Discover Wetzikon: Nature, History and the Chilbi Fair

Wetzikon is a small town in the Hinwil district of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. In the Zurich Oberland, it lies near Lake Pfäffikon, between Uster and Rapperswil-Jona. The town offers several themes to consider when choosing a stay: the lake and protected landscapes, history from the Neolithic period to the 21st century, and the Wetzikon Chilbi fair. If you are looking for a hotel in Wetzikon, you can start by weighing your reason for travelling against these interests.

Lake, wetlands and seasonal activities

Auslikon lido is located in the middle of a nature reserve on Lake Pfäffikon. The lido offers opportunities for swimming and playing; during the bathing season, stand-up paddleboards are available for hire there. It operates seasonally. Access and opening hours may change, as may the availability of rental boards. If swimming or hiring a board is part of your plans, check the latest information before your visit.

Robenhauser Riet is a raised and transitional bog of national importance. The two places differ in their natural features: Auslikon lido is associated with swimming, playing and seasonal board rentals, while the focus at Robenhauser Riet is the wetland landscape. Its name refers to two different types of bog.

Museum and pile-dwelling history

Using a wide range of objects, the Wetzikon Museum documents the town’s history from the Neolithic period to the 21st century. Its permanent exhibitions are devoted to pile dwellings and the Roman period. A museum visit thus combines a broad historical overview with two specific exhibition themes that explore different eras. The pile-dwelling trail opened on 1 September 2022. The Wetzikon-Robenhausen site, south of Lake Pfäffikon, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.”

Wetzikon Chilbi fair and festivities

The Wetzikon Chilbi fair offers a different focus from the museum and landscapes: it is a recurring festive event. Across the three days of the fair, there are around 40 rides and game stalls. Food stalls and festival dining areas are also part of the event; individual attractions and vendors may vary. The Chilbi is held on the first Sunday after the Feast of the Assumption each year. Since the exact date varies from year to year, it is worth checking the dates for that year’s event when planning your trip.

Town square and green space

Wetzikon Town Square features cobbled paths, shops, cafés, restaurants, historic buildings and modern facilities. Murgenthal Park is a green space in Wetzikon with opportunities for relaxation and leisure activities. By comparison, Town Square centres on shops, dining and a variety of building types, while the park focuses on green space and relaxation. Together, the two places show different sides of Wetzikon: a square with shops and dining options, and a green space for leisure and relaxation.

Discover more destinations: Wald, Grüningen, Fischenthal, Gossau, Bubikon, Hinwil, Bäretswil, Dürnten

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