Ufenau Island

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. 

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.