Zürichsee-Rundweg

The landscape surrounding Lake Zurich is not only one of the world’s most prestigious areas to dwell, but in addition a greatly contrasting hikers’ paradise that cradles a multitude of pleasant surprises: historical towns and villages, unspoilt shorelines, woods, bubbling streams and a variety of restaurants.

The grand circuit begins at the Zürich Bürkliplatz (See) stop and reaches the shore of Lake Zurich almost immediately. The trail then leads via Adliswil and Horgen to the Au peninsula, where Schloss Au and the small Ausee lie directly on the route. Beyond Richterswil, the long ascent via Schindellegi begins. Near Hirzenstein, the route reaches its highest point at around 1,100 m. Shortly afterwards, the trail passes the wooded Etzel and continues to Etzelpass at 950 m.

The descent reaches Pfäffikon, after which the route follows the open landscape along the Obersee via Lachen and Schmerikon to Rapperswil. There, the castle stands on a rocky spur above the old town. On the northern side of Lake Zurich, meadows, stretches of woodland and settlements alternate. Near Meilen, the route passes the ruins of Burg Friedberg and later the protected Rumensee. It returns to Bürkliplatz through Riesbach. A good 36 hours of hiking should be allowed for the approximately 130 kilometres and 2,900 metres of ascent.