Things To Do
in Eschenbach
Eschenbach is a tranquil small town in the canton of St. Gallen set among rolling pre-Alpine hills and agricultural landscapes, a short train ride from Rapperswil and the Obersee (upper Lake Zurich). The town blends traditional Swiss village life with good connections for commuters and visitors, offering access to lakes, hiking trails and nearby mountain resorts like Flumserberg. Local architecture includes classic wooden farmhouses, a charming parish church and well-kept public spaces that reflect the region's rural character. Eschenbach is an excellent base for low-key outdoor activities, scenic photography and tasting regional St.
Gallen specialties while enjoying quieter off-the-beaten-track Switzerland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can savor fresh Swiss pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Eschenbach, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture. Don’t miss the beautiful St. Peter’s Church, where you can appreciate its stunning stained glass windows.
In the afternoon, visit the local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Engage with interactive exhibits that tell the story of Eschenbach's development through the ages. Wrap up your afternoon with a peaceful walk around the picturesque town square, soaking in the local ambiance.
As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant, where you can indulge in fondue or raclette. Following your meal, take a leisurely stroll under the stars, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the town. End your day with a nightcap at a cozy bar, where you can chat with locals and fellow travelers.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Eschenbach. Take a guided nature walk through the lush forests, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The morning sun casts a golden glow that enhances the beauty of the lush greenery.
In the afternoon, make your way to a nearby viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake Zurich region. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the summit, taking in the beauty of the Swiss landscape. Afterward, descend and visit one of the local farms to learn about traditional Swiss agriculture.
As the sun sets, head back to Eschenbach for a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. Choose a restaurant with a terrace for an al fresco dining experience. Spend your evening reflecting on the day's adventures while enjoying a glass of Swiss wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $18-28 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer (pub) | $6-9 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short regional) | $4-12 |
| 🏨Hotel double room (mid-range, per night) | $110-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Swiss village atmosphere with easy access to lakes and mountains
- Excellent public transport connections to larger towns and Zurich
- High safety and well-maintained outdoor infrastructure
- Strong seasonal variety for hiking, lake activities and winter sports
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options within the village itself
- Can be expensive compared with many other countries (higher prices for dining and lodging)
- Fewer direct tourist services than larger nearby towns—car or good planning sometimes needed
- Weather in shoulder seasons can be unpredictable for outdoor plans
- "Grüezi / Grüezi wohl" - Hello (Swiss German greeting)
- "Guten Tag" - Good day
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Zahlen, bitte" - The bill, please
- "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like ...
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Eschenbach
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections, Rapperswil castle silhouettes and boats on calm water provide classic lakeside photography opportunities.
Pastoral scenes with wooden chalets, hayfields and distant Alpine ridgelines—excellent for sunrise and seasonal shots (blossom or harvest).
Elevated outlooks offering panoramic views across the valley and toward the Churfirsten and S äntis peaks on clear days.
Well-preserved local architecture and quiet streets make for intimate village scenes and detail shots of traditional facades.
Short drive to higher-altitude viewpoints for dramatic mountain landscapes, wildflowers in summer and snowy panoramas in winter.
Food in Eschenbach
Eschenbach Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional pork sausage traditionally served with bread, mustard or rösti; available at local butchers, weekly markets and many inns.
Must-Try!
Crispy shredded potato cake often served as a side or topped with cheese, bacon or a fried egg; ubiquitous in local restaurants.
Classic melted cheese dishes popular in autumn and winter—try at a traditional Gasthaus or mountain hut.
Fresh-caught fish from Lake Zurich (Obersee) served pan-fried or filleted at lakeside restaurants in Rapperswil and surrounding towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets in Eschenbach or nearby Uznach/Rapperswil sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, local cheeses and baked goods—great for picnic supplies.
Larger periodic markets in Rapperswil feature regional producers, street food stands and local specialties—ideal for sampling sausages, tarts and artisanal cheeses.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important—arrive punctually for appointments, tours and trains.
Respect local quiet hours (often evenings and Sunday mornings) and follow strict recycling and waste-sorting rules—ask if unsure.
Use polite greetings (Grüezi) in German-speaking Switzerland and simple formal phrases when meeting people; a handshake is common for introductions.
Stay on marked trails, avoid wandering onto farmland without permission and close gates behind you when crossing pastures.
Safety
Tipping in Eschenbach
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in bills in Switzerland; rounding up the bill or adding 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not required. For taxis, small rounding or a few francs extra is normal.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash is Swiss francs (CHF), useful for small shops, markets and rural vendors—ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Fields and orchards bloom, temperatures are mild and trails become accessible—expect variable weather and occasional rain; ideal for quieter hiking and birdwatching.
Warm, pleasant days perfect for swimming and boating on the Obersee, cycling and long hikes; evenings are comfortable but popular spots can be busier on weekends.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make for superb photography and hiking; harvest festivals and seasonal menus (game, mushrooms) appear in local restaurants.
Cold with regular frost and snow in higher elevations—local village is quiet, nearby alpine resorts (Flumserberg) offer skiing and winter walking; dress warmly and check road conditions.
Eschenbach at Night
Hiking in Eschenbach
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate routes with panoramic views over the valley and towards the Churfirsten range; suitable for half-day hikes and photography.
Extensive trails at higher elevation offering alpine meadows, ridgeline walks and options for summer and winter activities (accessible by car or regional transport).
Gentle, mostly flat paths along the upper Lake Zurich shoreline between Rapperswil and nearby villages—great for easy walks and cycling.
More rugged hikes with rewarding views of the lake and surrounding valleys; choose routes according to experience and season.
Short, scenic loops around Eschenbach through farmland and orchards—ideal for relaxed afternoon walks and landscape photography.
Airports
How to reach Eschenbach by plane.
Major international hub about 45–70 minutes by car or train depending on connections; frequent rail links via Zurich HB make it the primary entry point for international visitors.
Small regional airport with limited flights; useful for select regional connections and further from Eschenbach than Zurich but convenient for eastern Switzerland travelers.
While not an airport, regular and reliable SBB rail services connect Eschenbach with Zurich and other Swiss cities—often the fastest way to travel regionally after flying into Zurich Airport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many long-term residents are Swiss-German families involved in agriculture, local businesses or commuting to larger towns for work.
Proximity to Rapperswil and rail links to Zurich attract commuters who prefer village life outside the city.
Like many Swiss rural towns, there is a significant proportion of older residents; community life includes traditional clubs and volunteer associations.
Smaller international community—more foreigners and tourists seen in nearby lakeside towns and urban centers, with seasonal visitors for hiking and skiing.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at grassroots and amateur levels; local clubs and youth programs are active, and nearby Rapperswil-Jona fields competitive teams.
A favorite sport across Switzerland—regional teams and arenas draw local fans in winter months.
Very popular in winter with accessible resorts like Flumserberg within short drive for downhill sports, plus cross-country options.
Widely practiced year-round; many residents and visitors take advantage of trails and bike routes in the pre-Alps.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eschenbach.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, rösti, cheese dishes). Mention 'Ich bin Vegetarier(in)' or ask staff for meat-free dishes; larger towns offer more varied vegetarian menus.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited in small village inns—look for vegetable-based rösti, soups or salads, and in Rapperswil/St. Gallen you'll find dedicated options and shops.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free needs if informed; use key phrase 'Ich habe eine Glutenallergie' and check baked goods carefully. Pack essentials if you have strict requirements.