Pfäffikon SZ is on the south-western shore of the Zürichsee at the foot of the Etzel hill and is the largest district of the municipality of Freienbach and home to the Alpamare water park. Pfäffikon is connected to Rapperswil via the lake dam and a timber footbridge.

Pfäffikon’s proximity to Zürich and low taxation levels in Canton Schwyz are the main factors contributing to the municipality of Freienbach’s fast-paced development in recent years. Its location at the lake dam gives it access to an extensive traffic network for rail (the Zürich-Chur line and Südost Railway) and road (motorway A3).

Pfäffikon is famous for its Alpamare water park. It is Europe’s largest indoor water park with four pools, several slide, chute and whirlpool installations, spa treatments and restaurant. The Seedamm Center (shopping mall), Seedamm Kulturzentrum (culture centre) and the Seedamm Plaza, a congress and seminar hotel, are nearby.

The Alpamare water park isn’t the only place to bathe in Pfäffikon; in summer there are several lidos both in Pfäffikon and neighbouring Freienbach. Pfäffikon has a pretty lake promenade and historic buildings. The mid-13th century fortress was built as defence against attackers. After it was laid to waste by Napoleon, the chapel, tower (today’s regional museum) and moat were carefully restored.

A more recent attraction is the timber-built footbridge between Pfäffikon and Rapperswil. The 841 metre-long footbridge was built in 2001, and is supported by 233 oak posts. Like its predecessor, the new footbridge serves pedestrians and pilgrims as part of the Route of St. James. The «Heilig Hüsli» bridge chapel built in 1551 stands besides the path.

The small islands of Ufenau and Lützelau are offshore of Pfäffikon. Together with the surrounding wetlands and Frauenwinkel marshland, they form one of the most significant lakeshore landscapes in Switzerland. Ufenau is on a scheduled public transport boat route; access to Lützelau is by hired or private boat only.

Pfäffikon is at the foot of the Etzel hill, a popular excursion peak with views of the Zürichsee and Sihlsee. A pass road traverses the 1098-metre summit with the St. Meinrad’s Chapel, consecrated to Saint Meinrad of Einsiedeln.

Highlights

• Alpamare – Europe’s largest indoor water park providing fun for the whole family. Four pools and ten slide and chute installations.
• Zürichsee islands of Ufenau and Lützelau – form one of the most significant lakeshore landscapes in Switzerland together with the Frauenwinkel marshland.
• Timber footbridge – for pedestrians only, this timbered footbridge is an alternative to the traffic-heavy Seedamm. Crosses the Zürichsee connecting Hurden and Rapperswil.
• Circus Knie Children’s Zoo in nearby Rapperswil – originally the Swiss National Circus’ winter quarter, this children’s zoo is home to over 300 animals.