Recreation and entertainment in Switzerland

Duftrosengarten Rapperswil

Rapperswil-Jona

Duftrosengarten Rapperswil is a fragrant rose garden in the centre of Rapperswil-Jona, a town on Lake Zurich in the canton of St. Gallen. It was designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, yet anyone who enjoys scent and plants will find it rewarding. Entry is free. Where is the garden and what is it? The garden sits on the Schanz, a rise above the underground car park next to the old town. ADAC lists it as founded in 1984. The roses were chosen first of all for the strength of their perfume rather than looks alone. Rapperswil has long been known as the "Rosenstadt" (rose town), and roses even appear on the town's coat of arms. The Duftrosengarten is one of several rose gardens in the area, alongside those on the castle hill slope and near the Einsiedlerhaus. What will you see? According to Switzerland Tourism, the beds hold more than 1,500 plants of roughly 75 scented varieties. Labels are printed in both Braille and ordinary lettering, and the plantings are arranged so visitors can reach the blooms easily and smell them up close. This kind of garden is uncommon in Switzerland and sets the place apart. When should you visit? The rose gardens can be visited from April to October. Flowering runs from about May to October, with the peak usually in June and July, when the perfume carries well beyond the beds. Outside the season the garden has much less to offer. How do you get there? Rapperswil lies at the northeastern end of Lake Zurich, with direct rail links to Zurich and St. Gallen. The centre is within walking distance of the station, and the Schanz is right by the old town, so the garden fits easily into a stroll around Rapperswil. The Rapperswil Zürichsee Tourismus office at Fischmarktplatz 1 can provide further information. What else is nearby? A castle rises above the town, and the Lindenhügel terrace in front of its gate gives a broad view over the lake. More rose gardens line the castle slope and the area around the Einsiedlerhaus. You can see all of this in half a day. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No, the garden is open to the public free of charge. When are the roses at their best? Usually in June and July, though the season stretches from late spring to October. Is the garden suitable for blind visitors? Yes. Variety names are given in Braille, and the garden was created with visually impaired people in mind. How many varieties grow here? About 75 scented varieties, with more than 1,500 plants in total.

Parc de Vermont

Genewa

Parc de Vermont is a public park in Geneva, in the Servette – Petit-Saconnex district on the right bank, between the Varembé and Montbrillant areas. Wide lawns and quiet paths make it an easy green break on a walk between Cornavin station and the international organisations quarter. Where does the name come from? The land belonged to the Montbrillant estate, created in the mid-18th century by the Cazenove family, French Protestants who took refuge in Geneva after Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes. One family member, Jean-Antoine Cazenove, founded a settlement called New Geneva in the US state of Vermont, and the name of the house and estate refers to that link. According to the city, Antoine Aubert gave the name in 1842. What is the history of the site? The area stayed rural until the early 1950s, when it became home to one of the first housing developments of the right bank's development zone. The park itself was laid out in 1964 for the people of Geneva. The church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Flüe at its lower end opened in 1967. In 2001 the cantonal parliament considered a law creating a green zone in the park, and in 2006 a debate arose over a school to be built on its grounds. What will you see? The park is part of the "pénétrante de verdure", a chain of large green spaces running from the station area towards Grand-Saconnex. Expect broad lawns, footpaths and leisure facilities for local residents, which lets you cross the neighbourhood away from traffic. It is a neighbourhood park rather than a ticketed sight, so come for a stroll, a picnic or a rest. Rules in the park The city bans bicycles and other vehicles. Dogs may not go onto the lawns and must be on a lead on the paths. The park is managed by Geneva's Service des espaces verts. How to get there and when to visit The park is a short walk from the heart of Servette – Petit-Saconnex and within walking distance of Cornavin station. Late spring to early autumn is the best time, when the lawns are good for sitting out. Entry is free. Frequently asked questions Is Parc de Vermont free? Yes. It is a municipal park with free access. When was the park created? It was laid out in 1964; before that the land was part of the 18th-century Montbrillant estate. Can I cycle through the park? No, bicycles and other vehicles are prohibited. Can I bring my dog? Yes, but only on the paths and on a lead. Dogs are not allowed on the lawns.

Parc des Franchises

Genewa

Parc des Franchises in Geneva is a large public park in the Châtelaine district, between the Charmilles and Vieusseux neighbourhoods. It occupies the grounds of a former horticultural school and, after a rebuild completed in 2026, pairs play and sports areas with one of the biggest wetland biotopes in the canton. What is the park's story? Edmond-Louis Vaucher founded Switzerland's first horticultural school here in 1887, and it became a public institution in 1891. The state later bought and extended the site. In 1974 the school moved to Presinge (Lullier). When residents pushed back against plans for a road and housing on the green space, the canton turned it into a public park. What changed recently? Locals nicknamed the neglected site the "sleeping beauty", and in 2014 they began reviving it with temporary projects: a biotope (2014), a kiosk in a shipping container (2015), community vegetable gardens (2016) and beach-volleyball courts (2018). A redevelopment plan was adopted in 2020, works ran from 2024 to 2026, and the renewed park was inaugurated on 27 June 2026. The canton put up CHF 8 million and the City of Geneva CHF 2.5 million. Paving was removed, 220 trees were planted and rainwater from the site now feeds the wetlands. What can you see and do? Ponds crossed by a wooden footbridge, forming the wetland biotope A conifer collection and a rose garden A themed playground with a giant slide and a cave, plus a summer paddling pool Four beach-volleyball courts, a pumptrack, an outdoor fitness area and skate and scooter equipment A kiosk and public toilets A fenced dog run on rue des Franchises What are the rules? The park is open every day, around the clock. Bikes are allowed only in the marked shared zone with pedestrians. Dogs must be on a leash and are kept off the lawns, apart from the dog run. The park is wheelchair accessible, though the toilets are only partly so. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The park is public and open 24 hours a day. Is it good for families? Yes. There is a playground with a slide, a paddling pool, a kiosk and toilets, and the pond footbridge makes an easy stroll. Where exactly is it? In the north of the City of Geneva, in the Châtelaine area between Charmilles and Vieusseux, extending towards Vernier. Do not confuse it with Parc Hentsch in Charmilles, built on the site of the old football stadium. Can I bring my dog? Yes, on a leash. Lawns are off limits to dogs, but there is a separate fenced run.

