A level lakeside circuit around the Greifensee, a protected lake east of Zürich, passing reed beds, bird observation spots, villages and small beaches.
The Greifensee is the largest lake in the canton after Lake Zürich and is partly a nature reserve. A footpath follows most of the shore, passing Uster, Maur, Greifensee town with its castle, and Fällanden, with long stretches through reed beds and meadows. Sections can be walked separately as short outings of 5 to 10 kilometres, since several train stations and bus stops lie close to the shore. The terrain is almost flat and mostly gravel or paved, which suits families and less experienced walkers. In summer the small lidos and beaches allow swimming, and bird watchers use observation points to see waterfowl. Parts of the path run away from the water to protect sensitive habitats, and walkers are asked to stay on the marked route.
| Distance | about 20 km full circuit; sections of 5-10 km are common |
|---|---|
| Duration | about 5 hours for the full circuit |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | S-Bahn from Zürich HB to Uster or Greifensee (ZVV network, about 20-30 min) |
| Best season | April-October; spring and autumn for bird life |
| Address | Bahnhof Uster, Bahnhofstrasse, 8610 Uster |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Greifensee, Uster-Maur-Greifensee, canton Zürich
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners
- Water (at least 1 litre)
- Light rain layer
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- ZVV day pass or SwissPass, or the ZVV app, for the public transport legs
Location
Bahnhof Uster, Bahnhofstrasse, 8610 Uster
47.3500, 8.7200 View on map
Highlights
- Nearly flat path, suitable for all ages
- Protected reed beds and bird life
- Greifensee castle and old town of Greifensee
- Swimming spots in summer
- Frequent regional train and bus connections
Tips for visiting
- Choose a section, such as Uster to Maur or Greifensee town to Fällanden, rather than walking the whole circuit.
- Bring swimwear in summer; there are lakeside bathing spots.
- Stay on the marked path in the nature reserve zones.
When to visit
April-October; spring and autumn for bird life
Accessibility
Largely flat gravel and paved path; many sections are suitable for strollers and wheelchair users, but surface quality varies.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the full lake circuit?
About 20 km, or roughly 5 hours.
Which stations serve the lake?
Uster and Greifensee on the S-Bahn, plus bus lines to Maur and Fällanden.