Pfäffikersee

Lake Pfäffikersee sits in the canton of Zürich, Switzerland, right beside the town of Pfäffikon (Pfäffikon ZH). The water measures roughly 2.5 km from end to end and 1.3 km across at its middle. It combines an easy lakeside walk, protected wetland and some of the oldest traces of human settlement in the region. The lake lies at about 47.35° N, 8.78° E.

How did the lake form?

The basin dates to the end of the last ice age. A glacial moraine blocked the natural outflow towards Winterthur in the north, so meltwater collected behind it and the lake was born. It is a textbook glacial landscape that you can explore without any climbing, within easy reach of Zürich.

What is there to see?

A path circles the shore and is popular with both walkers and cyclists. Going all the way round makes a flat, relaxed outing that suits a half day and needs no special gear. Much of the surrounding land is protected, including the Robenhauser Ried reed and bog area. Stick to the marked route here: the wetland is home to birds and marsh plants, and the paths are laid out to protect them.

The Wetzikon–Robenhausen pile-dwelling site

The shore holds the prehistoric lake-dwelling site of Wetzikon–Robenhausen. It was discovered and studied by Jakob Messikommer (1828–1917), a local researcher whose fieldwork made the place well known among archaeologists. Today it is one of the sites in the serial UNESCO World Heritage listing Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. The remains lie buried in the ground, so a visit is more about understanding the history of the shoreline than about standing before dramatic ruins.

Roman traces

In Roman times a road ran past the lake, linking the settlement of Centum Prata (modern Kempraten on the upper basin of Lake Zürich) with the Rhine by way of Vitudurum (Oberwinterthur) and Tasgetium (Eschenz). To protect this important route, the Romans built the fort of Irgenhausen. Anyone who likes pairing a walk with history can stretch the day to include it.

How do you get there?

The lake lies in the Zürcher Oberland, around the municipalities of Pfäffikon, Wetzikon and Seegräben. Regional rail connects the area with Zürich, and the stations at Pfäffikon ZH and Wetzikon are the usual starting points for reaching the shore. If you drive, check the parking rules near the water, because spaces fill up on sunny weekends.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn suit walking and swimming, while spring brings the liveliest birdlife in the reeds. Outside the main season the lake is quiet and the path nearly empty, which appeals to anyone after peace.

Frequently asked questions

Which canton is Pfäffikersee in? Zürich, next to Pfäffikon ZH. Do not confuse it with Pfäffikon in the canton of Schwyz on Lake Zürich.

How big is the lake? About 2.5 km long and 1.3 km wide at its middle.

Can you walk around the whole lake? Yes. A trail encircles the water and is used by both walkers and cyclists.

What is the UNESCO connection? The prehistoric pile-dwelling site Wetzikon–Robenhausen is part of the serial World Heritage listing Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.