Lake Zurich

Travel Guide
Photo provided by ©Zurich Tourism
Photo provided by © Zürich Tourismus
Photo provided by ©Zurich Tourism
Photo provided by ©Zurich Tourism
Photo provided by ©Zurich Tourism
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

4/5(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
Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
420 Badenerstrasse, Zürich, ZH
The price is CA $172 per night from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10
CA $172
CA $190 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2025
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"There is major construction in front of the hotel so do request a room facing the back. They actually start being noisy around 7:30am! Otherwise great rooms and a fantastic gym and pool facility."

Reviewed on Dec. 19, 2024

Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
citizenM Zürich
citizenM Zürich
4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is CA $239 per night from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25
CA $239
CA $259 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 24 - Dec 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location. Walking distance to shopping, dining and the many Zurich sites. Staff are top notch, friendly and courteous. Rooms are modern and clean. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Dec. 19, 2024

citizenM Zürich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is CA $279 per night from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25
CA $279
CA $301 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 24 - Dec 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,111 reviews)
"Great location, great bar, and a bright light for the mirror. Our room was a little small but still enjoyed it"

Reviewed on Dec. 17, 2024

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.
Entire 2-bedroom apartment near central Zurich
Entire 2-bedroom apartment near central Zurich
Zürich
Stay at this apartment in Zürich. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and a spa tub. Popular attractions ETH Zurich and Swiss National Museum are located nearby.
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, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Circus Knie and Kunst(Zeug)Haus are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Perfect location. Clean and safe area.
"The house was exactly what we expected. As six adults, we needed room to move around. And the views from the balconies were spectacular."

Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2024

Cozy chalet... simply to feel good
WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
Herrliberg
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Herrliberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Thalwil Ferry Terminal and ...
6/10 (1 review)
Stunning location and views
"This was a fantastic stay except for the following: Spoiled milk left in the fridge Dead flies all over the floor as well as other dirt upon arrival Construction noise and outhouse smell at certain times of the day We had to buy and replace batteries for the remote in the tv room No check in or check ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2024

WEF Luxuriöse Villa mit Seeblick
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

Things to do

Cities near Lake Zurich