Parc Baud-Bovy

Genewa

Parc Baud-Bovy is a city park in Geneva's Plainpalais district, right beside the Uni Mail university complex. It is a compact green space set among university buildings, housing and busy streets, with boulevard Carl-Vogt the nearest main road and the Arve river close by. Where is the park, and is it in Champel or Malagnou? Neither. The park lies in Plainpalais, next to University of Geneva buildings. The city lists Malagnou and the Champel plateau as separate green spaces, so don't confuse them with this one. The coordinates are roughly 46.195 N, 6.139 E. What was here before the park? The land was rural until the 19th century, then filled with a barracks, one wing of which still stands on rue de l'École-de-Médecine. In 1896 the site hosted, for six months, the Palace of Industry and the brasserie of Switzerland's second national exhibition. From 1926 the halls of the former exhibition palace gradually replaced the barracks and stayed for about fifty years. The last Geneva Motor Show took place here in 1981; later editions moved to Palexpo. In 1999 the plot was redeveloped to hold Uni Mail, a housing block and the present park, which opened in 2000. What will you see? The design is contemporary and deliberate. More than 300 hornbeams form a shady canopy, and eight "islands" set into the layout evoke water, forest and mountain. The ground is permeable gravel. You will find children's play equipment, a small football pitch, picnic tables and toilets. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed. Who is it named after? The name comes from the Baud-Bovy family. It is usually linked to Daniel Baud-Bovy (1870-1958), a Geneva writer and art historian who curated the Musée Rath, directed the city's fine arts school and chaired the Federal Commission for Fine Arts for two decades. The city's own pages do not state outright whom the park commemorates. When should you go? Any season works. In summer the hornbeam canopy provides shade, and on weekdays the park fills with students and neighbours on a break. It fits well into a walk around Plainpalais and the university quarter, combined with visits to nearby museums or the old town. FAQ Is Parc Baud-Bovy free to enter? Yes, it is an open public park in Geneva. Can I bring a dog or a bike? No. Dogs and bicycles are banned. Is it suitable for families? Yes. There are playgrounds, a small football pitch, picnic tables and toilets. When did the park open? The current park opened in 2000, after the site was reworked in 1999 alongside Uni Mail and new housing.

parc Gourgas

Genewa

Parc Gourgas is a small public park in Geneva's Jonction district, right beside the broad Plaine de Plainpalais. It sits between Boulevard Saint-Georges and Boulevard Carl-Vogt, in a tightly built-up block, which makes it a pleasant pause on a city walk rather than a destination for half a day. Where is Parc Gourgas and how do you get there? The park lies in central Geneva, west of the Old Town, at roughly 46.1996 N, 6.1355 E. It is a few minutes on foot from the Plaine de Plainpalais, home of the well-known flea market. Walk from the centre or take public transport to stops along Boulevard Carl-Vogt or Boulevard Saint-Georges. Entry is free and the park is open to everyone. What is the history of the park? For such a central spot, the park is fairly recent. Until the late 19th century much of the land was farmed, and later it was occupied by the Maison des enfants malades, a children's hospital. The neighbourhood filled with buildings after the nearby fortifications were demolished. In 1903 the firm Perrot Duval et Cie, tied to the early motor trade, moved into the former Gourgas school. The City of Geneva bought several plots in 1974 and opened the park with a playground in 1986, squeezed into the existing urban fabric. According to the city's website, the park carries the name of the writer Georges Aldas. It has been reworked several times since, and the neighbouring pedestrian zone has been extended. What will you see there? The planting includes plum trees, Lombardy poplars, lime trees and maples. A giant sequoia stands on the rue du Village-Suisse side and is the most striking tree. At the centre is a branch of the Maison de quartier de la Jonction, a neighbourhood community centre running activities for residents. A playground makes the park popular with families from the surrounding apartment blocks. The City of Geneva maintains the greenery ecologically, without chemical products, as it does across its public green spaces. Why visit this part of Geneva? Plainpalais served military purposes for centuries, then market gardening, and became a leisure area in the 17th century. Jonction was farmland that turned into an industrial zone in the 20th century. Today it is among the most densely populated parts of Geneva, and municipal documents point to a shortage of green space, especially at the Jonction point where the Rhône and the Arve meet. Parc Gourgas is one of the few green pockets locals use. If you are exploring the area, combine the park with a walk across the Plaine de Plainpalais, then continue to the riverside where the Rhône and the Arve join. When is the best time to go? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the trees are in full leaf and the playground and benches are in use. In autumn the limes and maples change colour. Afternoons bring the most families; mornings are quieter. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for Parc Gourgas? No. It is a municipal park and free to enter. Does it have a playground? Yes. The playground was created together with the park in 1986. Is it a large park? No, it is a small green space among buildings, suited to a short rest. Larger open space is on the nearby Plaine de Plainpalais. Which district is it in? Jonction, next to Plainpalais, between Boulevard Saint-Georges and Boulevard Carl-Vogt.

