Forget the snow-covered mountains, sparkling mountain lakes, and large stretches of beautiful landscapes, Zürich is home to the most remarkable parks and wilderness areas. The city in north-central Switzerland overflows with a rich biodiversity of flora, fauna, and beautiful green spaces. These contribute immensely to the area’s fresh air and relaxing atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll take you through the best parks and wilderness areas to visit in Zürich. Read on to find out.
The Top 8 Parks and Wilderness Areas in Zürich
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, host a picnic, bask, hike, or jog, the following parks in Zürich have the perfect ambience and space to satisfy your needs.
1. Zürich Wilderness Park
The Zürich wilderness park comprises the Langenberg Wildlife Park, which features different species of wild animals, and the Nature Discovery Park Sihlwald, with its combination of dense forest cover, riverscape, and wilderness. Inside the forest, you’ll find trees as old as 250 years.
To experience the ultimate forest park adventure, follow one of the forest’s nature trails. It’s a refreshing exercise away from the demanding city life. The nature park also features a natural history museum and observation points with breathtaking views of Lake Zürich and the city.
There’s a restaurant serving local delights, enough space for a picnic, and an entire playground with swings, a zipline, and water slides. It’s impossible not to enjoy yourself inside the wilderness park.
2. Rieter Park
Rieter park dates as far back as the 19th century and has a lot to show for its longevity. First are the rare coniferous trees covering majority of the space, followed by a well-maintained lush green lawn, artistic sculptures, and an old museum.
Usually, city-dwellers visit the place for picnics, to enjoy nature walks with loved ones, to walk their pets, or to take in the sweeping views of the lake.
3. Irchel Park
If you’re looking for a park in Zürich to jog and exercise in peace, Irchel park has nice and safe paths strewn with shaded trees. Also, it features stretching and pull-up bars, tennis courts, and an expansive sports field. There’re cycling trails too if you prefer riding around.
You’ll find benches all over the park, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and tranquillity. The newly-renovated pond is a must-see, and it provides a good backdrop for instagrammable photos. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant within the park serving delicious bitings.
4. Arboretum
The Arboretum Park is a lake-front public park featuring a beautiful botanical garden and an arboretum. It has cedar trees, mountain plants, and gorgeous flowers decorating its expansive landscape. Not to mention the clean, green lawn where people can relax and enjoy cool fresh air or host picnics—with stunning views of Lake Zürich.
During the summer, you’re likely to find locals and tourists sunbathing at the park after taking a dip in the lake.
5. Belvoir Park
For a park located right in the city, Belvoir park is far-removed from the hectic activities and noise around. The place is extremely peaceful and quiet. It’s ideal for taking strolls and unwinding. There’re tall trees providing adequate shade from the sun, clean open spaces for chilling, well-manicured gardens and flower beds, a playground, a fountain, and ponds with fish.
The landscaping is aesthetically pleasing and very functional. For instance, people with strollers or wheelchairs can move around with ease. When you get tired from moving around, you can relax on one of the many benches and buy food or a drink from vendors. However, if you’re craving a real meal, especially local delicacies, visit the Belvoir restaurant.
6. Thal Nature Park
Thal nature park is between Bern, Zürich, and Basel. It’s yet another landscape marvel for nature lovers. The first features you’ll notice when you show up at this park are its lush meadows, isolated castle ruins, gorges, and rugged limestone cliffs. Also, be on the lookout for native animals like stoats and lizards.
If you’re looking for a weekend activity with family and friends, Thal nature park has many hiking trails and cycling routes that allow you to explore the forest’s depth.
7. Beverin Nature Park
This is another unique nature park covering an area of 515 km². It’s known for its mountain landscape, deep gorges, and hundreds of ibexes. The hilly terrain of the place is ideal for hiking or cycling, which takes you through different stages, with some opening up to picturesque views of the landscape. If you want to pump up your adrenaline, go for canyoning tours in the gorges.
8. Josefswiese
Josefswiese is extremely popular with the locals. That’s because it has enough space and facilities for a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. Be it football, beach volleyball, table tennis, playground games for children, barbeques, and even picnics. This is the one place you can go with family and friends, and everyone will feel satisfied.
The surrounding trees do a good job of providing cool shades and fresh, clean air. This park is a good escape from the fast-moving life in the city. And, the best part is that it’s literally in the city—around Zürich-West.
Thanks to the kiosk, you don’t have to bring food or drinks. They sell a variety of tasty food, drinks, and barbeque resources.
Conclusion
As far as beautiful natural landscapes go, Zürich and Switzerland at large is the gift that keeps on giving. If you love nature, the city will feel like paradise.
