Lake Pfäffikon is a moorland landscape of national importance and also a nationally significant amphibian spawning area and waterbird and migratory bird reserve. Pfäffikon lies in the Zürcher Oberland on the north and east shores of the lake named after the town. Here, you can discover nature and local history in different ways, from the lakeshore and its habitats to Roman traces and historic houses.
Lake Pfäffikon and its moorland landscapes
The Lake Pfäffikon circular trail passes tall reed beds and magnificent moorland landscapes, which provide habitats for numerous animal and plant species. If you are interested in these habitats and the creatures that live there, you can learn about them at the Lake Pfäffikon Nature Centre. The centre also offers public nature events, excursions and private guided tours. Check dates and booking conditions in advance.
Torfriet is another of Pfäffikon’s distinctive natural areas: it is a 3.2-hectare raised bog of national importance. You can stroll along the Seequai, which also hosts various community events. If you would like to barbecue at Lake Pfäffikon, you may do so only at the designated fire pits.
The boat rental at the Seequai offers up to 50 rowboats seasonally. Check availability before your visit. Pfäffikon’s public swimming baths have a swimming pool, lake access and a sauna; water slides are also available there in summer. Check seasonal facilities and access in advance. Motorboats are not permitted on Lake Pfäffikon.
Roman traces and Pfäffikon’s history
The Roman fort of Irgenhausen was built in the 4th century to control a road that ran from the Grisons passes via present-day Rapperswil to Winterthur and onwards to the Rhine. It is considered the best-preserved Roman ruin in northeastern Switzerland. The Pfäffikon Culture Trail has been in place since 2024 and initially presents 16 historic sites with information panels and information accessible via QR codes.
Neolithic lakeshore settlements, popularly known as “pile-dwelling villages,” have been identified at several sites in Pfäffikon. The Museum am Pfäffikersee is housed in an Oberland double Flärz house at the Seequai, dating from the 17th century. Its permanent exhibition displays numerous prehistoric finds from Pfäffikon and the surrounding area. Another trace of the past is the Zehntenhaus, one of Pfäffikon’s oldest houses: it dates from the 16th century. A flight rafter kept in the museum is dated 1599.
The Reformed Church of Pfäffikon also combines a historic building with convenient visiting hours: it was remodelled in the Gothic style from 1484 to 1488 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit.
Market and local events
The Pfäffikon weekly market takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seestrasse. Local producers offer vegetables, fruit, baked goods, meat, fish and dairy products, among other things; the selection may vary. As operating details may change seasonally, it is worth checking the latest market hours.
At the Forellenfest, around 2,800 trout are prepared in Europe’s largest fish pan. The festival is a recurring local event; check the dates separately. Pfäffikon can be reached by trains from Zurich, Winterthur and Wetzikon every half hour. As timetables may change, check current connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Pfäffikon, Fehraltorf, Wila, Bauma, Sternenberg, Illnau-Effretikon, Hittnau, Lindau, Weisslingen
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