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News from Sihlwald and Langenberg

It's cotton candy time again in Sihlwald

Anyone walking through the Sihlwald forest on cold, snowless and windless winter days will occasionally come across strange, cotton candy-like formations on the forest floor. So-called hair ice forms on damp dead wood under certain conditions. This phenomenon is a regular occurrence in the Sihlwald natural forest in winter.

The mysterious, long and delicate crystals of hair ice, reminiscent of tufts of hair, form exclusively on damp dead wood. There is plenty of it in the Sihlwald natural forest, where dead trees and branches are left lying around. However, not every de...

Our food animals in the magazine Tierwelt

As a scientifically managed zoo, Tierpark Langenberg also attaches great importance to keeping the rats, chicks and rabbits that are fed to the predators in a species-appropriate manner. There is an article about this in the magazine Tierwelt from September 30, 2021.

Every second issue of Tierwelt magazine features an exciting background report from a Swiss zoo. At the end of September 2021, the Zurich Wilderness Park will be in the spotlight. We show what it takes to offer the animals, which will later be fed to...

Insects in the natural forest - a give and take

Insect extinction has become a sad fact of life. According to the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, 60 percent of species are endangered or potentially endangered. "Fortunately, forest insects are somewhat less affected than other insect species," says entomologist Beat Wermelinger from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research. However, there has also been a clear decline in these species. Natural forests such as the Sihlwald provide important niches for specialized insect species that would otherwise die out.

"The Sihlwald is home to many wood-loving insect species that depend on habitats that are as untouched as possible. Many of the most endangered beetles require thick deadwood and other typical natural forest elements," explains insect researcher Beat W...

Update Corona protective measures

The COVID-19 regulation provides for stricter rules.

Langenberg Zoo

  • The outdoor areas of Langenberg Zoo remain freely accessible. There is no certificate requirement. The Müsli-Hüsli and the Mongolian Yurt will be closed from Monday, 13.9.
  • There is no certificate requirement in the Langenberg R...

Schnabelweg closed

Due to a landslide, the Schnabelweg will remain closed in the marked section until further notice. A detour is signaled on site.

Information on current trail closures on the Swiss hiking trail network that last longer than a week can be found here.

International Ranger Day and our forest professionals

All over the planet, rangers are working to protect plants and animals. Their work is not as dangerous everywhere as it is here in Sihlwald. "Especially in Africa and Asia, rangers who work against poaching die every year. To draw attention to abuses like these, we also commemorate these courageous and dedicated colleagues on International Rangers' Day on July 31," explains Nicole Aebli, ranger at Zurich Wilderness Park.

The protection of nature worldwide, but also in this country, can only be successful if we succeed in awakening visitors' understanding of natural processes and the unique natural forest system. After all, those who know and understand nature are ...

Update Corona protective measures

The currently valid COVID-19 Ordinance of June 23, 2021 provides for further relaxations. Based on the national measures, the following rules will apply to the Zurich Wilderness Park from Saturday, June 26, 2021:

Langenberg Zoo

Masks are not compulsory at Langenberg Zoo, except in certain indoor areas and if the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained.

All houses are open again. Masks are compulsory in the muesli hut and the Mongolian yurt. The visi...

Good news: new additions to the Zurich Wilderness Park

A trip to Langenberg Zoo is particularly worthwhile at the moment. Young animals can now be observed in many animal species. Particularly pleasing: after 10 years, young lynx have once again been born in Zurich Wildlife Park - thanks to a new pair of lynx. Event tip: On June 27, the "Young Animals" wilderness day will take place at Langenberg Zoo.

On May 5, the surprise was perfect. The young female lynx, who has been living at Langenberg Zoo since last fall, gave birth to two cubs in the barn. The two cubs have now opened their eyes and are starting to explore the enclosure. With a bit of luc...

Update Corona protective measures

The currently valid COVID-19 Ordinance of May 26, 2021 provides for further relaxations. Based on the national measures, the following rules will apply to the Zurich Wilderness Park from Monday, May 31, 2021 until at least June 30, 2021:

Langenber...

Update on coronavirus protection measures in the Zurich Wilderness Park

Langenberg Zoo

  • The zoo is open.
  • The Langenberg restaurant is open daily as a take-away establishment in good weather, including a terrace with compulsory seating. The current operating hours are communicated on site and on wildnispark.ch.
  • T...

Opening hours

Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park

Visitor center and Sihlwald area
The wilderness playground, fire pits, covered seating areas and the Sihlwald forest, including the forest adventure trail, are freely accessible at all times.

Visitor center in Sihlwald
March 30 - October 26
Mon - Thu: closed
Fri - Sun and public holidays: 1.00 - 5.00 p.m.

Opening hours

Langenberg Zoo

Langenberg East
Most of the animal enclosures are freely accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Langenberg West
daily 09.00 - 19.00

Restaurant Langenberg
Mon - Fri: 09.00 - 17.00 hrs
Sat/Sun/Public holidays: 09.00 - 19.00

Do you have dogs?

How to get to Sihlwald and Langenberg

We recommend traveling by public transport.

Contact us

Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation
Old Sihltalstrasse 38
8135 Sihlwald
+41 44 722 55 22
info@wildnispark.ch

You can reach us by phone
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.
Mon - Fri: 13.00 - 16.00
Sat, Sun and public holidays: 13.00 - 17.00

Support the park
  • Our donation account:
  • IBAN: CH14 0070 0110 0017 3782 3,
  • Account no. 80-151-4,
  • Zurich Cantonal Bank