Rüschlikon on Lake Zurich: History, Culture and Recreation

Rüschlikon lies on the western shore of Lake Zurich, about eight kilometres south of Zurich. The local history museum offers insights into Rüschlikon’s history; exhibitions are held regularly at Brahmshaus, and Park im Grüene offers leisure activities. The range extends from insights into the development of the settlement to leisure activities in the park and seasonal cultural events.

Local History in the Village Centre

The well-preserved village centre and local history museum preserve Rüschlikon’s history. The museum is located right in the centre, in a former winegrower’s house. Its distinctive rooms include a large wine cellar and a richly furnished farmhouse kitchen. A shoemaker’s workshop and a general store representing local businesses have also been recreated; a separate room documents the development of the settlement from 1850 onwards.

The local history museum is open on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m., except during school holidays. Check the opening hours before your visit. Tours for groups and schools are also available outside regular opening hours. Rüschlikon’s earlier history includes burial mounds from the Iron Age Hallstatt culture, dating from around 800 to 450 BC. If you specifically wish to visit these archaeological sites, check in advance, as access and interpretations may change.

The dates refer to two different periods: the museum’s room covers the development of the settlement from 1850 onwards, whereas the burial mounds date back to the Hallstatt period.

Brahmshaus, Strohhaus and Culture

Another historical landmark is the former Kurhaus, now Brahmshaus: Johannes Brahms stayed there in 1874. Exhibitions are held regularly at Brahmshaus. A foundation looks after Werner Weber’s estate there, as well as the municipality’s extensive collection of pictures.

Strohhaus has a permanent exhibition about the life and ideas of Gottlieb Duttweiler. Porcelain hand-painted by Adele Duttweiler is also on display there. Kulturüschlikon also organises the annual «Kulturtage Rüschlikon» events. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance.

Park im Grüene and Recreation by the Water

Park im Grüene, above Rüschlikon, enjoys a picturesque setting overlooking Lake Zurich, is open to everyone and is free to enter. There is a large playground for children. Leisure activities include rides on a miniature railway, donkey rides and Kasperlitheater puppet shows. Cultural events are funded and organised by the Migros Culture Percentage and take place during the summer months. As seasonal programmes can change, check the current dates before visiting.

For another activity by the water, Seebad Tracht is free to use. Swimming conditions and access may change seasonally, so check the situation before your visit. Rüschlikon’s recreational area also has a well-maintained course. Rüschlikon boat station and railway station are about 500 metres apart; changes to station access may affect the distance.

Discover more destinations: Thalwil, Richterswil, Langnau Am Albis, Kilchberg, Adliswil, Hirzel, Horgen and Wädenswil.

Back to the main travel overview: Horgen.