Pfäffikon – Auslikon – Pfäffikon: “Around Pfäffikersee”

Start the circular hike counterclockwise around the lake. First, you come across a rocky ruderal area, which the municipality of Pfäffikon has left to nature in favor of biodiversity. Signs provide information about the new residents: rare wild bees, birds, and butterflies. 

After the old fish farm, the path passes the Nature Center at Pfäffikersee and then moves away from the water. It leads through extensive reed and marsh meadows. You can enjoy the view across the water from the numerous piers. Shortly before Talhof, you find a fire pit with a table and benches as well as a grill. Then the path follows along the forest edge, almost the only part of the hike that offers some shade.

The orchards announce the farm of the Jucker family in Seegräben, famous for their pumpkin exhibitions. Rabbits and a petting zoo with goats, the large nature playground, the straw jumping paradise, and an apple labyrinth entertain children. Those who have sat once on the sunny terrace of the farm will also be impressed by the view: The Bachtel and below it the Pfäffikersee show themselves from their most beautiful side.

The path follows the lake shore, crosses the Aa, and continues through the reed to Badi Auslikon, where there is also a small kiosk. The path now moves away from the shore and follows an asphalt road along the Chämtnerbach to a fork, where you turn left back onto the gravel path. It continues through the reed, with reed and birch dominating the scene. Shortly before Pfäffikon, the ruins of the Roman castellum Irgenhausen tower above the lake; it was probably built around 300 AD. Benches and a fire pit with a grill invite you to linger again. Considering the magnificent view, it is not surprising that, not far from here, settlements of pile dwellers already existed before the Romans.