We went for a hike today starting at the Zoo tram stop and doing a 2.5km circle route on Zurichberg. At some stage we passed a permanently constructed wooden building that had only walls on tree sides and was equipped with a fireplace for cooking and benches all around. Does anyone know what this is? Is it for public use? Or for workers in the forests? Do you have to book/pay somewhere?

Thanks!

Sounds like a typical Swiss barbecue site or Grillplatz - motto is "he who arrives first barbecues first"

Here is a link to a map of many such sites

http://www.thomygrill.ch/Start.aspx?languageId=de

or this?

http://www.wandertreff.ch/grillplaet...belweiher.html

could be this one?
http://www.thomygrill.ch/GrillPlaceD...8-1a5578d914bb

Sometimes there is also wood cut ready for use. Leave the area clean and tidy, make sure your fire is out when you go and don't waste the wood provided are about the only rules I know on the 'open' type. (And let us use the nice fire you have made if we arrive after you do!)

That's awesome!!!!

Thank you so much!

There are actually also quite a few of these Grill places that have booking lists, usually attached on one of the walls. If you want to do something more planned, it can be a good idea to book it.

Good luck!