A listed 19th-century townhouse houses the Meilen Local Museum; its permanent exhibitions range from the pile dwellers to Friedberg Castle and local history. There is also a guided wine tour and trails of varying lengths – from the Meilen Adventure Trail to the approximately 27-kilometre Pfannenstiel Panorama Trail.
Local History and Architecture
The local museum on Kirchgasse collects and archives historically valuable artefacts relating to Meilen and documents the town’s history. It presents the history and culture of the municipality and the surrounding area on Lake Zurich. The four permanent exhibitions cover the pile dwellers, Friedberg Castle and Meilen; they are complemented by changing themed exhibitions.
A dedicated gallery displays works by landscape painter Johann Jakob Meyer (1787–1858), who was born in Meilen. Visitor amenities also include a cosy reading corner with books about Meilen and the current special exhibition, as well as coffee and chocolate for visitors to enjoy there.
Another architectural highlight is the Breuer Lakehouse in Meilen. It was built in 1958/59 on behalf of Dr Willy Stähelin and designed by New York architect Marcel Breuer as a geometrically structured villa with a flat roof. The building is listed as a protected site of regional significance.
Wine and the Lake
At Schwarzenbach Weinbau, guided visits lasting 90 to 120 minutes take you from the vineyard to the cellar and finally to the glass. The visit ends with a tasting of six to eight wines from the current range. The stated duration helps you distinguish this visit from a hike or a museum visit when planning your time.
The BadhĂĽsli is right by the lake and has a covered seating area and steps leading into the water. Its facilities also include an outdoor cold-water shower and a fireplace with a grill grate.
Hikes and Trails
The approximately 27-kilometre Pfannenstiel Panorama Trail links viewpoints overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps with ravines rich in plant and animal life, as well as historic ruins. The route includes the viewpoint known as Hohenegg/Meilen.
The family-friendly Meilen Adventure Trail through the Dorfbach ravine offers a different route: depending on the option chosen, it is approximately 5 to 7 kilometres long and takes around 3 to 4 hours. It is particularly suitable for children aged 7 to 12. With a free app, adults and children alike can immerse themselves in a story as they hike.
Another hike leads from Forch via the Pfannenstiel to Meilen. It descends into the Meilen ravine, passes the ruins of Friedberg Castle and then reaches Meilen. From the Meilen Vita Parcours, you can complete the fitness trail or hike to the Pfannenstiel. There are two fountains at the Vita Parcours, with signs showing instructions for arm baths.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
The Pfannenstiel recreation area can be reached and left independently by bus, S-Bahn or boat. After arriving in Meilen, hikers can make their return journey by boat or S-Bahn. The boat station is about 500 metres from the railway station; check the timetable in advance for boat connections.
Discover more destinations: Stäfa, Küsnacht, Zumikon, Männedorf, Hombrechtikon, Obermeilen, Herrliberg, Zollikon.
Back to the main travel overview: Meilen.