Parc et sentier du Promeneur solitaire

Genewa

Parc du Promeneur solitaire is a quiet municipal park at the edge of the Saint-Jean district in Geneva, with a playground, a seasonal paddling pool and a stand of oaks. Its name echoes Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Reveries of the Solitary Walker; Rousseau was born in Geneva. Where is the park, and why that name? The address is Sentier du Promeneur solitaire, 1208 Geneva. The park sits at the far end of Saint-Jean, north of the centre and well away from the lakefront; it is not in Eaux-Vives. A railway line runs along one side and a steep wooded slope rises on the other. Several streets nearby carry names drawn from Rousseau's writing. They date from 1912, when Geneva marked 200 years since his birth. The Reveries themselves were written between 1776 and 1778, shortly before his death. What will you see? The green space follows the line of the former Nant de Cayla, a stream that used to run from avenue d'Aire across the Cayla family estate and down to the Rhone. The Jonction railway bridge later swallowed what was left of it. The neighbourhood grew denser in the 1960s, and the park was laid out roughly twenty years after that. Today it is shaded parkland with many oaks, looked after without chemical products. Families have a playground on the sentier du Promeneur solitaire, a paddling pool open 9:00 to 20:00 from May to September, and public toilets. How does it fit into a walk through Geneva? The park connects to the Bois-de-la-Batie woods across the Pont de la Jonction, and to the Rhone along the sentier des falaises, a path beneath the cliffs. That makes a simple loop: a stop in Saint-Jean, a crossing of the bridge, then forest or riverbank. Further down, in the wooded zone, the Nant du Petit-Cayla can be reached by the same path. Who is it for? Anyone who wants to see Geneva beyond the lakeside postcard views. This is an everyday neighbourhood park, with no ticketed sights and few crowds. It works as a short break near the Jonction, or as a destination for a brief outing with children. Literature fans will find only a subtle Rousseau connection, visible in street names rather than monuments or plaques. When to go, and what are the rules? The park is open daily, around the clock. Warm months are best, when the paddling pool runs. The rules are simple: keep noise down, leave bicycles and other vehicles outside, and keep dogs on a lead (they are not allowed in the playground). Frequently asked questions Is the park in Eaux-Vives? No. It lies in Saint-Jean, at the northern edge of the district. Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public city park, open 24 hours a day. Is it suitable for children? Yes. There is a playground, a seasonal paddling pool and toilets. Can I bring a dog? Yes, on a lead. Dogs may not enter the playground. Is the park the same as the Promeneur solitaire path? They share a name and sit side by side. The path is one of several streets in the district named after Rousseau's works.

Eulachpark

Winterthur

Eulachpark is Winterthur's largest city park, set in the middle of the Neuhegi district in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It covers roughly six hectares, three times the size of the Stadtgarten, which previously held the title of biggest park in town. How did Eulachpark come about? The park was built on former industrial land belonging to Sulzer. The company handed six hectares to the city free of charge, and the city took on the job of laying out the grounds. In November 2005 voters approved a framework credit of CHF 10.25 million, and the work was split into four stages. The first two opened in 2010, with a big public festival on 28 August. The third was finished in spring 2013 and the last in September 2019. In 2013 the park won the "Goldener Hase", Switzerland's main landscape architecture award. What is there to see and do? The layout aims to serve every age group. The central area has a ball field, a large playground and a mini-pitch facility. The Eulach stream runs through the grounds, and in summer families paddle and play in it. There are spots for barbecues and picnics on the lawns. The fourth stage, inaugurated on 4 September 2019, sits on a former Sulzer storage yard of 8,500 square metres. It brought an outdoor skatepark, the third largest in Switzerland, plus a wave course for small children. On site you will find the Halle 710 restaurant, and a weekly market takes place here. How do I get to Eulachpark? The park lies in Neuhegi, in the north-east of Winterthur, in the area between Grüze, Hegi and Oberwinterthur stations. Take a train to one of those stops and finish the trip on foot, by bike or on local transport. Trains from Zurich reach Winterthur in about half an hour. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn, when the stream, the barbecue spots and the restaurant are all at their best. Families should plan a few hours; the skatepark and wave course also suit teenagers. Frequently asked questions Is Eulachpark free? Yes. It is a public city park with no entry fee. Is it good for small children? Yes. It has a large playground, a stream for paddling and a wave course designed for little ones. Can I have a barbecue there? Yes, the park provides areas for barbecues and outdoor gatherings. Is there a skatepark? Yes. The 2019 skatepark is the third largest in Switzerland.

Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage

Zurych

Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage is a small green space in Zurich's Seebach district, in the north of the city. It sits beside a busy street junction and carries the name of a local politician from the early twentieth century. Where is Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage? You will find it in Zürich-Seebach, close to where Schaffhauserstrasse, Felsenrainstrasse, Friesstrasse and Neunbrunnenstrasse meet. The greenery lies on one side of the road; the newly built Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz is on the other. The coordinates are roughly 47.4176 N, 8.5452 E. Who was Emil Oberhänsli? Emil Oberhänsli-Leu (1876–1950) was born in Zezikon, in the canton of Thurgau. He moved to Seebach in 1900 and became a citizen of the municipality in 1920. A locksmith and electrical installer by training, he ran an electrical contracting firm and a hardware shop in Seebach from 1924. He and his wife Emma (née Leu) had four children, all born in Seebach. From 1919 to 1933 he served as Gemeindepräsident, the head of the municipality, and he was the last person to hold the post before Seebach merged with Zurich. He campaigned for the merger. In a 1931 vote on financial equalisation, Seebach voters backed the plan with 98 percent, and the district joined the city in 1934. How did it get its name? On 10 December 2014 the Zurich city council (Stadtrat) approved a proposal from its street-naming commission. The newly laid out park and street area with a fountain became Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz, and the green space across the road became Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage. What is there to see? This is a modest neighbourhood green, not a half-day destination. It suits a stroll through Seebach and gives a sense of how a former village municipality sits inside a large city today. The fountain stands on the adjoining Emil-Oberhänsli-Platz, a few steps away. Frequently asked questions Is Emil-Oberhänsli-Anlage a park? Yes, it is public greenery maintained as part of the city. It is small and works as a pocket green at a busy junction. Which Zurich district is it in? Seebach, in the north. Seebach has been part of Zurich since 1934. What is the difference between the Anlage and the Platz? The Platz is the newly built square with a fountain at the junction. The Anlage is the green area on the opposite side of the road. Is there an entrance fee? No. It is open public space.

