29 March 2026 – 25 October 2026
Mon – Thu: closed
Fri – Sun and public holidays: 13.00 – 17.00
Closed during wintertime
Opening hours
Visitor center and exhibition
Welcome to the Sihlwald forest!
Sihlwald
Financial support
The Visitor Center is supported by the Charitable Fund of the Canton of Zurich.
Visitor Center
In the Visitor Center you can get information for your trip to the wilderness. At the same time, it houses a book store and an exhibition. In an idyllic location directly on the banks of the river Sihl, the outdoor area is equipped with an otter enclosure, fireplaces and a wilderness playground.
Sihlwald Exhibition
From commercial to natural forest
The Sihlwald exhibition shows how the commercial forest is developing into a natural forest. Here, the Sihlwald, its history and its inhabitants come to life on two floors.
Shop Visitor Center Sihlwald
Welcome to the book paradise!
Over 1000 different book titles for young and old invite you to browse and buy. In addition, there are utensils for hobby researchers and souvenirs for young and old.
Wild bee hotel
©Wildnispark Zürich/Abigél Schnellmann
Small animal commune
Nature paradise in mini format
We promote biodiversity with branch and stone piles and a huge bee hotel. Discover the animal communities. Watch the wild bees collecting pollen and building nests and catch a glimpse of the sand lizards.
Searching for clues for children
Butterflies and Caterpillars
Clever detectives can solve various puzzles about butterflies and caterpillars at the visitor centre from Friday to Sunday. Anyone who solves them all will be rewarded with a prize. This event is sponsored by Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Offer in German only.
Supporting small animals at home
Set up your own Small Animal Commune
Small structures support plants and animals that would otherwise find little habitat. Help us and support native biodiversity in your garden or on your balcony. Even small changes often have a big impact.
Pro Natura Nature Mobile
Hedgehog – Animal of the Year 2026
The Naturmobile by Pro Natura presents the Animal of the Year 2026: the Common Hedgehog, also known as the West European Hedgehog.
Wilderness playground
Where children's dreams come true
Branch nests, suspension bridges, ropes and a snake made of wood stimulate the imagination of our youngest guests. Brave children slip into the thick and hollow tree trunk and feel like a woodpecker inside. Climbing, romping, swinging, splashing - our youngest guests experience great adventures here.
Fireplaces
Firewood on safe
Shaded in front of the Visitor Center you will find three fireplaces with seating. We provide firewood free of charge, you will find it well protected in close proximity to the fireplaces.
