On the upper part of Lake Zurich, Lachen combines nature and water activities with public art, historic sites and recurring festivals. The Aahorn nature reserve, various ways to get active by the lake and a rich townscape each offer a different focus. When choosing your stay, you can decide whether you would most like to experience the landscape, culture or seasonal events.
Lake, Nature and Activities
The Aahorn nature reserve is an important protected natural area in Lachen. The lakeside also plays a part in local leisure activities: when temperatures rise, water sports enthusiasts make active use of it. Lachen’s lido offers spacious sunbathing lawns with shade-giving trees, a separate play lawn and a beach volleyball court. These options offer distinct experiences, from spending time by the water to getting active on the playing field.
There are various cycling routes around Lachen. With varying levels of difficulty, they lead to nearby recreational areas and usually offer views of Lachen and the Obersee. Another option is the Obersee adventure trail: this themed trail is around 37 kilometres long and runs around the upper part of Lake Zurich. You can start in Lachen and explore it on foot or by bike. Interactive adventure stops combine stories with activities about nature, culture and myths, with figures accompanying visitors along the way. Comparing the options reveals different formats: individual mountain bike tours with varying levels of difficulty or a themed trail covering the region.
In summer, the Obersee ferry offers return trips in both directions between Lachen, Altendorf and Rapperswil. As this is a seasonal service, it is advisable to check operating times before travelling.
Art and Local History
The Raff Monument commemorates the composer Joseph Joachim Raff, who was born in Lachen in 1822. The Trüller on the northern harbour mole tells a different story: the former pillory or stone of shame stands as a reminder of Lachen’s former judicial system. Its “1876” marking recalls the flood in June of that year.
The fountains, chapels and striking buildings also offer insights into the town’s history. The Marienbrunnen at Kreuzplatz is considered Lachen’s oldest village fountain and dates from around 1794. The present-day chapel “zur schmerzhaften Mutter im Ried” (Our Lady of Sorrows in Ried) was built in the Baroque style from 1679 and consecrated in 1684 by Georg Sigismund, auxiliary bishop of Constance. The old town hall was built in 1506; the towers of the Church of the Holy Cross are dated to 1708/11.
The bronze sculpture “TAO” by Bino Bühler of Zurich can also be found in the lakeside park. It was created in 1990 for the “Ars ad Lacum” exhibition. After the harbour was renovated, the sculpture was moved to a new location. Art and local history meet here in different ways: “TAO” recalls an exhibition, while the Trüller recalls the former administration of justice and the flood.
Festivals and Local Produce
The annual Kapellfest takes place on Passion Sunday. In the evening, a candlelit procession makes its way from the chapel in Ried to the parish church. The Lachner Chilbi takes place on the squares by the lake on the first weekend of September; the associated market is held in the lanes of the town centre. As exact dates and programmes vary from year to year, it is worth checking the details for the year you plan to visit.
Lachen’s village market offers seasonal products from the surrounding area, including vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, meat products and homemade specialities. The lakeside promenade at Marina Lachen is home to two restaurants and a bar lounge. The food and drink options range from Mediterranean Italian cuisine and lounge fare to a rustic steakhouse style. Marina Lachen is situated right by the water at the southernmost point of Lake Zurich and offers a place for dining and leisure. The market and marina complement the nature and culture experiences with different ways to include local produce and dining in your stay.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Tuggen, Reichenburg, Innerthal, Vorderthal, Wangen.
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