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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Platzspitz park
Zurych
Platzspitz in Zurich, officially called Platzpromenade, is a triangular city-centre park in District 1. It sits beside the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) and the main station, on the tongue of land where the Sihl and Limmat rivers meet. Today it is a calm green pocket, but few Swiss parks have lived through such a dramatic past. Where is Platzspitz and how do you get there? The park occupies the spit between the two rivers, at their confluence. From Zurich main station it is a few minutes on foot: head to the side where the National Museum stands, which borders the park directly. It makes an easy break between connections or after a walk through the old town. What is there to see? The signature feature is the tree-lined avenues planted along both rivers in 1780, when the site was laid out as a promenade. During the 19th century a network of paths and a music pavilion were added. When the National Museum was built, the layout was reworked and the bandstand was moved a short distance. The grounds also hosted the first Swiss national exhibition in 1883. Expect riverside strolling and plenty of shade. What is the history of the park? Before it became a promenade, this was pasture, and later a venue for marksmen's festivals. Zurich's traditional Knabenschiessen shooting contest has its roots here. In the 1980s the park gained worldwide notoriety as "Needle Park": heroin users and dealers gathered here in growing numbers, reaching about 3,000 people a day at peak times. In 1992 the park was closed for a year, cleaned and renovated. The open drug scene then moved to the former Letten station site and lasted until 1995. Now the park is a relaxed recreation spot again. When should you visit? Late spring through early autumn, when the lawns and avenues are at their greenest. Concerts, open-air film screenings and other events take place in the National Museum courtyard, so check the museum programme before your trip. The park pairs naturally with a museum visit, as you step from the exhibitions straight onto the grass. Frequently asked questions Is Platzspitz the same place as Needle Park? Yes. "Needle Park" was the nickname from the 1980s and early 1990s, when the park hosted an open drug scene. Nothing of that remains today. How far is it from the main station? The park adjoins the station area and the National Museum, a few minutes' walk. What else is nearby? The Swiss National Museum with its courtyard, plus the Limmat and Sihl riverbanks that flank the park on both sides. Are there events in the park? Concerts and open-air screenings are held in the courtyard of the National Museum next to the park.
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Bäckeranlage
Zurych
Bäckeranlage is a neighbourhood park in Zurich, set in the middle of the Aussersihl district (Kreis 4) on Feldstrasse. Locals treat it as a shared backyard, playground and meeting point, and for visitors it offers a look at everyday Zurich away from the lakefront and the Old Town. What is Bäckeranlage, and where does the name come from? The park opened in 1901. Its name comes from Bäckerstrasse, a street that originally ran alongside it. It sits at roughly 47.378° N, 8.524° E, west of the city centre, in an area known for its lively cafe and nightlife scene. What is the history of the park? Belgian garden architect Evariste Mertens designed it as a refined city park with winding paths, intended for the upper classes. The surrounding quarter was home mostly to working-class residents, though, and the wealthier crowd stayed away. Few people visited and the park soon fell into decline. In 1938 Mertens' sons Walter and Oskar redesigned it. The narrow paths gave way to a large lawn for play, and a pond and a music pavilion were added. From then on residents took to the place. In more recent decades it gained a reputation as a gathering spot for drug users and dealers. After a design competition the park was renovated, and the Zurich firm EM2N created a modern building with a cafe and cultural centre. Families from the quarter have since reclaimed it. What can you see and do here? The big lawn: room for picnics, relaxing and informal games. Playground: a good choice for parents of small children who want them to meet other kids. Cafe in the new building: serves simple meals, cake and coffee through the year. Local atmosphere: young people play music or table tennis, and nearby workers eat lunch on the benches. It makes an easy stop between walks around Kreis 4 and the neighbourhood's restaurants and bars. Do not expect monuments or lake views; the appeal is everyday city life. When is the best time to visit? Warm days from late spring to early autumn are best, when the lawn and playground are full and the cafe is busiest. Mornings and early afternoons are calmer, while evenings bring conversation and music. Check the cafe's opening hours with official city sources before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is Bäckeranlage? In the Aussersihl district (Kreis 4) of Zurich, on Feldstrasse, postcode 8004. Who designed the park? Evariste Mertens drew up the original 1901 plan, and his sons Walter and Oskar carried out the 1938 redesign. Is it suitable for children? Yes. There is a playground, and the large lawn gives children plenty of space to run around. Can I get food and drink there? Yes. The modern building designed by EM2N houses a cafe serving simple dishes, cake and coffee.