Schwarzpark

Bazylea

Schwarzpark in Basel is a green retreat in the south-east of the city, in the Gellert quarter near St. Alban and Gundeldingen. Once a private family estate, it is now a public park where locals stroll past old trees and a small herd of deer. What is the history of Schwarzpark? The land was originally farmed. From 1862 a villa went up on the western rise, and a series of farm buildings, including a stately gardener's house, took shape in the south. The grounds were laid out as an English-style landscape garden on what was then the edge of town. The park is named after the Schwarz von Spreckelsen family, who lived in the villa and from 1926 kept a deer enclosure here. In the 1980s the estate was sold and part of it was built over with housing. Residents pushed back: in a vote on 8 December 1991 they backed keeping the area green. The canton of Basel-Stadt bought the land in 1996, and about 5.5 hectares, roughly 90 percent of the site, were assigned to the green zone. What can you see there? Landscape-garden layout with wide lawns and mature trees, typical of 19th-century private parks. The deer enclosure, a tradition going back to the Schwarz family. It was renewed when the park opened up, and the Erlenverein looks after it on behalf of the city gardening office. The gardener's house (Gärtnerhaus), renovated and reopened in August 2025 with a cafe on the ground floor, run through the Gärtnerhuus Schwarzpark association's initiative. The St. Alban-Teich, a channel along the north-eastern edge, crossed by two footbridges. How do you get there, and when can you visit? The park lies between Gellertstrasse on the west and the curve of the St. Alban-Teich on the north-east. The "gentle opening" completed in 2014 added three entrances that link the Gellert and Lehenmatt neighbourhoods. It is open during daylight hours, and nights stay quiet. The Stadtgärtnerei Basel manages it. From the centre you can walk or take a short public-transport ride; check the local operator for current timetables. Spring and summer show the lawns and trees at their greenest. Early morning is a good time for a quiet visit and a better chance of seeing the deer. Frequently asked questions Is Schwarzpark free to enter? Yes. It is a public park, open to everyone during the day. Are there deer in the park? Yes. A deer enclosure has been kept here since the Schwarz von Spreckelsen family's time and was renewed when the park was opened up. Where can I get a coffee? In the renovated gardener's house, where a cafe has operated since August 2025. Is it a good spot for a break after sightseeing? Yes. It is calm, green and close to residential neighbourhoods, which makes it a pleasant place to slow down.

Dreilindenpark

Lucerna

Dreilindenpark in Lucerne is the city's largest public park, covering roughly 35,000 square meters on a hill east of the center. Locals call it "Konsipark" after the music conservatory that occupied its buildings for decades. It suits a quiet walk, a picnic or a look at the Alps, without the crowds of the lakefront. What will you see in Dreilindenpark? The park was laid out as an English-style garden, with gently curving paths, mature trees and open lawns. Its centerpiece is Villa Vicovaro, a mansion that looks like a small castle, with a service building and a former gatekeeper's house beside it. Among the greenery you will also find an artificial gate ruin, marble sculptures and a grotto. The whole ensemble is listed in the cantonal register of monuments. From the higher parts of the grounds the view opens wide. Visitors mention Mount Pilatus, Rigi and Lake Lucerne in particular. What is the park's history? Eleonora Cenci, Princess of Vicovaro, born Lorillard Spencer, bought the land in 1890. It was developed as an English landscape garden to plans by the architect Edward Heweston. According to city documents, the property has belonged to Lucerne since 1929. From 1952 the buildings housed the conservatory, and from 1999 they belonged to the music department of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Sources disagree on the exact year the city took ownership, so we use the one from municipal records. The city is now handing the villa and service building to the Jazzschule Luzern, which may use them from August 2026. For the city it is a trial before deciding the park's long-term use after 2030. The park itself stays open to the public. How do you get there, and what should you know? Walk up from the city or take bus lines 7 or 14. The park has benches and basic facilities, including toilets. It works well for a picnic or a break between the Old Town and the museums. Morning and early evening usually give the best light on the mountains. Frequently asked questions Is Dreilindenpark free to enter? Yes. It is a public park open to everyone, and the city has said it will remain accessible. Why is it called "Konsipark"? The name comes from the conservatory (Konservatorium) that operated in the villa and park buildings from 1952. What is there to see? Villa Vicovaro, an artificial gate ruin, marble sculptures, a grotto, and views of Pilatus, Rigi and the lake. Can you enter the villa? The villa is being handed to a jazz school, so access depends on its events. The surrounding park is open.

Kurpark Baden AG

Baden

Kurpark Baden AG is the spa park in the centre of Baden, in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It was laid out in 1875 alongside the Kursaal, a grand leisure complex built for high society, and it remains one of the town's most valued green spaces. Not to be confused with Baden-Baden in Germany or Baden near Vienna. What is the Kurpark and how did it start? The park was created with the Kursaal, which opened in 1875 as a casino, concert hall, ballroom and meeting point for Swiss and international visitors. Its design follows the late landscape-garden style. Later extensions and rebuilding swept away many of the original features, but the mature trees, including exotic species planted in that era, and the water features have survived. What will you see? Veteran trees and open lawns, good for a picnic or a quiet break. Water features left from the original spa layout. Kurtheater, facing Römerstrasse: a guest-performance venue with roughly 600 seats, hosting dozens of shows a year, from children's theatre and dance to music, puppetry and drama. Grand Casino Baden, housed in the Kursaal since 2002 and one of only six Swiss casinos with an unrestricted gaming licence. How do you get there, and how long do you need? The park sits on the Limmat riverside promenade, close to the thermal quarter and old town. It is a walk of roughly fifteen minutes from Baden railway station. Entry to the grounds is free. A stroll takes 30 to 60 minutes; allow longer if you are combining it with an evening performance. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn, when the trees are in leaf and the riverside is busy. In the evening, check the Kurtheater programme. What else is nearby? Baden is known for its hot mineral springs and a spa tradition reaching back to Roman times. The Historical Museum Baden ran an exhibition on the Kursaal, the Stadtsaal and the casino until 5 July 2026, marking 150 years of the Kursaal. Check the museum for current displays. Frequently asked questions Is the Kurpark free to enter? Yes, it is an open public park. Only theatre events and the casino are separate. Is this the same as Baden-Baden? No. This Kurpark is in Baden, Aargau, on the Limmat, not far from Zurich. What is inside the Kursaal building? The Grand Casino Baden. The Kurtheater stands beside the park. Is it suitable for a picnic? Yes, the lawns and shade of the old trees suit a relaxed break.

