Things To Do
in Wetzikon

Wetzikon is a small Swiss town in the Pfäffikon valley, east of Zurich, known for its lakeside setting on Pfäffikersee and accessible green surroundings. It blends a compact historic center with family-friendly neighborhoods and commuter links into Zurich. Outdoor recreation — walking, cycling and lake swims — is a major draw, while nearby farms and seasonal markets give a rural feel.

Wetzikon is quiet by Swiss standards but well positioned for day trips to Zurich, Greifensee and local hills like Bachtel.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Wetzikon
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring Swiss pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the scenic streets of Wetzikon, admiring the charming architecture and local shops. Don't miss a visit to the beautiful Church of St. George, a significant landmark in the town's history.

afternoon
:

Take a short train ride to nearby Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy a delightful picnic by the water. For the adventurous spirits, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the serene lake. In the late afternoon, return to Wetzikon and visit the local museum to learn about the rich history of the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, immerse yourself in Swiss cuisine at a traditional restaurant, enjoying dishes like fondue or rösti. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and embrace the peaceful atmosphere of the town. Conclude your day by sipping a local craft beer or glass of wine at a cozy bar.

day 2
Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a hiking journey in the nearby Zurich Oberland. With stunning views of the Swiss Alps, the trails offer routes for all skill levels, making it a perfect start to your adventure-filled day. Make sure to pack some snacks to enjoy amidst the breathtaking scenery.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch in the picturesque mountains, surrounded by nature. Continue your hike or find a serene spot to relax and take in the beautiful landscapes. Capture some photos of the stunning vistas before making your way back down.

evening
:

Spend your evening unwinding at a wellness center with options for sauna or massage treatments to soothe your muscles. After rejuvenating, explore one of Wetzikon's welcoming restaurants for a candle-lit dinner. Treat yourself to dessert and reflect on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🍺Domestic beer (0.5L)$5-8
🚆One-way regional train to Zurich$8-15
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$100-170

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Zurich while retaining a peaceful, small-town feel
  • Excellent access to lakes, forests and well-marked hiking/cycling routes
  • Clean, safe and well-connected by public transport
  • Strong local food culture and seasonal farm markets
  • Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions than big cities
  • Can be expensive compared with many other European towns
  • Some attractions are seasonal (farms, markets) and close early in winter
  • Fewer international dining options within the town compared to Zurich
  • "Grüezi" - Hello (formal/in Swiss German)
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Wetzikon

Visit one of these nice places.

Pfäffikersee lakeshore

Sunrise and sunset reflections on the calm lake, reed beds, birdlife and long vistas — ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.

Old town and parish church

Charming streets, traditional houses and the church provide good architectural and street-scene shots in soft afternoon light.

Jucker Farm (seasonal)

Photogenic seasonal displays: pumpkin patches and orchard scenes in autumn, flower fields in late spring/ summer.

Forest paths and wetlands

Close-in woodland with trails, mossy banks and small streams — great for intimate nature photography and macro shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wetzikon

Wetzikon’s cuisine reflects Swiss-German traditions with hearty dairy- and potato-based dishes, seasonal produce from nearby farms and fish from local lakes. Cafés and family-run restaurants focus on fresh regional ingredients, while proximity to Zurich means international options are an easy train ride away.

Wetzikon Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rösti

Crispy grated-potato pancake often served with cheese, eggs or sausage; available in most traditional restaurants and good for a filling lunch.

Must-Try!

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Sliced veal in creamy mushroom sauce served with rösti — a Zurich-region classic you’ll find in nearby restaurants and inns.

Fresh lake fish (eg. perch)

Seasonal freshwater fish from Pfäffikersee and nearby lakes; try it grilled or pan-fried at local eateries when available.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Wetzikon weekly market

Small weekly market (check local schedule) offering seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and local specialties.

Jucker Farm market events (Seegräben)

Seasonal farm market and harvest festivals with pick-your-own options, pumpkin displays in autumn and stalls selling preserves, cider and regional snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Wetzikon has a temperate, continental-influenced climate: warm summers, cool to cold winters with occasional snow, and moderate precipitation year-round. Spring and autumn can be changeable with sunny spells and rainy days; summer is ideal for outdoor activities while winter is quieter and good for cozy indoor pursuits.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Swiss culture values punctuality — be on time for trains, tours and appointments.

Quiet hours and respect for neighbors

Observe quiet hours (night and midday in some areas) and avoid loud noise, especially in residential neighborhoods.

Politeness and greetings

Greet shop staff with 'Grüezi' or 'Hallo' and say 'Danke' when served; a brief greeting is customary when entering small businesses.