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Parc Bertrand
Genewa
Parc Bertrand in Geneva is a large public park at the top of the Champel district, next to Florissant. At roughly 11 hectares it is nearly twice the size of the Parc des Bastions in the city centre. Entry is free and the park never closes. Who was Bertrand? The park is named after Alfred Bertrand, a Geneva photographer and explorer. His family acquired the estate in the 19th century. Champel itself lay outside the city walls for centuries, and from the late 1700s wealthy families began building villas here among gardens. Bertrand wanted the family property to become a public park. His wife opened part of it to residents in 1933 and handed the rest to the city in the early 1940s. What is there to see? The appeal is mature trees and wide lawns. A large pond is lined with willows, and Himalayan birches grow nearby. A former primary school, now a nursery, stands among the paths, and there is a fenced dog area. Families will find a playground with a paddling pool, a sand area and free outdoor fitness equipment. The open grass suits a picnic or a quiet break. What are the rules? Bikes and other vehicles are not allowed. Dogs may run only in the fenced area. On the paths they stay on a leash, and the lawns are off limits to them. When should you visit? Spring through early autumn is best, when the lawns are green and the pond is framed by leaves. The paddling pool makes it a good option on hot days. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Are there works going on? In March 2024 the Municipal Council approved a credit of CHF 6,597,200 to repair damaged paths, so some sections may be affected by works. Frequently asked questions Is Parc Bertrand free? Yes. It is free and open 24 hours a day. Can I bring a dog? Yes, on a leash on the paths. Dogs are not allowed on the lawns, but there is a separate fenced dog park. Is it good for kids? Yes. There is a playground with sand, a paddling pool and fitness equipment. Can I cycle through the park? No, bikes and other vehicles are banned.
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Parc de l'Ariana
Genewa
Parc de l'Ariana is a large public park in Geneva's Petit-Saconnex district, right beside the Palais des Nations and the United Nations' European headquarters. Lawns, mature trees and a neo-Renaissance museum building make it one of the calmest corners of the city's diplomatic quarter. Why is it called Ariana? The land was once part of the extensive Varembé estate, which stretched from the road toward Pregny down to the lake. Its last private owner, collector and patron Gustave Revilliod, had a museum built in the grounds between 1877 and 1884, designed by architect Émile Grobéty. He named it Ariana after his mother, Ariane de la Rive. When Revilliod died in 1890, he left the whole estate to the City of Geneva. How did the League of Nations and the UN end up here? In 1929 the city handed most of the grounds to the League of Nations and received the Moynier and Bartholoni parks in return. That swap cleared the site for the building now known as the Palais des Nations. The park later stayed at the disposal of the United Nations, so flags and international institutions form the backdrop to your walk. What can you see? Veteran trees. Around 120 specimens in the busiest parts of the park carry identification plaques, which turns a stroll into an easy lesson in tree species. The founder's grave. Revilliod rests in an oak grove on the former estate. He asked for the grave to be left unmarked. Musée Ariana. Since 1933 the museum has operated as Switzerland's museum of ceramics and glass, showing pottery, glassware and stained glass. Its collection exceeds 27,000 objects. Open space by the Palais des Nations. The wide lawns are a good place to rest after visiting the nearby institutions. How do you get there, and when should you go? The park sits by the Palais des Nations, north of the centre, close to the international quarter. For tram and bus lines and stops, check the local operator TPG's timetable. According to the city, the park is open every day around the clock and is free to enter. Daytime is best: spring and summer bring the densest greenery, while autumn colours the trees. The museum has its own opening hours, so check them before you go. Frequently asked questions Is Parc de l'Ariana free? Yes. The park is open to everyone, and the city lists it as accessible daily, 24 hours a day. Only museum exhibitions may charge admission. What is inside the Musée Ariana? Ceramics, glass and stained glass from a collection of more than 27,000 items, displayed in a 19th-century building commissioned by Gustave Revilliod. Where does the name come from? From Ariane de la Rive, the mother of Gustave Revilliod, who founded the museum and named it in her honour. Is the park linked to the UN? Yes. In 1929 the city gave most of the grounds to the League of Nations, and the park later remained available to the UN. It borders the Palais des Nations directly.
