Lachen on Lake Zurich’s upper shore

Lachen is located on the upper shore of Lake Zurich. When choosing a destination, several themes come together here: the lakeside and leisure activities, the Aahorn nature reserve, routes in the surrounding area and historic landmarks in the town. There are also recurring events. If you are looking for a hotel, you can choose Lachen based on whether you want to focus on the lake, nature, outdoor activities or local history during your stay.

Lakeside, nature and trails

Marina Lachen lies at the southernmost point of Lake Zurich, right by the water. It offers a place for dining and leisure. Its lakeside promenade has two restaurants and a bar lounge. The dining options range from Mediterranean and Italian cuisine to lounge-style offerings and a rustic steakhouse.

Lachen’s village market offers seasonal products from the surrounding area, including vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, meat products and homemade specialities. The lido also has several areas: spacious sunbathing lawns with shade trees, a separate play area and a beach volleyball court. When temperatures rise, water sports enthusiasts make active use of the lake access.

The Aahorn nature reserve is an important protected natural area in Lachen. Various bike tours around the town lead to nearby recreational areas. They differ in difficulty and usually offer views of Lachen and the Obersee. The bike tours therefore stand out for their different levels of difficulty and views, while the Obersee Adventure Trail offers a different experience.

The Obersee Adventure Trail is a themed route of around 37 kilometres around the upper part of Lake Zurich. You can start in Lachen and explore it on foot or by bike. At interactive activity stations, characters tell stories and set tasks related to nature, culture and myths. Different features can therefore help you compare the routes: the bike tours are characterised by their levels of difficulty and usually their views, while the adventure trail is defined by its approximate length and the stations with stories and tasks.

In summer, the Obersee ferry offers return trips in both directions between Lachen, Altendorf and Rapperswil. Check seasonal operating times before you travel.

Local history and recurring events

Lachen’s cultural heritage reflects several chapters of its history. The Raff Monument commemorates composer Joseph Joachim Raff, who was born in Lachen in 1822. The bronze sculpture «TAO» by Bino Bühler of Zurich was created in 1990 for the «Ars ad Lacum» exhibition. After the harbour was renovated, it was moved to a new location and can still be found in Lachen’s lakeside gardens; its exact location may change.

The Trüller at the northern harbour mole is a former pillory or stone of shame and recalls Lachen’s former judicial system. Its «1876» marking commemorates the flood of June 1876. The Marienbrunnen, Lachen’s oldest village fountain, dating from around 1794, stands at Kreuzplatz. The town’s architectural history is also evident: the old town hall was built in 1506, and the towers of the Holy Cross parish church date from 1708/11.

The present-day chapel «zur schmerzhaften Mutter im Ried» was built in the Baroque style from 1679 and consecrated in 1684 by Georg Sigismund, auxiliary bishop of Constance. The annual chapel festival takes place on Passion Sunday. In the evening, a candlelight procession leads from the chapel in Ried to the parish church; the specific programme may vary from year to year.

The Lachen Chilbi takes place on the first weekend in September in the squares by the lake. The associated market is held in the lanes of the village centre. Dates and programmes vary from year to year; check the details for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Tuggen, Innerthal, Wangen, Reichenburg, Vorderthal.

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