Küsnacht: Culture, ravines and swimming spots

Local history and art, hikes in the Küsnacht ravine, and seasonal swimming spots offer different ways to enjoy a hotel stay in Küsnacht. As you plan your days, you can focus on culture, hiking or spending time by the water.

Museums, art and local history

The Küsnacht Local History Museum is housed in the former Obere Mühle. Its permanent exhibition includes a rhinoceros in the ravine, the «Küsnachter» tomato variety and an underwater diving tower. Audio installations bring a «corner shop» and a kitchen from Grandma’s time to life. As displays may change, check which exhibits are currently available before your visit.

The C.G. Jung House Museum is located in the former home of Carl Gustav Jung and his family. His study rooms have been preserved in their original condition; the exhibition may change. To get there, take the S-Bahn to Küsnacht and then walk for 15 minutes. Check the latest connections for your travel date. When the Local History Museum is closed, you could take the «Zeitfluss – dem Dorfbach entlang» audio walk by the Küsnacht Cultural Association. Check whether it is available before you travel.

At Seestrasse 123, the Galerie im Höchhuus provides artists from the region with exhibition space in historic rooms. It organises four to five exhibitions a year featuring contemporary painting, sculpture and photography; the number may vary slightly. If you are planning to visit for a particular exhibition, check the changing programme.

The Reformed Church of Küsnacht also offers clearly dated glimpses of different periods. A document dated 30 May 1188 mentions it as «Ecclesia de Chussennacho». The late Gothic choir features frescoes from 1482, and Gian Casty created the choir windows in 1970. The dates thus span an early written mention, late Gothic painting and the later choir windows.

Hikes and points of interest in the Küsnacht ravine

One hiking route starts at Küsnacht ZH railway station and leads through the Küsnacht ravine. The village stream accompanies the path through the gorge; from there, the route climbs through extensive mixed forest to the Pfannenstiel and continues via the Dorfbachtobel ravine to Meilen. The stream and forest ascent give different sections of the same route their character.

A hike lasting just under two hours leads from Forch to Lake Zurich through the idyllic, densely wooded Küsnacht ravine. The season and weather may affect trail conditions. From the Küsnacht ravine, the Lake Zurich circular trail leads to Schübelweiher pond; one stage of the circular trail runs from Küsnacht ZH to Bürkliplatz in Zurich. Before setting out, check the current route, as detours or closures may be in place.

According to local legend, a fearsome dragon is said to have lived in the Dragon’s Cave in the Küsnacht ravine. The site on the Wulp above the ravine was probably already inhabited during the Bronze Age. A longer route leads from the railway station through the ravine and uphill to the castle on the Wulp.

Another natural highlight is Hörnli by the lake. This natural area includes a round sandy patch; its loose sand offers nesting habitat for ground-nesting wild bees and solitary wasps.

Swimming spots by the water

Küsnacht lido has a long sandy beach, several spacious sunbathing lawns and a well-equipped playground. It also has a diving tower and several rafts. The lido operates seasonally, so bear this in mind when planning a day of swimming.

Kusenbad has a playground, a raft and a children’s pool. However, it is not particularly suitable for non-swimmers, as the water becomes deep right by the shore. There are bistro tables at the kiosk where you can enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine. The bistro may operate seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Förch, Obermeilen, Hombrechtikon, Stäfa, Zollikon, Zumikon, Männedorf, Meilen.

Back to the main travel overview: Meilen.