We reach Rapperswil on a sunny Sunday in mid-April. As always, to get here we choose public transportation and specifically a direct train that takes us from Lucerne to the city in about an hour and a half. To be honest, the train ride is in itself an experience worth trying, both because of the beauty of the area around Lake Zurich and because of the particular route that the train line follows which, at a certain point, crosses the lake on a narrow embankment. Upon arrival, we are greeted by a lively and dynamic city – despite it being Sunday morning – and a peaceful lakefront. Strolling here is really pleasant! So we decide to start right from here, from the lake, our itinerary in the historic center. We suggest you do the same and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the heart of the city and stroll through its fascinating alleys. However, at the same time, we suggest you include these must-see attractions in your itinerary:

– Schloss Rapperswil: the city’s castle is definitely fascinating and you will not be able to miss it, as it dominates the city and characterizes its skyline. Built between 1200 and 1300, the building stands on a hill in the center of the city and is worth a visit for the magnificent view it offers over the old town, Lake Zurich and the mountains that surround the area. Walking towards the entrance of the castle, take a few minutes to look at the two sides of the hill on which it stands: while on the southern side you will find the oldest vineyard of Lake Zurich, still productive today, on the opposite side you can see the deers that, since 1871, live in this area, protected and photographed as real celebrities. The Deer Park, which recently turned 150 years old, finds its origin in the legend that tells about the birth of the city. The legend says that during a day’s hunting on the shores of the lake, Rudolf, Count of Altendorf, and his wife, Countess Mechthild, came across a deer and chased it to a cave on Sonnenfelsen, today’s castle hill, but decided in the end to mercifully spare its life. The legend also tells that, shortly after that event, the same deer appeared in a dream to the Countess, laying her head on her lap as a sign of gratitude. Therefore the Count, interpreting this event as a divine sign, decided to build a castle on the hill and a city just below it.

– Hauptplaz: it is the heart of the city, the main square of the old town and hosts the weekly market. The square dates back to the 14th century and features a picturesque fountain and an impressive staircase leading up to the castle. Here you will also find the historic Town Hall building and many restaurants, cafes and small stores to discover.

– St. Johann Catholic Church: also located in the heart of the city, not far from the castle, its oldest core dates back to the thirteenth century, but the ancient church, after a devastating fire, was rebuilt and re-consecrated in 1885. It is definitely worth a visit because it is very characteristic, with its strange combination of styles. However, don’t just visit the main church, but also make a short visit to the small Liebfrauenkapelle, the cemetery chapel right next to the main church.

– Rose Gardens: Rapperswil is known as the city of roses, flowers that are present not only in the city’s emblem but everywhere in the city. You can see them in their beauty between May and November a bit ‘everywhere, but the best way to see them is certainly a visit to the Rosengarten which is located near the Capuchin Monastery, near the municipal vineyards.