The island paradise of Ufenau
Overview
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Intro
Not far from Rapperswil lies the abbey-owned island of Ufenau, a small paradise in the middle of Upper Lake Zurich. Art lovers can visit “art ufnau”, nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nature reserve and the island’s restaurant serves up culinary delights for all.
Islands have always been places of refuge and relaxation. The island of Ufnau, or Ufenau as the locals say, is an idyllic gem in Upper Lake Zurich. It has been owned by the Einsiedeln Abbey since the year 965 and is one of Switzerland’s precious heritage sites. Switzerland’s largest island is easy to reach via passenger ferry with the Lake Zurich Navigation Company. As soon as they arrive, visitors can see that nature plays a starring role on the sparsely developed island.
From the landing stage, the shore path leads around the island in a half-hour walk. On the way, visitors pass the church of St. Peter and Paul, and St. Martin’s chapel. These Romanesque sacred buildings are key elements of the island’s cultural identity. While the church is used for religious and cultural events, the chapel is a place of stillness and reflection. In the chapel is a part of the exhibition of paintings from the initiative "art ufnau". Other exhibits are spread around the island.
A visit to the island is rounded off with a regional culinary feast on the terrace of the cosy island restaurant. Built in the 17th century as a tenant’s house for the farm and vineyard, today the building looks like an ornate baroque residence. Local specialties and regional classics are served under shady plane trees. The owners make use of products from the Lake Zurich region and the abbey wine cellar.
The shuttle boat takes visitors back to the mainland. Recently, boats have started sailing until 9 p.m. in the evening, making an after-work excursion to the island is possible.
How to get there: from April to October, by boat from Pfäffikon SZ in around 10 minutes or from Rapperswil SG in 23 minutes.
Discover the surroundings
Contact
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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