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#1460 Platzspitz

Platzspitz, Zürich, Switzerland

About this stone

This small triangular park sits nestled between the Sihl and Limmat rivers, right next to the main railway station. Despite its central location, it offers a quiet green escape where people come to relax and walk, surrounded by trees and river views. With over 450 years of history, it ranks among the oldest parks in the city, having transformed from a medieval gathering space into a modern, peaceful oasis. The spot carries a complex and fascinating past—it was known worldwide as "Needle Park" during the 1980s and early 1990s, when it became the site of a major open drug scene with thousands gathering daily. The park was closed and underwent a major restoration in 1992, emerging as a calm, family-friendly destination where little remains visible of that turbulent chapter. Today it stands as a testament to urban renewal and redemption, a place where history, nature, and human resilience intersect.