Zurich Parks and Gardens

(Zurich, Switzerland)

Tourists visiting Zurich will soon discover that this graceful city is well laid out and features a series of public parks, large gardens and appealing promenades. Many of the best parks lie around the lower side of Lake Zurich, with the scenic banks often teeming with people during the summer months, who come here to enjoy a picnic, watch the boats sailing by or even take a ferry trip around the lake itself, bookable at the Bürkliplatz.

Zürichhorn is located alongside the lake and is famed for its Chinese Gardens, which regularly attract in excess of 50,000 visitors each year. For something quite unique close to central Zurich, spend an afternoon at the Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark, where many eye-catching sculptures can be enjoyed close-up and are surrounded by nicely planted gardens.

Zürichhorn

Address: Zurich, CH-8008, Switzerland, CH
Leading towards central Zurich, Zürichhorn is a popular lakeside park containing many glorious plants. The outdoor swimming pool is always a major draw card during the summer months, although visitors also come here to marvel at the Chinese Gardens (Chinagarten), which honours the twinned city of Kunming. With fish-filled ponds, bridges, lanterns, ornate pavilions, maples and plenty of bamboo to go around, the Chinese Gardens are especially impressive in the spring, when the many pink cherry trees burst into flower. Autumn is also a good time to visit, when the maples quickly colour up and adorn vivid coats of fall colours.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Bäcker Park

Address: Hohlstrasse 67, Zurich, CH-8004, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 043 243 8570
The appealing Bäcker Park is known for its extreme beauty and is a surprisingly tranquil spot, considering its position alongside central Zurich. Locals and tourists regularly frequent Bäcker Park, coming here to enjoy the gardens, eat their lunch, stroll along the many pathways, have a meal at the onsite restaurant, and even enjoy a summer concert.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark (Sculpture Gardens)

Address: Zur Weinrebe, Zurich, CH-8953, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 01 740 01 56
The Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark is one of Zurich's more unusual parks and is filled with fun animal sculptures. This attraction is always a big hit with families and you are not only allowed to touch the creations, but climb on them and just generally have fun. Be sure to bring your camera here.
Open hours: May to October, Saturday - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Irchelpark

Address: Irchelstrasse, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland, CH
This medium-sized city park resides within the district of Kreis 6 and is known for its pond, which comes complete with plenty of ducks that always seem to need feeding. Whether you are looking for somewhere green to sit down, a space for the children to play, or to simply enjoy refreshments at a popular cafe, Irchelpark is the place to come and even features its very own museum.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Platzspitz Park

Address: Zurich, CH-8023, Switzerland, CH
Home to the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Landesmuseum) and many other popular attractions, Platzspitz Park has been transformed in recent years and is now promoted as a family friendly space. Sandwiched between both the Sihl River and the Limmat River, Platzspitz is often used to host events during the summer months, which are usually well attended and becoming increasingly popular.
Open hours: daily, May to September - 06:00 to 21:00; October to April - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free