Türlersee

Türlersee is a small lake at Hausen am Albis in the Swiss canton of Zurich, a short trip south of the city. It sits at 643 m above sea level in the Albis hills, right where the municipalities of Hausen am Albis and Aeugst meet. The water covers about 0.49 km², stretching roughly 1.4 km in length and about 500 m across. It makes an easy day out from Zurich for walkers, swimmers and anglers.

What is Türlersee?

The lake belongs to the Affoltern district, the area locally known as the Säuliamt. Its reed belts and moorland forests are protected, and the lake itself is listed in Switzerland's federal inventory of landscapes and natural monuments of national importance. The flat ground near Vollenweid was once covered by a larger lake.

What can you do here?

The classic outing is the loop around the shore. The route from Hausen am Albis is about 7.2 km, easy going, and crosses boggy meadows and forest edge. On the northern bank you will find the lido and a campsite. Entry to the beach is charged in summer, so check the current price before you go.

Anglers need a permit and may fish from the bank or a boat; pike and whitefish live in the lake. For a longer day, hikers can climb the Albis ridge from Hausen via Albishorn and Hochwacht, drop down to the lake, and continue to Aeugst, a total of around 12 km. The Knonaueramt trail also starts in Hausen am Albis and heads on to Affoltern am Albis.

How do you get there?

Public transport is the simplest option. ZVV buses serve Hausen am Albis, and the lakeshore is a short walk away. By car, drive from Zurich towards Hausen or Aeugst and walk in from the parking area.

When should you visit?

Summer suits swimming and camping. Spring and autumn are quieter, and the reeds and woods look their best. In winter the paths can be wet, so wear sturdy footwear.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Türlersee? Yes. A lido operates beside the campsite, and there are other accessible spots along the shore. The lido charges admission in season.

How long does the lake loop take? The easy route from Hausen am Albis is about 7.2 km, so allow around two hours at a relaxed pace.

Do you need a permit to fish? Yes. Fishing requires a permit, and the local Türlerseefischer association provides the details.

Is the lake protected? Yes. The water, reed belts and moorland forests are under protection, and the landscape is on Switzerland's national inventory. Stay on the marked paths and keep out of the reeds.