Höfe: Nature, Trails and Culture on Lake Zurich

The Höfe district covers the slope between Etzel and Lake Zurich; the district also includes the islands of Ufenau and Lützelau. The name Höfe dates back to the medieval division into the Vorderer Hof around Pfäffikon SZ and the Hinterer Hof around Wollerau. Both areas originally belonged to the estates of Einsiedeln Abbey. When looking for a hotel, choosing a theme is a good place to start: would you mainly like to explore natural areas and trails, discover Ufenau or visit cultural sites?

Frauenwinkel, Etzel and trails

The open landscape of Frauenwinkel is the last large undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Zurich. The area is an important stopover for waterbirds and a breeding ground for several rare marsh and reed-dwelling bird species. Nature and landscape lovers will find a special highlight of Höfe here.

The Frauenwinkel–Luegeten circular trail starts right by Pfäffikon SZ railway station and can be reached by train from Pfäffikon SZ. On the return journey towards Pfäffikon, the route follows the Way of St. James, the ViaJacobi. In the Langacher nature reserve, amphibians and dragonflies can be observed at a pond. At 1,098 metres, Hochetzel is a popular destination in Feusisberg.

Other routes offer different highlights: the Obersee Experience Trail runs from the Visitor Center in Rapperswil via the wooden footbridge to Pfäffikon and on to Altendorf. After crossing Lake Zurich via a wooden footbridge from the Hurden peninsula, the Way of St. James from Rapperswil to Einsiedeln continues to Pfäffikon. The routes described can therefore be distinguished by their paths and the stated starting and finishing points.

Ufenau: Island loop and Romanesque church

From April to October, Ufenau can be reached in about ten minutes by scheduled boat from Pfäffikon SZ. Check the sailing times before your trip. A lakeside path goes all the way around the island; walking the loop takes about half an hour. St. Peter and Paul Church on Ufenau is a Romanesque religious building.

The Ufnau island restaurant is also part of the island experience: it serves local specialities and regional classics, using produce from the Lake Zurich region and the abbey’s wine cellar. As details may change, it is advisable to check before your visit. The short, approximate boat journey and the roughly half-hour walk describe two different parts of an outing: the trip from Pfäffikon SZ and the walk on the island.

Sawmills, exhibitions and history

The Old Sawmill in Schindellegi houses a saw frame installed in 1852, considered the oldest surviving operational example of its kind. Cultural events are often held there. Each spring, the Schindellegi Sawmill Association holds its annual sawmill clean-up, which also includes public sawing demonstrations. The Old Sawmill can also be rented by private individuals.

The Vögele Cultural Center stages large-scale themed exhibitions on issues of social relevance. Every Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., it offers a public guided tour of its exhibition; no registration is required. Check the current schedule before your trip, as some exhibitions change.

In Pfäffikon, the castle tower was built in the mid-13th century as a defensive tower to repel enemy attacks and protect income from the monastery estates. Today, it is used for cultural events and private celebrations. Regular readings and concerts are held there under the name “Kulturm”; check the current programme for specific dates. The Museum am Pfäffikersee has a painting collection featuring works by history painter Johann Caspar Bosshardt and a room dedicated to folk poet Jakob Stutz. In Freienbach, the present-day interior of the parish church dates from 1672 to 1674.

Lidos and pump track

The lidos differ in the shoreline and water facilities described. Bäch Lido has a wide, gently sloping sandy area in the lake, a jetty and a raft on the water. It also has a paddling pool and a playground with equipment for children. Seebadi Freienbach has two-metre-high diving boards on a raft and a separate non-swimmer area for younger visitors. Pfäffikon Lido offers an 80-metre-wide pebble beach, a diving board and a small water slide on a raft. Check the current facilities before your visit.

The pump track, with its turns and rollers, is located by the Steg school in Pfäffikon. It can be used with bicycles, skateboards, kick scooters and inline skates. Check the current access conditions before your ride.

Discover more destinations: Freienbach, Feusisberg, Wollerau, Gersau, Einsiedeln, Küssnacht, March.

See the main travel overview: Schwyz.