If you are like me, always on the lookout for idyllic and peaceful summer spots perfect for lazying about, swimming and eating, then you have come to the right place! Today I would like to give you a tour of one of the best-kept secrets in Zürich, the Türlersee.
This little gem of a lake is nestled in a small valley just behind the Albispass, approximately 25 minutes away by car from Zürich city.
The lake is relatively small compared to lake Zürich, but it is far less crowded and also gives you the option of a light hike, either around the lake itself or further afield. In addition to this, there is also a Badi (Swiss for an outdoors swimming centre) perfect for families or those of you who prefer the security of an enclosed area. Not that you really need the extra security in Switzerland. The entry price of the Badi is 5 CHF per adult and another 5 CHF for parking. Here is the link to their website for more information: http://www.tuerlersee.ch/strandbad.php.
Now for the fun part: the review!
Turlersee : Hiking and Swimming in zürich
- Travel Time: 25 minutes by car / 1 hours with public transport
- Hiking Time: 1 - 1.5 hours around the lake (Türlersee-Rundweg)
- Length of Route: 4 KM (Türlersee-Rundweg)
- Restaurants: Yes - The Erpel (www.erpel.ch) and the Badi restaurant (www.tuerlersee.ch/restaurant.php)
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, paddle boarding, boat rental, barbecue and a children's playground.
I honestly love this little lake. It is a real gem for a day / half-day trip. It is close enough to the city not to have to travel for hours and yet far enough to make you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside. It even comes equipped with it’s own local farm animals such as cows and sheep.
The lake itself is beautifully kept, the water is clean and the surrounding area is pristine. The trail around the lake is perfect for families with small children or those who just want an easy walk with beautiful views. The path is mostly flat with two light and short uphills. It runs through a forest, fields and along the banks of the lake.
There are restaurants nearby (www.erpel.ch and www.tuerlersee.ch/restaurant.php), you can rent paddle boards or use the grill stations for a barbecue. My only reason for not giving it the full 5 stars is because in summer the Badi can get quite crowded and if you do not arrive early (especially on weekends) you will not find parking. But that’s just me being reaaaally picky.
Below is the route outline and some stops that could be useful (e.g. barbecue stations, beaches, parking and so on). Click to see the route.
The hike/walk begins in the free parking area (win!) behind the lake. You can also begin the tour on the other side in the paid parking of the Badi, which costs 5 CHF, however I recommend the free parking. From the car park, walk down the path to the right (opposite the road). You will reach a fork in the path with the yellow signs of the different hiking routes. Follow the route “Türlersee-Rundweg”, which you can take either to the left or the right. I prefer the path to the left because there are lots of great places to stop and take a dip in the lake, and near the end of the trail there are a couple of restaurants. A little treat after a tough day of swimming, walking and relaxing is never a bad idea!
Along the route keep an eye out for the banks and wooden piers perfect for lounging, sun bathing or just reading a good book in between swims. If you keep walking around the lake you will eventually get to a campsite. Just next to it is the Badi (The Swiss-German word for outdoor swimming centre) where you can spend the day for a 5 CHF entrance fee. There are grills if you fancy a bbq (bring your own coal and fire-starters), playgrounds for children, bathrooms and lockers. Oh and not to forget, the paddle board and boat rental!
If you get hungry there are two options for food. The first is the restaurant at the entrance of the Badi and the second is located down the road after the Badi. Both have good food, but the second (www.erpel.ch) is more of a tradition restaurant serving local food, and the Badi restaurant (www.tuerlersee.ch/restaurant.php) is better for something quick n’ dirty, like fries, sausages and ice cream.
Continuing on from there you will get to a beautiful woods that will then lead you back to where you started. This really is an easy route, and takes about an hour to and hour and a half to complete (without stopping). But, the best part of this place is it’s closeness to Zurich city. I love escaping to this little oasis of tranquility after a long day at work, for a light jog or just a relaxing reading session by the water.
It really is Zürich’s hidden gem!
Keep an eye out for the youtube video of the Hike!
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