In Kilchberg, you can plan your stay around a range of interests: the C. F. Meyer House and the church on the hill offer insights into local history, the Water Trail leads to sites related to water supply and aquatic habitats, and public parks line the lake. Other attractions include the Lindt Home of Chocolate and swimming and wellness facilities. When planning, it helps to consider the time required for each activity: the Water Trail is listed as taking one to two hours, while the Zurich Lake hiking route takes considerably longer.
Museums, literature and events
The C. F. Meyer House combines a writers’ museum, a Zurich porcelain museum and a local history museum. The exhibitions cover topics including local and church history, fishing on Lake Zurich and viticulture. One way to connect personally with literary history is to visit the study of former house owner Conrad Ferdinand Meyer. On display are furniture, a library, paintings and some personal belongings. At the Kulturkafi, you can enjoy coffee in the garden hall or on the veranda; check the latest information about what is on offer before your visit.
The house regularly hosts concerts, readings and talks. Every year in early July, open-air concerts are held in the large garden. The Kilchberg Cantorei also puts on two concerts each year: one in the week before Easter and one during Advent. The exact dates and repertoire vary. The Kilchberg Schwinget wrestling festival takes place every six years on the grounds of the Stockengut. As the date varies from one edition to the next, it is a good idea to check the latest event information.
Church history and far-reaching views
The church on the hill was first mentioned in 1248. After the Confederates burned down the wooden church during the Old Zurich War, it was later replaced by a solid stone building. The church remains a prominent landmark in Kilchberg. Kilchberg Cemetery lies right next to the Evangelical Reformed church and is designed as a park-like memorial site. Visitors come here to pay tribute to Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, Thomas Mann and Golo Mann. The views also extend across the lake, meadows and forests to the snow-capped foothills of the Alps.
Comparing the Water Trail and the hiking route
The municipality’s Water Trail leads to several sites that are important for water supply, recreation or as habitats. Allow one to two hours to walk the trail; breaks may affect the total time. You can start at a selected nearby site and choose your own order. Check access to your chosen site before setting out. Another local natural feature is the pond behind the parish hall: it already appears on maps from 1850 and provides a habitat for endangered species, amphibians, dragonflies and other aquatic life.
For those planning a longer hike, the Zurich Lake hiking route is 12.7 kilometres long and is listed as taking three hours and 20 minutes. It is rated as moderate and suitable for families; the last route revision is listed as having taken place in 2019. After passing through quiet residential neighbourhoods, the route reaches Kilchberg Church. You can therefore choose between two different timeframes: a one- to two-hour walk on the Water Trail or the longer hiking route.
Lakeside, swimming and chocolate
Eight public parks lie directly on the lake. You can swim in Lake Zurich or stroll along the shore. Kilchberg Lido has a children’s paddling pool, play equipment and a waterslide into the lake. It is wheelchair-accessible and has a pool lift into the lake and pool, a wheelchair-accessible parking space and a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Kilchberg indoor swimming pool has five 25-metre lanes and a diving area with a one-metre springboard. The wellness area includes bio and Finnish saunas, a steam room and an outdoor cold-water pool. From Kilchberg station, take bus 162 to the Neuweid Kilchberg stop; the pool is a three-minute walk from there. Check the timetable before travelling.
The Lindt Home of Chocolate is a chocolate museum, research centre and visitor attraction all in one. Its interactive chocolate world is designed for visitors of all ages. At the Chocolateria, you can make your own chocolate bars, figures and lollipops under expert guidance and take them home; courses are available for groups and individuals. Check the latest course terms and conditions in advance. The Lindt Chocolate Shop, which covers more than 500 square metres, sells chocolate and pralines, while the café serves savoury meals and snacks. From most locations in Zurich, the Lindt Home of Chocolate can be reached by boat, bus, train or car.
Discover more destinations: Schönenberg, Wädenswil, Langnau Am Albis, Adliswil, Thalwil, Rüschlikon, Richterswil, Hirzel.
Go to the main travel overview: Horgen.
