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Opfikon

Top 20 Lakes around Opfikon

Best lakes around Opfikon offer diverse recreational opportunities within the Glatt Valley, near Zurich Airport. While Opfikon itself features the artificial Glattpark Lake, it is also a gateway to several natural lakes in the wider Zurich region. This area provides a mix of urban waterscapes and serene natural environments, catering to various outdoor activities. The landscape is characterized by its proximity to the city of Zurich and accessible natural retreats.

Best lakes around Opfikon

  • The most popular lakes is Greifensee Cycling Path, a cycle_way that allows visitors to ride along the lake. The Greifensee region is well-suited for cycling, offering wide paths and scenic views.
  • Another must-see spot is Lake Katzensee, a lake consisting of the Upper and Lower Katzensee. This idyllic lake is surrounded by woods and features a swimming beach, providing a tranquil natural swimming experience.
  • Visitors also love Bürkliplatz, a square on Lake Zurich. It serves as a boat dock and offers views over Lake Zurich to the Alps, making it a key access point for experiencing one of Switzerland's largest lakes.
  • Opfikon is known for both artificial urban lakes and natural lakes easily accessible from the municipality. These include the Glattpark Lake within Opfikon, and natural lakes like Greifensee, Lake Zurich, and Katzensee.
  • The lakes around Opfikon are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 800 upvotes and more than 20 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Greifensee Cycling Path

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The Greifensee region is perfect for getting around on two wheels. Wide cycle paths let you whizz along the lake at full speed.

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Lake Katzensee

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Consisting of the Upper and Lower Katzensee, there is a small seaside resort with a restaurant. In the idyllic landscape around the lake you can often observe a variety of birds.

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Bürkliplatz

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Bürkliplatz is a square in the city of Zurich on Lake Zurich. It is located on the western side of the Limmat opposite Bellevue, with which it is connected by the Quai Bridge. The square is named after the city engineer Arnold Bürkli. It is not only a boat dock, but also a market, art and event location with a view over Lake Zurich to the Alps. There is also a wonderful view of Lake Zurich.

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Katzensee (Lake Katzensee)

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Every year, once or twice a year, we have to go around the lake.

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Quai Bridge

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Bellevue is one of the central traffic hubs in the city of Zurich. Around 60,000 cars, seven tram and two bus lines cross the Quaibrücke bridge located there daily. Around 76,000 people get on and off at the public transport stops daily and can also enjoy a great mountain view from here on some days.

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Popular around Opfikon

Magnificent views and nature trails – experience Zurich by e-bike

Rides in Zurich – panoramic views from your gravel bike

Road Cycling Routes around Opfikon

Cycling around Opfikon

Running Trails around Opfikon

MTB Trails around Opfikon

Hiking around Opfikon

Gravel biking around Opfikon

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Magnificent views and nature trails – experience Zurich by e-bike

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Tips from the Community

Neu-eine-Stunde
April 25, 2026, Katzensee

Only the lower Katzensee with the surroundings of the Gratisbadi is allowed for swimming. My memory of my youth is simply that we swam to the opposite bank of the Badi and put our feet in the mud there... with a certain fear of leeches...

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Easy and relaxed cycling

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Richard Flacher
February 8, 2025, Katzensee

The marked HMG Katzensee hike 2025 will take place on March 1st/2nd. Distances from GZ Zurich Affoltern 5km, 10km or with an additional 6km loop via Rümlang.

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Deki Fourcin
November 4, 2024, Katzensee

Beautiful cycle ride along the dirt track that circles the lake. Stop off for a swim at the beach or take a break to eat at one of the barbecue pits.

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Cube C68
May 4, 2024, Katzensee

There’s a lot to discover here

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Niko
March 6, 2024, Katzensee

Consisting of the Upper and Lower Katzensee, there is a small seaside resort with a restaurant. In the idyllic landscape around the lake you can often observe a variety of birds.

