Location
The municipality of Richterswil, roughly 25 km away from Zurich on Lake Zurich’s left banks, is situated between Wädenswil and Wollerau. With a population of about 12,000, the town is part of the district of Horgen, and lies right on the border with the Canton of Schwyz. Richterswil’s picturesque, protected town center has earned a number of distinctions; crowds of visitors are drawn to this popular residential site for its hilly landscape dotted with lakes and ponds, its beach which is the longest public lakeside boardwalk on Lake Zurich, the modern boat slip for yachts, the town’s “own” islet called “Schönenwirt,” and countless other attractions in the immediate vicinity. Zurich, Zug, Schwyz, and Rapperswil can be reached conveniently (within 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions). Thanks to the autobahn connection, the Alps of Graubünden and Ticino cantons can be reached swiftly on the A3 toward Chur.
Public transportation
The community of Richterswil is well-served by four railway stations.Two S-Bahn lines (the S2 and the S8) travel at half-hour intervals to Zurich City, arriving within 30 minutes; the Südostbahn(SOB, or southeast railway) connects Richterswil with Einsiedeln.Local busses provide service within the community and to neighboring townships.Passenger ships regularly cross Lake Zurich, making interim stops at the lakeside community ports on the way to Zurich.
Schools
Richterswil possesses a comprehensive range of schools and continuing education, with kindergartens, and all school levels in six school facilities. When the schools close their doors, then the child daycare centers, play groups and school lunch programs take over. The recreational facility in Horn has fantastic grounds where children of any age can play.
Recreation
Several sports facilities, the tennis club, the parcourse trail, the “Finnenbahn” (a biking/running trail), the indoor pool, the public beaches offer unique selection of sports and recreational activities.The fantastic panoramic trails can be enjoyed while walking, riding, jogging and biking.More than 100 different clubs for sports and culture make a complete offering of recreational activities.The Cultural Commission serves foremost as the patron of culture in the municipality. In addition, it organizes major cultural events such as SKULPTURA, LITERATURA 03 and Culinaria 06.The maintaining of traditions – such as the impressive, world-famous “Räbeliechtliumzug” (a festival of decoratively carved turnip-lanterns) and several other events just slightly off the beaten path – turn Richterswil into a thrilling place to live for both young and old.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Richterswil, together with its neighbor Samstagern, have everything to cover your primary needs for food and beverage (bakeries, butchers, grocery stores, etc.).
Hotels/restaurants
Richterswil possesses a broad array of over 20 restaurants that serve every conceivable type of gastronomic delight.The “Schiffli,” a restaurant directly on Lake Zurich, is held in particularly high regard by locals and visitors because of its superb kitchen, fantastic sun terrace and boat dock for visitors arriving by water route.
Sights/places of interest
The town of Richterswil holds a number of beautiful vista locations which overlook Lake Zurich, the Ufenau, Lützelau and Schönenwirt islands, and the foothills to the Alps of Glarus and Appenzell cantons. The restored, 101 meter tall landmark – the historicfountain - is a popular travel destination.
The “Alte Sagi” in Samstagern is a small yet fascinating museum with regular guided tours. The “Haus zum Bären” houses a collection of artifacts pertaining to local history and geography.
