Lake Zurich

Travel Guide
Lake Zurich which includes general coastal views and a city
Stroll along the banks, take a refreshing dip or explore beyond the city limits by boat at this expanse of water, an iconic feature of Zurich.

Clear, still and picturesque, Lake Zurich is a defining feature of the city. But the water stretches much further than the city. From its northern tip, it extends 18 miles (29 kilometers) southeast, passing townships including Meilen on its east bank and Horgen on its left.

Lake Zurich can be seen from numerous points around Zurich. The only bridge to cross the lake (aside from the Seedamm in the far south) is the Quaibrücke. The bridge is straddled by Lake Zurich to the south and the Limmat River to the north. Though busy with cars and trams, the Quaibrücke has ample paths for pedestrians and is a brilliant vantage point over the lake. Another favorite approach to Lake Zurich is the walk down to the waterfront from Bahnhofstrasse. The boats bobbing up and down here make a great photo.

You can go out on a boat yourself, and see the city from an entirely different perspective. The Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft company offers a choice of trips around the lake, varying from 1.5 to 7 hours in length (the longest is a round-trip to Rapperswil). They also organize evening cruises with refreshments and live entertainment.

Switzerland is a landlocked country, so in summer its lakes become substitutes for a coastline. Fortunately, Lake Zurich’s water often reaches temperatures of over 68 F (20 C), making for pleasant swimming conditions. Temporary beaches, such as that at Mythenquai, provide spaces for sunbathing and ball games. Lake Zurich’s gentle waves make it a safe swimming spot for younger children.

Lake Zurich is also used for the International Self-Transcendence Marathon Swim. This 16.4-mile (26.4-kilometer) course is tackled by keen athletes every summer. If you’re not participating, it’s an impressive sight to see more than 100 participants swim towards Zurich as they complete the journey from Rapperswil.

Where to stay in Lake Zurich

Bern which includes a bridge

Zürich Center

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

While you're in Zürich Center, take in top sights like Lindenhof or Swiss Casinos Zurich, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rennweg Tram Stop or Sihlstrasse Tram Stop.

Zürich Center
Bern which includes a bridge

Zürich District

While you're in Zürich District, take in top sights like St. Josef Church or Swiss National Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Museum fuer Gestaltung Tram Stop or Limmatplatz Tram Stop.

Zürich District
Museum Rietberg

District 2

Lake views, spas, and gardens highlight some notable features of District 2. Make a stop by FIFA World Football Museum or Tonhalle Zurich while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Morgental Tram Stop or Butzenstrasse Tram Stop to get around town.

District 2
Kunsthalle Zurich

District 7

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Noted for its forests and spas, there's plenty to explore in District 7. Top attractions like FIFA Headquarters and Zoo Zurich are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dolder S-Bahn or Dolderbahn S-Bahn to see more of the city.

District 7
Rapperswil Castle is a castle, built in the early 13th century AD by the House of Rapperswil in the former independent city of Rapperswil.

It is located on the eastern Zürichsee respectively western Obersee lakeshore in Rapperswil, a locality of the municipality Rapperswil-Jona in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Since 1870, the castle has been home to the Polish National Museum established by Polish émigrés, including the castle's lessee and restorer, Count Wladyslaw Broel-Plater.

Rapperswil

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the bars and museums in Rapperswil. You might want to make time for a stop at Knies Kinderzoo or Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum.

Rapperswil
District 7 showing street scenes as well as an individual femail

Zürichberg

Noted for its forests and spas, there's plenty to explore in Zürichberg. Top attractions like FIFA Headquarters and Zoo Zurich are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dolder S-Bahn or Dolderbahn S-Bahn to see more of the city.

Zürichberg
Hotel Saint Georges
Hotel Saint Georges
2 out of 5
Weberstrasse 11, Zürich
The price is ¥20,222 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥20,222
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (684 reviews)
"Well located, reasonably priced, modest accommodation. The staff are very professional and helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hotel Saint Georges
ibis Styles Zurich City Center
ibis Styles Zurich City Center
3 out of 5
Stampfenbachstrasse 60, Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,105 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥24,105
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (497 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and let me even check in early without charging me a fee to do so. Only downside was there was no air conditioning and we had to sleep with the window open. Other than that everything was great and very close to the train station and other shopping."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

ibis Styles Zurich City Center
Hotel Scheuble
Hotel Scheuble
3 out of 5
Muehlegasse 17, Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥31,159 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥31,159
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Zürich. Enjoy breakfast, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Excellent location, well-maintained property, wonderful room, super clean, nice helpful staff and easy walking distance to the entire old town/city."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hotel Scheuble
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
Herrliberg
Stay at this business-friendly villa in Herrliberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolateria and Johanna ...
WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
Entire 2-bedroom apartment near central Zurich
Entire 2-bedroom apartment near central Zurich
Zürich
Stay at this apartment in Zürich. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and ETH Zurich are located nearby. Discover ...
3/10 (2 reviews)
Stay far away from this property
"Where do I start? If I could give this place a zero rating I would. In Oct 2023, we booked this property for a 3 night stay in Mar 2024. We never heard from the owner before we arrived with any check-in details. We reached out to him a number of times but no reply. We contacted VRBO to let them know ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Entire 2-bedroom apartment near central Zurich
cozy chalet ... simply to feel good
cozy chalet ... simply to feel good
Jona SG
Stay at this chalet in Rapperswil-Jona. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Circus Knie and Kunst(Zeug)Haus are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Good Place to Stay
"We stayed for 8 nights at this homely chalet. With 4 bedrooms there was plenty of space for our group of 5. The kitchen was well equipped [I would, however, have liked some mugs in addition to the cups provided]. The location was excellent being a short walk both to the bus, Jona railway station ..."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

cozy chalet ... simply to feel good
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Lake Zurich