Uster Travel Guide

City City in Switzerland known for its lakeside views

Just outside Zurich, Uster sits by Greifensee with lakeside paths, a small castle and weekly markets. Visitors cycle quiet routes, swim in the lake, and sample Zürcher specialties at taverns that feel practised rather than touristy.

Costs

$180-$260 per day

Swiss prices; lodging and dining are pricey.

Safety

Very safe

Extremely safe with low crime rates.

Best Time

May-September

Warm months for lake and hiking activities.

In This Guide

Why Visit Uster?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

34,715

Infrastructure & Convenience

Excellent trains and roads, very walkable, multilingual signage.

Popularity

Mostly local and regional visitors; quiet outside weekends.

Known For

Uster Castle, Greifensee lake, lakeside trails, regional festivals, proximity to Zurich, local vineyards, family recreation, historic center

Uster is the third‑largest city in the Canton of Zurich, despite its small‑town feel and lakeside setting.

Why Visit Uster? #

Uster makes a peaceful base for exploring Zurich’s countryside, known for Greifensee’s placid waters and the medieval Uster Castle overlooking the town. Trails and boat routes around the lake attract cyclists and families, while compact streets host local markets and cafés with Swiss comfort food. Short train connections to Zurich let visitors combine rural lakeside relaxation with city museums and shopping.

Top Things to Do in Uster

All Attractions ›

Rhine Falls

Europe's largest waterfall by volume near Schaffhausen

Waterfall

Zürich Zoologischer Garten

Major Zurich zoo with conservation and education programs

Zoo

Swiss National Museum

Zurich museum exhibiting Swiss cultural and historical artifacts

Museum

Kunsthaus Zürich

Zurich art museum with significant modern art collection

Museum

Rietberg Museum

Museum of non-European art in historic villa

Museum

Museum of Design

Museum dedicated to design, applied arts, and graphics

Museum

Lake Zurich

Swiss lake adjacent to the city of Zurich

Lake

Letzigrund

Zurich stadium hosting athletics and football events

Stadium

Don't Miss

Uster Castle (Schloss Uster) - Visit the medieval Schloss Uster housing local history exhibits and panoramic town views.
Greifensee lake and promenade - Walk the Greifensee lakeside trail, ideal for cycling, birdwatching, and relaxed picnics.
Uster Farmer's Market - Browse local cheeses, breads, and seasonal produce at the lively weekly market.

Hidden Gems

Bachtel tower viewpoint - Hike or drive to Bachtel tower for sweeping views over Zurich lake and Alps.
Pfannenstiel ridge trails - Explore quiet Pfannenstiel ridgeline paths with forested hills and small village cafés.
Uster Heimatmuseum - Dip into Uster's past through rotating displays at the local Heimatmuseum.

Day Trips

Zurich city - Catch a short train to Zurich for old town lanes, museums, and lakefront promenades.
Rapperswil-Jona (Lake Zurich) - Take the tram or train to Rapperswil for castle, rose gardens, and lakeside strolls.

Best Time to Visit Uster #

Uster is best from late spring through summer when lake activities, hiking and warm afternoons are at their peak. Winters are chilly with some snow-fine for quieter visits but bundle up for outdoor time.

Winter

December - February · -3 to 6°C (27 to 43°F)

Winters are chilly with occasional snow; quiet town, easy access to Zurich's museums but some mountain passes close in heavy snow.

Spring

March - May · 4 to 17°C (39 to 63°F)

Spring quickly green, mornings crisp and afternoons pleasantly warm-perfect for lakeside walks and early alpine hikes before the summer crowds.

Summer

June - August · 14 to 26°C (57 to 79°F)

Warm, sunny summers ideal for swimming, hiking and exploring Zurich's nearby hills; book mountain excursions early for clear-weather windows and fewer crowds.

Best Time to Visit Uster #

Climate

Uster'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 (1129 mm/year), wettest in June.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustSeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

34°

Warmest Month

-21°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Cold

0°C

Temperature

-2° – 3°

88%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

62 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.8h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-2° – 5°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

75 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

1° – 10°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

4° – 13°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

85 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

8° – 19°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

14.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 21°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

136 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

13° – 24°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

132 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

13° – 23°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

126 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 19°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

92 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

6° – 14°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

88%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-1° – 4°

88%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.3h daylight

How to Get to Uster

Uster is a short S-Bahn ride from central Zurich and is best reached via Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Zurich Hauptbahnhof by regular suburban trains. Once in Uster, the local bus network, cycling and walking cover most local travel needs.

By Air

Zurich Airport (ZRH): The main international airport for Uster. Direct rail from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof takes about 10-15 minutes; from Zurich HB take an S-Bahn (S9 or S5 depending on schedule) to Uster-total journey time ~25-35 minutes. A point-to-point ticket within ZVV zones typically costs in the CHF 6.80-10.40 range depending on zones crossed.

Geneva Airport (GVA): Farther away (≈3-4 hours by train); not convenient for quick access to Uster unless combining other travel plans.

By Train & Bus

Train: Uster is served by Zurich S-Bahn services (station: Uster). Frequent S-Bahn connections from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (S5, S15 or S9 on different patterns) take about 10-20 minutes from Zurich HB depending on route; buy tickets from SBB or in the SBB app and validate if needed.

Bus: Local VZO/Verkehrsbetriebe buses serve the municipality and link neighbourhoods to Uster station; buses are useful for short hops and reaching lakeside areas. Tickets follow the ZVV fare system and can be used across modes within purchased zones.

How to Get Around Uster #

Uster’s town centre is compact and good to explore on foot or by bike; local cycling routes make short trips easy. The lake area is a pleasant walk from the station. Uster is well connected to Zürich by regular regional trains; local buses cover neighbourhoods. Buy ZVV tickets or a Swiss travel pass for easy multi-ride travel across zones.

Where to Stay in Uster #

Budget

Near Station / Greifensee area - CHF 70-130/night

Uster has a handful of small hotels and guesthouses. Budget choices are modest but conveniently close to the train station and lake.

Hotel Bären Uster - Simple, local hotel close to station
Uster budget B&Bs (Booking listings) - Small guesthouses and rooms available

Mid-Range

Town centre / Greifensee - CHF 130-220/night

Comfortable mid-range hotels and aparthotels are common; convenient for lake visits and short stays with easy Zurich access.

Hotel Vitznau Uster (regional listing) - Comfortable regional hotel options
Mid-range hotels & aparthotels (listings) - Good practical options near town centre

Luxury

Uster centre / Zurich commute - CHF 250+/night

Uster itself has limited top-tier hotels; for full luxury amenities, stay in nearby Zurich (20-30 minutes by train).

Zurich luxury hotels (nearby) - Luxury options mainly in Zurich city centre
Top suites in Uster (listings) - Occasional premium apartments and suites

Where to Eat in Uster #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Uster's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Italian

Kebab

Thai

Burger

Asian

Chinese

Sushi

Indian

Turkish

Steak House

International

Pasta

Swiss

Chicken

American

Sandwich

Vietnamese

Coffee Shop

Nightlife in Uster #

Nightlife is modest and local: restaurants and a few bars serve the evening crowd. For more late-night options and live music venues, Zürich is the closer destination.

Shopping in Uster #

Shopping is centred around the Bahnhof area and the pedestrian streets close to the station, with a mix of Swiss chains and independent retailers. For a wider retail selection, Zürich is a short train ride away.

Nearby Cities #