Hint

Intro

The Greifensee is a pearl in the heavily built-up Glatt valley. This small lake, which has a water expanse of just under 9 square kilometres, and its shore areas of diverse flora and fauna are a favourite excursion destination for people from the conurbation of Zurich city.

Greifensee at a glance

The Greifensee, which resembles the shape of a whale, lies east of the metropolis of Zurich and runs – separated by the succession of hills on the ‘Pfannenstiel’ (pan handle) – parallel to Lake Zurich. The shore of the Greifensee is a nature conservation area and therefore has hardly any buildings. Hence the lake which is encircled by flat moors and reed belts is only directly accessible in a few places. Only the old small town of Greifensee lies directly on the Greifensee.

A walk along the shoreline provides the perfect opportunity to marvel at the diverse variety of plants and animals; over 400 species of plant and 120 species of migratory bird can be seen. The Greifensee region offers numerous walking and cycling trails. The tour around the lake is especially popular. A succession of rest and bathing areas are situated en route; visitors also have the option of shortening the tour with a boat trip.

A regular boat service operates all year round between Maur and Uster on the Greifensee; bicycles can also be transported. Cruises as well as nostalgia trips onboard the steamship ‘Grief’ – the oldest steamship in Switzerland dating from 1895 – are offered from spring to the autumn. The small fleet of the Greifensee shipping company comprises three motor boats of different sizes, in addition to the steamship. Special culinary cruises are extremely popular: accordingly there is a breakfast cruise, a pasta, fondue, Asia and a game cruise.

The romantic and magical small town of Greifensee is a popular excursion destination, not least because of the castle, which for hundreds of years served as the governor’s residence of the free imperial city of Zurich and which has now become a place of cultural encounters. Its church in the High Gothic style was built in around 1330 and is especially popular now with wedding couples.

The ‘Pfannenstiel’ between the Greifensee and Lake Zurich is a well-known hiking and biking region. Once here, the bustle and hectic activity of the city are hardly discernable. Green countryside, individual farmhouses and small villages dominate the landscape.

Hint

Overview
Greifensee
Zurich Region
Show on map

Experiences & Activities

Show all ofExperiences & Activities
  • Locke am Platz 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region Locke am Platz
  • AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac
  • Jugendherberge Fällanden

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Fällanden, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Fällanden, Zurich Region Jugendherberge Fällanden
  • Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich
  • Park Hyatt Zurich 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region Park Hyatt Zurich
  • Hotel Seidenhof - Member of Sorell Hotels 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region Hotel Seidenhof - Member of Sorell Hotels
  • Sorell Hotel Rex 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region Sorell Hotel Rex
  • The Home Hotel Zürich 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Zurich, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Zurich, Zurich Region The Home Hotel Zürich
  • Jugendherberge Baden

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Baden, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Baden, Zurich Region Jugendherberge Baden
  • Limmathof Baden Hotel & Spa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Baden, Zurich Region

    Learn more about: Baden, Zurich Region Limmathof Baden Hotel & Spa
  • Zurich Christmas in Zurich Tour

    Visit the most beautiful festive locationsHear stories about Christmas in ZurichGet into the... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 06.12.2025 - 20.12.2025

    Learn more about Christmas in Zurich Tour
  • Zurich Full Day Tour to Zurich from St Gallen

    Discover the magic of Zurich on an exclusive Private Zurich Day Tour from St Gallen. Experience the... from CHF 299
    Offer details
    Learn more about Full Day Tour to Zurich from St Gallen
  • Zurich Zurich City Region Private Tour

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Zurich, where history, luxury, and breathtaking... from CHF 499
    Offer details
    Learn more about Zurich City Region Private Tour
  • Glattbrugg SUP "To Go" rental from Zurich

    You rent a SUP and carry it conveniently in a backpack. You can go on a SUP adventure on beautiful... from CHF 45
    Offer details


    valid: 11.07.2025 - 12.10.2025

    Learn more about SUP "To Go" rental from Zurich
  • Zurich Montreux to Zurich one way Private Transfer

    Our professional drivers will take care of you and your group.Whatever be your Pick up location in... from CHF 514
    Offer details
    Learn more about Montreux to Zurich one way Private Transfer
  • Baden The strong women of Baden

    For every guest who takes part in one of our city tours, we invest CHF 1 in sustainability. In... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 20.08.2025

    Learn more about The strong women of Baden

Travel information: Zurich Region