---
type: "Article"
title: "Winter time in picturesque Rapperswil, Switzerland"
description: "The picturesque little city of Rapperswil is located on the upper end of Lake Zurich. It offers am amazing view on the lake as well on the mountains. Rapperswil is worth an excursion throughout the whole year. But we mainly love the scenery and Rapperswil’s charm in winter. Have a look…"
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/sunny-afternoon-rapperswil-switzerland"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 5
tags: ["Winter", "Switzerland"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/switzerland"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zuerich"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zurichsee"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/alps"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/winter-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/lake"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/excursion-tips"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T14:01:26+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2014-01-02T07:13:15+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: sunny-afternoon-rapperswil-switzerland.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:01:26+00:00
---

# Winter time in picturesque Rapperswil, Switzerland

> Rapperswil is a picturesque small city on the upper end of Lake Zurich, Switzerland, prized for its medieval castle, longest wooden bridge in Switzerland, and charming winter scenery.

## Destination
Rapperswil, on the upper end of Lake Zurich, Switzerland.

## Getting there
From Zurich main station take S-train No. 5, 15, or 7 to Rapperswil — about 30–35 minutes. Alternatively, take a boat from Zurich Bürkliplatz along Lake Zurich.

## Why visit
Rapperswil is rewarding year-round but especially appealing in winter, combining lakeside scenery, Alpine panoramas, and a lively Christmas market in the old town.

## What to see
- **Rapperswil Castle** — Hilltop castle with panoramic views over Lake Zurich, the Glarner Alps, and the Zurich Oberland.
- **Wooden Bridge to Hurden** — Reconstructed wooden bridge connecting Rapperswil to Hurden; the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland.
- **Lakeside Promenade** — Scenic waterfront walk along the shores of Lake Zurich.

## What to do
- **Christmas Market** — Held in the heart of the old town with over 200 stalls selling jewellery, knitwear, handicrafts, hot wine punch, raclette, and more.
- **Boat Trip on Lake Zurich** — Scenic cruise from Zurich Bürkliplatz to Rapperswil with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Wintertime-in-Rapperswil.jpg"
    caption: "Wintertime on the shores of Lake Zurich"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/Lake-Zurich-Rapperswil-Switzerland-13.jpg"
    caption: "Wooden bridge Rapperswil"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/Lake-Zurich-Rapperswil-Switzerland.jpg"
    caption: "View on Alps from Rapperswil"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/Schloss-Rapperswil-Hauptplatz-8-2.jpg"
    caption: "Christmas Market with view of the castle"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/Rapperswil-Fischmarkt-Karrussell-7.jpg"
    caption: "Merry-go-round at the Christmas market in Rapperswil"
```