_________________________

Platzpitz is on the tip of an island, between the Limmet and Sihl Rivers that feed Lake Zurich. The city of Zurich, Switzerland, surrounds the park, yet this beautiful piece of green space is not connected to the city proper because of these rivers. This means that you’ve found a great place to chill, and more!

The Landesmuseum sits at the head of the Platzpitz. This beautiful castle/chateau now houses Swiss arts, but you can see how at one period in the city’s history that this castle was a place of dominance, power, and deserving of respect. It’s gardens are now one of the city’s wonderful riverside parks, just a stone’s throw from the main railway station.

Platzpitz is no frills. Here you will find open grass, many benches, shade trees, a gazebo (in summertime there are bands playing toward evening), and paved walkways. A children’s playground is tucked to one side, also, so if you have time between train connections, or are looking for a place to relax after a visit to the Landesmuseum, the Platzplitz is for you.

The park’s sight lines are low and broad. When you walk along the river, you can expect to see boats motoring smoothly in the cold water. A stroll through the interior takes you away and lets you think, relax, commune with nature, and breath some fresh air.

Statues and a fountains exist, but they aren’t grand nor plentiful. This is no frills, remember, a place to stroll and chill. Likewise, you won’t find a café or food vendors’ carts, but the nearby museum (and Hauptbahnhof) has these for you, so take a moment to buy refreshments before you come for your walk.

The Platzpitz is also good for early morning runs and exercise, if you’re hotel is nearby. The land is level, there are plenty of flat, grassy areas, out-of-the-way places for a bit of privacy. While you can’t stage a 5k run here, the loop around the outer paths brings you shoulder-and-hip to the peaceful rivers.

Getting to Platzpitz Park

Platzpitz is just north of Old Town (Altstadt), across Museumstrasse on the far side of the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof). When you visit the Landesmuseum, you’ve arrived at the park. At the very tip of the park, as it juts into the confluence of the rivers, are footbridges connecting the mainland and two of Zurich’s fashionable neighborhoods.