-up neighbourhood. Where is it and how do you get there? The park sits at St. Alban-Rheinweg 222 (postcode 4052), next to the Schweisstechnik building and close to the Schwarzwaldbrücke. It lies along the Rhine, so the nicest approach is a stroll on the riverside path. The city centre is a short walk away. Who was Cécile Ines Loos? The author was born in Basel in 1883 and died there in 1959. From 1921 she worked as a waitress and secretary before becoming a full-time writer. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland regards her 1942 novel "Hinter dem Mond" as her peak achievement. What is there to see? The layout imitates open countryside and follows nature-garden principles, with native plants. You will find: a lawn for games and lounging, a small wooded patch, stepped seating, barbecue spots, a water pump feeding a little stream. Most of the grounds are listed in the canton's inventory of protected natural sites. Expect wildflower patches, species-rich edges and closely mown grass. Why is there a mulberry tree? A white mulberry was planted as an art intervention. It recalls the workers' housing of a former silk factory and some 200 years of silk-ribbon weaving in the Basel region; mulberry leaves feed silkworms. The tree was felled after a large branch broke, and the city announced a replacement. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the meadows bloom and the lawn suits a picnic. The park belongs to a chain of local green spaces with Breitematte, Schwarzpark and Birsköpfli, so it combines easily into one walk. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? Yes, it is a public city park. Can I barbecue here? Yes, the park has designated barbecue spots. When did the park open? In 1993. Who is the park named after? Basel writer Cécile Ines Loos, who lived and worked in the city most of her life.
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St. Johanns-Park
Bazylea
St. Johanns-Park is a public park in the St. Johann district of northern Basel, close to the Rhine promenade. It opened in 1992 and was redesigned in 2011. Locals use it daily as a meeting place for all generations, and visitors find it an easy stop for a break, especially with children. What is there to see in St. Johanns-Park? The pavilion sits at the heart of the park. It holds the Parkcafé "kleiner Wassermann" and the office of the Neutraler Quartierverein St. Johann, the neighbourhood association. A wide lawn spreads around it, with benches along the paths and a drinking fountain. Two climbing sculptures, a pig and a goose, recall the days when animals grazed here outside the St. Johanns-Tor gate. A third work, "Zhou", shaped like a boat, was a gift from the city of Shanghai to Basel in 2012. Is it a good place for families? Yes. The playground suits several age groups and includes a large slide. A water-play area with spray nozzles set into the ground runs in warm weather, and the open meeting space "Spilruum St. Johann" is aimed at children. Older visitors can use the outdoor fitness equipment, while a football pitch with goals covers ball games. Public toilets are on site. What is the history of the site? The land outside the city gate once served as pasture. The former hospital area of St. Johann held a cemetery, and during the first phase of the green park in 1988-89 on the old city nursery grounds, about 1,000 graves had to be uncovered and relocated. The park is listed in the cantonal inventory of protected natural objects. How should you plan a visit? St. Johann has few public green spaces; besides this park there are Kannenfeldpark and the Rhine promenade. Combining the park with a walk to the river fills half a day. Late spring and summer are best, when the café is open and the water play area is running. Entry is free. The park is managed by Stadtgärtnerei Basel (Dufourstrasse 40). Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No, it is an open city park. Is there a café? Yes, the Parkcafé "kleiner Wassermann" operates in the central pavilion. Are there toilets and drinking water? Yes, the park has public toilets and a drinking fountain. What should I bring for children? A change of clothes for the water-play area. The playground, slide and climbing sculptures easily fill a few hours.
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Parc des Eaux Vives
Genewa
Parc des Eaux Vives is a lakeside park in Geneva, covering roughly 4.5 hectares on a slope above Quai Gustave-Ador in the Eaux-Vives district. An 18th-century mansion crowns the hill and now houses a hotel and restaurant. It is one of the nicest green spots on the left bank of Lake Geneva, only minutes from the city centre. What will you see in the park? The ground falls gently toward the water, so walking uphill from the quay opens up wider and wider views over the lake. Lawns, mature trees and paths fill the park, and a cascade is among the features the city highlights. At the top stands the former country house, built in 1750 according to the city, although the estate's history reaches back to 1565. The Geneva sports association also has its headquarters here. How did the park come about? In 1865 the estate was bought by engineer Louis Favre, who later built the Gotthard railway tunnel. After his daughter sold the property in 1896, an amusement park, Luna Park, was set up on the grounds. When it went bankrupt, the Eaux-Vives municipality bought the land in 1913, and in 1931, when the municipalities merged, the park passed to the City of Geneva. The mansion was altered several times and was already a restaurant by the late 19th century. Where can you eat and relax? The old mansion holds the Hôtel Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives at Quai Gustave-Ador 82. It offers a handful of rooms and suites, plus a summer terrace restaurant overlooking the grounds, and hosts weddings and receptions. After a serious fire in 1999 the building was restored and reopened in 2003. If you would rather picnic, spread a blanket on the grass and stroll the waterfront afterward. What else is nearby? The park adjoins Parc La Grange and forms its natural continuation. Right next door are Baby-Plage and the Plage publique des Eaux-Vives, which opened permanently on 22 August 2020. The beach stretches 400 metres alongside a two-hectare park with a nature zone, and has toilets, showers, drinking fountains and a water-access ramp for people with reduced mobility. Swimming is unsupervised. Combining both parks with the beach makes an easy half-day walk along the lake. When should you visit? From late spring to early autumn is best. In summer the lawns fill with locals and the lake invites a swim. Spring and early autumn are calmer, with clear views from the upper part of the park. Entry is free. Frequently asked questions Is Parc des Eaux Vives free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no ticket. Can you eat in the park? Yes. The former mansion houses a hotel and restaurant, with a terrace in summer. The beach next door also has spots for drinks and snacks. Can you swim nearby? Yes, at the neighbouring Plage publique des Eaux-Vives and at Baby-Plage. There is no lifeguard on duty. How long should you plan? An hour covers the park itself. With Parc La Grange and the beach, set aside half a day.
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Rosentalanlage
Bazylea
Rosentalanlage is a city park in Basel's Kleinbasel district, right next to the Messe Basel fairgrounds. It covers just under 11,000 square metres and for years was the largest green space in its neighbourhood. It is not a park for long strolls, but a handy stop between the railway station and the city centre. Where is Rosentalanlage and how do you get there? The park sits in the Rosental quarter, in northern Kleinbasel, by Messeplatz, at about 47.5639 N, 7.6028 E. From Badischer Bahnhof, the German railway station in Basel, walk along Rosentalstrasse, the pedestrian link that runs from the station to Messeplatz and on towards the centre. The pavements there are only about 2.5 m wide, so the walk is short rather than pleasant. What will you see? An open urban green with a large central surface used for outdoor events. Until Erlenmattpark opened in 2011, Rosentalanlage was the only sizeable green area in this part of town. The district has one of the lowest shares of greenery in Basel despite a dense population, so locals make heavy use of the space. When is the best time to visit? The park changes with the event calendar. Big circuses set up on the central ground, and in autumn the Herbstmesse, Basel's traditional fair, fills the area. During these periods it is busy and lively; between them it can be empty and quiet. Check the fair dates if you want the bustle, or pick another week for calm. What is planned for the park? In 2001 the cantonal parliament approved a redesign of Messeplatz and the park, on condition that another site be found for large circuses. None was found, so in 2021 the government decided to keep the park as an event venue. Funding for a design competition to renovate and reshape the park was approved in December 2025, and a 2024 pre-study proposes a toolbox of upgrades over three time horizons. The planned tower on the neighbouring fair car park would also enlarge the park, which has shrunk over decades, and add new paths. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No, it is a public city park. Is it close to the station? Yes, Badischer Bahnhof is a short walk away along Rosentalstrasse. Is the park always open to visitors? Usually, but during circuses and the Herbstmesse stalls and structures take up part of the ground. Will the park be rebuilt? The canton is preparing a design competition for renovation, but the park is still meant to host events.
