Ufenau and Lützelau Islands Zurich
Serene islands on Lake Zurich offering a peaceful escape with camping and waterfront dining, accessible by boat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peace returns after day-trippers leave
Ufenau and Lützelau Islands Zurich
Best Time
Peace returns after day-trippers leave

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene islands on Lake Zurich offering a peaceful escape with camping and waterfront dining, accessible by boat.
"Real peace returns to the island in the evening after the restaurant visitors leave."
🚢 Boat Access is Key
Access via private boat or water taxi. Book in advance if you need a taxi!
🏕️ Camping Reservations
Book camping spots ahead, especially for groups. Warden is organized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peaceful Island Retreat
Escape the city bustle on these serene islands, perfect for relaxation and nature immersion.

Waterfront Dining
Enjoy meals with a view at the island's restaurants, though quality and price vary.

Camping Under the Stars
Experience a unique overnight stay with designated camping spots and clean facilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Islands
Island Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Stand Up Paddle SUP best spots around lake Zurich
🚢 Boat Access is Key
Access via private boat or water taxi. Book in advance if you need a taxi!
🏕️ Camping Reservations
Book camping spots ahead, especially for groups. Warden is organized.
💰 Dining Costs
Food prices can be high; consider packing snacks.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Wander the island paths for beautiful views and tranquility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat Access is Key
Access via private boat or water taxi. Book in advance if you need a taxi!
🏕️ Camping Reservations
Book camping spots ahead, especially for groups. Warden is organized.
💰 Dining Costs
Food prices can be high; consider packing snacks.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Wander the island paths for beautiful views and tranquility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the islands for their peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, especially after day-trippers depart. The camping facilities are clean and well-managed, offering a unique overnight experience. However, some find the dining options pricey and the service a bit too 'hip'.
"We spent a night on the island with our scout group. The island warden was friendly and we were given a nice spot for our tents.
We enjoyed our stay as a group and the prices for the overnight stay were also reasonable.
The sanitary facilities are clean and easily accessible.
At the weekend there are also a lot of restaurant visitors, but they leave late in the evening and then real peace returns to the island.
Please note that the island can only be reached with your own boat or with a taxibot."
Michael Klenk
"We spent a week together on the island, simply a dream.
Thank you for everything."
Michael Brunner
"I liked it, nice place to relax."
Christa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The islands are accessible by private boat or water taxi. There isn't regular public ferry service, so you'll need to arrange your own transport or hire a taxi boat from the mainland. Some visitors suggest Freienbach and Pfäffikon SZ as good starting points for paddling to the islands.
Yes, paddleboarding is a popular way to reach the islands, especially from spots like Freienbach and Pfäffikon SZ. It offers a scenic and active approach to exploring Lake Zurich.
Parking availability can vary depending on the specific launch point you choose on the mainland. It's advisable to research parking options in towns like Freienbach or Pfäffikon SZ before your trip.
While close, they are separate islands. You would typically need to return to the mainland and then take another boat, or if you have your own boat, navigate between them. Some visitors might swim between them if conditions are calm and safe.
While not as common as tours to other Lake Zurich attractions, some private boat services or water taxis might offer island hopping tours. It's best to inquire locally about specific tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are generally no entrance fees to visit the islands themselves, but you will incur costs for boat transportation. If you plan to camp, there are fees for overnight stays.
The islands are accessible when the lake is navigable. However, restaurants and facilities on Ufenau may have specific operating hours, especially outside of peak season. It's wise to check these in advance.
Yes, camping is permitted on Ufenau Island in designated areas. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups, and the island warden manages the sites.
Visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and any posted rules. Loud noise or disruptive behavior is generally discouraged to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
The prices for overnight stays are considered reasonable, particularly for scout groups. Specific rates can be obtained by contacting the island warden directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ufenau Island has sanitary facilities that are reported to be clean and easily accessible. There are also restaurants and a shop managed by the island warden.
You can enjoy relaxing by the water, swimming, picnicking, hiking the island trails, and for campers, enjoying a peaceful night outdoors.
Yes, the islands are often described as a great experience for kids, offering a safe and engaging natural environment to explore.
The islands offer a relaxed atmosphere, especially in the evenings after day-trippers leave. Ufenau has been described as a 'relaxed island' with a great vibe.
Mobile signal is generally available, but Wi-Fi is unlikely to be widespread. It's best to assume you'll be disconnected or rely on your mobile data.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ufenau Island has restaurants where you can enjoy meals. However, reviews suggest that while the food is okay, it's not a culinary highlight and prices can be relatively high.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially if you're on a budget or have specific dietary needs. Picnicking is a popular activity.
Yes, the island warden manages a shop on Ufenau Island, which can be convenient for essentials.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurants about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Reviews indicate that the food quality is acceptable but not exceptional. Some visitors found the 'hipster attitude' of the service slightly off-putting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning lake views, serene natural landscapes, charming island architecture, and the tranquil waters. Sunrises and sunsets over Lake Zurich can be particularly picturesque.
Explore the walking paths around the islands for varied perspectives of the lake and surrounding shores. The waterfront areas offer classic shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Evenings, after the day-trippers leave, provide a peaceful ambiance for capturing the island's tranquility.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local aviation rules and any specific restrictions on the islands before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shorelines. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to keep costs down and ensure picky eaters are happy. While there are restaurants, the food can be pricey. Camping overnight is also a memorable experience for kids, offering a chance to sleep under the stars in a unique setting. Remember to arrange boat transport in advance, as this is the only way to access the islands.
💰 Budget Travelers
🧘♀️ Couples Seeking Romance
Consider an overnight camping trip for a truly immersive romantic experience, waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature. The exclusivity of reaching the islands by boat adds to the sense of a special getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to the Islands
When considering water taxis, be aware that prices can be relatively high, reflecting the exclusive access they provide. If you're on a tighter budget or seeking a more adventurous experience, paddleboarding or kayaking can be excellent alternatives, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace and potentially discover hidden coves along the way. Always check weather conditions and lake traffic before setting out on the water.
Island Life and Amenities
However, dining on the island comes with a caveat: reviews suggest that while the food is acceptable, it's not a culinary highlight and can be relatively expensive. Many visitors recommend bringing your own food and drinks to manage costs and ensure you have what you prefer. For those looking to extend their stay, camping is available in designated areas, offering a unique opportunity to experience the island's tranquility after the day-trippers depart. Booking in advance is advised, especially for groups.
Experiencing Tranquility
Visitors often describe the islands as a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the serene environment is a significant appeal. Whether you're enjoying a picnic by the water, exploring the island's walking paths, or simply soaking in the views, the islands offer a restorative escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit