Greifensee (lake)
Lake Small Swiss lake near Zurich popular for recreation
Greifensee lies east of Zurich and offers a lakeside loop trail, birdwatching in protected wetlands, swimming and small‑town charm in the adjacent village of Greifensee, popular with locals for cycling and day trips.
Greifensee is a lake in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, located to the east of the city of Zurich and adjacent to the small town of Greifensee. It is a regional recreational and nature area with walking and cycling routes along its shore.
The lake and its immediate shoreline include protected wetland areas that support waterfowl and other wetland species, making the area a popular local destination for birdwatching and short outdoor outings. The medieval village and castle at Greifensee lie on the lake’s perimeter and are visible from the shore.
The lake is readily accessible from the city of Zurich by regional transport and serves as a convenient natural retreat for residents and visitors in the greater Zurich area.
- Recreation and birdwatching: A marked walking and cycling path encircles the lake and is popular for short recreational circuits; the lake is also valued for birdwatching, especially on its western shores.
How to Get to Greifensee (lake) #
Greifensee lake lies northeast of Zürich in the Canton of Zürich. From Zürich HB take a regional S‑bahn or regional train toward Uster/Greifensee and then walk from Greifensee station to the lakeshore (a short 10-20 minute walk depending on where you alight). By car, follow the A1/A52 roads northeast from Zürich - the lake is roughly 15-20 km from central Zürich.
Tips for Visiting Greifensee (lake) #
- Start your visit by taking the Zurich S‑Bahn to Uster or the Greifensee station to avoid parking stress; both provide easy access to the lakeside trail and are well connected to the city.
- Walk the shore trail counterclockwise early in the morning on weekdays to catch bird activity in the protected wetland zones on the lake's eastern side and to avoid peak weekend crowds.
- Include a stop in the small historic village of Greifensee and the nearby nature-observation points-many visitors focus on the path and miss the lake's bird hides and interpretive signs about the reserve.
Best Time to Visit Greifensee (lake) #
Visit Greifensee from late spring through early autumn for swimming, boating and comfortable lakeside walks; winters are cold and much quieter.
Weather & Climate near Greifensee (lake) #
Greifensee (lake)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1104 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
