Ausee

Ausee is a small lake at the western tip of the Au peninsula in Wädenswil, on Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It sits at about 405 m above sea level and measures roughly 350 m by just under 150 m. The lake is man-made and receives its water through a canal from Lake Zurich. Do not confuse it with another Ausee in Upper Austria, which is a different place entirely.

How do you get to Ausee?

From Zurich main station, an S-Bahn train takes about 26 minutes to Au station. The station stands directly opposite the lake, so the walk is a matter of moments. You do not need a car.

What is there to see around the lake?

A path circles the water and takes about half an hour on foot. Reed beds line the shore and draw waterbirds. The surrounding land consists of restored wetlands that shelter many rare plants and animals. The route passes through a protected area, so stay on marked paths and follow local rules.

The whole Au peninsula is protected. Most of it belongs to the canton of Zurich and to the Au consortium, founded in 1911 by industrialists from Wädenswil. They bought the middle part of the hill together with the inn, which stopped the peninsula from being built over. It has stayed open to visitors ever since. Cantonal documents describe it as the largest nature reserve in the town.

What else is on the Au peninsula?

Schloss Au, a villa first built by Hans Rudolf Werdmüller in the seventeenth century, was rebuilt in neo-baroque style in 1928-29. On the shore of Lake Zurich lies Wädenswil-Vorder Au, a Stone Age lake-dwelling settlement. It is one of the 56 Swiss sites in the UNESCO World Heritage listing of prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps. Finds date from the transition between the Pfyn and Horgen cultures and from the Bell Beaker culture.

When should you visit?

Spring is the best season for birdwatching, though autumn and summer also work well. A spotting scope is not necessary because the shoreline is close. The walk fits easily into a day trip from Zurich.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ausee a natural lake?

No. It was created artificially and is fed by a canal from Lake Zurich.

How long is the walk around the lake?

About half an hour at an easy pace.

How do I get there from Zurich?

Take the S-Bahn to Au station, a ride of about 26 minutes. The station faces the lake.

Can I watch birds here?

Yes. The reeds around the water are bird habitat, and spring is the best time.