One Day in Rapperswil-Jona
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One Day in Rapperswil-Jona

Historic Old Town, castle views, and rose gardens

1 day • Easy difficulty • Est. €77

Day 1: Roses, History, and Lake Views

A comprehensive day exploring Rapperswil-Jona's iconic rose gardens, medieval old town, historic castle, and the famous wooden bridge connecting to Hurden.

  • 09:00

    Visit the Rose Gardens and Enea Tree Museum

    Start your day at the famous Rose Garden, home to over 24,000 rose bushes. Explore the Braille-labeled paths and the adjacent Enea Tree Museum, which features a unique collection of living trees and contemporary sculptures.

  • 10:30

    Explore Schloss Rapperswil

    Walk up to the 13th-century castle overlooking Lake Zurich. Visit the museum inside to learn about the town's history and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

  • 11:30

    Stroll Through the Old Town

    Descend into the picturesque medieval old town. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit the St. Johann Church, and browse local boutiques. If visiting in late November, the Christkindlmarkt would be in full swing.

  • 12:30

    Lunch at Lakeside Riviera

    Enjoy lunch at a restaurant along the Lakeside Riviera promenade. Enjoy Mediterranean-style cuisine with views of the water and the castle.

  • 14:00

    Cross the Wooden Bridge to Hurden

    Walk across the Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, the longest wooden pedestrian bridge in Switzerland. The walk offers stunning views of Lake Zurich and the vineyards on the opposite shore.

  • 15:30

    Vineyard Views and Relaxation

    Return to the Rapperswil side and take a short walk up to the vineyards. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the best sunset views over the lake and the old town.

  • 16:30

    Evening Walk along Lake Zurich Shore

    End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Lake Zurich Shore promenade. Watch the sunset reflect off the water and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lakeside.

Meals: Lunch at Lakeside Riviera , Dinner at Old Town Bistro

Where to stay: Rapperswil-Jona has several hotels and guesthouses. For a full day trip from Zurich, returning to Zurich or staying overnight in Rapperswil is recommended. Staying in the Old Town area provides easy access to attractions.

Getting around: From Zurich, take the S-Bahn (S10) to Rapperswil (approx. 40 mins) or a boat from Zurich HB (approx. 2 hours). Once in Rapperswil, the town is very walkable. The wooden bridge is a pedestrian-only attraction.

Practical Information

Rapperswil-Jona is an ideal day trip destination, particularly for visitors based in Zurich. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, from April to October, when the weather is mild and the famous rose gardens are in full bloom. While the town retains a Mediterranean charm year-round, winter visits can be chilly and less vibrant, though the Christmas market offers a unique seasonal experience. Getting to Rapperswil-Jona is straightforward. From Zurich, you can take a direct S-Bahn train (S10 or S15) from Zurich HB or Zurich Stadelhofen, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, a scenic boat ride from Zurich or Rapperswil’s neighboring towns takes about two hours, offering beautiful views of Lake Zurich. Once in Rapperswil-Jona, the town is highly walkable. The Old Town, the wooden bridge, and the castle are all within easy walking distance of each other. For those wishing to explore the wider municipality, local buses connect the Old Town to the Jona district and the deer park. While many visitors treat this as a day trip, staying overnight allows for a more relaxed pace. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels in the historic Old Town to modern apartments in the Jona area. Staying in the Old Town provides immediate access to cafes and the lakefront, while Jona offers a quieter, residential atmosphere with easier parking for those driving. Budget considerations for a day trip should include train or boat tickets, which are covered by most Swiss Travel Passes. Food costs vary; while there are affordable bakeries and supermarkets, dining at lakeside restaurants can be pricey. The weekly fresh produce market is a low-cost way to sample local goods. Entry to the castle and rose gardens is generally free, though guided tours may incur a fee. When packing, bring comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets and the steep path up to the castle. Sunscreen and a hat are essential during summer months due to the exposed lakefront. A light jacket is recommended even in summer, as lake breezes can be cool in the evening. Don’t forget a camera; the views from the castle and the iconic wooden bridge are photogenic. Finally, check the local market schedule if you wish to shop for fresh produce, as it typically operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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