Mönchaltorf on Lake Greifensee

Mönchaltorf is a political municipality in the Uster district, in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The village lies on Lake Greifensee and at the foot of the Pfannenstiel, in a landscape that was once marshland. The Mönchaltorfer Aa, the Mettlenbach and the Tüfentalerbach flow through Mönchaltorf. In the village, the streams join to form the Mönchaltorfer Aa, which flows into Lake Greifensee at Aaspitz. The waterways and landscape thus provide a setting for outings and exploring the area.

Nature Centre and Landscape

The Silberweide Nature Centre is located in Mönchaltorf on the upper part of Lake Greifensee. Its nature trail leads through nutrient-poor meadows, raised and lowland fens, and past ponds. Along the trail, you can encounter a variety of habitats. From an observation hut, visitors can watch birds almost invisibly and without disturbing them. The trail and the hut offer different experiences: one takes you through the landscape, while the other focuses on observing birdlife.

If you would rather explore the area on a longer route, there is an approximately 18-kilometre circular trail around Lake Greifensee. It passes through the nature reserve and alongside reed meadows. The route is considered easy and is also suitable for families with young children. Route conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Hikes and Adventure Trail

The adventure trail around Mönchaltorf combines a half-day hike with a free app and an audio story. Participants decide for themselves how the story and route unfold. In the audio story, siblings Winnie and Tack meet a ranger who tells them about the animal world. The trail is suitable for children aged 7 to 12, takes about 2 to 4 hours and is 4 to 6 kilometres long. The approximate duration and length make it easier to compare this tour with other hiking plans.

Another option is Route F, “Aabach–Rällikon”. It is very flat and runs alongside the Aabach and several fields. The “Mönchaltorf–Bergli–Badi Egg–Uessikon” hike leads from the main trail sign in the direction of Uster and returns to the starting point via the Aabachweg. The hike from Dübendorf to Mönchaltorf takes around four hours. Alongside the themed adventure trail, there is therefore a choice of hiking routes described in different ways.

Village History and Architecture

The Hauptmannhof, built in 1709, stands in the village centre. The village church was first mentioned in 902. Its magnificent carved wooden ceiling was created by Master Ulrich Schmid in 1522 and is now a protected monument. The two buildings point to different periods in the village’s history: the Hauptmannhof dates from the early 18th century, while the carved ceiling is centuries older.

The name of the hamlet of “Burg” also points to a place from the past: the hamlet is located where Liebenberg Castle once stood. Mönchaltorf also preserves traces of the Uster–Oetwil railway from 1909, including a goods shed. Together with the village church and the Hauptmannhof, these historical sites offer several starting points for a walk through the area’s history.

The Mönchaltorf Chilbimärt is part of the cultural calendar and takes place on the second weekend in September. As the exact date may change, check the current date before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Egg, Maur, Volketswil, Fällanden, Greifensee, Dübendorf, Schwerzenbach, Uster.

Back to the main travel overview: Uster.