Pfäffikon on Lake Pfäffikersee combines nature with traces of regional history. The lake is surrounded by a nature reserve that provides a habitat for many animals. Trails, exhibitions and historic buildings offer further perspectives on the area. You can tailor your stay to your interests, choosing between the nature centre, lakeside trails and local history.
Nature and history by the lake
The Pfäffikersee Nature Centre has an exhibition about the habitats around the lake and the creatures that live there. It also offers public nature events and excursions, as well as private guided tours. If you plan to attend an event or guided tour, check the programme and availability in advance. The nature centre is a ten-minute walk from Pfäffikon ZH railway station; you should also check this access information before travelling.
The Pfahlbauweg trail runs along Lake Pfäffikersee and has ten stops where visitors can discover various aspects of life in the past. It is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Irgenhausen Castle offers a different historical focus: the Roman fort dates from the 3rd or 4th century and is located right on the lakeside circular trail. It is considered the best-preserved Roman ruin in northeastern Switzerland. The Pfahlbauweg trail draws attention to past ways of life, while the fort focuses on Roman history.
Museums and local history
The Museum am Pfäffikersee houses an extensive collection of prehistoric artefacts. It also documents homes and trades in the 18th and 19th centuries, home-based work and industrialisation. In the 2026 season, the museum is open on Sundays from 1 March to 25 October, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm; admission is free. It is closed during the summer holidays from 12 July to 16 August 2026. Check opening times before travelling.
Since 2024, the Pfäffiker Kulturpfad has provided information about 16 historic sites in Pfäffikon ZH. Plaques on the buildings tell the story of each one. You can visit the sites in person using a map and scan QR codes at the stops; all the sites can also be viewed online on the website. The trail includes the Zehntenhaus, one of Pfäffikon’s oldest houses, which dates from the 16th century. As a former multi-purpose building, it is of outstanding importance to the townscape and the character of the group of houses in the western part of the village.
The Reformed Church of Pfäffikon ZH stands just a few metres from the Seequai. The present-day Late Gothic building was constructed between 1484 and 1488. Visitors seeking a quiet place can visit the church daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Beck Typewriter Museum explores the early days of the typewriter and office automation; its collection includes more than 300 exhibits. Visits are possible by appointment, so be sure to arrange one in advance.
Plan your visit to the Seequai and your journey
The boat rental at the Seequai in Pfäffikon offers up to 50 rowboats on Lake Pfäffikersee. Availability may vary by season; if a boat trip is part of your plans, confirm it in advance. The Forellenfest (Trout Festival) is also held at the Seequai. This traditional event sees around 2,800 trout prepared in Europe’s largest fish pan. The 2026 edition was held for the 54th time. Check the event dates for future visits.
Trains run every half hour to Pfäffikon from Zurich, Winterthur and Wetzikon. As timetables can change, it’s worth checking current connections before travelling. The town offers a variety of options for planning your stay: nature events and the nature centre’s exhibition, historic trails and collections, as well as individual visits with specific opening times or dates. Choose what suits your stay and check opening hours, programmes and timetables against your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Illnau-Effretikon, Sternenberg, Fehraltorf, Weisslingen, Bauma, Hittnau, Wila, Lindau
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