A stay in Wädenswil can be built around a wide range of discoveries: gardens with botanical collections, a lakeside route on Lake Zurich, vineyards and cultural history. Highlights include the lakeside path from Wädenswil to Richterswil, where wooden boardwalks run directly over the water in places, and the gardens in Grüental, home to more than 4,000 plant species. To plan your visit, first decide whether you want to focus more on nature, water or culture.

Gardens, Lakeside and Landscape

The gardens in Grüental are open year-round from sunrise to sunset and invite you to explore at your own pace. The campus covers around eleven hectares and encompasses a variety of natural habitats and botanical collections of national importance. Temporary closures are possible, so check the latest notices before your visit.

The field botany trail offers another way to discover the plant world. Using an app, you can learn about native plants in their natural surroundings. The gardens focus on their botanical collections, while the trail highlights native plants in their natural environment. As app availability may change, it is advisable to check the latest information beforehand.

The lakeside path from Wädenswil to Richterswil runs along the shore of Lake Zurich and, in places, crosses wooden boardwalks directly over the water. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Temporary works may affect path conditions. If accessibility is important to your plans, check the current situation before your visit.

The Au peninsula on Lake Zurich brings together meadows, forests and vineyards with the small Ausee lake. It is ideal for walking, swimming and relaxing. Specific access conditions may change, so check in advance if you are planning a visit. Ausee is also one of the bodies of water within the municipality. These also include Hüttnersee and several ponds, including Reidbachweiher, Sennweidweiher and Schönenbergerweiher. Small ravines with waterfalls are also part of the municipality, including Gulmentobel and Reidbachtobel with Giessbachfall.

Wine and Culture

For wine enthusiasts, the Wine Museum on Lake Zurich offers a group programme. Group visits are available year-round; guided tours take you through the museum and vineyard and include a hosted wine tasting or aperitif. Advance booking is required. As booking arrangements may change, confirm your appointment in advance.

The Reformed Church of Wädenswil is a Baroque church built between 1764 and 1767. The architect and bridge builder Hans-Ulrich Grubenmann from Teufen was responsible for its construction. The Wädenswil Historical Society presents an exhibition at Kulturgarage each year for about four months. The exact dates and exhibition times may change, so check the schedule if you want to plan your visit around it.

The area's earlier history offers several points of reference from different periods. Archaeological finds from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman periods indicate that the area of present-day Wädenswil has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. The Barons of Wädenswil were first mentioned in 1130 in a deed of donation to Fahr Abbey; the authenticity of this document is not entirely certain. In the 13th century, they built Alt-Wädenswil Castle.

Discover more destinations: Adliswil, Horgen, Langnau Am Albis, Thalwil, Hirzel, Schönenberg, Rüschlikon, Richterswil.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Horgen.