Zürioberland
The Zürioberland (Zürcher Oberland) is a tourism and economic region in the canton of Zurich in eastern Switzerland, lying close to the city of Zurich, its airport and its renowned universities. It is a largely rural, hilly region of gentle drumlin hills, forests and lakes, with the Greifensee, Pfäffikersee and Lützelsee shaping the landscape and offering local recreation. The hilly Tössbergland in the east, on the border with St. Gallen and Thurgau, holds the highest peaks of the canton of Zurich, including the Schnebelhorn. The region was once Europe's largest textile industry area, and this industrial heritage still shapes its cultural identity. Around 200,000 inhabitants live in its 26 member municipalities across three cantons, and it is well connected to Zurich by S-Bahn lines. The Zürioberland combines a rich cultural heritage, living traditions and abundant nature, with the town of Uster among its central hubs.
Summer activities
In summer the Zürioberland offers over 1,100 km of hiking trails, from gentle walks to demanding summit hikes such as the Schnebelhorn, plus themed family trails. Mountain bikers and e-bikers can ride flowy forest trails and parks, the Herzroute and the Herzschlaufe Wil, with bike rental available. The region's lakes and outdoor pools are a highlight, with a Bade(s)pass season ticket granting access to 14 open-air, lake and indoor pools, and boat trips on the Greifensee.
Winter activities
In winter the Zürioberland offers a compact but varied winter sports scene: 12 ski-lift operators with 25 lifts and over 21 km of pistes, a 90 km network of classic and skating cross-country trails, four snowshoe trails, five toboggan runs and a curling hall. Winter hiking and snowshoe tours through snowy landscapes, often rounded off with a fondue, complete the offer.
Culture and entertainment
Culture is ever-present in the Zürioberland, shaped by three and a half centuries of industrialisation. The region is home to a rich industrial heritage, including textile and industrial museums, a steam railway, an industrial trail and a coal-fired paddle steamer, alongside castles, a knights' house and a Roman fort. Living traditions such as the Schüblig-Ziischtig carnival, the Äschli procession in Elgg and the Silvesterchlaus customs are kept alive, and a lively event calendar covers markets, exhibitions and festivals.