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

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 out of 5
Zurich Airport, Kloten, ZH
The price is ₩295,029 per night from May 1 to May 2
₩295,029
₩318,283 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (288 reviews)
"Great place to stay for convenience. Clean and cost effective."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
citizenM Zürich
citizenM Zürich
4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩263,537 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
₩263,537
₩285,594 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice clean property close to everything!"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

citizenM Zürich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is ₩344,753 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
₩344,753
₩369,897 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 26 - Apr 27
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! (1,203 reviews)
"Clean cool and thought of everything. Galleys were stocked up, 24hr bar, cinema. What a cool place will be back"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

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.
City Pop 2Night Zurich
City Pop 2Night Zurich
4 out of 5
Militarstrasse 106, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Swiss National Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (20 reviews)
"15 minutes walk from the train station. Really nice and thoughtful room layout. Surrounding area has a lot of young adults. Seemed to be affordable compared to the surrounding area's options."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

City Pop 2Night Zurich
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! (253 reviews)
"Easily accessible from the Zurich HB"

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Motorenstrasse 11, Zürich
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, an area shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Swiss National Museum and ETH Zurich ...
7.4/10 Good! (368 reviews)
"Thanks to allow us check in early which our flight is morning flight. Really appreciate it. Surrounding has nice building when walk to tram station. Has supermarket nearby which good to grab stuff for cooking. Easy access to public transport."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
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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