Discover Richterswil: Island, Lakeshore and Local History

Richterswil is a municipality in the Horgen district of the Canton of Zurich. If you are looking for a hotel in Richterswil, you can choose based on what you want to shape your stay: local history, the island and lakeshore, a hike or a recurring village event. The municipality brings together a range of themes without requiring you to combine them into a single excursion itinerary.

Lakeshore, Views and Schönenwirt Island

The lakeshore redevelopment in Richterswil includes a 3,000 m² recreational area. It features a new bathing area, rope play equipment for children and viewpoints. A platform and observation tower offer walkers views of the new, nature-rich shallow shoreline. The landscaped shore also includes a wide reed belt that provides a habitat for a variety of animal species. Recreational areas and a natural stretch of shoreline sit side by side.

The lakeside path, completed in 2012, runs between Wädenswil and Richterswil. Viewpoints are also part of the local landscape: from several spots, the view extends across Lake Zurich to the islands of Ufenau, Lützelau and Schönenwirt, as well as to the foothills of the Glarus and Appenzell Alps. The Gottfried-Keller-Plätzli near Burghalden station is considered probably the best-known viewpoint.

Schönenwirt Island is one of the four natural islands in Lake Zurich. Richterswil bought it in 1848 for 100 Swiss francs; the historic deed of sale dated January 5, 1849, is kept in the municipal archive. The island thus combines a nature visit with a tangible piece of local history. It is also one of Richterswil’s appealing lakeside areas, which include the Horn peninsula. The moraine landscape in the Richterswil hills also shapes the area.

According to the municipality’s visitor rules from 2025, the island is open to visitors who enjoy nature. It is not possible to reserve the entire island exclusively, and fires may be lit only at the two designated fire pits. Check the municipality’s current notices before your visit if you are planning to spend time on the island.

Local History and Living Traditions

The Richterswil Local History Museum presents the history of Richterswil and Samstagern. The historical collection is housed in the Haus zum Bären. Old films, accounts, pictures and photographs document local industrial history and village life. Alongside the island’s history, visitors interested in how the town developed can also gain insights into earlier working and living conditions. It is worth checking visitor information in advance when planning a museum visit.

Another cultural highlight is the annual Räbechilbi Richterswil. Around 30 tonnes of autumn turnips are transformed into elaborate lanterns and displayed in a procession. The event also includes more than 20 market stalls in the old village center. The turnip lantern procession is about 1,000 meters long. The lanterns, procession and market offer different facets of the event: you can take in both the craftsmanship and the way the festivities come together in the village center. If the Räbechilbi is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the dates for your chosen year.

Hiking and Other Activities

One hike leads from Richterswil through the Sihl Gorge, via Hütten to Schönenberg, and then continues through the Sihl Gorge. The route runs from Lake Zurich through the Mülitobel, past lakes, ponds and pools, and finally through the Sihl Gorge. This hike offers a different landscape from the lakeshore areas, with water features and the gorge alternating along the way. You can treat the hike as a separate activity alongside a visit to the island or local history museum.

Richterswil’s lido also has a diving facility with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards. If you want to include swimming and diving in your plans, check the lido’s current visitor information. Rail connections can also help with planning your journey: Richterswil is connected to the networks of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Swiss Southeastern Railway (SOB). Check the timetables for the right connection on your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Horgen, Kilchberg, Schönenberg, Langnau Am Albis, Thalwil, Rüschlikon, Hirzel, Wädenswil

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Horgen.