Opening hours

Visitor center and exhibition

Welcome to the Sihlwald forest!
Sihlwald

30 March 2025 – 26 October 2025
Mon – Thu: closed
Fri – Sun and public holidays: 13.00 – 17.00

closed during wintertime

GPS Visitor Center 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.

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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.

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Wild bee hotel of the small anmimal commune on the grounds of the visitor centre in SihlwaldWild bee hotel

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.

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Searching for clues for children

The animals of the Sihlwald

From Friday to Sunday, clever detectives can solve various tasks about the forest animals of the Sihlwald. Those who find out everything will be rewarded with a prize. This offer is supported by Migros Culture Percentage.

Offer in German only.

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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.

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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.

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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.