Monte Diggelmann

Have you ever wondered how a hill in Zurich came to be named after a man who fought against its very creation? This is the story of Monte Diggelmann. It all started in the 1960s when the University of Zurich wanted to expand its campus. They chose a site called Irchel, a green space in the Oberstrass district. Walter Diggelmann, the president of the Oberstrass district association, was against the development. He fought to save the green space for nature and agriculture. However, he lost the battle, and the university built its new campus. Despite his defeat, Walter Diggelmann managed to secure a small percentage of the land as a natural zone. And this is where the story of Monte Diggelmann begins. The hill, standing at 534 meters above sea level, was created from the earth excavated during the construction of the campus. It is the highest point in the Irchel park, offering stunning views of Zurich, the Limmat Valley, and the Lägern ridge. Walter Diggelmann might have lost the battle for the university site, but he gained something more valuable: a space for nature and a hill that serves as a reminder of his fight. Today, people climb Monte Diggelmann to enjoy the panoramic views and admire the surrounding greenery. The hill is also a popular spot for sledding during the colder months. Perhaps the next time you are in Zurich, climb up Monte Diggelmann and remember the man who fought to save this green space.