The Pfäffikersee lake and its reed belt are under a protection order and one of the landscapes of national importance with typical high and low moorland flora. The nature reserve can be enjoyed on a circuit around the lake. When it’s cold enough, the Pfäffikersee can freeze over, its solid surface popular for skating and walking. Summer guests are attracted to the lidos and camp site.

In good weather, vantage points on the Landsberg and Pfaffberg offer sweeping views of the Alps. Those in the know also appreciate the idyllic Tobelweiher pond, reached by a lovely hiking path, and the large woodland areas. Pfäffikon’s landscape actually flows over into the Zurich Oberland with its hills from Tösstal. The many hiking routes make the area perfect for sporting tours.

The area around the Pfäffikersee was inhabited as early as the Neolithic Age. The Irgenhausen Roman fort is believed to have been built around 370. The excavated remains of the fort are found on a former Roman road about 1.5.km southeast of the town.

In the Middle Ages, Pfäffikon was a market town between Rapperswil and Winterthur; the Zurich Oberland livestock farming industry was supplied with salt from here, among other things. The administrative and market town was home to well-heeled families involved in the salt, fish, linen, corn and ironware trades. The Heimatmuseum am See (Museum on the Lake) has information on the history of the town and its region. Today Pfäffikon is a part of the metropolitan area of Zurich and home to many commuters.