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Beat Baumann
May 26, 2023, Katzensee

Schwarzenbach

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes near Opfikon are highly recommended by visitors?

Visitors frequently recommend the Greifensee Cycling Path for its scenic routes, and Lake Katzensee for its tranquil natural setting. Bürkliplatz on Lake Zurich is also a popular spot, offering stunning views over the lake towards the Alps.

What types of lakes can I find near Opfikon?

Near Opfikon, you'll find a mix of urban and natural lakes. Opfikon itself features the artificial Glattpark Lake, designed for urban recreation. Easily accessible natural lakes include the expansive Lake Zurich, the serene Greifensee, the idyllic Katzensee, and the beautiful Pfäffikersee.

Where can I go swimming near Opfikon?

For swimming, you have several excellent options. The artificial Glattpark Lake in Opfikon offers sandy beaches and a refreshing urban swimming experience. Lake Zurich has numerous lidos, such as Strandbad Mythenquai and Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen. The Lower Katzensee features an 80-meter-long swimming beach, and Pfäffikersee offers the Auslikon lido with a pebble beach and extensive lawns.

Are there good cycling routes around the lakes near Opfikon?

Yes, the region is excellent for cycling. The Greifensee Cycling Path is particularly well-suited, offering wide paths along the lake. You can also find various gravel biking and road cycling routes in the wider area, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Opfikon and Road Cycling Routes around Opfikon guides.

Which lakes are suitable for a family outing?

Many lakes near Opfikon are family-friendly. Pfäffikersee, for instance, has the Auslikon lido with a playground and separate non-swimmer areas. Lake Katzensee and Greifensee are also popular for families, offering pleasant walks and cycling opportunities. Bürkliplatz on Lake Zurich is a great starting point for boat tours, which are fun for all ages.

What kind of natural scenery can I expect around these lakes?

The lakes offer diverse natural scenery. Around Lake Katzensee, you'll find idyllic woods and reeds, providing a tranquil environment. Greifensee is known for its scenic views, often including distant mountains. Pfäffikersee is surrounded by a nature reserve, offering protected natural beauty. Lake Zurich provides expansive water views, often with the Alps as a backdrop.

Are there hiking or walking trails around the lakes?

Yes, there are several options for walking and hiking. The area around Lake Katzensee is popular for walks, though some paths might have bicycle bans. Greifensee offers wide paths suitable for walking and cycling. For more challenging hikes, you can explore routes like the 'View of Lake Zurich – Uetliberg Summit Viewpoint loop' found in the MTB Trails around Opfikon guide, which also includes walking sections.

How can I access these lakes using public transport?

Most major lakes in the Zurich region, including Lake Zurich, Greifensee, and Pfäffikersee, are well-connected by public transport from Opfikon. Specific bus and train connections can take you to their shores. Glattpark Lake is located directly within Opfikon and is easily accessible.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes near Opfikon?

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from relaxing by the water to active sports. The scenic beauty, especially the views of the mountains from Greifensee and Lake Zurich, is often highlighted. The convenience of having both urban and natural water bodies easily accessible from Opfikon is also a major draw.

Can I rent equipment like SUP boards at any of the lakes?

Yes, at the Auslikon lido on Pfäffikersee, you can rent SUP boards, making it a great spot for water sports enthusiasts. Other lakes, particularly Lake Zurich, also have various rental options for boats and water sports equipment at different lidos and marinas.

Are there any urban lakes within Opfikon itself?

Yes, Opfikon is home to the artificial Glattpark Lake, located within the modern Glattpark development. It's designed for urban recreation, featuring sandy beaches and a pleasant park environment for swimming and relaxation.

Which lake is best for a peaceful, natural experience?

For a more tranquil and natural experience, the Lower Katzensee is highly recommended. It's a smaller, idyllic lake surrounded by woods, offering a serene environment away from the larger crowds. Pfäffikersee, with its surrounding nature reserve, also provides a peaceful setting.

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