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Altendorf

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City
—°10
Altendorf (Switzerland)
ℹ️

Practical info — Altendorf

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Enjoy the tranquility of the Obersee (upper Lake Zurich), away from the large crowds in Zurich.
  • Direct lake access makes Altendorf well-suited for long, uninterrupted walks along the shoreline.
  • The sunny slopes of the town host excellent but often overlooked small wineries.
  • Thanks to good transport links, you can reach both Zurich and the Graubünden mountains in a short time.

🍽 Food

🍽
Egli filets (Perch)

Try freshly caught fish from the lake, best enjoyed at a waterfront restaurant.

🍽
Schwyz specialties

Look for hearty cantonal dishes in the traditional country inns around the area.

🍽
Obersee White Wine

Drink a glass of crisp local white wine, grown directly on the slopes above the lake.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Wineries (Direct Sales)

Buy bottles directly from the local winemakers along the vineyard slopes.

🛍
Local farm shops

Pick up regional products like cheese, fruit, and jam directly from the farmers in Altendorf.

🧘
Altendorf Lakeside Promenade

A peaceful, traffic-free path right by the water, first-rate for unwinding.

🧘
St. Johann Chapel

Visit the small hill by the chapel for a quiet moment and a magnificent view of the lake.

Altendorf is situated on the southern shore of the upper Lake Zurich in the canton of Schwyz and has evolved from a former farming village into one of the most attractive residential communities in the region. The name is derived from 'old village', pointing to a long history of settlement that can be traced back to the 10th century. Of particular note is the favorable tax situation in the canton of Schwyz, which, combined with the excellent location, has attracted numerous wealthy residents and companies. The municipality features a modern infrastructure, including a large marina that serves as a hub for water sports on the lake. Geographically, the municipal area extends from the lakeshore up to the hills of the Etzel, providing diverse opportunities for leisure activities such as hiking and biking. The architecture is characterized by a blend of traditional Schwyz buildings and ultra-modern villa districts. With the nearby A3 motorway and S-Bahn connections, Altendorf is perfectly linked to the economic hub of Zurich. Despite dynamic development, the municipality emphasizes the preservation of green zones and the maintenance of social life in local clubs. The view across the lake to Ufenau Island and the peaks of the Glarus Alps is a hallmark of the location.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-415101416151172-3
Rain mm10181102107163176173190124110103106

Geography

Population
5,280
Coordinates
47.19560, 8.82170

Facts

  • First mentioned in the year 972
  • Elevation of 410 meters above sea level
  • Population of approximately 7350 residents
  • Center for water sports on the Obersee
  • Connection to the A3 motorway
  • View of the Etzel massif

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 Altendorf (10)

Knie's Kinderzoo👨‍👩‍👧 family

Circus Knie's children's zoo provides close-up animal experiences especially for young visitors.

Alpamare👨‍👩‍👧 family

One of Europe's largest water parks with numerous slides and wellness areas in Altendorf.

Seedamm Vögele Kulturzentrum🎭 culture

A cultural center in Altendorf offering exhibitions and events on various topics.

🕒 We-Su 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-20:00

Burgstelle Tal🏺 historical

The remains of a medieval castle site in the Altendorf area.

Kapelle unserer lieben Frau⛪ religious

A chapel in Altendorf dedicated to Mary, inviting reflection.

Sihlsee🌿 nature

A large reservoir near Altendorf, handy for nature outings.

Paradisimo👨‍👩‍👧 family

An indoor playground in Altendorf for play fun regardless of the weather.

Frequently asked questions

How to reach Altendorf from Zurich?
Take the S2 or S8 S-Bahn train from Zurich, reaching Altendorf station in about 40 minutes.
Is Altendorf suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially the lakeside path and nearby playgrounds offer well-suited spots for family outings.
Are there swimming spots in Altendorf?
The local lido (Badi Altendorf) provides lake access, sunbathing lawns, and facilities during summer.
Which hiking trails start in Altendorf?
The hike up to St. Johann Chapel is popular, offering sweeping views over the Obersee lake.
When is the best time to visit Altendorf?
From May to September, to best enjoy the lakeside activities and the mountain trails.
Altendorf: where is it located?
Altendorf is located in Switzerland.
Altendorf: what is there to see?
Highlights include Knie's Kinderzoo, Alpamare, Seedamm Vögele Kulturzentrum.
Altendorf: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Altendorf: why is it worth visiting?
Altendorf is situated on the southern shore of the upper Lake Zurich in the canton of Schwyz and has evolved from a former farming village into one of the most attractive residential communities in the region.
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