Rapperswil Rose City
Rapperswil is known as the Rose City and annually celebrates the rose bloom with over 15000 roses in three rose gardens from early summer. Visitors enjoy events centered on the rose.
Plizio Visual Lab
Rapperswil-Jona
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Rapperswil-Jona
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The wooden pedestrian bridge to Hurden is a must-do; go early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.
- Parking near the old town can be tricky. Use the parking garages near the train station and walk from there.
- From June to October, make sure to visit the rose gardens near the Capuchin monastery, where over 15,000 roses bloom.
- The lake promenade is extremely busy on sunny weekends. Explore the narrow alleys of the old town for a quieter vibe.
- Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich to arrive or depart-it's the most scenic way to travel.
🍽 Food
🍽
Lake Zurich Fish (Fischknusperli)
Try these crispy battered fish bites at a lakeside restaurant along the promenade.
🍽
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
A traditional veal dish in a creamy mushroom sauce, easily found in historic old town inns.
🍽
Local Lake Zurich Wine
Enjoy a glass of local white wine, like a Räuschling, at a cozy wine bar in the historic center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Old Town Boutiques
The Hintergasse and Hauptgasse streets offer small, independent shops and local crafts.
🛍
Swiss Chocolate
Pick up handmade Swiss chocolates at one of the confectionery shops near the train station.
🧘
Lindenhof and Deer Park
The hill around the castle provides a quiet escape and panoramic views of the Alps.
🧘
Capuchin Monastery Rose Garden
A peaceful spot to sit on a bench and enjoy the scent of the flowers.
🧘
Enea Tree Museum
Located just outside the center, this unique open-air museum combines landscape architecture and ancient trees.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Rapperswil-Jona was formed in 2007 through the merger of the previously independent municipalities of Rapperswil and Jona in the Canton of St. Gallen. The city is located at the narrowest point of Lake Zurich, where a causeway connects it to Hurden. Historically, Rapperswil is closely linked to the Counts of Rapperswil, who built the castle in the 13th century that still dominates the skyline. The old town is classified as a site of national importance and preserves its medieval fabric with narrow alleys and historic townhouses. A special attraction is the wooden bridge reconstructed in 2001, the longest of its kind in Switzerland, which continues the tradition of medieval pilgrimage paths. Economically, the city is a key regional center with a strong presence in education and technology, notably through the OST University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland. The nickname Town of Roses comes from its three rose gardens, where thousands of roses bloom from June to October. Additionally, the castle has housed the Polish Museum since 1870, giving the city an international cultural dimension. The combination of its lakeside setting, historical architecture, and modern infrastructure makes Rapperswil-Jona one of the region's most attractive places to live and visit.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Rapperswil Castle · Wooden Bridge Rapperswil–Hurden · Knie's Children's Zoo
- Nearby: Freienbach (7 km)
- Population: ~27.800
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 101 | 81 | 102 | 107 | 163 | 176 | 173 | 190 | 124 | 110 | 103 | 106 |
Geography
Facts
- Castle founded around 1220 by Rudolf II
- Switzerland's longest wooden bridge at 841 meters
- Three rose gardens with approximately 15000 plants
- Home to the OST University of Applied Sciences
- Location of Knie's Children's Zoo
- The Polish Museum has been in the castle since 1870
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rapperswil-Jona (26)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rapperswil called the 'City of Roses'?
Due to the more than 15,000 roses in the gardens of the Capuchin monastery and the city.
What can you see at Rapperswil Castle?
The castle features a great view and houses the Polish Museum.
Is there a wooden bridge across the lake?
Yes, Switzerland's longest wooden bridge connects Rapperswil to Hurden.
Is Knie's Children's Zoo in Rapperswil?
Yes, it is a popular family destination where children can experience animals up close.
How to get from Zurich to Rapperswil?
By S-Bahn train or, highly recommended, by boat across Lake Zurich.
Rapperswil-Jona: where is it located?
Rapperswil-Jona is located in Switzerland.
Rapperswil-Jona: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rapperswil Castle, Wooden Bridge Rapperswil, Hurden, Knie's Children's Zoo.
Rapperswil-Jona: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Rapperswil-Jona: why is it worth visiting?
Rapperswil-Jona was formed in 2007 through the merger of the previously independent municipalities of Rapperswil and Jona in the Canton of St.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →
Nearby cities
Wil
Wil, the charming Abbot's City in the Canton of St.
Uzwil
An important industrial center in the Canton of St.
Buchs SG
An important border town in the Rhine Valley of the Canton of St.
Flawil
Flawil is a versatile community in Untertoggenburg, known for its textile history and chocolate production.
Goldach
Goldach is an attractive residential community in the canton of St.
Rorschach
Rorschach is a historic port town on Lake Constance, known for its magnificent townhouses, the prominent Kornhaus (granary), and its live…
Wattwil
Wattwil is the main town of the Toggenburg region and an important transport hub on the Thur River.
Au SG
Au in the St.
Rueti
A vibrant town in the Zurich Highlands, known for its former Premonstratensian Abbey and its industrial textile history.
Altendorf
Altendorf is located on the upper shores of Lake Zurich in the canton of Schwyz, offering a premium quality of life with direct lake acce…
Lachen
Lachen is a charming municipality on the upper shores of Lake Zurich, famous for its lakeside promenade and the region's largest marina.
Freienbach
Freienbach is situated on the scenic southern shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Schwyz.
Hinwil
Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland, is a blend of nature and high-tech, home to the Sauber Motorsport F1 team.
Stäfa
Stäfa is a charming municipality on the sunny right bank of Lake Zurich, renowned for its premium wines and picturesque location at the f…
Wollerau
Wollerau is an exclusive residential municipality in the Canton of Schwyz, known for its attractive location on Lake Zurich and low tax r…
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Grünfels Castle Ruins
The ruins near Jona were built in the 13th century.
Wilderness Park Zurich Sihlwald
Sihlwald is the largest contiguous beech forest in the Swiss Midlands.
Morgarten Battlefield
The Morgarten battlefield is a key site of the early Swiss Confederation and marks a defining moment in Swiss history.
Tech Cluster Zug
A modern innovation hub in the canton of Zug, specializing in high-tech companies and IT services.