Parc Chuit

Lancy

Parc Chuit is a public park in Lancy, a municipality bordering Geneva in the Swiss canton of Geneva. At about 2.3 hectares, it counts among the largest green spaces in Lancy and offers play areas, barbecue spots and a summer kiosk. Who was Chuit? The park is named after Philippe Chuit (1866-1939), a Swiss chemist who helped pioneer synthetic perfumes. The grounds were once owned by his wife, Thérèse Chuit-Firmenich. Lancy bought the estate in 1969 and opened it to the public. What can you do in Parc Chuit? The park is home to the municipal horticultural nursery, where the plants for the town's flowerbeds and planters are grown. Visitors will find: play modules for children, barbecue areas, climbing blocks and slacklines, a MoonBoard for climbing practice, a summer kiosk serving drinks and snacks. The Pavillon de l'Orangerie also stands in the grounds. In summer the park hosts open-air film screenings. Will the park grow? In 2017 the town bought a large private plot south of the park. A villa on it has been on the cantonal inventory of protected buildings since 1982. The park is set to roughly double in size as part of the new Surville district, which is meant to bring more green space to residents. When should you visit? Late spring and summer are best: the kiosk is open, the grills are in use and evening cinema screenings take place. A quiet walk under the trees also works outside the season. Lancy maintains around thirty parks and twenty-five playgrounds, so you can easily combine Parc Chuit with a stroll to nearby green spaces such as Parc Louis-Bertrand or Parc Émile-Dupont. Frequently asked questions Is there a playground in Parc Chuit? Yes. The park has play modules for children, plus climbing blocks and slacklines. Can you barbecue here? Yes, the park has barbecue areas. Check the current rules on the Lancy town website (lancy.ch). Is entry free? Yes. It is a public municipal park open to everyone. Is there a café in the park? A kiosk operates in summer. Outside the season, do not count on food and drink on site.

Parc aux animaux du Bois-de-la-Bâtie

Genewa

Parc aux animaux du Bois-de-la-Bâtie is a free animal park in Geneva, set inside the Bois de la Bâtie city woodland in the Acacias-Bâtie district. Its enclosures cover roughly 2.5 hectares and house close to 300 animals. With no ticket and no queue, it suits an easy family outing. What animals can you see? The park focuses on native wildlife and traditional Swiss farm breeds, with aviaries for birds as well. Residents include the peacock goat and the mirror sheep. Many breeds are endangered, so the park takes part in breeding programmes run by the ProSpecieRara foundation, which protects old Swiss livestock lines. The city keeps a current list of residents on its website. How did the park come about? The wood takes its name from a medieval fort that fell into ruin in the 16th century. In 1868 the Turrettini brothers bought the woodland parcels and gave them to the City of Geneva on condition that they stay open to residents (some sources date the formal gift to 1869). The animal park was created so townspeople could get to know the region's fauna. It was renovated and enlarged in 1982, and in 2020 the city council approved CHF 500,000 to study a redesign. When can you visit, and what does it cost? Entry is free. According to the city, the park opens daily: 8:00–18:00 from November to March and 8:00–20:00 from April to October. The surrounding wood is open around the clock. Mornings are best for active animals, while sunny days bring more families. What are the rules? Dogs are not allowed inside the park, and feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. A playground in the Bois de la Bâtie sits nearby, so you can combine the visit with a woodland walk. Check the city website before you go for any temporary closures of access paths. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No, the park is free. Can I bring my dog? No, dogs are not permitted in the animal park. Can I feed the animals? No, feeding is strictly prohibited. How many animals live here? About 300, including endangered native breeds and species.

Eglantyne-Jebb park

Genewa

Eglantyne Jebb Park in Geneva is a neighbourhood green space in the Acacias district, between Les Vernets and Carouge. Until 2021 it was called Parc des Acacias. Its new name honours Eglantyne Jebb, the woman behind the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1924. It suits families, chess players and outdoor-workout fans rather than sightseers ticking off landmarks. Where is the park and how do you find it? The park lies in Acacias, south of central Geneva, on rue des Epinettes (1227). Les Vernets borders one side and Carouge the other. It is a rectangle ringed by apartment buildings. It is open every day, around the clock, and entry is free. Do not confuse it with the parks of Plainpalais, which are in a different part of the city. Who was Eglantyne Jebb? The City of Geneva renamed the former Parc des Acacias in March 2021 as part of its 100Elles project, which aims to give prominent women from the city's history a visible place in public space. Jebb (1876-1928) founded the International Save the Children Union in Geneva in January 1920, the root of today's Save the Children, and lived in the city until she died. The 1924 Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child grew out of her work. What was here before the park? The area stayed rural until the late 19th century, then turned industrial. The Motosacoche factory opened on rue du Grand-Bureau in 1903. Hydroxigene SA used the site until 1940, followed by the machine-tool maker Tarex. In the late 1970s residents pushed for green space, the canton rezoned the land, the city bought the plot, and the park opened in 1988. What can you do here? Let children loose on the playground. Play chess at the stone tables. Pieces are available on site. Train on free outdoor fitness equipment (Proxisport and street workout). Picnic at the tables, and use the deckchairs in summer. Walk the shaded paths under mature trees and rest on the central lawn. Let a dog run in the fenced off-leash area. Toilets are on site. What are the rules? Keep noise down out of respect for residents. Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed. Dogs may not go on the lawns and must stay on a lead on the paths, apart from the fenced dog run. When should you visit? Warm days are best, when the deckchairs are out and the lawn and tree shade invite a long break. The park works well as a short stop while exploring Geneva or Carouge, especially with kids. If children's rights interest you, combine it with a walk through the international organisations quarter. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? Yes. The park is public and open 24 hours a day, every day. Can I bring a bike? No. Bicycles and other vehicles are banned inside. Is there a playground? Yes. The park also has chess tables, fitness equipment and picnic tables. Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep it on a lead on the paths and off the lawns. A fenced area is provided for off-leash play.

