Zuzwil(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The Hotel Alpenblick is the premier choice for lakeside stays in Churtswil, offering panoramic views of Lake Churtswil from its spacious balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. This family-run boutique hotel blends traditional Swiss chalet architecture with modern comforts, including free Wi-Fi, a sauna, and an organic breakfast buffet featuring local dairy and baked goods. Located just a 5-minute walk from the lake’s edge, it’s ideal for morning strolls or sunset photography. Nearby, Schloss Hohenrain offers a historic castle experience with elegant rooms and garden terraces overlooking the water.

The historic town center of Churtswil is the most desirable area for visitors, combining tranquility with easy access to key attractions like Lake Churtswil and the Church of St. John. Lined with charming stone houses and small cafés, this district features cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels perfect for immersive cultural experiences. The Lerchenstrasse neighborhood near the lake offers especially peaceful accommodations with direct access to walking paths and scenic viewpoints. It also hosts a bike rental station, making it convenient for exploring the surrounding alpine trails and rural villages.

Travelers should not miss the annual Käsefest (Cheese Festival) held in summer at the town square, showcasing traditional cheese-making techniques from the Graubünden Emmental and Sennenhöhe varieties. Guests can participate in tastings, watch live cheese carving demonstrations, and learn about artisanal production methods. Another highlight is the Heimatmuseum Churtswil, which preserves 19th-century farming tools, folk costumes, and household artifacts, offering a vivid glimpse into rural life in eastern Switzerland. These experiences provide authentic insight into regional heritage and craftsmanship.

Yes, the Lac de Churtswil Circular Trail is a must-visit path, stretching 4.5 km around the lake with well-marked signage and resting benches. The route winds through reed beds, past ancient stone bridges, and along tranquil shores where you may spot herons and kingfishers. Best visited at dawn or dusk, the trail offers breathtaking reflections of the Alps in the still water. Some sections afford sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, while others lead into quiet forest zones. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera to capture the ethereal light effects during golden hour.

Must-try local specialties include Churtswiler Käsespätzle—handmade cheese dumplings made with fresh Alpine milk cheese and served with buttery crust. Another highlight is Bergkäse mit Apfelkompott, a savory mountain cheese paired with sweet apple compote on dark rye bread. Restaurants like Restaurant Alpenstube and Gasthaus Zürcher use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and preserve time-honored recipes. In winter, sample Rösti mit Schinken und Pilzen—a hearty potato pancake with ham and mushrooms—typical of Eastern Swiss cuisine and deeply rooted in regional tradition.

Familienhotel Alpenblick stands out as the top family-friendly option in Churtswil, offering spacious family suites, a dedicated children’s playroom, and an outdoor mini-farm where kids can feed goats and collect eggs. Weekly activities such as the Little Farmer Workshop teach children about dairy farming and animal care in a fun, hands-on way. The hotel features a fenced grassy yard for safe play and provides child-sized meals and 24-hour family support. Located just 300 meters from Lake Churtswil, it’s perfect for family outings and nature immersion.

Yes, Churtswil has excellent public transit connections. The SBB railway links the town directly to St. Gallen and Chur with frequent services (30–45 minutes). Local bus line 67 runs to destinations like Lake Zurich and Bregenz, while shuttle buses connect to popular hiking spots such as Grimsel and Eggi. Visitors can purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, granting unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries across the country—ideal for flexible exploration of the region’s scenic landscapes and alpine villages.

Spring brings the Alpenblumenfest (Alpine Flower Festival), celebrating wildflowers in bloom along scenic trails. Summer hosts Lakemusik im Sommer, an open-air concert series by the lake featuring classical and folk music under the stars. Autumn’s Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival) features local markets, traditional dances, and harvest-themed crafts. Winter transforms the town into a festive retreat with the Weihnachtsmarkt, offering handmade gifts, mulled wine, and gingerbread—perfect for experiencing authentic Swiss holiday spirit amid snowy alpine charm.

For photographers, Lake Churtswil at sunrise offers dreamlike reflections of the mountains and church spires in glass-like water. The cobblestone streets of the old town and the tower of St. John’s Church provide rich architectural detail, especially during golden hour. The pasture slopes in summer present idyllic scenes of grazing cows and pastoral life. Use a tripod and wide-angle lens to capture these moments. At night, the lack of light pollution allows for stunning starry skies—ideal for long-exposure astrophotography. Always carry a rain cover for sudden alpine weather changes.

Yes, many hotels in Churtswil provide bicycle rentals. Hotel Alpenblick and Familienhotel Alpenblick offer electric and mountain bikes at affordable rates, often including detailed maps and recommended routes. Some even provide bike transport to trailheads or lakeside departure points. The region features a well-developed network of bike-friendly paths, leading to southern St. Gallen and the border with Liechtenstein. HopeGoo ahead is advised, especially during peak season, to ensure availability for your preferred model and duration.