Ufenau Island
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
The Ufenau Island in Lake Zurich can only be reached by boat. Visit the largest island in Switzerland with its Romanesque church and chapel, walk through the nature reserve and try a local speciality in the restaurant.
Ufenau Island at a glance
The island of Ufenau, also called Ufnau, is located in the upper Lake Zurich in the canton Schwyz. It has belonged to the Einsiedeln monastery since 965. On 11 hectares, the nature reserve, vineyard and pastures share the area. Baden is prohibited around the island. From April to October, scheduled boats sail to the island, when the church, chapel and restaurant are also open.
What to experience
Circumnavigating the island (30 minutes)
From the jetty, a riverside path leads around the island in half an hour, past reeds, vineyards and pastures. On the way you will come to the church of St. Peter and Paul and at the chapel of St. Martin. The view extends over upper Lake Zurich to the foothills of the Alps.
- Good to know: Stay on the paths, the island is a nature reserve.
- Tip: Take binoculars with you, here you can observe numerous birds.
Visit the church and chapel
On the hill there are two Romanesque buildings, the church of St. Peter and Paul from the 12th century and the smaller chapel of St. Martin. Inside, you'll find thick walls, arched windows and medieval murals. In 1523, the humanist Ulrich von Hutten, who is buried next to the church, died on the island.
- Good to know: Special services and concerts are held in the church.
- Tip: Book an island tour on cultural history, viticulture and nature.
Taste local specialties
In the centre of the island there is a restaurant with a garden and a large terrace, which once served as a tenant's house. Regional classics and local specialties are served: Fish from Lake Zurich, products from monastic cultivation and wines from the island's vineyard. The labels for this were designed by the sprayer Harald Naegeli.
- Good to know: In the warm months, the open-air exhibition "art ufnau" can be seen.
- Tip: Reserve your table online in advance, the restaurant is often fully booked.
General information
| Season |
April - October
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| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Rapperswil Zürichsee Tourismus
Fischmarktplatz 1
8640
Rapperswil SG
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)55 225 77 00
info@rzst.ch
rapperswil-zuerichsee.ch
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