Rapperswil

Rapperswil, at the upper end of Lake Zurich where the lake narrows, is the most charming small town within easy reach of Zurich and a perfect half-day or day trip. Its compact old town climbs a rocky point between the lake shore and a hill, with arcaded lanes, a main square lined with painted houses and cafes, and above it all the castle, a medieval fortress reached by a short stair of 53 steps from the square, whose terrace gives a sweeping view over the lake, the islands and, on clear days, the Glarus Alps. Rapperswil calls itself the town of roses: rose gardens are scattered through the old town and along the lake, including one at a Capuchin monastery near the shore and a garden for visitors with limited sight, and in summer thousands of roses bloom. The other highlight is the wooden footbridge to Hurden, a long timber walkway across the shallow lake, roughly eight hundred metres, that follows the route of medieval pilgrims on the Way of St. James to Einsiedeln; walking out over the water, with the town behind you and the mountains ahead, is one of the loveliest strolls around Lake Zurich. From the harbour, boats run to Ufenau, the largest island in Switzerland, owned by Einsiedeln Abbey, with an ancient church and chapel, mainly in the warmer months. The lakeside promenade, the deer park on the hill behind the castle and the lido are pleasures in summer, and Knie's Kinderzoo, the children's zoo of the Swiss national circus, is close to the station in season. In winter, the town is quieter, but from 3 to 20 December 2026 the Christkindlimaert fills the medieval lanes with more than two hundred stands and an Advent village, one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets near Zurich. Getting there is easy: the train from Zurich takes about forty minutes, and in summer the boat from the Buerkliplatz takes about two hours, the most beautiful way to arrive.

How to spend the day: from the station, walk along the lake promenade to the harbour, then climb into the old town and up the steps to the castle for the view. Wander the lanes and the rose gardens, have lunch on the main square or by the lake, and in the afternoon walk out over the wooden bridge towards Hurden, returning as the light falls on the old town. In summer, arrive or leave by boat from Zurich for a full lake day; in winter, use the train, as the lake boats run a much reduced timetable.

Seasonal notes: the roses bloom from early summer into autumn, and summer brings swimming, boat trips to Ufenau and outdoor dining. In winter, the town is calm and local, and the Christmas market from 3 to 20 December 2026 is the big draw, especially in the evening when the lanes are lit; expect crowds on weekends. The children's zoo and some boat services are seasonal, so check before planning around them. The wooden bridge can be slippery when icy.

Who it suits: couples looking for a romantic lake town, families, who enjoy the castle, the deer park and the bridge, and first-time visitors who want to see a small Swiss town without a long journey. Combine it with a Lake Zurich cruise in summer, or with Einsiedeln, a short train ride away, for a two-stop day.