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Parc Mon Repos
Genewa
Parc Mon Repos in Geneva is one of the city's earliest public parks, set on the north shore of Lake Geneva between rue de Lausanne, avenue de France and the water. Lawns, lake views and a historic villa make it an easy, quiet stop close to the centre. Where does the name come from, and how did the park become public? In the 19th century the estate belonged to the Plantamour family. Around 1856 the chemist and physicist Philippe Plantamour bought it, villa included, from the banker Henry Hentsch. The Plantamour brothers turned the house into a cultural meeting place, and guests such as Hans Christian Andersen and Chateaubriand are recorded as visitors. When Philippe died in 1898, he left the park to the City of Geneva, and it has served the public ever since. What is there to see? The centrepiece is the 19th-century Villa Mon Repos at the lower end of the park, ringed by flower beds. From 1901 until the late 1930s it housed the ethnography museum, and later the experimental centre of Geneva television, which sent out its first broadcast signal here in 1954. Today it is home to the Institut Henry-Dunant. Right by the water, a small stone pavilion holds a limnology station. Plantamour set it up to study the lake, and it still monitors the lake's physical and biological processes. Among the trees, look for an old plane tree above the Mouettes boat landing and exotic palms near the paddling pool. Is it good for families? Yes. There is a playground and a paddling pool, and shaded paths help on hot days. Dogs are welcome on a lead. How do I get there and when should I go? The park sits at the northern entrance to the city centre and is the first in a chain of five lakeside parks with views of the city and the mountains. The city says it is open around the clock. Late spring to early autumn is best, when the flower beds bloom and the lakeshore is warmest. From here you can stroll on to the neighbouring Moynier and La Perle du Lac parks, which opened to the public in 1929. Frequently asked questions Is Parc Mon Repos free? Yes. It is a municipal park, open to everyone day and night. Can I go inside the villa? The villa houses the Institut Henry-Dunant rather than a visitor attraction, so the park itself is the main draw. Are dogs allowed? Yes, on a lead. Is there anything for children? Yes, the park has a playground and a paddling pool. Can I combine it with other parks? Yes. Mon Repos is the first of five lakeside parks, so you can extend the walk to Moynier and La Perle du Lac.
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Parc Moynier
Genewa
Parc Moynier is a public park in Geneva, Switzerland, set on the right bank of Lake Geneva in the Sécheron district, north of the city centre. It sits between Parc Mon Repos and Parc La Perle du Lac, and the three together form a continuous green belt along the shore. The park is free and open at all hours. What will you see at Parc Moynier? The grounds slope gently toward the lake. Wide lawns are crossed by paths lined with mature trees, and the magnolias are the highlight when they bloom in spring. From the upper part you get views over the water and, on clear days, the outline of the Alps. The main building is Villa Moynier, a mid-19th-century neoclassical house dating from about 1846 and designed by architect Samuel Darier. It now hosts the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. It is not a museum, so you cannot tour the interior, but the facade and the garden in front are open to look at. At the top of the park once stood the Auberge de Sécheron, an inn that hosted well-known travellers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city's green spaces department now occupies the site. Where does the name come from? The park is named after Gustave Moynier, a Geneva lawyer and one of the five co-founders of the Red Cross. He was the son-in-law of banker Barthélemy Paccard, who bought the estate in the mid-1840s and had the villa built. Moynier led the International Committee of the Red Cross for decades, and the house was tied to the organisation's early work. In 1926 the League of Nations bought the estate. Three years later Geneva agreed to let the Palais des Nations be built in Parc de l'Ariana, and in return the city gained use of the Moynier and La Perle du Lac parks. Both have been open to the public since 1929. That history helps explain why this part of town is now home to so many international organisations. How do you get to Parc Moynier? The park lies near Quai Wilson, roughly 2 km from Geneva Cornavin station. Walking along the lakefront takes about 25 minutes. The easiest option is public transport to a stop around Sécheron or Perle du Lac, and the Genève-Sécheron rail station is close by. Cyclists can follow the lakeside route. When is the best time to visit? April and early May are best, when the magnolias flower. Summer afternoons are pleasant for sitting on the lawns with the lake in view. In autumn the park is quiet and the foliage turns warm colours. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the calmest. What else is nearby? Parc Moynier fits naturally into a walk along Geneva's lakeside parks. Parc Mon Repos with its old villa and Parc La Perle du Lac are next door, and the Palais des Nations, the UN's Geneva seat, stands in Parc de l'Ariana a short way off. Cafes and restaurants line the streets towards the station, and the Botanical Garden is roughly 20 minutes away on foot along the shore. Frequently asked questions Is Parc Moynier free to enter? Yes. It is a city park, open around the clock, with no admission fee. Can you go inside Villa Moynier? The villa is home to the Geneva Academy, an academic institution, and does not operate as a museum. You can see it from outside and from the garden. Who was Moynier? Gustave Moynier was a Geneva lawyer and co-founder of the Red Cross who lived in the villa; the park carries his name. When do the magnolias bloom? Usually in spring, from late March into April, depending on the weather that year. Is it a good spot for a picnic? Yes. The lawns are wide and shaded by trees, and the neighbouring lakeside parks are similar. Bring your own food.