Recycling and waste separation

Follow the local recycling rules and separate waste correctly; entrants to homes often remove outdoor shoes, so be prepared for that custom.

Safety Guide

Safety

Wetzikon is generally very safe with low violent crime rates typical of Swiss towns. Take normal precautions: secure valuables, be mindful of bike theft (use locks) and follow trail signage in nature areas. In an emergency dial 144 for ambulance and 117 for police. Mountain and winter conditions can change quickly — check forecasts and dress appropriately.

Tipping in Wetzikon

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is typically included in bills; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. In cafés and small purchases, just round up to the nearest franc/euro equivalent.

Payment Methods

Cards (Maestro, Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; many places prefer cashless payments. Have some Swiss francs (CHF) for small vendors and rural markets. Contactless and mobile payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures rise, fields and orchards blossom; expect muddy trails early on and vibrant floral photography. Many farms reopen for visitors; pack a light waterproof layer.

Summer

Warm (20–28°C) and pleasant — ideal for swimming in Pfäffikersee, cycling and long hikes. Expect more tourists on weekends and busy cafés; sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.

Autumn

Crisp air, colorful foliage and harvest festivals (Jucker Farm pumpkin time). Cooler mornings and possible rain — layers are advised and lighting is excellent for photos.

Winter

Chillier weather with occasional snow; quiet streets and a cozy atmosphere. Some outdoor attractions close or have reduced hours; check access for hikes and bring warm clothing.

Nightlife Guide

Wetzikon at Night

Wetzikon’s nightlife is low-key: relaxed bars, local pubs and occasional live-music nights or community events. For a livelier club or diverse bar scene, take the short train ride into Zurich, which has a wide range of late-night venues.

Hiking in Wetzikon

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pfäffikersee loop

An easy, family-friendly trail circling the lake with birdwatching spots and benches — suitable for most walkers and cyclists.

Bachtel mountain trail

Moderate hike to Bachtel summit offering panoramic views over the Zurich Oberland and the Alps on clear days; well-marked and popular with locals.

Greifensee shore path

Flatter route around nearby Greifensee lake, excellent for walking, cycling and scenic photography with frequent wildlife sightings.

Jucker Farm orchard walks

Gentle countryside walks through orchards and farmland around Seegräben; especially pretty during blossom season and autumn harvest time.

Airports

How to reach Wetzikon by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Main international airport serving the region (about 25–40 minutes by train to Wetzikon). Frequent trains connect the airport and Zurich main station, where you change for a regional S-Bahn to Wetzikon.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Smaller regional airport to the northeast (useful for regional flights); longer ground transfer to Wetzikon (around 1–1.5 hours).

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)

Alternate international airport further away (2+ hours by train/car); sometimes relevant for budget or alternative international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wetzikon is compact and quite walkable, especially around the town center and lakeside paths. For exploring surrounding countryside and farms, a bike or short local bus/train ride is useful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Swiss-German locals

Majority population, often families and long-term residents with roots in the Zurich Oberland.

Commuters to Zurich

Many working professionals who commute daily to Zurich for work, contributing to a mixed daytime/weekend rhythm.

International residents

Smaller international community including expatriates working in Zurich or local businesses; English is commonly understood.

Elderly population

Like many Swiss towns, there is a noticeable number of retirees and older residents enjoying quiet residential life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played at amateur and youth levels; local clubs and pitches are common and community-focused.

Ice Hockey

Popular throughout the canton, with many fans and local youth programs; indoor rinks are common in the region.

Hiking and Trail Running

Very popular given the nearby hills and lakes; well-marked trails attract locals and visitors year-round.

Rowing / Paddle Sports

Recreational boating and paddling on nearby lakes like Pfäffikersee and Greifensee during warm months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Wetzikon is generally moderate — residential streets are calm but peak-hour commuter traffic toward Zurich can cause delays. The region has excellent public transport (Zürich S-Bahn and regional buses) that are frequent, reliable and often faster than driving for journeys into Zurich.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wetzikon.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, rösti with cheese, vegetable stews). Ask for 'vegetarisch' and staff will often help adapt dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasing but less abundant than in big cities; order salads, ask for vegetable-based sides, or shop at supermarkets for vegan products.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free requests are generally understood in restaurants, but always mention 'glutenfrei' and double-check for sauces or breadcrumbs. Supermarkets carry gluten-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the Zurich region is high-quality with nearby general practitioners, dental clinics and regional hospitals. For urgent care use the local emergency number 144; for non-urgent issues, local practices and the canton’s hospitals in Uster or Zurich provide services. Travel insurance with health coverage is recommended for visitors.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide