Uster City Festival
The largest festival in the Zürich Oberland fills Uster's town center in September with stages, market stalls and food offerings.
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Uster
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ℹ️Practical info — Uster
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit Uster Castle and climb the tower for a fantastic panoramic view of the city and Lake Greifensee.
- Take a boat trip on Lake Greifensee or walk through the nature reserve along the shore.
- Explore the Industrial Path (Industrielehrpfad), which showcases the city's significant textile history through old factory buildings.
- The weekly market on Friday mornings in the city center is the best place to buy fresh vegetables and cheese directly from farmers.
- Rent a bike at the station to easily circle Lake Greifensee on the flat cycling path.
🍽 Food
🍽
Whitefish from Lake Greifensee
Try this local fish (Felchen) in restaurants in Uster or directly by the water in nearby Niederuster.
🍽
8610 am See
A popular spot right on the lakeshore in Niederuster, convenient for a drink at sunset.
🍽
Castle Gastronomy
Near the castle, you'll find cozy inns serving traditional Zurich dishes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Uster Weekly Market
Every Friday at Stadthausplatz; famous for regional specialties and organic products.
🛍
Illuster
A modern shopping center in the heart of the city with a good selection of specialty stores.
🧘
Castle Gardens
The garden area around Uster Castle gives quiet corners and a beautiful view.
🧘
Aabach Riverside Walk
An idyllic walking path along the Aabach stream, connecting the city to the lake.
Water temperature…
Uster, known as the 'residential city by the water', is the third-largest city in the Canton of Zurich, located on the shores of Lake Greifensee. The city's history is deeply intertwined with the Industrial Revolution, particularly the textile industry, which shaped Uster during the 19th century. A significant historical event was the 'Usterbrand' of 1832, where factory workers destroyed a spinning mill in protest against mechanization. Uster Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, stands as a reminder of the region's medieval heritage. Today, Uster is a modern city offering high living standards, enhanced by its proximity to the lake and extensive recreational areas. The city is a major educational and economic hub in the Zurich Oberland region, boasting excellent infrastructure. Every year, the traditional 'Uster-Märt', one of Switzerland's largest and oldest fairs, attracts thousands of visitors. Thanks to the efficient S-Bahn network, Uster is perfectly connected to the heart of Zurich, making it a popular location for commuters.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Schloss Uster · Stadthofsaal · Eisenbahn-Sammlung Uster
- Nearby: Volketswil (5 km)
- Population: ~34.715
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 94 | 74 | 92 | 91 | 141 | 139 | 144 | 146 | 103 | 100 | 87 | 102 |
Live webcam – Uster
See what it looks like near Uster right now.
Greifensee › West: › North-West · 2.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Uster was awarded the Wakker Prize in 2001 for exemplary townscape preservation.
- Lake Greifensee is the second-largest lake in the Canton of Zurich after Lake Zurich.
- Uster Castle was built around the year 1200 by the Barons of Bonstetten.
- The 'Usterbrand' of 1832 is one of the most significant social protests in Swiss industrial history.
- The city of Uster is divided into eleven different administrative quarters.
- Uster is located on the important railway line connecting Zurich and Rapperswil.
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
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:332.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Uster at the serene Reformed Church. Climb the hill to Uster Castle for panoramic views, then linger in the City Park for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, discover the town's industrial heritage at Villa am Aabach and the modern Zellweger Park. End your exploration at the Lok-Remise cultural center, a testament to the town's transformation.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Reformed Church Uster
Note the simple elegance of the reformed interior and the acoustics.
🚶 9'0.32 km
🚶 16'0.65 km
📍
11:09 · 47'
Uster City Park
Well-suited for a midday picnic. Grab some local produce from a nearby market.
🚶 23'1.02 km
📍
12:19 · 47'
Villa am Aabach
Admire the industrial architecture and imagine life in the 19th century.
🚶 15'0.6 km
📍
13:21 · 47'
Zellweger Park
Look out for the modern art installations scattered throughout the park.
🚶 8'0.25 km
📍
14:16 · 47'
Lok-Remise Uster
Check the event schedule in advance for possible concerts or exhibitions.
09:00→15:332.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your morning inside the Reformed Church, finding peace while waiting for the showers to pass. By noon, Uster Castle provides a dry historical escape with its indoor exhibits. In the afternoon, the walk through Zellweger Park is atmospheric even in the rain, with modern sculptures reflecting the grey sky. End the day at the Lok-Remise, a spacious indoor venue for culture and relaxation.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Reformed Church Uster
Excellent acoustics inside, great for waiting out a passing shower.
🚶 9'0.32 km
📍
10:06 · 47'
Uster Castle
The castle museum is fully covered, providing a safe haven from the wet weather.
🚶 16'0.65 km
🚶 23'1.02 km
📍
12:19 · 47'
Villa am Aabach
The architecture can be admired well from under the covered entrances.
🚶 15'0.6 km
🚶 8'0.25 km
09:00→15:332.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
In the crisp winter light, start at the Reformed Church, its tower standing tall against the cold sky. By midday, warm up inside Uster Castle while enjoying views of the frost-covered rooftops. The afternoon is best spent in Zellweger Park, where ice patterns decorate the sculptures. As darkness falls around 5 PM, the Lok-Remise provides a cozy indoor haven to conclude your walk.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Reformed Church Uster
Often heated in winter, a good spot for a short warming break.
🚶 9'0.32 km
📍
10:06 · 47'
Uster Castle
The climb to the castle is a good way to get the blood flowing in the cold.
