Zurichhorn

 Zurichhorn is a public park along the western end of Lake Zurich (or the Zurichsee).    It’s located at the small delta where the Hornbach stream flows into the lake.  During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, wealthy Zurichers built new homes outside the city walls in what is now the Seefeld district.  In the mid-nineteenth century, the area became a hub of shipbuilding.  By the end of the 1800s, though the industry had waned.  When the stream was rerouted around 1880, a new park was created.  It expanded to its present dimensions in 1887.

One highlight is the Chinese garden.  It was built in 1993 as a donation from Zurich’s sister city, Kunming, China.  The Chinese architecture looks out of place, but feels authentic.  The garden as a whole is quite soothing.  Several excellent restaurants call the park home as well.  During the summer, locals flock to the park on nice days.  You’ll see lots of sunbathers.

Zurichhorn is the city’s most popular public park.  It attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually.  It’s a perfect place to spend a sunny summer afternoon.  Feel free to take a dip in the Zurichsee, which is clean enough to drink out of.

Location: Bellerivestrasse, Seefeld