Leutschenpark

Zurych

Leutschenpark is a public park in the Leutschenbach neighbourhood of northern Zürich (Seebach district). It opened in September 2008 on the site of a former industrial and commercial area that is now turning into a mixed residential and office quarter. About 17,000 m² in size, it blends the character of a classic city park with that of an urban square. What will you see in Leutschenpark? The design came out of a 2002 competition won by Dipol Landscape Architects of Basel (later trading as Westpol) together with Christopher T. Hunziker. Soft, flowing lines of paths and lawns give the district a fresh accent after years dominated by office and industrial buildings. The centrepiece is the "Baumtopf", a central tree island laid out on the former bullet-catcher of a shooting range. A ring of trees wraps around it like a veil. The park also has a playground, a water basin and Leutschenlicht, a light installation by Hunziker. How do you get there? The park lies in Zürich-Nord, at roughly 47.418 N, 8.557 E. Take public transport towards Leutschenbach and walk the last stretch; check the VBZ timetable for current connections. When is the best time to visit? It suits a short break, a stroll or a playground stop with kids during the day. Spring to autumn is the most pleasant, when the trees are in leaf. The light installation has been out of service for some time, so don't plan an evening visit around it. Renovation planned for 2026-2027 In November 2025 the City of Zürich announced a repair and ecological upgrade of the park. Ground settlement has caused visible damage, and the light installation is not working. Total cost: CHF 5.13 million. about 40 new large-crowned trees, about 70 badly damaged honey locust trees felled and replaced mostly with native species, large areas unsealed and rainwater retained on site, water basin secured and LED technology for Leutschenlicht, a light roofed stage at the playground, more seating and bike parking. The central tree island stays as it is. Work is due to begin in winter 2026 and finish by the end of 2027, in stages to limit closures, especially of play areas. Frequently asked questions Is Leutschenpark free to enter? Yes, it is an open public park. Who designed it? Dipol Landscape Architects of Basel (now Westpol) with Christopher T. Hunziker, who created the Leutschenlicht installation. Is it good for children? Yes. There is a playground, which will gain a light roofed stage and more seating after the renovation. Will the park close for the works? Construction is planned from winter 2026 to the end of 2027, but it will run in stages to keep closures limited.

Kocherpark

Berno

Kocherpark in Bern is a public park just west of Bern's city centre, in the university district. With its mature trees and walking paths, it works as a quiet neighbourhood green space and a venue for summer cultural events. Who is Kocherpark named after? The park honours Theodor Kocher, the surgeon who became the first Swiss winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, in 1909. Kocher was among the owners of the estate where the park now lies. In 1941 his son handed the land to the Burgergemeinde Bern on condition that it become a publicly accessible park bearing his father's name. It opened on 19 September 1944. A bust of Kocher by sculptor Max Fueter stands in the grounds. What will you see? The park grew out of two former villa gardens belonging to well-off Bern families, laid out in the English landscape style. The city took over one of the plots and its gardeners redesigned it, so the layout has been adjusted several times over the decades. The section in front of the Haus der Universität stayed closed to the public for a long time and still follows the outline of a 19th-century villa garden. Kocher's former villa served first as a guesthouse for the Kocher hospital, later as an embassy building, and was converted for university use in 1986-87. Today it houses the Haus der Universität. After damage linked to the local drug scene, the park was renovated and reopened in 1993. Stadtgrün Bern, the city's green-space department, looks after it. Does anything happen in the park? Since 2018, summer festivals have brought the park back to life, with a free cultural programme. It is a good chance to see how locals spend a warm evening outdoors. Outside festival season it is a calm spot for a short stroll between the old town and the university area. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the trees are in full leaf and open-air events run. Entry is free and the park is open to everyone. A visit usually takes thirty to sixty minutes, depending on whether you stop at Kocher's bust and the university building. Frequently asked questions Is Kocherpark free to enter? Yes. The park is open to the public, and the summer festivals offer a free cultural programme. Who was Theodor Kocher? A Bern surgeon and 1909 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine. The park carries his name because his son donated the estate on condition that it become a public park. When did the park open? On 19 September 1944, following the 1941 donation. Before that the land consisted of two private villa gardens. What is in Kocher's former villa? The Haus der Universität, converted from the villa in 1986-87. Earlier the building was a guesthouse for the Kocher hospital and then an embassy.

Parc des Chaumettes

Genewa

Parc des Chaumettes is a small, triangular city park in Geneva, Switzerland, on boulevard de la Cluse (1205 Geneva), between the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) and the Cluse neighbourhood. It was inaugurated in 2009, partly on the site of a former car park. Where is Parc des Chaumettes? The park sits at the foot of the Champel hill, outside the old city fortifications that were pulled down in the 1850s. Building here began with the laying out of boulevard de la Cluse. In 1874 the former Hôpital des Sœurs became a maternity hospital, and over the 20th century the area grew into a hospital district that eventually became HUG. The park's coordinates are roughly 46.194 N, 6.148 E. What is there to see and do? The green space is made up of lawns and trees, including small-leaved lindens, Japanese pagoda trees and cherry trees. You will find terraces, a small pond, and picnic tables. Children get a playground with plenty of equipment, and a snack bar opens in the summer season. The city maintains the park ecologically, without chemical products. What are the rules? The park is open every day, around the clock. Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed. Dogs are barred from the lawns but may use the paths on a leash. Visitors are asked to respect the peace of the place. Who is it for? Chaumettes works as a short stop: a break on a terrace, a picnic, or playtime with children next to the hospital district. It is a green pocket in a densely built part of town rather than a park for long walks. Summer is the best time, when the snack bar is open and the trees give shade. Frequently asked questions Is Parc des Chaumettes free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park, open free of charge every day, 24 hours. Can I bring a dog? Yes, but only on the paths and on a leash. Dogs are not allowed on the lawns. Is there a playground? Yes, the park has a playground with many games for children. Can I cycle through the park? No. Bicycles and other vehicles are prohibited inside the park.

