Schwerzenbach lies north of Lake Greifensee, east of the city of Zurich and on the border with the Zurich Oberland. The Chimlibach flows through the municipality and empties into the Glatt. Two routes have different focuses: one follows the streams, while the other passes through residential areas, woodland and meadows.
Streams or changing landscapes
Route A, “Glatt–Chimlibach”, follows the streams around Schwerzenbach. Anyone looking for a route with a connection to streams will find that they are its clear focus. Route B, “Breitenstuden”, by contrast, passes through residential areas, woodland and meadows in Schwerzenbach. You can do exercises at its Vita Parcours stations. The two routes therefore differ in the surroundings described: one focuses on the streams, while the other takes you between residential areas, woodland and meadows, with exercise stations along the way.
The Chimlibach is also a specific geographical landmark: it flows through Schwerzenbach and empties into the Glatt. The municipality is also close to the northern shore of Lake Greifensee, east of the city of Zurich. This location and the two routes offer different ways to explore the area: one connects the landscape with its streams, while the other takes you through several types of landscape within the municipality.
Church architecture and local history
The Reformed Church of Schwerzenbach was inaugurated on 19 December 1813. Its architecture combines Neoclassical and Baroque elements, making it a building that represents a stylistic transition. It is also considered one of the most original church buildings in the canton of Zurich. The exact inauguration date places the building in its historical context, while the combination of the two styles explains its distinctive architectural classification.
The south entrance has also been altered: a new glass windbreak and a wheelchair-accessible ramp were built there in 2022. Schwerzenbach’s history also includes its former connection with the lordship of Greifensee in the Middle Ages. Since 1798, Schwerzenbach has been an independent municipality in the canton of Zurich.
One local tradition should be understood explicitly as a legend: Einhard, the local saint of Schwerzenbach, is said to be buried near the old church. That church was destroyed in 1444 during the Old Zurich War. The legend and the documented year of destruction thus tell two different aspects of local history, without presenting the tradition as a confirmed burial site.
Library, swimming and recurring events
Schwerzenbach Library is open to everyone and offers reading areas and workspaces. Its regular programme includes readings, creative workshops and informative talks. Since individual events can change, it is worth checking the relevant dates if a particular offering is important for your stay.
Schwerzenbach indoor swimming pool is open to the public and offers aquafit and swimming. Public swimming is limited to the winter semester, however: it takes place from after the autumn holidays until the spring holidays; the indoor pool is closed during school holidays. When planning a visit to the pool, both the seasonal opening period and the school holidays are therefore important.
Recurring events also provide a sense of timing. The village festival took place in 2023 and 2025; the next edition is planned for 9–11 July 2027. “Chuchi International” takes place once a month in the evening at the St. Gabriel Catholic parish centre at Dorfstrasse 9a. The communal tavolata format includes an aperitif or starter, a main course and dessert; the date may change.
Timing also matters when choosing between the different offerings: the routes differ in their landscapes, while public swimming is tied to the winter semester and the village festival is scheduled for July 2027. If you are planning around a particular event, check its date; for the indoor pool, school holidays are also relevant.
Discover more destinations: Volketswil, Fällanden, Dübendorf, Maur, Uster, Egg, Mönchaltorf, Greifensee.
Back to the overview of the wider area: Uster.
