Lake Zurich

Travel Guide

Lake Zurich which includes a city and a river or creek
Lake Zurich which includes a city and a river or creek
Lake Zurich which includes a city and general coastal views
Lake Zurich as well as a large group of people
Lake Zurich featuring snow, snow shoeing and hiking or walking
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

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 Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum or Rapperswil Castle.

Rapperswil
Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

4.5 out of 5
Zurich Airport Kloten ZH
The price is ¥33,478 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
¥33,478
¥36,140 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (948 reviews)
Excellent location close to the airport.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

4 out of 5
Thurgauerstrasse 116 Opfikon Zurich
The price is ¥19,513 per night from Feb 7 to Feb 8
¥19,513
¥21,645 total
Feb 7 - Feb 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Opfikon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (880 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and helpful, particularly with questions we had about visiting the city and nearby tourist attractions. The supply of fresh water and snacks in the reception was also great

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl. Zürich ZH
The price is ¥35,004 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
¥35,004
¥37,731 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,418 reviews)
Clean room, friendly staff. Couldn’t fault the location! A great stay

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Ruby Mimi Zurich
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.
SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel

SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel

3 out of 5
144 Seestrasse Herrliberg ZH
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Herrliberg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolateria ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Sehr zum Empfehlen,

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel
City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in

4 out of 5
Militarstrasse 106 Zürich
Stay at this aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
I stayed overnight before an early flight and it was a nice stay. Easy automated check in, clean room and close to the train station. Also located above a grocery store which was convenient for snacks and food.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
VISIONAPARTMENTS Leonhardstrasse

VISIONAPARTMENTS Leonhardstrasse

2.5 out of 5
Leonhardstrasse 6 Zurich Zurich
Stay at this aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and Zoo Zurich are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Room was clean and had all the amenities that were listed/described. Close proximity to city center and Zurich HB. Originally booked Leonhardstrasse but got switched for Studio Apartment Senior. Nonetheless, hotel room was good and clean.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

VISIONAPARTMENTS Leonhardstrasse
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.

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