Things To Do
in Volketswil
Volketswil is a picturesque Swiss municipality in the canton of Zurich, located just northeast of the city of Zurich. It blends village charm with easy access to lakes, forests, and rolling hills, making outdoor exploration a constant option. The area benefits from strong public transport links and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy local markets, traditional Swiss cuisine, and short trips to nearby towns and the big-city amenities of Zurich.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying Swiss pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic center, admiring the charming architecture and quaint streets. Visit the local museum to learn more about the area’s rich heritage.
For lunch, indulge in traditional Swiss cheese fondue at a nearby restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the parks and green spaces, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic. Don’t miss the nearby Zuerichsee lake for a scenic view.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the water. Experience the local cuisine paired with a fine Swiss wine. End the night with a tranquil walk along the lake, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Head to Zurich early in the morning, traveling by train, which takes around 20 minutes. Begin your exploration at the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues. Stop for brunch at a café with local specialties.
Visit the renowned Kunsthaus Zurich to take in some contemporary and classic art. Stroll through the Old Town to discover ancient churches and cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the local culture. Consider a quick stop at the beautiful Lindenhof Hill for stunning city views.
Return to Volketswil and unwind from your day with a relaxed dinner. Opt for a traditional Swiss restaurant and sample köttbullar or rösti. Wrap up the evening with a serene walk around the town square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🚇One-way public transit ticket | $4-6 |
| 🏠Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $1,500-2,400 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $60-90 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to Zurich’s cultural and culinary scene within easy reach
- Beautiful natural surroundings with lakes, forests, and hiking trails
- Efficient public transport and wide regional connections
- Generally safe, clean, and welcoming for travelers
- Family-friendly with a calm, village-like atmosphere
- Smaller nightlife options in Volketswil itself; requires travel to Zurich for a broader scene
- High cost of living and dining in the Zurich region
- Limited direct metro-style urban activities within Volketswil
- Some services may have limited English-language staff in smaller venues
- Winter weather can bring icy conditions on sidewalks and roads
- "Grüezi" - Hello
- "Hoi" - Hi
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Ich verstehe nicht" - I do not understand
- "Könnten Sie mir helfen?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Volketswil
Visit one of these nice places.
A serene lakefront with broad skies, swans on the water, and gentle landscapes—great for sunrise and golden hour shots.
Historic streets, a charming town center, and medieval-adjacent architecture offering quaint photo opportunities.
A forested ridge with viewpoints over Lake Zurich and the surrounding countryside; ideal for panoramic shots.
Short trips into nearby towns provide elevated overlooks of the lake and city skylines, especially at dusk.
Dense woodlands, wildlife, and winding trails provide atmospheric nature photography close to Volketswil.
Food in Volketswil
Volketswil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, pan-fried potatoes that form a classic Swiss staple; often served as a side with eggs, meat, or vegetables.
Must-Try!
Thin slices of veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti or noodles.
Melted cheese served with potatoes, onions, and pickles; common in Swiss alpine dining and available at mountain inns and some local venues.
A wholesome oats, fruit, and yogurt mix that reflects Swiss breakfast traditions and is widely available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market offering fresh regional produce, cheeses, bread, and seasonal specialties.
Seasonal farmers markets and street-food stalls accessible with easy rail connections from Volketswil.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important in everyday life and business; plan to arrive a few minutes early for appointments.
A simple Grüezi or Hallo is common in daily interactions; maintain a respectful tone in public spaces.
Keep voices moderate in public areas and late-night hours; Swiss prefer quiet environments, especially in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Volketswil
Ensure a smooth experience
In Switzerland, service charges are often included. It is common to round up the bill or leave a tip of 5-10% for good service.
Credit cards are widely accepted, as are contactless payments and cash. ATMs are common, and most places support PIN-based card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
New growth, milder temperatures, and blooming landscapes. Great for outdoor walks and early-season hikes.
Long days and plentiful outdoor activities. Light evenings are ideal for lakeside photography and al fresco dining.
Colorful foliage and harvest markets. Perfect for scenic drives, hiking, and cozy restaurant experiences.
Cool temperatures with possible snowfall. Great for winter walks, Christmas markets in the region, and hearty Swiss cuisine.
Volketswil at Night
Hiking in Volketswil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A flat, scenic loop around the lake with wildlife viewing and easy terrain.
A forested ridge walk offering panoramic views of Lake Zurich and surrounding countryside.
Dense forest trails suitable for all levels, with informative signs about local ecology.
Airports
How to reach Volketswil by plane.
The main international gateway for the region; frequent rail connections from Zurich to Volketswil and surrounding towns.
A secondary international gateway within reach for longer trips, typically via rail or driving via central Switzerland and Basel.
A smaller regional airport serving limited routes; convenient for certain European destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in the area due to good schools, parks, and a safe environment.
Residents who work in Zurich and other nearby cities benefit from frequent public transport links.
A mix of expatriates and seasonal workers contributing to a multilingual community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime with local clubs and weekend matches throughout the canton.
Popular in the broader Zurich region with nearby rinks and regional teams.
Common outdoor activities in the Pfannenstiel and Sihlwald areas, especially in summer and autumn.
Road and mountain biking along Lake Zurich and through the Glatt valley.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Volketswil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Swiss menus; look for salads, vegetable mains, cheese-based dishes, and egg dishes. Ask for Ohne Speck (without bacon) and request egg-free sauces if needed.