July 2025

A Family Weekend in Rapperswil: a Zoo, a Castle, and an Island

Two days in and around Rapperswil with a farmer’s breakfast, a castle, an island of adventure on Lake Zurich, and lots of animals.

After leaving our belongings at Jona youth hostel, we set off on a gentle stroll along the beach path towards the town. Along the way, a succession of beautiful spots offered somewhere to take a short break – for playing, eating, or simply taking in the view.

On reaching Rapperswil, we climbed up to the castle, which is more than 700 years old and the town’s main landmark. There, we discovered the “Gügelerturm”, learned some fascinating facts about the everyday lives of the town’s watchmen, and found out why Rapperswil has a special connection to Poland. After a spread of drinks and nibbles at the “Seebadi” lido, we took a water taxi to the nearby island of Lützelau for a dinner immersed in nature.

We began the second day with a delicious “Buurezmorge” (Swiss farmer’s breakfast) at Bächlihof farm, where our little ones had a great time playing on the straw castle. Before we headed home, we visited Knie’s Children’s Zoo, where we admired the elephants, giraffes, and countless other animals up close.

Day 1

A Family Walk Along the Lake

We took our first break with an ice cream and a coffee at “Genuss-Schmiede” in the marina. At “Pilgerplätzli”, we enjoyed fish goujons and yet another ice cream. And in the afternoon, we treated ourselves to an “Apéro” spread of drinks and nibbles at the “Seebadi” lido – the perfect way to recharge before heading up to explore the historic Rapperswil Castle.

Rapperswil Castle: A Bird’s Eye View

The town’s alleyways led us up to the castle mound. Here at Rapperswil Castle, which is over 700 years old, we enjoyed the view from the “Gügelerturm” and learned some fascinating facts about the job of the night watchmen and about the special connection between Poland and the “Town of Roses”. History comes to life here – exciting for both young and old.

Island Vibes and adventure on Lützelau

Even the boat ride to the island feels like an adventure. As soon as we arrive, we’re enchanted by the peaceful vibe of the campsite nestled in nature. The children play by the shore while we enjoy dinner right by the water – a perfect summer moment for all of us! Now we’re looking forward to spending the night at the Rapperswil-Jona Youth Hostel.

Day 2

An Overnight Stay at Jona Youth Hostel

The Jona youth hostel was the perfect accommodation for our trip – modern, family-friendly, and ideally located. After a restful night in our spacious family room with comfortable bunk beds, we started the day feeling refreshed and ready for new adventures. The children spent some time in the play area before we headed to Bächlihof farm.

A Farmer’s Breakfast at Bächlihof Farm

Anyone who like brunch, animals, and a rustic feel will love the “Buurezmorge” farmer’s breakfast at Bächlihof farm. We enjoyed the huge buffet with local products until 1 PM, while the kids were particularly delighted with the straw castle, the petting zoo, and the large sandpit.

A Classic: Knie’s Children’s Zoo

This wasn’t our first time at the Children’s Zoo, but every time we visit, we discover something new. We saw nutrias, admired the elephants and giraffes, and listened to the zookeepers, and our daughter went on a pony ride.

Eventful and Relaxing

Rapperswil and the surrounding region are the perfect destination for a two-day family trip. We enjoyed a varied yet relaxed itinerary that included carefree hours by the lake, culture at the castle, and lots of animals on the farm and at the Children’s Zoo. The youth hostel was the perfect choice when it came to our accommodation: this modern hostel is easily accessible via public transport, is located close to all the local activities, and is well-equipped for families.

An article by Jérôme Lacourrège

Jérôme is a proud father of three and lives in Zürich. He and his wife Deborah write about family adventures large and small at mamarocks.ch. As a man, he often has a somewhat different take on family topics. Member Schweizer Familienblogs.

Keywords

Bächlihof city experience Lake Zurich Region Rapperswil Youth Hostel