Hüttnersee

Hüttnersee is a small moorland lake at Hütten, part of the municipality of Wädenswil in the Canton of Zurich, right next to the Schwyz border. It sits at roughly 658 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Höhronen and Rossberg ridge, and it is one of the quietest waters near Lake Zurich.

What kind of lake is it?

The lake covers about 0.165 km2 and is roughly 13 m deep at its deepest point. Reeds, scrub and boggy ground line the shore, and Swiss press has called it an "enchanted place". The south shore officially belongs to Samstagern, a village in Richterswil, while Hütten itself joined Wädenswil in 2019, which is why sources use both names.

Farming shaped the area for centuries. Hütten appears in records from 1270, when dairy farms on cleared land belonged to the barons of Wädenswil. Fertiliser run-off from surrounding fields later harmed the water, so the lake now needs artificial aeration.

Can you swim here?

Yes. A free bathing area on the shore has a wooden pool for non-swimmers, a playground, a sandpit and two pontoons. Entry and parking cost nothing. No lifeguard is on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. A kiosk and a seasonal restaurant operate in summer, and a small farm-style inn on the shore serves home-made food.

What are the rules?

Most of the shoreline has been protected since 1945, and building and motorboats are banned. Rare plants and vulnerable birds live here, so keep to marked paths and leash your dog where signs ask.

How do you get there, and what is nearby?

Take a train to Samstagern station and follow the signs to the lake. If you drive, use the free car park by the bathing area.

The classic hike starts in Samstagern, passes the lake and Hütten, climbs the Rossberg (1,011 m) and descends to Schindellegi-Feusisberg. It is 10.3 km long with about 524 m of ascent, takes around three hours, is graded T1 and is walkable from March to November. From the summit you see the lake, Lake Zurich and, in clear weather, the Black Forest. A shorter alternative is a loop of about 14 km from Samstagern via the Sihl waterfall.

When should you visit?

Come in summer for swimming, or in late spring and early autumn for dry trails and fewer people. The bathing area is closed in winter, but the shore suits a short walk.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Hüttnersee? No. The bathing area and the parking are free.

Is there a lifeguard? No. You swim at your own risk.

Are motorboats allowed? No. A 1945 regulation bans motorboats and new building along the shore.

How do I get there without a car? Take the train to Samstagern and walk along the signed route to the lake.