Top 20 Lakes around Niederhasli
Best lakes around Niederhasli are found in the Canton of Zurich, with the municipality serving as a gateway to several natural water bodies. While Niederhasli itself does not host large lakes, it is situated near prominent options like Katzensee and Mettmenhaslisee. The region offers a mix of nature reserves and smaller ponds, providing diverse natural landscapes for exploration. These areas are characterized by their natural settings and recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Niederhasli
- The most popular lakes is Lake Katzensee, a lake that consists of the Upper and Lower Katzensee, featuring a small seaside resort with a restaurant. It is known for its idyllic landscape and opportunities for bird observation.
- Another must-see spot is Franzosenweiher, a lake located in a depression between the Heitersberg and Sandbühl hill. It is a nature reserve and an ecologically valuable habitat for amphibians.
- Visitors also love Golden Gate, a pond whose existence is due to rising groundwater. It is known for its clear water intake and the legend of the "Goldig Tor."
- Niederhasli is known for its nature reserve lakes, forest ponds, and smaller local water bodies. Visitors can find a variety of lakes to see and explore, from larger recreational areas to tranquil natural habitats.
- The lakes around Niederhasli are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 600 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Tössegg – Confluence of the Töss and Rhine
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Lake Katzensee
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Bürkliplatz
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Quai Bridge
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Golden Gate
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Legend of the "Goldig Tor"
(short version according to Meinrad Lienert)
Once upon a time a shepherd boy was tending sheep at the pond. It was a glorious foehn day and the boy lay down on the bank with his eyes heavy with dreams. Suddenly a maiden emerged from the pond up to her shoulders. She lured him with a golden ring on her hand. The boy tried to grab the ring and leaned over the water. Suddenly the maiden took him in both arms and sank with him.
He had barely disappeared when his farmer rushed over, because he had heard his shepherd boy cry out. But he could not see his little shepherd anywhere. Suddenly it shot up like a candle from the golden sand whirlpool in the pond in front of him. He quickly pulled it to the bank. After a while the boy opened his eyes and began to tell what had happened to him: "The water maiden pulled me into an infinite depth. Suddenly I saw a mighty city with a huge golden gate. It just opened wide and a beautiful maiden stepped out. Now the maiden, who was holding me in her arms, opened her arms to greet her friend. At the same moment a whirlpool grabbed me and pulled me up with it. I don't know anything else." The shepherd boy returned to the pond again and again, but he never met the beautiful maiden again. Thanks to his story, however, we now know where the gold flakes in the water come from: they are washed off the golden gate and carried to the surface (content from the information board).
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Tips from the Community
The pond owes its existence to groundwater, which is forced to rise through a watertight obstacle. The rising groundwater stirs up fine, light sand, interspersed with white snail shell debris, which was used as writing sand until the beginning of the last century. Legend of the "Goldig Tor" (short version according to Meinrad Lienert) Once upon a time a shepherd boy was tending sheep at the pond. It was a glorious foehn day and the boy lay down on the bank with his eyes heavy with dreams. Suddenly a maiden emerged from the pond up to her shoulders. She lured him with a golden ring on her hand. The boy tried to grab the ring and leaned over the water. Suddenly the maiden took him in both arms and sank with him. He had barely disappeared when his farmer rushed over, because he had heard his shepherd boy cry out. But he could not see his little shepherd anywhere. Suddenly it shot up like a candle from the golden sand whirlpool in the pond in front of him. He quickly pulled it to the bank. After a while the boy opened his eyes and began to tell what had happened to him: "The water maiden pulled me into an infinite depth. Suddenly I saw a mighty city with a huge golden gate. It just opened wide and a beautiful maiden stepped out. Now the maiden, who was holding me in her arms, opened her arms to greet her friend. At the same moment a whirlpool grabbed me and pulled me up with it. I don't know anything else." The shepherd boy returned to the pond again and again, but he never met the beautiful maiden again. Thanks to his story, however, we now know where the gold flakes in the water come from: they are washed off the golden gate and carried to the surface (content from the information board).
