Uster: Nature and Culture around Lake Greifensee

Lake Greifensee and Nature Conservation

The Uster district comprises municipalities around Lake Greifensee, the largest lake located entirely within the Canton of Zurich. Lake Greifensee lies at the heart of the Greifensee protected area, the largest nature reserve in the canton. Its reed beds are important habitats for around 400 plant species and more than 160 bird species. The lake, reeds and protected area make outings here a nature-focused experience: observe the landscape and its wildlife, or choose trails along the water.

The trails around Lake Greifensee are suitable for hiking, jogging, cycling, wheelchair hiking and inline skating. From the Niederuster boat station, lakeside paths follow the shore towards Greifensee or Riedikon. When planning, you can choose between a route along the shore and an activity on the water; the trail information covers different ways of getting around.

Trails and Boat Trips

A scheduled boat service runs year-round on Lake Greifensee between Maur and Uster. Round trips are offered from spring to autumn. The «Greif» paddle steamer adds nostalgic cruises to the service; it is Switzerland’s oldest paddle steamer and dates from 1895. The different options can be chosen according to the type of trip and season you prefer. If your plans depend on a specific departure, check the timetable in advance.

The Silberweide Nature Centre offers a nature experience with several stops along the way: its discovery trail passes flower meadows, hedges and ponds. From the observation hut, you can watch birds almost unnoticed and without disturbing them. The «Nature Lab» exhibition invites visitors to discover the world of fungi at interactive research stations. At the natural adventure playground, visitors can climb, explore and play. The nature centre thus brings together the landscape, wildlife observation, an exhibition and active pursuits in one place.

Art, History and Local Culture

At the Bechtler Foundation, exhibitions meet outdoor art. The foundation presents temporary exhibitions twice a year and offers guided tours and an educational programme. Behind the museum building is the freely accessible Zellweger Park, where important works of international and Swiss contemporary art are on display. Visitors interested in different forms of art will find both changing exhibitions and works in the open air here.

Uster and the surrounding region also offer opportunities to explore industrial history. The Zürcher Oberland Industrial Heritage Trail is considered Switzerland’s first historical themed trail devoted to industry. Its 30-kilometre route includes 50 sites related to technological, economic and social history; the trail starts in Uster and can easily be divided into stages. The BUAG/Aabach ensemble is another part of Uster’s industrial history: it comprises former 19th-century industrial buildings, once scattered throughout Uster and now back in use.

The Ustertag is a regular fixture in the local calendar. It is celebrated every year on a Sunday in mid- or late November, with a ceremony in Uster’s Reformed Church. Musical performances accompany the ceremony, followed by an aperitif and a traditional risotto meal. If you would like to include this event in your trip, check the specific event dates.

Greifensee Castle is another destination for history enthusiasts and is considered a landmark of Uster. For centuries, it served as the prominent residence of the bailiffs of the imperial city of Zurich. Today, the castle is a place for cultural exchange, continuing education and information. The castle and the historic town of Greifensee can be visited on a guided tour led by an expert.

The Swiss Non-Commissioned Officers’ Museum and SwissJazzOrama offer further insights into cultural history. The Non-Commissioned Officers’ Museum displays uniforms, equipment, wagons, guns and harnesses related to Swiss military history in the 19th and 20th centuries; it also honours the contributions of non-commissioned officers in the militia army. SwissJazzOrama documents the history of jazz in Switzerland and abroad. Its gallery regularly hosts live events and themed exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Egg, Dübendorf, Greifensee, Uster, Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, Volketswil, Maur, Mönchaltorf.

Return to the main travel overview: Zurich.