Zollikon lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Zurich, on the so-called Gold Coast. The municipality in the Canton of Zurich and Meilen District also includes Zollikerberg. The Wehrenbachtobel extends across the city of Zurich and the municipalities of Zollikon and Zumikon. This means that Zollikon combines its connection to the lake with a natural area that extends beyond the boundaries of a single municipality.

Nature and walks

The Wehrenbachtobel is a nature and landscape conservation area of cantonal importance. Nature-friendly and sustainable recreational use is still possible there; follow the local rules in force at the time. Conservation and recreation go hand in hand here: the area appeals to travellers who want to make nature part of their stay, while also setting clear guidelines for how to enjoy it. Several walks are suggested around Zollikon and Zollikerberg. If you would like to plan a walk, you can use these suggestions as a guide. For planning purposes, they offer two different starting points: suggested walks on the one hand, and nature-friendly recreational use in a conservation area of cantonal importance on the other.

Church and Anabaptist history

Zollikon Church was first mentioned in historical records in 1223; the present village church was built in 1498/99. The dates refer to different milestones: 1223 marks the first documentary mention, while 1498/99 marks the construction of the present church. Anabaptist history also gives Zollikon a distinctive historical connection. In 1524, the town was a starting point for the Anabaptist movement, and the first Anabaptist congregation was established in Zollikon.

The exhibition “From Zollikon out into the World” uses five posters at historic sites to tell the story of the beginnings of Anabaptism, at the very places where the events of 1525 took place. The years 1524 and 1525 thus refer to different historical connections: Zollikon’s role as a starting point for the movement and the events on which the exhibition focuses. Groups and school classes can book guided tours of the exhibition in German or English on request. If you are making the exhibition a firm part of your plans, check before your visit whether it is currently on display.

Another cultural connection is the “Zollikon Art Prize”. Since 1987, the municipality has awarded the prize and a sponsorship award to Swiss artists who live in the Canton of Zurich. Painters, musicians, writers and composers are honoured in rotation. Alongside local and church history, painting, music, literature and composition are therefore also part of Zollikon’s cultural scene. Award procedures and eligibility may change; if you are interested, check the current requirements.

Swimming in Lake Zurich

Seebadi Zollikon offers the opportunity to jump into the water and swim in Lake Zurich. As a seasonal facility, it adds a water-based activity to the nature and history themes, and is therefore dependent on the time of year. Operating conditions may change; check them before your visit. This lets you plan a swim as an activity in its own right, while walks, the conservation area and local history appeal to other interests.

Discover more destinations: Männedorf, Herrliberg, Küsnacht, Obermeilen, Meilen, Zumikon, Hombrechtikon, Stäfa

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