Discover Pfäffikon

A stay in Pfäffikon can bring together nature on Lake Pfäffikon, cultural history and seasonal activities by the water. The different visiting conditions are important when planning your trip: nature events and guided tours follow a programme, museums have their own opening hours or require visits by arrangement, and boat rental availability may vary by season.

Nature and trails around Lake Pfäffikon

A nature reserve surrounds Lake Pfäffikon, providing a habitat for many animals that live by the lake. The Pfäffikersee Nature Centre has an exhibition about the habitats around the lake and the species that live there; exhibition topics may change. The centre offers public nature events, excursions and private guided tours. Check the programme and availability before your visit. The nature centre is a ten-minute walk from Pfäffikon ZH station. Trains to Pfäffikon run every half hour from Zurich, Winterthur and Wetzikon; check the timetable before travelling.

The pile-dwelling trail runs along Lake Pfäffikon and features ten stations where visitors can discover various aspects of life in the past. The trail is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Irgenhausen Castle lies directly on the lakeside circular trail. The trails offer different points of interest: the pile-dwelling trail focuses on its ten stations and life in the past, while the lakeside circular trail passes directly by a Roman fort.

Roman traces and local history

Irgenhausen Castle is considered the best-preserved Roman ruin in northeastern Switzerland. It dates from the 3rd or 4th century. The site is interesting both for its Roman history and for its location on the lakeside circular trail.

The Museum am Pfäffikersee complements this perspective with a rich prehistoric collection. It documents domestic life and trades in the 18th and 19th centuries, home working and industrialisation. During the 2026 season, the museum is open on Sundays from 1 March to 25 October, 2–5 pm. It is closed during the summer holidays from 12 July to 16 August 2026; admission is free. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Since 2024, the Pfäffikon Cultural Trail has described 16 historic sites in Pfäffikon ZH. Plaques on the buildings provide information about their individual histories. You can visit the sites in person using a map and scan QR codes at the stops; all the sites can also be viewed online. The historic buildings include the Zehntenhaus, one of Pfäffikon’s oldest houses, dating from the 16th century. As a former multi-purpose building, it is of outstanding importance to the townscape and the character of the group of houses in the western part of the village.

The Reformed Church of Pfäffikon ZH stands just a few metres from the lakeside promenade. The present Late Gothic building was constructed between 1484 and 1488. Visitors seeking a quiet moment can visit the church daily from 9 am to 4 pm; check the hours before travelling. The Beck Typewriter Museum explores the beginnings of the typewriter and office automation. Its collection includes more than 300 exhibits. Visits are possible by arrangement, so you should confirm an appointment in advance.

Activities by the water and seasonal dates

At the lakeside promenade in Pfäffikon, the boat rental service offers up to 50 rowing boats on Lake Pfäffikon. Availability may vary by season; check before making plans. Baumen Lido has a heated swimming pool at 24°C and two marked 50-metre swimming lanes. Other facilities include a section of the lake where motorboats are not permitted, 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards, and a sauna on site. These facility details may change between seasons; check before your visit.

The Forellenfest is a traditional event at the lakeside promenade in Pfäffikon ZH. In 2026, it was held for the 54th time. Around 2,800 trout are prepared at the festival in Europe’s largest fish pan. If you plan to attend a future event, check its date.

When looking for a hotel in Pfäffikon, you can plan your travel dates around the visits you have in mind. Visiting conditions vary: the Museum am Pfäffikersee has fixed seasonal opening hours, visits to the Beck Typewriter Museum are by arrangement, and rowing boat availability may vary by season. Check these details against the timetable and future event dates before finalising your trip.

Discover more destinations

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

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