Discover Wädenswil on Lake Zurich

Wädenswil on Lake Zurich brings together a range of attractions for your trip: a lakeside path with sections above the water, botanical gardens, vineyards and historic buildings. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on scenery and outdoor activities, a visit to a garden or cultural history.

Lakeside path and Au Peninsula

The lakeside path from Wädenswil to Richterswil follows the shore of Lake Zurich. In places, it runs along wooden boardwalks directly above the water. The path is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; temporary construction work may affect conditions. If you rely on this accessibility, check for any route updates before your visit.

The Au Peninsula on Lake Zurich offers a different landscape, with meadows, forests, vineyards and the small Ausee lake. You can go for a walk, swim and relax there. If swimming is part of your plans, check the specific access information before your visit, as conditions may change.

The municipality of Wädenswil includes not only Lake Zurich but also Lake Hüttnersee and Lake Ausee. Its ponds include Reidbachweiher, Sennweidweiher, Bachgadenweiher, Teufenbachweiher and Schönenbergerweiher. Smaller ravines with waterfalls are also located within the municipality, including Gulmentobel and Reidbachtobel with Giessbachfall.

Botanical gardens at Grüental

The gardens at Grüental are home to more than 4,000 different plant species. The campus, covering around eleven hectares, brings together diverse natural habitats and botanical collections of national importance. The gardens are open year-round from sunrise to sunset and invite visitors to explore independently; temporary closures are possible.

The field botany trail offers a different way to discover plants: an app helps you learn about native species in their natural surroundings. As the app’s availability may change, it is worth checking before your visit.

Winegrowing and group visits

The Wine Museum on Lake Zurich offers group visits throughout the year. Guided tours take you through the museum and vineyard and include a wine tasting or aperitif hosted by a guide. Advance booking is required for these offers. Check booking arrangements with the museum beforehand, as they may change.

Church, local history and exhibitions

The Reformed Church of Wädenswil is a Baroque church built between 1764 and 1767. Hans-Ulrich Grubenmann of Teufen, an architect and bridge builder, was responsible for its construction. The construction period and its connection to Grubenmann give the church a specific place in Wädenswil’s architectural history.

Archaeological finds from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman periods indicate that the area of present-day Wädenswil has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. The Barons of Wädenswil were first mentioned in a 1130 deed of foundation for Fahr Abbey; the authenticity of the document is not entirely certain. They built Alt-Wädenswil Castle in the 13th century.

The Wädenswil Historical Society holds an exhibition at the Kulturgarage Wädenswil each year, running for around four months. As the dates and exhibition periods may change from year to year, check the current details before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Adliswil, Kilchberg, Richterswil, Langnau Am Albis, Hirzel, Rüschlikon, Horgen, Thalwil

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