Things To Do
in Meilen

Small local market (check local listings for days) with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and seasonal specialties — great for picnic supplies and meeting local producers.

In summer there are occasional lakeside stalls offering grilled fish, sausages and snacks near the pier — ideal for casual bites and sunset snacks.

Being on time is important for appointments, tours and transport; trains and ferries run to tight schedules.

Respect quiet hours (often after 10pm and at midday on Sundays in some communities) and keep noise low in residential areas.

Follow local recycling rules and deposit bottles in designated machines (Pfand/Rückgabe) where applicable; improper disposal can lead to fines.

Use polite forms like Grüezi (hello) in the German-speaking region and offer a handshake in formal introductions; friendly but reserved behaviour is common.

Service charges are usually included in Swiss prices; tipping is not required but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. For taxis and small services, round up to the nearest franc or add a small amount; for restaurant bills, you can leave cash on the table or add to card payments where the terminal allows.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash (Swiss francs, CHF) remains useful for small vendors or markets. ATMs are plentiful and currency exchange at banks or airports is straightforward.

Mild temperatures and blossoming gardens make for pleasant walks and vineyard shoots; expect occasional rain and cool mornings. Tourist numbers are moderate — good for quieter exploration and wine tastings.

Warm, sunny weather ideal for swimming, boating and outdoor dining; lakeside cafés and ferries are busy, especially weekends. Bring sun protection and book tables for popular restaurants during July–August.

Vineyard colours and harvest events create atmospheric scenery; temperatures cool but remain comfortable for hikes. Many wineries have seasonal festivals — check local event calendars.

Chilly, often grey weather with occasional snow; the town is quieter and some seasonal businesses may have limited hours. Nearby mountains offer winter sports within an hour if you want skiing or snowshoeing.

A range of easy-to-moderate trails with panoramic views over Lake Zurich and gentle forested sections; good for half-day hikes and family outings.

Popular viewpoint above Zurich with sweeping vistas of the city, lake and Alps; accessible by train for a shorter walk or longer ridge hikes.

Flat, well-marked trail around Greifensee (a nearby lake) that is ideal for walking, birdwatching and cycling with minimal elevation gain.

A scenic route connecting small villages and viewpoints; moderately challenging in places with rewarding outlooks over the lake.

Long-term residents and families who appreciate the quiet, school access and lakeside lifestyle.

Professionals who live in Meilen for quality of life and commute to Zurich for work by train or car.

Older residents attracted by the peaceful environment, healthcare access and recreational options.

Expats and foreign professionals who work in Zurich but prefer lakeside living; they add linguistic and cultural diversity.

Lake sports are very popular locally — many residents sail, row or take windsurfing lessons on Lake Zurich.

Cycling for leisure and commuting is common, with well-marked routes along the lake and through the hills.

Weekend hiking and ridge walks in Pfannenstiel, Uetliberg and the Zurich Oberland are popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Local tennis clubs and courts are common in lake towns and used year-round by residents.

Vegetarian options are widely available (salads, Rösti, pasta, seasonal vegetable dishes). Many restaurants will adapt dishes on request; check menus or ask staff for vegetarian preparations.

Vegan choices are more limited in small towns than in big cities but present in cafés and modern bistros; speak German phrases like “Ich bin vegan” to confirm ingredients.

Gluten-free bread and pasta are increasingly available; inform restaurants about celiac needs explicitly and ask for ‘glutenfrei’ options to avoid cross-contamination.

Staff are used to dietary requests; use clear language or translation cards for serious allergies and carry necessary medication like antihistamines or an EpiPen.