Zürich Wollishofen Railway Station

Zürich Wollishofen Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Zürich Wollishofen Railway Station stands as a testament to Swiss railway heritage and modern transit efficiency. Located on the scenic left bank of Lake Zürich, the station is not only a pivotal node in Zürich’s extensive public transport network but also a preserved example of 19th-century Swiss architecture. Originally built in Zug (1863–1864) and relocated to Wollishofen in 1897, the station reflects Switzerland’s dedication to adaptive reuse and the conservation of cultural landmarks (eisenbahndenkmalpflege.ch, wikiwand.com). Today, Zürich Wollishofen is served by S-Bahn lines S8 and S24, tram route 7, and several bus lines, offering seamless connections managed by the Zürich Transport Association (ZVV) (ZVV official site).

The station’s accessibility features, proximity to Lake Zürich’s promenade, cultural venues like Rote Fabrik, and the ZSG shipyard with boat tours make it a compelling destination for commuters, tourists, and history enthusiasts alike. This guide provides detailed information on the station’s history, architectural highlights, visitor information, ticketing, accessibility, and tips for exploring nearby attractions.

History and Significance
Practical Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights
- Rote Fabrik
- Other Nearby Sights
Travel Tips & FAQs
Summary and Visitor Tips
Sources and Further Reading

History and Significance

Origins and Relocation

The station building at Zürich Wollishofen is unique in Swiss railway history. Originally constructed in Zug between 1863–1864, it was moved to Wollishofen in 1897 after the expansion of facilities in Zug. This rare act of adaptive reuse preserved a significant example of 19th-century Swiss railway architecture and contributed to the urban development of the Wollishofen quarter, which became part of Zürich in 1893 (eisenbahndenkmalpflege.ch, wikiwand.com).

Architectural Heritage

The station is a classic, symmetrical two-story structure with a gabled roof, constructed from local materials. Its preservation is overseen by Swiss Federal Railways’ Specialist Service for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, in partnership with the Federal Office of Culture and ICOMOS Suisse (eisenbahndenkmalpflege.ch).

Industrial Heritage: The Güterschuppen

The 1928 Güterschuppen (freight shed), built during the early electrification of Swiss railways, is a protected monument. As part of redevelopment efforts, it is being relocated to Bauma and will become a museum for the Dampfbahnverein Zürich Oberland (bahnonline.ch).

Urban Regeneration

The “Wellenlänge” project is revitalizing the area, integrating new residential, commercial, and educational spaces while preserving historical structures, ensuring Wollishofen remains a vibrant community hub (bahnonline.ch).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Station Building: Open daily, typically from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Platforms and Ticket Machines: Accessible 24/7.
Staffed Assistance: Available during peak times; advance booking is recommended for special assistance (SBB Mobile App).

Tickets and Fare Zones

Ticket Purchase: At station vending machines, via the SBB Mobile App, or the ZVV website. Machines accept cash, cards, and contactless payments.
Fare System: Wollishofen is in zone 110 (central Zürich). Tickets are valid across trains, trams, buses, and boats for the duration and zones purchased (ZVV fare system).
Visitor Options: Day passes and the Zürich Card offer unlimited travel plus discounts at museums and attractions (Zürich Card details). The Swiss Travel Pass covers the national network.

Accessibility

Barrier-Free Access: Step-free access, ramps, and underpasses connect platforms and entrances.
Tactile Guidance: For visually impaired travelers.
Multilingual Signage: Directions and audio announcements are provided in multiple languages.
Assistance: Can be arranged via the SBB Call Center Handicap.

Transport Connections

S-Bahn: Lines S8 (Winterthur–Pfäffikon SZ) and S24 (Zürich Oerlikon–Zug) with frequent departures.
Tram: Route 7 links Wollishofen with the city center and Stettbach.
Bus: Lines 70, 184, 185, 161, and 165 serve the station.
Boat: ZSG pier nearby offers passenger boats on Lake Zürich (zuerich.com).

Facilities and Layout

Platforms: Two side platforms, connected by a step-free underpass.
Waiting Areas: Small indoor space with seating.
Food & Retail: Restaurant Peking Garden on-site; additional cafes and shops nearby.
Parking: Bike racks, limited car parking, Mobility car-sharing.
Restrooms & Lockers: No public toilets or lockers on-site; use Zürich Hauptbahnhof facilities if needed.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights

Rote Fabrik

A standout cultural venue, Rote Fabrik is a former 19th-century factory turned arts center in the 1980s. It hosts experimental music, theater, visual arts, and community events, and is known for its industrial architecture and vibrant alternative culture (Rote Fabrik official website).

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–midnight (event times may vary).
Tickets: Purchase online or at the box office; some events and exhibitions are free.
Guided Tours: Offered occasionally; check the official website for details.

Other Nearby Sights

Landiwiese & Saffa-Insel: Parkland and green spaces hosting the Zürcher Theater Spektakel each August.
Villa Belvoir & Belvoirpark: Historic villa with landscaped gardens and a restaurant.
Werkbundsiedlung Neubühl: Modernist housing estate for architecture enthusiasts.
Lake Zürich Promenade: Scenic walking paths and boat cruises with the ZSG.

Travel Tips & FAQs

Tips

Ticketing: Purchase tickets before boarding to avoid fines.
Digital Tools: Use the SBB Mobile App and ZVV app for real-time schedules, ticketing, and journey planning.
Accessibility: Plan ahead for assistance if needed.
Safety: The station is well-lit and monitored.
Restrooms & Luggage: No facilities on-site; plan to use those at Zürich Hauptbahnhof.

FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours of Zürich Wollishofen station?
A: The station is generally open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM; platforms and ticket machines are accessible 24/7.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use vending machines, the SBB Mobile App, the ZVV website, or staffed counters during peak times.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with step-free access, tactile guidance, and support available on request.

Q: Are there attractions nearby?
A: Yes, including the Rote Fabrik, Lake Zürich promenade, Landiwiese, and Belvoirpark.

Q: Are night services available?
A: Yes, ZVV Nighttime Network operates on weekends and public holidays.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Zürich Wollishofen Railway Station blends historical charm with modern convenience. Its preserved heritage building and the protected Güterschuppen exemplify Swiss dedication to railway history, while its integration in the Zürich S-Bahn, tram, and bus network ensures fast, seamless connectivity. The station’s location makes it an excellent gateway to cultural and natural attractions, especially the Rote Fabrik, Landiwiese, and Lake Zürich (bahnonline.ch, ZVV fare system, Rote Fabrik official website, zuerich.com).