Discover Kilchberg on Lake Zurich

Kilchberg can be explored through a range of themes: literary and local history, the Lindt chocolate world, and paths and swimming spots on Lake Zurich. During your stay, you can focus on culture, time by the water or a hike.

Literature, local history and music

The C. F. Meyer House brings together a literary museum, a Zurich porcelain museum and a local history museum. The exhibitions explore the local and church history of the area, fishing on Lake Zurich and viticulture. In the study of former house owner Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, you can see the furnishings, library, pictures and some personal belongings. The house thus combines literature with insights into the history of the area.

The house also hosts events, including regular concerts, readings and talks. Annual park concerts are held in the large garden on the grounds in early July. At the Kulturkafi, you can enjoy coffee in the garden room or on the veranda. If you plan to visit the café, it is worth checking what is currently on offer.

The church on the hill was first mentioned in 1248. After the wooden church was burned down by the Confederates during the Old Zurich War, it was later replaced by a solid stone building. It still occupies a prominent position in Kilchberg. Kilchberg Cemetery is a park-like memorial site immediately beside the Evangelical Reformed Church. Visitors come here to pay their respects to, among others, Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, Thomas Mann and Golo Mann. From the cemetery, the view stretches across the lake, meadows and forests to the snow-covered foothills of the Alps.

The Kilchberg Choir holds two concerts every year: one during the week before Easter and one during Advent. Exact dates may vary from year to year. Church music thus provides another cultural highlight alongside the events at the C. F. Meyer House.

Chocolate world and hands-on activities

The Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg is a chocolate museum, research centre and visitor attraction all in one. Its interactive chocolate world is designed for all ages. At the Lindt Chocolateria, you can make your own chocolate bars, figurines and lollipops under expert guidance and take your creations home. Courses are available for groups and individuals, and you can also create chocolate together with a Lindt Maître Chocolatier. If you are interested in a course, it is advisable to check the current booking terms.

The Lindt Chocolate Shop covers more than 500 square metres and sells chocolate and pralines. The café serves savoury meals and snacks. The museum experience, hands-on chocolate activities and shopping are all in one place, while the C. F. Meyer House offers a visit with a stronger focus on literature and local history.

Lakeside swimming, parks and indoor pool

Kilchberg has eight public parks directly on the lake. You can swim in Lake Zurich or stroll along the shore. The Kilchberg lido has a paddling pool for children, play equipment and a slide into the lake. It is wheelchair-accessible and has a pool lift for access to the lake and pool, as well as a wheelchair-accessible parking space and toilet.

The indoor pool has five 25-metre lanes and a diving area with a one-metre springboard. The wellness area includes bio and Finnish saunas, as well as a steam room with a cold-water pool outdoors. From Kilchberg railway station, take bus route 162 to the Neuweid Kilchberg stop; from there, it is a three-minute walk to the indoor pool. Three bus routes also connect Kilchberg with Adliswil, Rüschlikon and Zurich.

Water trail and hiking route

The municipality’s water trail leads to several sites that are important for the water supply, recreation or as habitats. Allow one to two hours to walk the trail; stops along the way may affect the total time. You can start at a station of your choice and visit the stations in any order. Check access to your chosen station before travelling. One example of the trail’s ecological focus is the pond behind the parish centre: it is already marked on maps from 1850 and provides a habitat for endangered species, amphibians, dragonflies and other aquatic life.

At 12.7 kilometres and three hours and 20 minutes, the Zurich Lake hiking route is a longer option. It is classified as moderately difficult and suitable for families. After passing through quiet residential neighbourhoods, the route reaches Kilchberg Church. The stated walking times make the difference between the two options clear: the water trail is planned for one to two hours, while the hiking route requires considerably more time.

Stockengut and local products

Stockengut is open to visitors and offers space for relaxation, fun and socialising; the farm access rules apply. The farm shop sells eggs, as well as selected products from neighbouring farms and small local producers. A vending machine by the farm shop is available around the clock and offers, among other things, milk, eggs, cider, sausages, dried apple rings, honey and sweets. The selection may change. The farm shop and vending machine thus complement the cultural and nature attractions with an opportunity to discover products from the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Adliswil, Schönenberg, Langnau Am Albis, Rüschlikon, Wädenswil, Richterswil, Horgen, Hirzel.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Horgen.