Zurich: Pile Dwellings, Natural Landscapes and Culture

At Lake Pfäffikon, the pile-dwelling trail follows a lakeside path past the pile dwellings. Ten stops focus on various aspects of life at the time. Lake Pfäffikon is a protected nature reserve and recreational area in the Canton of Zurich, as well as a wetland landscape of national importance. A walk around the lake leads through the nature reserve, past protected lake and shore zones; waterbirds and rare plants can be observed in the reed beds. The pile-dwelling trail is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for prams. This brings nature observation and insights into the pile-dwelling period together in one place.

Experience and Observe Nature

The Neeracherried is also a protected landscape area. It provides habitats for plants and animals and also serves as a recreational area. Nature centres in the Canton of Zurich offer direct experiences of nature and provide information about plants and animals in nature reserves. At the Thurauen Nature Centre, an exhibition and an adventure trail complement the opportunity to explore the Thurauen. They are considered the largest floodplain area in the Swiss Plateau.

At the southern end of Lake Greifen, marshland and shallow ponds are home to a remarkable diversity of around 400 plant species. The Silberweide Nature Station provides information for trips to Lake Greifen, rents out binoculars and has a barbecue and picnic area. The exhibition and bistro are accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Alongside information about your trip, you will also find practical facilities for your visit.

Hiking and Getting Around

The Zurich Oberland has more than 1,100 kilometres of hiking trails. It lies in the triangle between Zurich, Winterthur and Rapperswil-Jona and is considered a popular recreational area. The Via Natura combines experiences of nature, hiking and learning. The Zurich Oberland can be explored by public transport or on an extended cycling tour; e-bike tours are also possible, including on the traditional Heart Route between Rapperswil and Wattwil.

One hike with a specific duration runs from Albis Pass via Hochwacht to the Sihlwald Visitor Centre: it takes about two hours. Since 2010, Sihlwald has been one of twenty parks of national importance. At Tössstock in the Töss Valley, the landscape is characterised by steep slopes, wild ravines, diverse forests and waterfalls. You can reach the Tössstock area by train to Wald, Fischenthal or Steg, followed by a walk. One of Europe's largest yew populations is found at Uetliberg and Albis; Uetliberg is considered a valuable near-natural landscape and an attractive recreational destination on the outskirts of Zurich.

Castles, Roman Sites and Industrial History

The «Chuigeburg» was first mentioned in 1027. At Kyburg Castle, you can see two exhibitions and visit various rooms. The Roman estate on Mühleberg above Buchs ZH offers a different insight into the past: visitors can see the crypt portico of the manor house, with extensive sections of its wall paintings preserved, as well as a small exhibition. Visits are possible by appointment.

The Roman estate near Seeb in the municipality of Winkel is one of the few preserved Roman ruins in the Canton of Zurich. The foundations of various workshop, agricultural and residential buildings, as well as the lower level of the fountain house, can be visited. At the Neuthal industrial complex, meanwhile, the focus is on the textile industry history of the Zurich Oberland: it houses a collection of 60 historic looms that is unique in Europe. These cultural sites offer different ways to explore the past, from castle rooms and Roman building remains to the history of weaving.

Planning Your Stay

For tourist information and enquiries, visit the Tourist Information office at Zurich Main Station. Zurich Tourism presents a selection of accommodation in the city of Zurich, including a lakeside luxury hotel, hotel offers in Zurich-West, campsites, hostels and youth hostels. This information relates to the city of Zurich; the types of accommodation presented go beyond hotels.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Zurich, Winterthur, Dielsdorf, Bülach, Dietikon, Affoltern, Hinwil, Uster, Horgen, Meilen, Andelfingen, Pfäffikon, Zurich.

Back to the main travel overview: Switzerland.