🚶 16'0.65 km
🚶 23'1.02 km
🚶 15'0.6 km
🚶 8'0.25 km
09:00→16:068.8 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Start your bike tour with a climb to Uster Castle. Then, follow the Industrial Path to delve into the town's past. Take an art break in Zellweger Park before cycling to the picturesque Greifensee, the perfect spot for a long lunch. On your way back, unwind in the City Park before finishing the day with a well-deserved dinner in Uster's center.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Uster Castle
Lock your bike at the bottom of the hill and walk the final stretch.
🚲 9'0.94 km
📍
10:06 · 47'
Industrial Path Start
The path is well-marked and excellent for a bike ride through history.
🚲 5'0.35 km
🚲 21'3.01 km
🚲 28'4.21 km
📍
13:21 · 47'
Uster City Park
Relax after your bike ride in this green oasis in the city center.
🚲 4'0.25 km
09:00→16:068.8 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Rain won't stop a dedicated cyclist in Uster. Start with a dry break at the Castle before riding the Industrial Path, where old factories look moody in the mist. The stretch to Greifensee shore is quiet and atmospheric if you have waterproof gear. Finish the day with a warm dinner in the center, leaving the wet trails behind for a cozy evening indoors.
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🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 5'0.35 km
🚲 21'3.01 km
🚲 28'4.21 km
🚲 4'0.25 km
🍽️
14:12 · 84'
Dinner in the Center
Many restaurants allow you to leave wet clothing near the entrance.
09:00→16:068.8 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
A winter bike tour demands warm layers but rewards you with quiet trails. After exploring the Castle, ride the Industrial Path, observing the winter activity of local workshops. The Greifensee shore is peaceful and still in the cold. After a brisk ride through the City Park, head to the center for a satisfying dinner to warm up after your frosty adventure.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Uster Castle
The castle hill can be slippery in icy conditions; walking the bike is recommended.
🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 5'0.35 km
🚲 21'3.01 km
📍
12:06 · 47'
Greifensee Shore
Strong winds at the lake can significantly lower the perceived temperature.
🚲 28'4.21 km
🚲 4'0.25 km
09:00→14:596.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
In the morning, drive directly to Greifensee to enjoy the tranquil nature. Afterwards, park in the center of Uster to explore the town's historic heart on foot, starting with the castle and church. After lunch, drive to your second cluster, the modern Zellweger Park. From there, walk to the nearby Lok-Remise to get a glimpse of Uster's vibrant cultural scene.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Greifensee Parking
Start the day with fresh lake air. Take a short stroll along the shore.
🚗 17'4.11 km
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 4'0.32 km
🚗 8'1.56 km
📍
12:51 · 47'
Zellweger Park Parking
Drive to this modern park to experience art and architecture.
🚗 4'0.25 km
📍
13:42 · 47'
Lok-Remise Uster
A fascinating place that connects the industrial past with the creative present.
09:00→14:596.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
Exploring Uster by car is the most comfortable option on a rainy day. Start at Greifensee, where you can admire the view from your vehicle. Then, head to covered parking in the center to visit the Castle and Reformed Church on foot. Spend your afternoon at Zellweger Park and Lok-Remise, knowing your car is waiting nearby to keep you dry between stops.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Greifensee Parking
Parking provides a direct view of the lake if it rains too hard.
🚗 17'4.11 km
📍
10:14 · 47'
Uster Center Parking
Use multi-storey car parks with direct access to the shopping streets.
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 4'0.32 km
📍
11:56 · 47'
Reformed Church Uster
Blue zone parking spaces are often available directly in front of the church.
🚗 8'1.56 km
🚗 4'0.25 km
09:00→14:596.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
Experience the winter charm of Uster from the comfort of your car. Start at the Greifensee, taking in the frozen landscape from your heated seat. Park in the center for quick walks to the Castle and Church, minimizing time in the biting cold. Enjoy the sunset at Zellweger Park before driving to the Lok-Remise for a cozy indoor conclusion to your winter day.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Greifensee Parking
Caution when entering; the parking lot is often cleared late.
🚗 17'4.11 km
📍
10:14 · 47'
Uster Center Parking
Multi-storey car parks are frost-free, preventing windows from freezing.
🚗 4'0.16 km
📍
11:05 · 47'
Uster Castle
Wear shoes with good grip for the walk from the parking lot to the castle.
🚗 4'0.32 km
🚗 8'1.56 km
🚗 4'0.25 km
📍
13:42 · 47'
Lok-Remise Uster
Warming up your car while stationary is prohibited on the premises.
Sights in the town Uster (19)
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Uster?
Uster Castle, perched on a hill, is the city's landmark visible from afar.
Is Uster located on a lake?
Yes, Uster is located on Greifensee, a nature reserve with beautiful walking paths and swimming spots.
What can you learn about the industrial history of Uster?
The Uster Industrial Path shows the important role of the textile industry in the city's development.
Are there cultural events in Uster?
The Stadthofsaal regularly features concerts, theater performances, and markets.
How long does it take to get to Zurich by train?
By S-Bahn, you can reach the center of Zurich in only about 15 to 20 minutes.
Uster: where is it located?
Uster is located in Switzerland.
Uster: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schloss Uster, Stadthofsaal, Eisenbahn-Sammlung Uster.
Uster: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Uster: why is it worth visiting?
Uster, known as the 'residential city by the water', is the third-largest city in the Canton of Zurich, located on the shores of Lake Greifensee.
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