Frauenwinkel is the last large undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Zurich. Its open landscape is an important resting place for waterbirds and a breeding ground for various rare marsh and reed-dwelling bird species. The Höfe district encompasses the slope between Etzel and Lake Zurich. A notable excursion destination in Feusisberg is Hochetzel, which, at 1,098 metres, is a popular place to visit.
Shoreline landscapes and trails
Amphibians and dragonflies can be observed at a pond in the Langacher nature reserve. The Frauenwinkel–Luegeten circular trail is accessible by train from Pfäffikon SZ and starts right by the station. On the way back towards Pfäffikon, the trail follows the Way of St. James (ViaJacobi). The Obersee Experience Trail runs from the Visitor Center in Rapperswil across the wooden footbridge to Pfäffikon and on to Altendorf. After crossing Lake Zurich on a wooden footbridge from the Hurden peninsula, the Way of St. James from Rapperswil to Einsiedeln continues to Pfäffikon.
Ufenau Island
Ufenau is part of the Höfe district. From Pfäffikon SZ, the island can be reached by scheduled boat in around ten minutes from April to October. Check seasonal sailing times before your trip. A lakeside path runs all the way around Ufenau; it takes about half an hour to walk around the island. The Church of St. Peter and Paul is a Romanesque religious building. The Ufnau island restaurant serves local specialities and regional classics, using produce from the Lake Zurich region and the monastery’s wine cellar. Check the latest opening information before your visit.
History and culture
The name Höfe dates back to the medieval division into the Vorderer Hof around Pfäffikon SZ and the Hinterer Hof around Wollerau. Both areas originally belonged to the estates of Einsiedeln Abbey. The Alte Säge in Schindellegi houses a saw frame installed in 1852, considered the oldest surviving operational example of its kind. Cultural events are often held there, and private individuals can also rent the Alte Säge. Every spring, the Sagiverein Schindellegi holds the Sagiputz there; public sawing demonstrations are also part of the event.
Every Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the Vögele Cultural Centre offers a public guided tour of its exhibition; no registration is required. Its generously staged thematic exhibitions focus on issues of social relevance, with individual exhibitions changing over time. The castle tower in Pfäffikon was built in the mid-13th century as a defensive tower to repel enemy attacks and protect income from the monastery’s estates. Today, it is used for cultural events and private celebrations. Regular readings and concerts are held there under the name Kulturm. Check the latest guided tour and event dates before visiting.
Swimming and activities
The lidos offer a variety of shoreline and water facilities. Bäch lido has a wide, gently sloping sandy area in the lake, a jetty extending into the lake and a raft on the water. Facilities also include a paddling pool and a playground with equipment for children. Seebadi Freienbach has two-metre-high diving boards on a raft, as well as a separate non-swimmer area for younger visitors. Pfäffikon lido has an 80-metre-wide pebble beach, a diving board and a small waterslide on a raft. As individual facilities may change, check the details before your visit.
Another way to get active is the Pfäffikon pump track, right next to Steg School. The track features curves and rollers and can be used with bicycles, skateboards, kickboards and inline skates. Check the latest access conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Freienbach, Feusisberg, Wollerau, Gersau, Schwyz, March, Küssnacht, Einsiedeln.
Back to the main travel overview: Schwyz.