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Musée de la mine de sel de Bex
Bex
The Museum of the Salt Mine of Bex (Mines de Sel de Bex) sits in the town of Bex, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It combines a working salt mine with a museum that traces extraction from 1684 to the present day, and you reach the galleries by mine train. What is the Bex salt mine? Salt deposits around Bex were found in the 15th century and are still worked today. They date back to a time when, according to regional accounts, a shallow sea covered what is now the Rhône Valley. Inside the mountain runs a tunnel network more than 50 km long. Output is quoted at roughly 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes a year, and the salt is sold under the "Sel des Alpes" name, including herbal blends. The mine is operated by the Salines Suisses group. What will you see on the tour? Visits are guided only and last about two hours. A small mine train carries you into the mountain, and part of the route is on foot. The permanent exhibition is housed in a former brine reservoir cut in 1826, where old extraction tools emerge from niches in the walls. The story runs from the first gallery, dug in 1684, up to modern operations. There is a political twist too. In 1865 the canton of Vaud wanted to shut the mines, but local people resisted. In 1867 they secured a fifty-year concession and set up a joint-stock company. Which tour formats are available? The standard guided visit with the mine train and museum. A lantern tour of a little over two hours, closer to what miners experienced. Adventure routes through historic galleries, including the Coulat gallery. How should you prepare? The tunnel floor is uneven and damp, so wear sturdy shoes. Schedules and prices vary by season, and booking ahead is strongly recommended, so check mines.ch for current details. Do not confuse the mine with the nearby Saline de Bex. Where is it and how do you get there? Bex lies in the Rhône Valley on the railway line and has its own station. The site is at about 46.278 N, 7.027 E. Frequently asked questions Can I visit without a guide? No. Entry is only with a guided group. How long does a visit take? Plan on about two hours for the standard tour and around two hours fifteen for the lantern tour. Is the mine still operating? Yes. Salt is extracted to this day, at tens of thousands of tonnes a year. Do I need to book? Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in high season and at weekends.
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Arboretum national du vallon de l'Aubonne
Montherod
The National Arboretum of the Aubonne Valley (Arboretum national du vallon de l'Aubonne) sits near Montherod in the canton of Vaud, on the border between the municipalities of Aubonne and Montherod. It is the only arboretum of its kind in Switzerland, spread across the slopes of the Aubonne river valley between Lausanne and Geneva. What is the Aubonne Valley arboretum? Founded in 1968, the park covers more than 120 hectares inside a roughly 200-hectare landscape of meadows, farmland and forest. Its collections hold over 3,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs from the temperate zones of every continent. The mission is scientific, educational and recreational. What will you see? Species groves - plants are grouped by species and by their soil and climate needs, so you can compare habit and foliage colour side by side. Pomological sector - "orchards of yesteryear" with heritage fruit varieties and wild roses. Reconstructed forests - stands modelled on forests of the American Pacific Northwest and Japan. The Japanese forest idea came out of a 1979 trip to Japan. Wood Museum (Musée du Bois) - on the grounds, devoted to the trades of wood and forestry. How do you get there? Post buses serve Aubonne, Montherod and St-Livres. From the Montherod-Battoir stop the entrance is about 1.7 km on foot. By car, follow the signs into the valley from Aubonne or Montherod. When should you visit? The park can be visited all year. Spring blossom and autumn colour are the highlights. The Wood Museum and the snack bar run seasonally and close in winter. Check arboretum.ch for current opening times and ticket prices before you go. Frequently asked questions Is it suitable for families? Yes. Paths run through meadows, orchards and woodland, and the site features among recommended family outings in Switzerland. How long should I plan? The grounds are large. Allow a few hours for a relaxed walk, or a full day to cover more. Is the arboretum open in winter? The park itself is open year-round. The Wood Museum and snack bar close for the winter. Can I reach it by public transport? Yes, by post bus to Aubonne, Montherod or St-Livres, then on foot.
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