Gustav-Ammann-Park

Zurych

Gustav-Ammann-Park is a small heritage garden in Zurich's Oerlikon district, set on the grounds of the former Oerlikon-Bührle works. At roughly 3,000 m² it is no full-day destination, but it offers a calm pause in a part of the city otherwise dominated by modern development. What is the story behind the park? The garden was laid out in 1942 as a place of rest for employees of the Bührle machine-tool factory. Swiss landscape architect Gustav Ammann, who worked in a modernist idiom, designed it. His aim was a quiet refuge from the noise of the workshops rather than a showpiece, and that intent still shapes the place. In 1996 the privately owned grounds were placed under protection as a garden monument. A year later the formerly nameless site was opened to residents and named after its designer. A gentle renovation in 2004/2005 kept every historic garden feature intact. What will you see? A winding path across a gentle slope, with a few small seating spots A rustic Ticino-style pergola with granite slabs and natural-stone walls, meant to evoke southern Switzerland A water basin framed by dense planting, with stepping stones Mature trees, including a tulip tree The city values the park as a rare, well-preserved example of an industrial welfare garden and an important witness of its era. How do you get there, and when should you go? Oerlikon is a large district in northern Zurich with a major railway hub, so public transport from the centre is easy. Late spring and summer are best, when the planting is lush and the pergola gives shade. Entry is free. Half an hour is plenty, and the park pairs well with a stroll through Oerlikon's other new parks. Frequently asked questions Is Gustav-Ammann-Park free to visit? Yes. It is open to everyone, and the city's green-space office, Grün Stadt Zürich, maintains it under a contract with the owner. Is the park a listed site? Yes. It is a protected garden monument, and its historic elements were preserved during the 2004/2005 renovation. Who designed it? Gustav Ammann, a Swiss landscape architect working in the modernist style. How long does a visit take? About 20 to 30 minutes. The park is small and works best as a stop on a walk around Oerlikon.

Parc Trembley

Genewa

Parc Trembley is a city park in Geneva, set in the Petit-Saconnex district north of the city centre. It covers roughly five hectares of an old estate garden with mature trees, and local families treat it as their neighbourhood green space. For visitors it works well as a quiet stop for a walk or a break with children. Who was Trembley? The park is named after Abraham Trembley, an eighteenth-century Genevan naturalist best known for his work on small freshwater organisms. In 1757 he bought the Moillebeau estate. At that time the land lay in open countryside, well away from the city, which was still enclosed by its fortifications. The Trembley family stayed on the property for almost two centuries, and in 1933 the City of Geneva acquired it and opened it to the public. What is there to see? The main attraction is the old trees, including a Lebanon cedar that dates from the Trembley family's time. Lawns and paths suit a short stroll or a picnic. Beside the park stands the Trembley school, built in 1950 to a design by architect Roland Rohn; its low, pavilion-style buildings blend into the greenery. Is there a playground? Yes, and it is the main reason families come. The play area has two sections. The first has swings, climbing structures and a sandpit. The second has a paddling pool, outdoor fitness equipment and a multisport court. According to the city, the play area is open around the clock, seven days a week. Dogs must be on a leash in the park and are not allowed in the play area. When should you go? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the paddling pool is in use and the trees give shade. Spring is green and calm, and autumn brings colour to the foliage. The park is open to all and free, with no tickets or gates. How do you plan a visit? The park lies in Petit-Saconnex along avenue Trembley, close to the area where many international organisations are based. You can combine it with a walk to other parks in northern Geneva. No booking is needed, and a short walk takes under an hour. With children and the paddling pool, half a day passes easily. Frequently asked questions Is Parc Trembley free to enter? Yes. It is a public park with no admission fee. Is there a playground for children? Yes. There are swings, climbing structures, a sandpit, a paddling pool, fitness equipment and a multisport court. The play area is open 24 hours. Can I bring a dog? Into the park, yes, on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in the play area. Where does the name come from? From the naturalist Abraham Trembley, who bought the Moillebeau estate here in 1757. The city took it over in 1933.

Parc de La Grange

Genewa

Parc de La Grange in Geneva is the city's largest lakeside park, stretching along Quai Gustave-Ador on the south shore of Lake Geneva. It covers roughly 20 hectares of old trees, lawns running down toward the water, an alpine garden, orangeries, an 18th-century villa and the biggest rose garden in town. Entry is free and the grounds stay open year-round. What is there to see? The heart of the park is Villa La Grange, built around 1720 by the Lullin family of Geneva. The name comes from a barn (French grange) that belonged to the 17th-century merchant Jacques Franconis and was torn down to make room for the house. The villa is not a museum: the city uses it for official receptions and for hosting guests, so you admire it from the terraces and lawns outside. History buffs come for another reason. In 1864 the villa hosted a meeting linked to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross, at the invitation of its then owner, Edmond Favre. Behind the villa you can spot remnants of Roman walls, and two open-air summer theatres operate in the grounds. William Favre, the last private owner, dug and planted the alpine garden between 1887 and 1890. He left the estate to the city in 1917, on condition that the park remain open to the public. Is the rose garden worth a visit? Yes, especially from late spring into early summer. The first rose garden opened in 1946, laid out by Armand Auberson, with about 12,000 roses in 150 varieties. From 1947 to 2015 it hosted an annual international competition for new rose varieties that drew breeders from around the world. After the park was redesigned, most of the old plantings were removed. The present garden dates from around 2021 and is managed without chemical treatments. About 400 bushes in roughly 200 varieties grow among perennials and bulbs. A metal pergola stands over the beds and is meant to be covered in climbing roses over time. June is the peak of the bloom. How do you get there? The park sits on Quai Gustave-Ador, on the south shore of the lake, close to the centre of Geneva. The most pleasant approach is on foot along the lakefront promenade from the Old Town. Local public transport also serves the waterfront; check the current timetable of the local operator. When should you go? May to September is best. Roses bloom in June, lawns fill with picnickers in summer, and the open-air theatres run on warm evenings. In autumn the old trees turn colour. Winter is quiet, though the gardens are less appealing then. Frequently asked questions Is Parc de La Grange free? Yes. The park and rose garden can be entered at no charge. Can I go inside Villa La Grange? Usually not. The city uses it for official events, so you see the building and its surroundings from outside. When do the roses bloom? The main season is June, though some varieties flower on into autumn. Is it good for a picnic with children? Yes. Wide lawns, shade from mature trees and the nearby lake make it one of the most popular spots for families in Geneva.

