Richterswil combines lakeside scenery, local history and living traditions. When choosing what to focus on, consider your interests: the island and nature, the museum and village history, the annual Räbechilbi, or a hike through varied landscapes. Richterswil is a political municipality in the district of Horgen in the Canton of Zurich.
Lakeside, reeds and viewpoints
The redevelopment of the lakeshore in Richterswil includes a 3,000 m² recreation area with a new bathing spot, rope play equipment for children and viewpoints. A wide reed belt provides a habitat for a variety of animal species. On the improved lakeshore, a platform and an observation tower allow walkers to look out over the new, naturalistic shallow-water shore. In this way, landscaped visitor areas meet an ecologically oriented stretch of lakeshore.
Several viewpoints offer views of Lake Zurich, the islands of Ufenau, Lützelau and Schönenwirt, and the foothills of the Glarus and Appenzell Alps. Probably the best-known viewpoint near Burghalden railway station is called “Gottfried-Keller-Plätzli.” These views extend from the lake and its islands to the foothills of the Alps.
Schönenwirt Island and its history
Schönenwirt is one of Lake Zurich’s four natural islands. The municipality of Richterswil bought the island in 1848 for 100 Swiss francs; the historic deed of sale dated 5 January 1849 is kept in the municipal archive. This makes the island a nature destination with a tangible link to local history.
Under the municipal visitor rules in effect in 2025, the island is open to visitors who enjoy nature. Exclusive reservations of the entire island are not possible, and fires may be lit only at the two designated fire pits. These rules are useful to know when including a visit to the island in your travel plans.
Local museum and Räbechilbi
The Richterswil Local Museum presents the history of Richterswil and Samstagern. The historical collection is housed in the Haus zum Bären. Old films, reports, pictures and photographs document local industrial history and village life. The museum collection thus covers both the development of local industry and everyday life in the village.
Another expression of local tradition is the annual Räbechilbi Richterswil. Around 30 tonnes of autumn turnips are turned into elaborate lanterns and displayed in a procession. The event includes more than 20 market stalls in the old village centre; the procession of turnip lanterns is about 1,000 metres long. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the event date for the relevant year in advance.
Hiking and other activities
A hiking route runs from Richterswil via Hütten to Schönenberg and continues through the Sihl Gorge. Its landscape takes you from Lake Zurich through the Mülitobel, past lakes, ponds and pools, and finally through the gorge. The focus is therefore not just on a single viewpoint, but on a succession of different waterscapes and landscapes. This adds a route through the countryside to the local-history focus of the museum and island.
Richterswil is connected to the rail networks of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Swiss Southeastern Railway (SOB). Another local activity is the Richterswil lakeside swimming pool, which has diving boards at heights of 1 and 3 metres. Culture, views, hiking and swimming each offer a distinct focus when planning a stay in Richterswil.
Discover more destinations: Langnau Am Albis, Schönenberg, Hirzel, Adliswil, Kilchberg, Thalwil, Horgen, Rüschlikon
Back to the main travel overview: Horgen.
