Opfikon combines insights into life in the former village with a varied park and a seasonal cultural program. The town is in the district of BĂĽlach in the canton of Zurich; the municipality also includes the locality of Glattbrugg. That is why the municipality is often unofficially called Opfikon-Glattbrugg.
Urban Change and Village History
Since the turn of the millennium, the built-up areas of the city of Zurich and the municipality of Opfikon have grown together in the Glattpark and Glattbrugg area. The 2019 land-use statistics put built-up areas at 44.5 percent and transport areas at 21.3 percent of the municipality. Agricultural land accounted for 16.4 percent, forest for 15.9 percent and bodies of water for 2.0 percent. Opfikon can therefore be explored both through its urban development and its older village connections.
The museum apartment in the Dorf-Träff reflects former village life, with its struggles to make a living, craft skills and small vanities. The nearly 350-year-old house stands at Brunnenplatz in Opfikon’s lower village. Another landmark is the tower of Opfikon, which defines the old village. It was once part of a chapel that must have existed as early as the 13th or 14th century.
Cultural Events with a Variety of Themes
The Mettlen small theater presents music, literature, cabaret and theater in the assembly hall of the Lättenwiesen school building. The venue is at Giebeleichstrasse 48, 8152 Glattbrugg. As the program changes seasonally, it is worth checking the event dates for your stay.
The gallery in the town hall also features changing exhibitions: twice a year, for several weeks, paintings, photographs, sculptures and other works by various artists are displayed across three floors. If you are planning a visit in September, you can also make a note of the food festival. It takes place on the last Saturday of the month, when people from all over the world present their favorite dishes. Be sure to check the date and program again before making plans.
Opfikerpark and Outdoor Activities
Opfikerpark offers opportunities for relaxation, walks, nature watching, games, swimming, sunbathing and skating. The water in Glattpark Lake reaches bathing-water quality. If you would rather explore the park on foot, the Gschichtliweg is a signposted walking trail about three kilometers long and suitable for strollers. Audio-story segments can be accessed by smartphone at ten stops.
The Gschichtliweg is part of Opfitrail, a free family activity. A new story is added about every four months, and the content may change. Check which story is currently available before your visit. As another option at the skate park, the 2024 annual report noted that vehicles could be rented at the kiosk. A bicycle repair workshop with young people from the operations group was also held there. If you are planning to rent a vehicle, check current availability in advance.
Wellness and Bicycle Rental Information
The Opfikon leisure pool has a separate wellness area with a Finnish sauna, sanarium, steam bath, ice-mist shower, tropical rain shower, Kneipp hoses and a Kneipp foot bath. It also has three relaxation rooms and an outdoor courtyard with a cold-water pool. There is also a warm-water whirlpool in a 100-square-meter outdoor area. As operating details may change, check them before your visit if the wellness area is important to your plans.
For bicycle rental, the city signed a five-year service contract at the end of 2024 in connection with its participation in the PubliBike system. From 2025, the service is part of Züri Velo 2.0. If you would like to use the rental service, check its current operating status in advance. That way, you can choose Opfikon’s cultural offerings, village history, park and leisure pool according to the dates and activities that best suit your stay.
Discover more destinations: Rorbas, Höri, Kloten, Bassersdorf, Bülach, Eglisau, Wallisellen, Lufingen.
Return to the main travel overview: BĂĽlach.
