Happy TravellerWelcome to Uster, the charming capital of the Uster District in the Swiss canton of Zürich. With a population of over 36,000, Uster is the third largest town in the canton and one of the twenty largest towns in Switzerland. The town’s importance has grown considerably with the construction of the S-Bahn network of the Zurich Transport Network, making it a convenient and accessible destination for tourists. Uster is located next to the picturesque Greifensee lake, adding to its natural beauty. The official language of Uster is (the Swiss variety of Standard) German, but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect.
Uster has a rich history dating back to the 8th century, with the village of Riedikon being first mentioned in 741 and Uster in 775. The town received the Wakker Prize in 2001 for its efforts to maintain an identity within the anonymous Swiss Agglomeration around Zurich. The Society noted that developed land was clearly separated from the neighboring farming land, and praised the efforts that the city had made to integrate old and new buildings and to build with harmonious architectural styles.
Uster is a great destination for those interested in history, with many landmarks and historical sites to explore. The Burg Uster (castle) was first mentioned in 1267, as being in the possession of the Freiherr von Bonstetten. During the Old Zürich War, in May 1444, the Old Swiss Confederacy laid siege to the nearby town of Greifensee, held by about 70 defenders, most of them inhabitants of the Amt Greifensee, and a few Habsburg and Zürich soldiers. The town was captured after four weeks, on May 27, and all but two of the surviving 64 defenders were beheaded on the next day, including the leader, Wildhans von Breitenlandenberg. Even in times of war, mass execution was widely considered a cruel and unjust deed. On May 29, the Castle of Greifensee and the city walls were broken.
Uster is also a great destination for nature lovers, with its location next to the beautiful Greifensee lake. The town has an area of 28.5 km2, with 44.4% used for agricultural purposes and 27.1% forested. Of the rest of the land, 26.2% is settled (buildings or roads) and the remainder (2.3%) is non-productive (rivers, glaciers or mountains). Uster has an average of 135.4 days of rain per year and on average receives 1,164 mm (45.8 in) of precipitation. The wettest month is June during which time Uster receives an average of 137 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation. During this month there is precipitation for an average of 13.1 days. The driest month of the year is October with an average of 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 13.1 days.
Uster is a great destination for foodies, with its mouthwatering local cuisine. Most of the population speaks German (85.0%), with Italian being second most common (4.5%) and Albanian being third (1.7%). In the 2007 election the most popular party was the SVP which received 31.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the SPS (20.6%), the CSP (13.3%) and the Green Party (12.2%). The town has a variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Swiss dishes, as well as international cuisine.
Uster is also a great destination for those interested in education, with its excellent schools and institutions. Primarschule Uster serves primary school children, while Sekundarschulverwaltung Uster serves students at the secondary school level. The Bildungszentrum Uster includes three institutions: Berufsfachschule Uster (vocational school), Kantonsschule Uster (gymnasium), and Höhere Fachschule Uster. The Japanese School in Zurich, Switzerlands sole primary and junior high Japanese international day school, is located in Uster.
Uster is easily accessible by train, with two railway stations served by trains of the Zurich S-Bahn. Uster railway station is in the centre of the city, and is served by lines S9, S14, S15 and S5. Nänikon-Greifensee railway station is on the border with adjoining municipality of Greifensee, and is served only by lines S9 and S14. Uster is a 14-minute ride (S5) from Zürich Hauptbahnhof when travelling on the fastest trains.
In conclusion, Uster is a charming and accessible destination with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering local cuisine, excellent schools and institutions, and easy accessibility by train. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, food, or education, Uster has something for everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of Uster, and experience the beauty and charm of this hidden gem in the Swiss canton of Zürich.
