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
The area of Lake Zurich visible from Zurich itself is just the tip of the iceberg. You can spend days exploring it.

The moment you clap eyes on Lake Zurich, you're bound to be impressed. This great expanse of water can be seen from points all over Zurich. From any angle, Lake Zurich is intensely picturesque. Yet you won't be able to see all of Lake Zurich in one go it's far too big for that. From the north end of the lake (on which Zurich city is located), it extends 29 kilometres to the southeast, bordering townships including Wädenswil and Lachen on the left shore, and Rapperswil and Meilen on the right.

For one of the finest views of the lake from Zurich, go to Bürkliplatz, located at the southern end of Bahnhofstrasse. Climbing up Mt. Uetliberg will also afford you excellent views of the water.

Perhaps the ultimate Lake Zurich experience, however, is taking a boat trip on it. There are over 15 packages to choose from. You can enjoy a music-accompanied dinner for a few hours, or spend an entire day journeying to Rapperswil and back. The waters of Lake Zurich are usually very peaceful and framed by snow-capped mountains. This is some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Europe. At night, Lake Zurich takes on a completely different, yet equally mesmerising appearance. Illuminated boats, and glowing mountain peaks make sure of this. Take a quality camera to capture it all.

Though it's undoubtedly pretty in the winter, Lake Zurich is at its liveliest during the summer months. Pop-up beaches appear on the shore locals and tourists alike come to sunbathe, swim, and play beach games. The lake does not have a strong current and the water is also said to be potable (it forms much of the city's drinking water supply), so risk is at a minimum here. On rare occasions in its past, Lake Zurich has frozen over. The last of these happenings was in 1963, so it’s unlikely you’ll get to witness this on your trip. The International Self-Transcendence Marathon Swim is a highlight of Lake Zurich's calendar, and must be seen to be believed.

Where to stay in Lake Zurich

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Rapperswil

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 S$294 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
S$294
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
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! (235 reviews)
"Beautiful atrium, excellent service at desk and bar. The mural in the shower was very interesting."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Radisson Hotel Zurich Airport
Radisson Hotel Zurich Airport
4 out of 5
Flughofstrasse 75, Ruemlang, ZH
The price is S$172 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
S$172
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ruemlang. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Great stop over night here, clean and safe!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2025

Radisson Hotel Zurich Airport
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$343 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$343
includes taxes & fees
23 Apr - 24 Apr
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! (1,189 reviews)
"it was a great stay. the staff were very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 30 Mar,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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Great, clean place. Grocery store on bottom level. 5-10 min walk to HB train station."

Reviewed on 24 Mar,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! (251 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Close to the centre. Good to be able to make a meal in our room and nice to have access to the sauna."

Reviewed on 4 Feb,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! (382 reviews)
"Generally clean but the bedside tables were dusty. Bathroom very good. Duvet on bed is too small for 2 people."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,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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