Schmerikon lies on the shore of Lake Zurich’s Obersee section, at the lower end of the Linth Plain and on the slope of the Goldberg. This gives you a range of options when planning your stay: lakeside paths, swimming facilities, protected marsh landscapes and local history. You can tailor your stay to whether you prefer hiking, spending time by the lake or exploring nature and culture.
Arriving at the Obersee and setting off
In Schmerikon, you can reach the lakeside path by suburban train or boat. As timetables may change, it is worth checking connections before your trip. The Lake Zurich Circular Route offers a longer hiking option: the Pfäffikon SZ–Schmerikon route is 23 km long. Along the way, the path briefly follows the Linth Canal in the direction of the current, crosses the Aabach’s alluvial delta and ends in Schmerikon.
Another option is the Obersee Adventure Trail. You can start in Schmerikon and hike as far as Tuggen. The Schmerikon section includes the «Steinbrüchler» installation at Rheinkies harbour. It tells the story of Schmerikon’s quarry and the origins of «grey gold». At the harbour, you can round off your walk on the Lake Zurich Circular Route while enjoying views of the lake and boats returning to port.
Swimming, playing and relaxing
Schmerikon’s indoor and lakeside swimming pool offers direct access to Lake Zurich, a 25 m swimming pool and a children’s paddling pool. During the summer season, the outdoor area adds to the facilities: it includes a 17,000 m² play and sunbathing lawn, a 42 m water slide, two beach volleyball courts, a bathing jetty with a raft and other play facilities. Check seasonal and operating information before your visit, especially if you are planning to use the outdoor area.
The indoor and lakeside swimming pool also has a 400 m² sauna and wellness area. It includes bio saunas, the «Goldberg» Finnish sauna, the «Bachtel» steam bath and a plunge pool. Berths for boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent at Schmerikon harbour; if you are making specific plans, check current availability. Six free moorings are available to visitors from outside the area in the old harbour near the village centre. Here, too, it is a good idea to check the current rules before arriving by boat.
Marsh landscapes and plant life
The Schmerikoner Riet is a fen of national importance between the Aabach and the Linth Canal. Rare and endangered plants grow there, including orchids and sedges. The Grosse Allmeind has been protected since 1983 and is distinguished by its exceptionally rich orchid populations. Red List species native to the area include the pale yellow marsh orchid and the bog orchid.
The marshland of the Schmerkner Allmeind covers around 27 hectares and is one of the largest fens in the canton of St. Gallen. Alongside the lake and hiking trails, these features give the landscape its own distinctive character: the focus here is on marshland and plants, rather than swimming or watersports.
Village, bridge and lakeside spots
The Aabach Bridge connects the village of Schmerikon with the Grosse Allmeind. Its side alcoves invite you to linger and offer views of the flowing water. The lakeside area between Bad harbour and the Pier8716 restaurant is also a place to linger in every season. At Pier8716, tiered seating lines the shore; it is a place to sit and gives swimmers access to the water.
One of the village’s distinctive buildings is Hirzen, one of Schmerikon’s most historic and prominent buildings. A pilgrim chapel dedicated to Saint Jodokus was first mentioned in 1448. The Gothic Church of St. Jodokus was solemnly consecrated in May 1500. Along with the bridge and lakeside spots, this history complements the natural and swimming attractions with a glimpse of the village itself.
Discover more destinations: Ernetschwil, Weesen, Hintergoldingen, Amden, Rapperswil-Jona, Eschenbach, Benken, Gommiswald.
For the regional travel overview: See-Gaster.