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Villette Park
Cham
Villette Park in Cham is a free public park on the shore of Lake Zug, in the Swiss canton of Zug. It covers roughly 46,000 square meters of lawns and mature trees, and locals treat it as their everyday spot for walks and lakeside breaks. It also works well as a short stop for visitors, since the train station is nearby. What will you see at Villette Park? The grounds were laid out in 1865 by Theodor Froebel, a landscape designer from Zurich, in the English landscape style: winding paths, open meadows and standalone specimen trees that now give generous shade. The lakeside edge offers open water views, and a small artificial island sits within the park. The centerpiece is Villa Villette, designed by Zurich villa architect Leonhard Zeugheer and finished in 1866. It is described as the oldest industrialist's villa in Cham. Since 1985 it has served as a cultural and community venue with a restaurant, banquet rooms, a concert space and exhibition rooms. How do you get to Villette Park? Take a train to Cham station and walk a few minutes. You can also walk from Zug along the lakeshore on a path described as accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Entry needs no ticket, and the park is open to the public around the clock. What is there for children? A nearby playground has a wooden pirate ship, a sand area and a water-play zone. There are lawns for picnics, a kiosk or cafe and restrooms. The Hirsgarten meadow borders a lake bathing area, so on hot days a walk can easily turn into a swim. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is best, when you can lounge on the grass and swim in the lake. In colder months the park still suits a quiet stroll, and the villa's restaurant gives you somewhere warm to sit. Check opening hours and event dates with the venue before you go. Frequently asked questions Is Villette Park free? Yes. It is a public park with no admission. Who designed the park and the villa? Theodor Froebel of Zurich laid out the park in 1865, and Leonhard Zeugheer designed the villa, completed in 1866. Can you eat at the villa? Yes. Since 1985 the villa has housed a cultural centre with a restaurant, plus banquet, concert and exhibition rooms. Is it a good place for families? Yes. A pirate-themed playground with water play is close by, along with open lawns and a lakeside swimming area next door.
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Irchelpark
Zurych
Irchelpark in Zurich is the city's largest public park, covering roughly 32 hectares in the Unterstrass district north of the centre. It wraps around the Irchel campus of the University of Zurich and was designed as a near-natural landscape rather than a formal garden. What is Irchelpark? The park grew out of the university project. Science faculties first proposed a new campus in 1962, building of the first stage began in 1973, and the campus opened in 1979. The grounds were laid out between 1979 and 1986. The land belongs to the Canton of Zurich, while the city looks after it on the canton's behalf. The Zurich State Archive (Staatsarchiv) also sits within the complex. What will you see? Expect open meadows, tree-lined paths and man-made water features. An artificial lake lies in the lower part of the park, and locals gather around it to relax, play ball games or picnic. Playgrounds make it a regular stop for families, and students and staff cross it between lectures, which gives weekdays a calm, campus feel. How do you get there? The park is a few kilometres from Zurich main station. The easiest route is public transport to the Universität Irchel stop (trams 9 and 10), a ride of around fifteen minutes from the centre. There is no entrance fee, no fence and no opening hours. When should you visit? Late spring, summer and early autumn are best, when the lawns are dry enough to sit on and the water draws birds and walkers. Weekend afternoons are the liveliest; weekdays are quieter. Combine the visit with a walk up onto the Zürichberg hill. Frequently asked questions Is Irchelpark free? Yes. It is a public park open to everyone. How big is Irchelpark? About 32 hectares, which makes it the largest public park in Zurich. Is it suitable for children? Yes. It has playgrounds, wide lawns and a pond, and the paths are easy with a pushchair. Who owns the park? The Canton of Zurich; the City of Zurich maintains it on the canton's behalf.
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