The park contains over 250 species of trees and shrubs, some of which are not native to Central Europe.
It was designed as a private 'English garden' for the Bally family before becoming a public space.
The layout incorporates the 'Aare landscape,' utilizing the river's path to create natural vistas without formal geometric boundaries.
Many trees in the park are marked with informative tags detailing their origin and botanical classification.
The Ballyana museum, located nearby in the former factory complex, documents the history of the company and the park's development.
Bally Park is an English-style landscape garden located in Schönenwerd, commissioned by the Bally shoe company family in the 19th century. The park features an extensive collection of rare, exotic trees and shrubs sourced globally by the shoe manufacturer's representatives. It sits directly along the Aare River, utilizing the natural floodplains to create a lush, semi-wild environment. The grounds include several historical buildings from the Bally industrial era, reflecting the company's historical influence on the region. A network of walking paths winds through the arboretum, providing access to diverse botanical zones. The park serves as a bridge between the industrial heritage of the former Bally factory complex and natural conservation efforts.
The wooden bridge or the riverbank vantage points looking toward the mature willow trees and the factory skyline.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the paths can be unpaved and uneven near the riverbank.
Visit the nearby Ballyana museum for context on the industrial history of the park's creators.
Carry insect repellent if visiting during the summer months due to the proximity to the Aare river wetlands.
Do not attempt to swim in the Aare River near the park, as currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Maintain silence to respect the natural wildlife; keep dogs on a leash.
