This lake is little hidden treasure in the hills above Lake Zürich. It’s an easy short or long walk along and in a forest to reach the lake. At the water, there is a nice picnic area with tables and fire pits. You can even swim in the water. A nice low-key outing for locals.
| Location: | Zürich Region |
| Address: | near Vorderklausen |
| Car: | closest parking: Wührenbachstrasse 11, 8815 Horgenberg about 20 mins from Zürich |
| Train: | Bus stop: Horgenberg, Vorderklausen about 40 mins from Zürich |
| Trail: | 1.2 km loop around lake, optional longer walk to lake |
| Elevation: | highest point 653m |
| Condition: | gravel & paved path, obstacle free, suitable for strollers |
| Skill: | easy |
| Services: | picnic areas with fire pits, toilet |
| Cost: | free |
| Open: | year round |
Location
This small lake is located south of Zürich near Horgen on the west side of Lake Zürich.
Getting there
This map shows where the parking and bus stops are in relation to the lake.
By public transport: The closest bus stop is Horgenberg, Vorderklausen. To get there, take a train to Horgen, then bus 150 to this stop. From there, it’s a very short walk down to the lake.
If you want to do the walk I map out below, then you can get off the Horgenberg, Moorschwand bus stop instead.
By car: If you want a short walk, you can park in the forest near the lake at Wührenbachstrasse 11, 8815 Horgenberg, which is less than a 5 min walk to the lake. If you want to do the longer walk I map out below, park instead at Moorschwandstrasse 114, Horgen.
Hiking map
When I visit this lake, I like to park at Moorschwandstrasse 114, Horgen and walk to the lake. The map below shows that walk. But if you park or take the bus closer to the lake, then it’s only about a 20 min walk around the lake.
The path is partially gravel, partially paved. It’s obstacle-free (no stairs), so you can bring a stroller that can handle bumpy gravel.
Here is a map of the lake. On the northeast side of the lake, there is a picnic area with a grassy area, benches, fire pits and a toilet. The red striped area is the part of the lake where you can swim. You cannot swim in the yellow striped area, which is a protected nature reserve.
Photo story of the trail
Here is the Moorschwandstrasse 114, Horgen. It’s free to park. There is a fountain with drinking water here.
Here is the Horgenberg, Moorschwand bus stop.
The path starts on the edge of the forest.
Part of the path is in the forest.
This is a multi-use trail with bikes and horses.
Back in the sun on the forest edge.
Just before reaching the lake, you’ll see the Wührenbachstrasse 11, 8815 Horgenberg parking to your left.
When you reach the lake, the first thing you’ll see is the picnic area with a big grassy area and picnic tables. There is portable toilet here.
In the forest, there is more space for picnicking and a grill.
This small area next to the water is shallow enough for wading.
Swimmers enter the water here. Remember that swimming is only allowed on the north side of the lake.
You can walk around the lake on this path.
There are a few benches around the lake if you want a quieter place to enjoy the view.
View of the lake and the small village Vorderklausen.
Nice view southward.
I don’t know why this bench faces the trees, so weird.
More of the path around the lake.
I went in mid October when some of the trees were changing.
View northward.
After you walk around the lake, settle in for your picnic or walk back the way you came.