Promenade Jean-Jacques Mercier

Lozanna

Promenade Jean-Jacques Mercier in Lausanne is a terraced hillside garden and arboretum that is easy to walk past, yet it offers one of the city's finest and least-known views. Address: 1005 Lausanne. What kind of place is it? A municipal promenade laid out as a stepped garden, with an esplanade, staircases and zigzag paths, all arranged symmetrically around a central axis. The city's parks department (Service des parcs et domaines) looks after it. The slope faces south and is sheltered from the bise, the cold north wind, so it can be pleasantly mild on a clear day. Which trees grow here? More than 350 tree species grow on the slope, many of them rare or exotic. The city singles out the monkey puzzle (araucaria), the katsura or caramel tree, the handkerchief tree and the gherkin tree. The trees were first planted in pairs to match the symmetrical plan, but some have since vanished, so the pattern is no longer perfectly regular. How did it come about? The hill was once covered in vineyards. In 1899 local residents objected to a large building planned on the site. In 1903 Jean-Jacques Mercier's son gave the city funds for a public park in his father's memory. Technical and geological difficulties forced the architect to lower the esplanade by three metres compared with the first plans. The promenade opened in 1910. Further features followed. A large erratic boulder, first set up in 1903 for the centenary of Vaud's independence, was placed at the eastern end in 1911. The music kiosk dates from 1922, when the city took over the project after the architect withdrew. How do you get there? Stairs and zigzag paths lead up the slope, so expect a climb. The coordinates are roughly 46.5156 N, 6.6463 E, in central Lausanne. Check the TL (Transports publics de la région lausannoise) timetable for bus and metro connections. What facilities are there? You will find public toilets, the music kiosk, a small playground and an area where dogs are allowed. The city rates the site, toilets and parking as partly accessible for wheelchair users. Locals also use the promenade as a shortcut and a place for a stroll. When should you go? Entry is open and no opening hours are published. Aim for a sunny afternoon, when the southern exposure brings good light and the view from the esplanade is at its clearest. Spring and autumn add colour from blossom and foliage. A visit usually takes thirty to sixty minutes. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public city promenade open to everyone. Is it really an arboretum? Yes, the city describes it as one, with over 350 tree species. Can I visit with a wheelchair or pushchair? Only partly. The terrain is steep, with stairs and zigzag paths, and the city lists accessibility as partial. Is it suitable for families? Yes. There is a small playground, public toilets and a zone where dogs are permitted.

Vögeligärtli

Lucerna

Vögeligärtli is a city park in the centre of Lucerne, Switzerland, right beside the main railway station. Between the tracks and the old town, it works as a green pause for locals and travellers alike, with play equipment, open lawn and outdoor games. Why is it called Vögeligärtli? The name roughly means "little bird garden" and recalls an aviary that once stood here. MySwitzerland dates its construction to 1901, while a student study from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (HSLU) gives 1908 to 1954. Sources do not agree on the dates. What is the history of the park? The square went by several names, including Sempacherplatz, Zentralplatz and Zentralmatte. Performers and showmen used it, and travelling circuses set up here. After the city gasworks moved away in 1899, the land turned into recreational green space. Over the decades parts of the large meadow were built over: the Lukaskirche church arrived in 1935 and the Zentralbibliothek library around 1950. What can you do here? Playground: a climbing ramp with a tower, a climbing net and wall, slides, swings, and a sand area with a water pump and small stream. It is free to use. Big lawn: the southern part of the park is an open meadow suited to picnics. Outdoor games: table tennis and chess areas, popular with regulars. Small restaurant: in the northern part of the park. How do you get to Vögeligärtli? The park borders Luzern railway station, so it is a few minutes on foot from the platforms. From Chapel Bridge and the Lake Lucerne waterfront it is a short walk through the city centre. When is the best time to visit? Warm days from late spring to early autumn, when the lawn and playground are in full use. It suits a packed lunch, or a break with children between sightseeing in the old town and onward travel. Frequently asked questions Is Vögeligärtli free to enter? Yes. The park and its playground are open to everyone at no charge. Is it good for families with children? Yes. The playground offers climbing structures, slides, swings and a water-and-sand zone, with a lawn beside it. Can you eat there? A small restaurant stands in the north of the park, and the southern meadow is good for bringing your own picnic. How far is it from the station? It sits directly next to Lucerne's main station, a walk of a few minutes.

Wipkingerpark

Zurych

Wipkingerpark is a riverside green space on the Limmat in Zurich's Wipkingen district (Kreis 10, postcode 8037). A playground, wide lawn and a way into the water make it a favourite for local afternoons on warm days. Where is Wipkingerpark? The park follows the Limmat in the north-west of Zurich, about 2.2 km from the main station and 7.3 km from the airport. Wipkingen itself is an old settlement, first recorded in 881 and brought into the city in 1893. Today it is a quiet residential quarter, and the river bank is one of its signature features. What can you do here? River access – in summer you can step down to the Limmat to swim or paddle. Playground – climbing frames and play equipment designed for children. Large lawn – room for picnics, reading or sunbathing. Benches and trees – seating and shade for hot days. Entry is free and there are no gates. Zurich Tourism lists no opening hours for the park. How do you get to Wipkingerpark? Public transport is easiest. Trams stop nearby and Wipkingen S-Bahn station is very close, with quick connections from the city centre. Walking from the main station along the river takes noticeably longer but is a pleasant route. What is nearby? Cafés and restaurants with local and international menus sit right by the park, including The Artisan restaurant and Wim Bakery a few hundred metres away. Yves Netzhammer's art installation "Der ungezähmte Horizont" stands a little further on. Do not confuse the park with the separate Abenteuerspielplatz Märliwald on Breitensteinstrasse. When should you go? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the weather suits swimming and picnics. On hot days it gets busy, so go in the morning or evening for more calm. In winter it works as a simple riverside walk. Frequently asked questions Is Wipkingerpark free? Yes, it is a public park with free access. Can you swim in the Limmat here? In summer the park gives access to the river for swimming and paddling. Watch the current and any posted warnings. Is it good for children? Yes. The playground has climbing equipment, and the lawn and water access make it easy to spend a few hours with kids. Where can you eat nearby? Cafés and restaurants border the park, with a bakery and bars a few hundred metres away.

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.