Pfäffikon: Nature, Lake and Local History

On the northern and eastern shores of Lake Pfäffikon lies Pfäffikon in the Zurich Oberland. The 306.5-hectare lake shapes the landscape and combines nature experiences by the water with traces of local history.

Moorland, Reeds and Lake

Lake Pfäffikon is a moorland landscape of national importance, as well as an amphibian spawning area and waterbird and migratory bird reserve of national importance. Torfriet is also among the protected natural areas: it is a 3.2-hectare raised bog of national importance. These different landscape forms give the lake area its distinctive natural character.

The Lake Pfäffikon circular trail passes tall reed beds and moorlands that provide habitats for numerous animal and plant species. Walking, cycling and nature-oriented leisure activities are possible by the lake. Visitors who would like to learn more about these habitats and their inhabitants can see an exhibition at the Lake Pfäffikon Nature Centre. The centre also offers public nature events, excursions and private guided tours; check dates and booking conditions in advance.

Lakeside Promenade, Boat Rental and Lido

You can stroll along the Pfäffikon lakeside promenade, which is also a venue for various community events. The boat rental is also located there and offers up to 50 rowing boats. The rental service is seasonal, so it is worth checking availability before your visit.

The lakeside lido has a swimming pool, access to the lake and a sauna; water slides are also available there in summer. Check seasonal operating details and access before your visit. Motorboats are not allowed on Lake Pfäffikon. If you would like to barbecue, you may do so only at the designated fire pits.

Local History and Historical Experiences

Established in 2024, the Pfäffikon Cultural Trail initially describes 16 historic objects. Information boards and QR-code information that can be accessed online supplement the stops. A historical guided tour offers a different focus: “Bachuf und bachab with night watchman Isidor” follows the almost vanished Pfäffikon village stream and explores industrialisation, home working and hydropower. “Soipfe-Karis Gasse-Gschichte” also introduces local topics, including field names, street names, fountains and accidents. Public tour dates may vary.

Irgenhausen Roman Fort was built in the 4th century to control a road that led from the Graubünden mountain passes via present-day Rapperswil to Winterthur and onward to the Rhine. It is considered the best-preserved Roman ruin in northeastern Switzerland. Local history goes back even further: Neolithic lakeshore settlements, popularly known as “pile-dwelling villages,” have been documented at several sites in Pfäffikon.

The Zehntenhaus is one of Pfäffikon’s oldest houses and dates from the 16th century. An aircraft rafter, kept at the Museum am Pfäffikersee, is dated 1599. The museum is housed in an Oberland double Flärz house dating from the 17th century on the lakeside promenade; its permanent exhibition displays numerous prehistoric finds from Pfäffikon and the surrounding area. Pfäffikon Reformed Church was remodelled in the Gothic style between 1484 and 1488. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check opening hours before visiting.

Markets and Events Throughout the Year

The Pfäffikon weekly market takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seestrasse. Local producers offer vegetables, fruit, baked goods, meat, fish and dairy products; the selection of stalls may vary. Operating details may also change seasonally, so check them before your visit.

Recurring events include the Trout Festival, where around 2,800 trout are prepared in Europe’s largest fish pan. Check the dates separately. Reeds Festival is an annual three-day reggae and world music festival at the Pfäffikon lakeside promenade. It features food and drinks from around the world as well as the Reeds Bazar; the programme and offerings vary with each edition. Musikante-Sunntig has been held annually at the lakeside promenade since 1987; the exact date varies. At Kino Open am Pfäffikersee, a free concert at the lakeside promenade at 7:30 p.m. each evening is part of the event format; dates and programme may change.

For travel planning, it is worth checking the conditions for each offering: the lido and boat rental are seasonal, and event dates vary. Trains to Pfäffikon from Zurich, Winterthur and Wetzikon run every half hour; check the timetable for your travel day.

Discover more destinations: Pfäffikon, Fehraltorf, Wila, Bauma, Sternenberg, Weisslingen, Illnau-Effretikon, Hittnau, Lindau.

For the main travel overview: Zurich.