Starting Your Journey at Place Neuve

Begin your 2026 Geneva walk at Place Neuve. This square sits right at the edge of the historic district. You will find the Grand Théâtre and the Rath Museum here. It serves as the perfect gateway to the park.

Look for the large iron gates of Bastions Park. These gates mark the entrance to a peaceful green space. Entrance to the park is free for all visitors. It stays open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Take a moment to admire the statues in the square. The Grand Théâtre is an architectural masterpiece. It was built in the late 19th century. This area is always bustling with cultural energy.

Walking Route for Reformation Wall and Bastions Park

Enter the park and follow the wide central path. This walking route for Reformation Wall and Bastions Park is very easy to navigate. The path is flat and paved for comfortable walking. You will see giant chess sets on your right side.

Walk past the students from the University of Geneva. This area feels lively and academic during the weekdays. Locals love to gather here for lunch or coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for travelers.

Continue straight toward the massive stone wall on the left. This monument is built into the old city fortifications. It stretches for about 100 meters along the park boundary. You cannot miss the towering figures carved into the stone.

This path connects perfectly with a broader Old Town historic walking tour. You can easily spend an hour exploring just this section. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is mostly gravel. The route is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs too.

Exploring the Reformation Wall Statues

The Reformation Wall honors the main figures of the Protestant Reformation. You will see four giant statues in the center. These stand five meters tall against the limestone wall. They represent the following leaders:

• William Farel (The first to preach in Geneva)
• John Calvin (The leader of the movement)
• Theodore Beza (Calvin's successor)
• John Knox (Founder of Scottish Presbyterianism)

Smaller statues and reliefs flank the central figures. These depict other important leaders and historical events. You can read the motto "Post Tenebras Lux" carved above them. It means "After darkness, light" in Latin.

Take time to look at the detailed carvings. Each scene tells a story of religious and political change. Many visitors spend 20 minutes reading the inscriptions. It is one of the most photographed spots in Geneva.

The wall was built between 1909 and 1917. It commemorates the 400th anniversary of John Calvin's birth. The design is simple but very powerful. It reflects the austere nature of the Reformation movement.

Top Highlights of Bastions Park

Bastions Park was Geneva's first botanical garden. Today, it remains a favorite spot for locals and tourists. You can enjoy the shade of ancient trees during summer. The park looks especially beautiful when flowers bloom in spring 2026.

Visit the Pavilion Café for a quick break. This historic building offers snacks and drinks with a great view. It is located near the center of the park. Prices for a coffee usually range from 4 to 6 CHF.

Don't miss the giant life-sized chess boards. You can watch locals play intense matches every afternoon. It is a unique Geneva tradition that anyone can join. This area is great for a scenic walk in Geneva.

The park also hosts the Palais Eynard. This beautiful building serves as the seat of the city government. You can admire its neoclassical architecture from the park paths. It adds a touch of elegance to your walking route.

During winter, the park often hosts a charming ice rink. This makes it a great destination for 2026 winter travelers. Families love the safe and open spaces for children. It is truly the green lung of Geneva.

Connecting Your Walk to the Old Town

Exit the park via the ramp near the Reformation Wall. This path leads you up toward the historic center. You will find yourself on the Promenade de la Treille.

This spot features the longest wooden bench in the world. From here, you can continue your self-guided historic walking tour of Geneva. The cobblestone streets are just steps away.

Check out the view of the Salève mountain from the terrace. On clear days, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. This is a great spot for a quick rest. Many guided tours stop here for historical context.