Take an excursion to the island of Ufenau

Ufenau (or Ufnau) is an island in Lake Zurich in the Schwyz municipality of Freienbach. Ufenau is the largest natural island in Switzerland, and has been classified and afforded a level of protection that is unique in Switzerland, thanks to both its incredible biodiversity and its historical and cultural past. Archaeological research has revealed the presence of a Gallo-Roman temple, on which the present-day parish church of Saint Peter and Paul was consecrated in the 12th century. Underwater, scientists have also found shards of pottery dating back to the 14th century BC. However, according to them, the island was only inhabited from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, during the Roman colonisation.

You can only reach the island by boat. The island is served several times a day between April and October by the Lake Zurich shipping company. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Pfäffikon (SZ), the cost of which depends on your departure station.

Although swimming is prohibited here, as this is a protected area for flora and fauna, you can always go to the neighbouring island of Lützelau for a dip. Transfers are available by water taxi. If you visit the island in spring and autumn, you may even be lucky enough to see around 30 cows feeding between the 12th-century church and the island's restaurant.

You can also admire two historic buildings from the outside: the farmhouse, built in 1681, and the church of Saint-Martin, which was the centre of a parish grouping together the surrounding lakeside communities. The latter was replaced by another chapel, Saint-Martin, consecrated in 1141, at the same time as the new parish church of Saints-Pierre-et-Paul.

You can hike all around the island. The route forms a 1.4 km loop. It will only take an experienced walker 20 minutes to complete it, but it's the perfect way to go for a run around the island or a family stroll. What's more, dogs are allowed and can even be let loose at certain points. Above all, the route allows you to see most of the island's points of interest in a single stretch. So you can extend your walk by stopping at each one.

If discovering the island and the spray gives you an appetite, that's no problem. From mid-March to mid-October, the "Zu den zwei Raben" restaurant serves delicious meals for visitors. Vegetables, meat, bread and drinks are all sourced locally. The restaurant can accommodate up to 350 guests under peaceful plane trees. In bad weather, up to 80 guests can enjoy their meal indoors.