Rieterpark

Rieterpark is a landscaped park in the Enge district of Zürich, Switzerland, surrounding Museum Rietberg and its historic villas on the slope above Lake Zürich. The park was laid out in the 19th century for the Wesendonck and Rieter families and retains an English-style design with sweeping lawns, specimen trees and winding paths. Mature giants such as copper beeches, cedars and ginkgos create shaded corners, and clearings open toward the lake and, on clear days, the Alps. The Villa Wesendonck, once home to the patrons of Richard Wagner, and the modern Smaragd extension of Museum Rietberg stand within the grounds, giving the park an unusual blend of villa architecture, glass pavilion and garden. Visitors can walk freely through the park without a ticket, while entry to the museum is separate. The best photo angles combine the villa façades with the surrounding trees, and the view across the lake from the upper lawns is especially pleasing at sunset. A visit typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, longer if the museum is included. The park is calm on weekday mornings and crowds build on sunny weekends, when families and picnickers use the lawns. Spring blossom and autumn colour are high points. The park is within walking distance of Zürich Enge station and Rieterpark tram and bus stops, and it connects to the lake promenade through Mythenquai. Dogs are allowed on lead, and cycling is restricted on the inner paths. Seating is plentiful, and benches near the Wesendonck villa are popular for quiet reading. The park is part of the city's green network and is maintained by the municipal parks department.