Things To Do
in Richterswil
Richterswil is a picturesque lakeside town on the southern shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich, known for its tidy streets, vineyards on the slopes and pleasant marina. It is a commuter town with strong local identity — traditional winegrowers sit alongside families and people who work in nearby Zurich. The town offers easy access to lake activities, hiking on the Zimmerberg/Pfannenstiel ridges and convenient boat and rail connections to Zurich and Rapperswil.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed Swiss small-town atmosphere with well-preserved old buildings, lakeside promenades and seasonal village events.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich, where the serene waters and charming Swiss architecture provide a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy a fresh local pastry from a nearby café as you take in the views and appreciate the peaceful ambiance. After breakfast, visit the historic wooden bridge that showcases the town's rich heritage.
In the afternoon, explore the quaint streets of Richterswil, filled with unique boutiques and local artisans. Stop for a scenic lunch at a lakeside restaurant, savoring traditional Swiss dishes while enjoying the stunning vistas. Afterward, visit the local museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.
As the sun sets, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Zurich, where the shimmering waters and surrounding mountains create a magical atmosphere. Indulge in a delightful dinner at a fine dining restaurant, sampling some of the best Swiss cuisine. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the lake as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Take the train to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, for a day of exploration. Begin your morning in the historic Old Town, wandering through narrow streets filled with medieval buildings and boutique shops. Stop for breakfast at a cozy café, enjoying Swiss coffee and pastries.
After a satisfying morning, visit the renowned Kunsthaus Zurich to admire impressive works of art, followed by a stroll along the beautiful banks of the Limmat River. Grab lunch at a local eatery, sampling Zurich's famous dish, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Spend the afternoon shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues.
As evening approaches, find a rooftop bar to watch the sunset over the city skyline. Dine at a traditional Swiss restaurant, relishing fondue or raclette with friends. End the day with a leisurely walk along the lake promenade before catching the train back to Richterswil.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕️Coffee (café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic) | $6-8 |
| 🚕Taxi start (plus per km) | $6 start, $2-3/km |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakeside setting with easy access to water activities and scenic views
- Calm, safe small-town atmosphere with convenient transport links to Zurich
- Good options for hiking, cycling and winery visits nearby
- Well-maintained public spaces and efficient Swiss services
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions compared with larger cities
- Prices are generally high (Swiss cost level) for dining and accommodation
- Some services and menus may be limited outside peak tourist season
- Language barrier possible with older residents who speak Swiss German dialect
- "Grüezi (or Hoi)" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Richterswil
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic views of Lake Zurich, marinas, and sunsets; a calm spot for wide-angle lake and reflection shots.
Iconic long view across the narrow lake linkage to Rapperswil with boats and mountains in the background — dramatic at dawn or dusk.
Narrow streets, historic facades and the church tower offering architectural and street photography opportunities.
Terraced vineyards provide textured foregrounds with the lake and distant Alps (on clear days) — ideal in late summer and autumn.
Close-up shots of boats, rippling water and reflections — great for people-focused or detail photography.
Food in Richterswil
Richterswil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce served with Rösti — widely available in regional restaurants and a Swiss classic to try near Zurich.
Must-Try!
Fresh lake-caught fish prepared pan-fried or as a fillet; look for them on the menus of lakeside restaurants or seasonal fish stands.
Richterswil is surrounded by small vineyards — try local Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau at wine taverns and winery outlets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market where local farmers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and tasting regional products.
During summer and festival weekends, lakeside stalls offer grilled fish, bratwurst and local sweets — informal and good for quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swiss culture values punctuality — arrive on time for trains, appointments and tours.
Keep noise down in residential areas, especially early morning and late evening; follow local rules for recycling and waste separation.
A polite handshake is common for introductions; saying “Grüezi” (formal) or “Hoi” (informal) is appreciated in German-speaking Switzerland.
Show respect for private property, nature reserves and cultural sites; follow signage and keep dogs on leads where required.
Safety
Tipping in Richterswil
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in Swiss restaurant bills; leaving a small additional tip (rounding up or 5–10% for excellent service) is appreciated but not required. For taxis and small services, round up the fare or add a couple of francs/dollars.
Cards (chip-and-PIN) are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard; many places also accept contactless. Cash (Swiss francs) is still useful for small vendors, markets and some smaller businesses. Mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Twint) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather ideal for swimming, boating and lakeside dining; expect more tourists and local festivals. Pack sun protection and light layers for cooler evenings by the lake.
Cooler temperatures and vibrant vineyard and forest colours make it a lovely time for walks, wine tasting and photography; harvest events may occur. Bring a warm jacket for crisp mornings.
Chilly and damp with occasional snow; lakeside walks are peaceful and many places are quieter. Nearby mountains offer skiing within an hour or two, so plan transport if heading to slopes.
Blossoms and greenery return, mild temperatures and fewer crowds — excellent for hiking and early-season vineyard visits. Rain showers are possible; layer clothing.
Richterswil at Night
Hiking in Richterswil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of easy-to-moderate trails on the Zimmerberg plateau with viewpoints over Lake Zurich, vineyards and agricultural land; suitable for half-day hikes.
Hilly ridge offering panoramic views across the lake to the Alps, mixed forests and picnic spots; trails vary in length and difficulty.
Popular vantage point overlooking Zurich and the lake; reachable by train from Zurich and offering longer ridge walks connecting to other trails.
Large protected forest area ideal for peaceful walks, nature photography and wildlife spotting with well-marked paths and educational trails.
A moderate hike with rewarding views of the lake and surrounding countryside; good for a half-day trip and popular with locals.
Airports
How to reach Richterswil by plane.
Main international airport serving the region; about 30–45 minutes by train or car to Richterswil depending on connection — the most convenient option for international visitors.
Smaller regional airport with limited routes; farther away (1–1.5 hours+ by car/train) and useful for certain regional connections.
Major airport serving northwestern Switzerland and nearby regions; a longer drive (around 1.5–2.5 hours) but an alternative for some low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population; families, professionals and longtime residents speaking Swiss German dialects as well as standard German.
Many residents commute to Zurich and other regional employment centers — the town has a sizable commuter population.
A minority of expatriates and international residents working in the Zurich area contribute to a multicultural community, especially younger professionals and families.
A noticeable portion of older residents attracted by the town’s tranquillity, healthcare access and lakeside lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lake Zurich supports a strong culture of recreational and club sailing, rowing and paddling, popular with locals and visitors.
Outdoor enthusiast activities on nearby ridges and forests are common year-round for fitness and leisure.
Local amateur football clubs are active and part of community life; watching local matches is a social activity.
Skiing and snowboarding are popular in the winter, with alpine resorts accessible within an hour or two by car or train.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Richterswil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but not always extensive in smaller inns; look for rösti, salads, pasta dishes and cheese-based mains, and request customized vegetable plates. Larger cafés and restaurants in the region increasingly offer vegetarian choices.
Vegan options can be limited in traditional restaurants; cafés and newer eateries or supermarkets supply vegan snacks and plant-based milks. It helps to learn or carry a short German phrase indicating dietary needs.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free needs (buckwheat/rösti, grilled fish/meat, salads), but always check labels in bakeries and packaged goods; cross-contamination can occur.