Events & Enjoyment in Meilen

Meilen is the jewel of the Gold Coast. Located on the sun-drenched right shore of Lake Zurich, this district capital combines prosperity with charm, wine culture with lakeside romance. Here, where pile dwellers settled over 5,000 years ago and purchasing power is now Switzerland's second-highest, going out is an exquisite affair.

Meilen – Gold Coast with History

The «Gold Coast» owes its name not just to low taxes, but also to the evening sun that bathes the shore in golden light. Meilen has been a special place for centuries: the late-Gothic church from 1493 presides over the lake, the UNESCO World Heritage site Meilen-Rorenhaab recalls the first settlers, and for five generations winemakers have been producing award-winning wines here.

Restaurants & Bars

Meilen's gastro scene focuses on quality over quantity:

• Restaurant Löwen – The historic tavern with medieval «old rights» sits directly on the lake opposite the boat landing. The summer terrace on the water, the «Red L» Bar and the banquet hall make Löwen the top address.
• Hirschen am See – Mediterranean cuisine with mountain panorama in Obermeilen. Two restaurants, fresh fish daily and a terrace right on the lake.
• LYCKA Coffee & Bar – Swedish-inspired café on Dorfplatz. Homemade cinnamon rolls, excellent coffee and relaxed vibes from morning to evening.

In the Neighbourhood:

• Ocean Drive Bar (Herrliberg) – Cocktails with Gold Coast flair in the neighbouring village.

For extended club nights: Zurich is just 20-25 train minutes away.

Culture & Events

• Ortsmuseum Meilen – In a Biedermeier house on Kirchgasse. Exhibitions on pile dwellers, Roman times and village history. The finds from Lake Zurich are impressive.
• Reformed Church – The late-Gothic church from 1493-1495 with its distinctive tower defines the lakeshore. History reaches back to the 7th century.
• Weekly Market – From March to November: fresh products from local farmers and artisans.

Wine Culture

Meilen is wine country:

• Schwarzenbach Weinbau – For five generations, the family has cultivated 14 hectares of vines. Named among Switzerland's 150 best winemakers in 2026 (Gault&Millau). Classics like Riesling-Silvaner and Pinot Noir, plus rare varieties like Räuschling and Completer. Tastings on request.
• Keller-WG – Four wineries (Diederik, Luthi, Schnorf, Schwarzenbach) press their grapes together. Special tastings available.

Popular Areas

Village Centre: Between the railway line and the 500-year-old lakeside church. Shops, cafés and LYCKA form Meilen's cosy heart.

Seestrasse & Lakefront Promenade: The promenade by the lake. From Löwen to Hirschen, restaurants and bathing spots line up. In summer, this is where life happens.

Strandbad Feldmeilen: 3-metre diving tower, raft, sandy beach and gastronomy. Free for under 16s – perfect for families.

Pfannenstiel: The local mountain with a 30-metre observation tower and Hochwacht restaurant. The hike from Forch to Meilen (10 km) offers spectacular lake views.

What Makes Meilen Special?

Meilen is enjoyment without haste. Here you sit with a glass of local Räuschling by the lake while the evening sun gilds the Alps. The underwater UNESCO World Heritage site reminds us that people have appreciated this location for over 5,000 years. The ferry takes you to Horgen on the other shore in minutes, the train to Zurich in 20 minutes. But honestly: once you've sat on the Löwen terrace, you don't really want to be anywhere else.