Katzensee – Walk around lakes near Zurich

Just north of Zurich city, there are two small lakes nestled in a nature reserve, a popular swimming spot in summer. There is a lovely walking path around the lakes and through the farming countryside. The dirt path is easy and obstacle free, possible with an all-terrain stroller. Next to the lake, there is a restaurant with amusements for children including a little train ride, go carts, and playground. 

Gallery

Location

The Katzensee is located in Regensdorf, just north of Zürich city.

Hiking map

The trail around the lake is a wide dirt path, obstacle free, and possible with an all-terrain stroller. It has one short uphill section that is not very steep. There is a short, rather unpleasant, section on a paved path along a busy road, on the west end of the lake.

How to get there

By car: There is a metered parking lot at Wehntalerstrasse 760, 8046 Zürich (shown below). It definitely fills up early on weekends. If you are visiting the restaurant, you can park in their lot at Wehntalerstrasse 790, 8046 Zürich. There is another small lake parking at Im Seeholz 15, 8105 Regensdorf.

By public transport: The closest bus stop is Mühlacker, which is a 10 mins walk from the lake. Or train station Zürich Affoltern, which is a 20 mins walk from the lake.

Where to eat

Near the main lake parking, you’ll find the Waldhaus Katzensee restaurant, which has a large shady terrace and amusements for children. They have a small playground, little go cart track, and a kiddie train ride that loops around the restaurant area. It gets very full on weekends so best to make a reservation. More pics in the photo story below.

At the swimming area, there is a café selling snacks and simple meals like sausages.

Swimming area

Just a short walk from the parking, there is a swimming area with a big grassy lawn for lounging. They have changing rooms and toilets, a café, playground, and picnic area with grills. There is no fee to enter. The water is usually warm enough for swimming from late May through August. More info about Katzensee Badi.

Photo story of trail

Start of trail

Before you even start the hike, you’ll see the Gelatissimo gelato stand at the parking. We leave this for a treat after the hike. It’s really delicious. You can pay with cash or Twint.

The trail starts on this dirt path leading from the main parking. We usually walk counterclockwise around the lake. The swimming area is a few minutes to your right. The Waldhaus Restaurant is a couple minutes to your left. 

You’ll get nice views of the lake right away. This pic was taking in mid June.

This is how the lake looks like in April before the trees fill in.

Swimming area

Just a few minutes from the parking, you’ll reach the swimming area shown here.

To swim, most people enter the lake from this small dock. Since it’s a nature preserve, there are no jumping platforms or bouncy things in the water. There is a shallow area where small children can splash around. No lifeguard on duty.

Lots of grassy areas for lounging. You can rent shade umbrellas from the cafe.

Behind the grassy area, there is a café with tables. There are also changing rooms, showers and toilets here.

There is also a playground and picnic area with grills.

On the trail

The loop trail continues past the Badi through the forest as shown here.

The walking path turns left here, with another path going straight into the farm fields. 

Follow the yellow signs that say “Chatzensee-Rundweg.”

The path heads into the fields, looping around the second lake.

The path is set back from the water because it is a protected nature reserve and very marshy.

This pic was taken in mid April, with the reeds were still quite brown but still pretty.

This pic is in the same area but taken in mid June.

The path joins a paved bike path for a few minutes. If you have small children, pay attention to oncoming bikes which can be going quite fast.

The trail turns left off the bike path onto a dirt path leading back into the forest.

Some nice shady parts for hot days.

A short uphill section which leads to some nice views.

On clear days, from the top of the hill, you can see the mountains in the distance.

At the top of the hill, there are a few benches and a picnic area with a table and grill.

The trail descends here, curving down into the forest.

A short stretch through the forest.

As you exit the forest, there is a wood pile that says this wood may be taken for free to use at the picnic areas along the trail.

Turn left and walk past these buildings.

At the busy road, turn left and follow the bike/walking path for a few minutes. Don’t worry, this part is not so long.

Following the yellow trail signs, turn left off the bike path and enter the forest again, walking toward the lake.

Waldhaus Restaurant

After a couple minutes, you’ll pass the entrance to the Waldhaus Restaurant. It’s a bit hidden from the path, so you won’t see this terrace until you walk through the parking area. There are lots of tables inside and out, reservations recommended.

There is a little train ride for kids. It costs CHF 2/child and CHF 3/adult to ride the train.

It’s a short ride around the Waldhaus property.

There is a playground near the restaurant seating.

Little go cart track. I think they are coin operated.

To return to the parking, go back to the lake path and you’ll reach your starting point in a few more minutes.