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The Bürkliplatz was created after the bulwarks of the former city fortifications were demolished. The city engineer Arnold Bürkli was responsible for the construction of the quay from 1882 to 1887. Land was heaped up on the lake shore and the quay bridge created a continuous lake promenade with avenues, meadows and parks. Today, the Bürkliplatz is a shipping pier and the starting point for tours on Lake Zurich. The square is also a versatile event location: the “Bürklimäärt” vegetable market takes place here twice a week, and the flea market on Saturdays in summer. The square also serves as the start and finish point for many sporting events.
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Zurich a beautiful but expensive city(😉)
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Bürkliplatz is a square in the city of Zurich on Lake Zurich. It is located on the western side of the Limmat opposite Bellevue, with which it is connected by the Quai Bridge. The square is named after the city engineer Arnold Bürkli. It is not only a boat dock, but also a market, art and event location with a view over Lake Zurich to the Alps. There is also a wonderful view of Lake Zurich.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Niederhasli?
The lakes around Niederhasli offer diverse natural settings. For example, Lake Katzensee is nestled within a nature reserve, providing a tranquil escape with opportunities for bird observation. Franzosenweiher is also a nature reserve and an ecologically valuable habitat for amphibians, located in a forest depression. You can also find forest ponds like Etelweiher, known for its idyllic setting.
Are there opportunities for wildlife observation around the lakes?
Yes, particularly at Lake Katzensee, which is situated within a nature reserve. It's an excellent spot for bird observation, attracting a variety of species due to its idyllic landscape. Franzosenweiher is also a nature reserve, providing an ecologically valuable habitat for amphibians.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Niederhasli?
The area around Niederhasli's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and jogging around Lake Katzensee, with routes like the 'Chatzesee-Rundweg'. For more structured activities, there are numerous hiking trails, cycling routes, and running trails available in the broader Niederhasli region, including routes around Mettmenhaslisee.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes near Niederhasli?
Yes, there are several options for hiking. Around Lake Katzensee, you'll find paths suitable for walks and jogging, including the 'Chatzesee-Rundweg'. While bicycles are explicitly banned on some direct routes, alternative paths are available. The region also offers a variety of hiking routes, from easy to moderate, such as the 'Hiking loop from Niederhasli' or the 'View of Neeracher Ried – Neeracher Ried Nature Reserve loop'.
Can I go cycling near these lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the Niederhasli area. While some specific paths around Lake Katzensee might have restrictions, there are many cycling routes in the broader region. These include routes like the 'Glatt River Trail – Glatt Riverside Path loop from Niederhasli' or longer tours like 'Kaiserstuhl Castle and Bridge – Old Town, Bad Zurzach loop'.
Is swimming permitted in the lakes around Niederhasli?
Swimming is popular in some lakes, especially during summer. Lake Katzensee is a popular spot for bathing, featuring an 80-meter long beach and a public lido on its southern shore. There's even a separate area designated for naturist bathing. However, as a nature reserve, certain activities like using air mattresses or rubber dinghies are not permitted.
Are the lakes around Niederhasli suitable for families?
Absolutely. Lake Katzensee is particularly popular with families, offering numerous barbecue areas, shady trees, and a children's playground. A kiosk and restaurant are also available for refreshments. The natural surroundings and recreational opportunities make it a great family destination.
How can I access the lakes around Niederhasli, by car or public transport?
Access varies by lake. For Lake Katzensee, while parking can be scarce in summer, it's recommended to access it on foot, by bicycle, or public transport. Mettmenhaslisee is directly adjacent to Niederhasli, making it easily accessible locally. Etelweiher, an idyllic forest pond, can be reached via hiking trails from nearby villages like Böbikon, Wislikofen, or Schneisingen.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Niederhasli?
The lakes offer appeal year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and enjoying the public lido at Lake Katzensee. Spring and autumn are excellent for walking and jogging amidst the natural surroundings. In winter, the lakes provide a peaceful refuge for fresh air and relaxation, with opportunities for winter hiking.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' lakes worth visiting?
Beyond the more prominent lakes, you might enjoy exploring Golden Gate, a unique pond whose existence is due to rising groundwater, known for its clear water. Etelweiher, an idyllic forest pond near Schneisingen, also offers a pleasant natural excursion with hiking trails leading to it.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Niederhasli?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquil escape offered by nature reserves like Lake Katzensee, with its bird observation and family-friendly amenities. The clear waters of places like Golden Gate and the peaceful forest setting of Franzosenweiher are also highly valued by the community.
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