Lake Zurich

Travel Guide
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
citizenM Zürich
citizenM Zürich
4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is CA $232 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $232
CA $252 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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! (1,021 reviews)
"We like citizenM hotels. Great helpful staff and you know exactly what you are going to get..,big beds, interesting people...."

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2024

citizenM Zürich
Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
420 Badenerstrasse, Zürich, ZH
The price is CA $190 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $190
CA $208 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Good location, clean and convenient. I would recommend this hotel to others."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2024

Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $293 per night from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11
CA $293
CA $316 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
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! (1,081 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and staff would highly recommend ,cant wait to go back"

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 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. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and ETH Zurich 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
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 Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolateria ...
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
Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
4 out of 5
Stampfenbachstrasse 60, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (232 reviews)
Excellent stay
"Excellent place to stay in Zurich. Close to train station and old town. Excellent staff at front desk, especially Aldo Malinga who was most courteous and helpful to us when we arrived. Thank you Aldo. We enjoyed our stay and the appartment is well equipped to make your own meals. Would stay here ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
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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