Türlersee, Zurich: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Türlersee Overview

Reflecting the sky hovering over its head, Türlersee is an absolute gem from nature's treasury. Located around half an hour's drive from Zurich, Switzerland, Türlersee is situated at an elevation of 643 m above sea level. The azure blue water of the pristine lake adds to the lush greenery of the quiet surrounding valley to give the landscape an illusion of a slice of paradise on earth.

The lake is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance and is a natural reserve. Türlersee happens to be a picturesque haven for those seeking a meaningful time to spend with family. It is a sin to be in Zurich and not sneak away for a day or two to this beautiful place on your Switzerland trip.

The lake offers a plethora of activities for visitors such as - paddle boarding, sunbathing, swimming, angling, picnicking, hiking and camping. The best part about this lake is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year not just for swimming but also for ice skating in the winter.

How To Reach

By Train:
The easiest and cheapest way to reach Türlersee lake is via the SBB trains which run at regular intervals of fifteen minutes to half an hour from the Zurich Airport (Flughafen) towards Ziegelbrücke and reach Wiedikon. Once in Wiedikon, there are frequent buses plying from the bahnhof (bus stop) which is right outside the Wiedikon railway station.

The B 236 bus takes passengers to the Hausen am Albis, Turlersee from Wiedikon. From the Türlersee bus stop to the lake is just 9 minutes of pleasant walk. The total travel time is about 1 hour fifteen minutes and the cost of return ticket is 9 CHF.

By Car:
The fastest way to reach Türlersee is to rent a car from the Zurich Airport. It just requires ID proof that shows 25 years of age or above, a valid driver's license and credit card. The travel time of 37 kms from Zurich Airport to Türlersee lake is only 30 mins. A day's rent of Europcar in the non luxury category could be close to 175 euros. The lake also has a parking area close to it.

Best Time To Visit

The lake and its surroundings look invigorating in the morning and the best time to reach the place is around 9:00/ 9:30 am. This gives ample time to hike around the lake and finally take a dip around noon while the sun is still high and warm.

Türlersee sees a footfall of tourists throughout the year but mostly during the warm summer months of June, July and August. The temperature around this time of the year rises to 22 degrees Celsius which is perfect for a dip in the lake and sun bath.

The winter mostly sees some tourists who visit the summits around Zurich for the winter sports and for the Christmas festivities which makes the place quite lively. At this time, the frozen lake provides a great opportunity to the ice skaters.

However the spring or the March to May season is also a good time to visit this place as the crowd is minimal and the trail around the lake is at its colourful best. Also the prices of the hotels around the area are way cheaper.

Other Essential Information

Location: The lake is situated just 30 kms from Zurich, behind the Albispass, in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland.

Timings: The lake is accessible throughout the year, round the clock. But the official timings for the swimming area of the lake are May to September from 9 AM to sunset. The camping site is open to tourists during the "season" which is April to October

Entry fee: The Badi, (Swiss for the ' outdoor swimming centre') has a small access fee of CHF 5. Tourists can swim in other parts of the lake too (for free). But changing rooms, floating platforms, showers are available in this area. Also, for those who may just want to wade through shallow water, this area is perfect.

Tips to know for visiting Türlersee Zurich

- For the uninitiated, although Switzerland is in the EU, Swiss Francs come in handy rather than Euros. Payment made in Euros is certainly accepted but the vendors return change in Swiss Francs making the transaction unprofitable to the buyer.

- Türlersee is accessible by strollers and wheelchairs because of the grainy trail around it

- The lake is not open to dogs, unlike some other lakes and beaches in Europe

- Even if visiting the lake during the summer season, the place gets pretty chilled as the sun goes home. A hoodie or pair of cardigans will come in handy for an overnight trip

- The "battered fish" at the campsite restaurant is a must try whether or not one could yield a bounty at the end of the fishing line

Türlersee FAQs

Why is Türlersee famous?

Türlersee is famous because of the ironic combinations that it has. It is easily accessible to tourists and yet retains its untouched quality that mesmerizes a visitor. It is so close to the city and yet so far away from the bustle. While at the lake, time may seem to have come to a complete standstill and yet there is no dearth of activities to do in Türlersee.

Is Türlersee worth visiting?

Yes, Türlersee's clear waters and the beautiful landscape around, offer a pleasant refuge in the lap of nature. One can experience the thrill of swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, sunbathing, caravanning or simply quietude at the lake which will prove to be a memorable experience.

How much time is required to visit Türlersee ?

A day should be enough to spend in Türlersee. On reaching early in the day, one can hike around the lake, swim or paddle board, enjoy a picnic lunch and angle in the early afternoon. However, it is very much possible to stay for a longer time in this lake valley in one of the caravan buses to replenish the lost vitality of life and living.