Things To Do
in Egg
Egg is a small, attractive municipality in the canton of Zurich located on the eastern shore of Pfäffikersee, offering a mix of lakeside calm and easy access to Zurich city. The town has a compact village center with traditional Swiss houses, local farms and quiet lanes that make it ideal for relaxed walking and cycling. Nature reserves and wetlands nearby attract birdwatchers and provide scenic photography opportunities year-round.
Egg is primarily residential and commuter-oriented, giving visitors a chance to experience everyday Swiss small-town life while being only a short train ride from bigger urban amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by arriving in Egg and checking into a cozy hotel overlooking Lake Zurich. Feel the fresh Alpine air as you settle in and unpack your belongings. Take a short lakeside stroll to familiarize yourself with the serene surroundings.
Rent a bike and follow the gentle shoreline paths that weave through charming villages. Pause at a quaint café for a slice of traditional Swiss Zopf and a steaming cup of coffee. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake framed by distant mountains.
Return to your hotel for a light rest before heading out to a waterfront restaurant. Savor fresh fish caught earlier in the day and pair it with a local white wine. As dusk falls, watch the sky change colors over the tranquil lake.
Head to Egg’s weekly farmers market to browse stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted breads. Chat with local vendors about heirloom vegetables grown in nearby fields. Sample a homemade pretzel while taking in the lively atmosphere of the town square.
Join a hands-on cooking class in a rustic farmhouse kitchen and learn to prepare Rösti and other Swiss specialties. Taste a variety of local ingredients and master authentic techniques under the guidance of a passionate chef. Enjoy your creations alongside a crisp regional white wine.
Dine at a family-run tavern tucked away on a quiet street in Egg. Relish hearty mountain fare served with a side of warm hospitality. End the night savoring a creamy chocolate mousse made from local dairy.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🚆Local public transport ticket (single) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful lakeside setting with good nature and birdwatching opportunities
- Easy access to Zurich and regional transport links
- Authentic small-town Swiss atmosphere and traditional dining options
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities within the village itself
- Some services and restaurants close early, especially outside summer season
- "Grüezi" - Hello (Swiss German)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich bin Vegetarier/in" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Egg
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm waters at sunrise and sunset, reed beds and reflections make for great landscape and nature shots; easy access paths allow varied compositions.
Protected marsh areas near the lake attract waterfowl and migratory birds—ideal for wildlife and telephoto photography, especially in spring and autumn.
Charming streets, farmhouses and the local church provide intimate, postcard-style scenes of rural Swiss life.
Short drive/hike to elevated viewpoints offering wide panoramas over the Zurich Oberland, especially clear on crisp days.
Food in Egg
Egg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, typically served with rösti; a Zurich-region specialty you’ll find in many traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Crispy shredded potato cake served as a side or main with toppings (cheese, onions, bacon); available at most Gasthäuser and casual eateries.
Local alpine-style cheeses are common; raclette (melted cheese served with potatoes and pickles) is especially popular in colder months and on menus at traditional restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short train ride away, Uster’s market features local farmers selling produce, cheeses, bread and flowers—ideal for picnic supplies or sampling regional specialties.
Egg and neighboring towns host occasional seasonal markets and summer festivals with food trucks and local vendors offering grilled specialties, sweet treats and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swiss culture values punctuality—arrive on time for tours, appointments and meetings.
Use a polite greeting such as 'Grüezi' (Swiss German) or 'Guten Tag' when entering shops or meeting locals; a brief handshake is common in introductions.
Keep noise levels down in residential areas, especially during evening hours and Sundays; it’s customary to respect neighbors and communal quiet rules.
Sorting waste and recycling is strict—follow local bins and rules. Bring small change or use designated bags for certain types of refuse if required.
Safety
Tipping in Egg
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are generally included in Swiss bills; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is common practice.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but small vendors and some rural places may prefer cash (Swiss francs). Mobile payments are growing in use.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wildflowers and migrating birds return; mornings can be chilly with mild afternoons. Trails are typically accessible but can be muddy after thaw—good for birdwatching and photography.
Warm, pleasant weather ideal for swimming, boating and cycling. Expect more visitors on weekends; lakeside spots are popular for sunbathing and picnics.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make hiking and photography rewarding. Some businesses may reduce hours outside peak tourist season.
Cold temperatures with possible snow; lakes may partially freeze. Hiking continues on prepared paths and nearby higher elevations offer snow sports; dress warmly and check transport schedules.
Egg at Night
Hiking in Egg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle, family-friendly loop around the lake with bird hides, interpretive signs and multiple access points—ideal for photography and casual walking.
Shorter hikes and ridge walks offering panoramic views over the Zurich Oberland; includes options to reach the Bachtel tower viewpoint.
A well-known ridge near Zurich with sweeping views over the city and the lake chain—reachable by train from Uster/Zurich for a half-day trip.
Network of paths through reed beds and marshes near Pfäffikersee for close-up nature observation and quiet walks.
Airports
How to reach Egg by plane.
Main international airport about 25–35 km from Egg with excellent rail and road connections—take a regional train to Uster and then a local bus or short taxi to Egg (total travel ~30–50 minutes).
Smaller regional airport on Lake Constance, useful for some regional flights; significantly further away and typically requires a train/bus connection of 1–2 hours to reach Egg.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many long-term residents and families who enjoy the village lifestyle and local schools.
Professionals who work in Zurich or nearby towns but live in Egg for its quieter environment and natural amenities.
Older residents who appreciate the peaceful setting and local services.
A smaller but present community of international workers and foreign families attracted by jobs in Zurich and the high quality of life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur football clubs are popular for players and spectators alike, with youth programs and community matches.
Ice hockey is a leading winter sport in the region; nearby towns have local teams and rinks for matches and skating.
The rolling countryside and nearby ridges attract hikers and runners, especially on weekends and during mild weather.
Road cycling and mountain biking are common, with scenic routes around the lake and through the hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Egg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are increasingly common—look for rösti with cheese, vegetable mains, salads and cheese-centric dishes. Communicate 'Ich bin Vegetarier/in' to staff; many restaurants will adapt dishes when possible.
Options are more limited in small villages but available in nearby Uster or Zurich. Supermarkets carry plant-based milk and packaged alternatives; call ahead to restaurants if you need vegan options.
Smaller establishments may not always have gluten-free menus, but many can adapt dishes (e.g., serve salad instead of bread). Larger restaurants and bakeries in Uster/Zurich have clearer GF options.