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

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the bars and museums in Rapperswil. You might want to make time for a stop at Knies Kinderzoo or Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum.

Rapperswil
Hotel Allegra Lodge
Hotel Allegra Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Hamelirainstrasse 5, Kloten
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,019 reviews)
"Great location just 10 minutes from the airport. Railway station next door for easy access to central Zurich. Friendly welcome every morning from staff and easy, quick check in. The hotel is across two, linked, buildings. One is a normal hotel, the other has studios in. I was in a studio. The room ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Hotel Allegra Lodge
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
4 out of 5
420 Badenerstrasse, Zürich, ZH
Fully refundable
The price is S$227 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$227
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Located within walk to tram and near a couple of cool neighborhoods. Expensive stay in a minimalist room. Friendly service."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
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$314 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$314
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,257 reviews)
"Was ok"

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 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 Zürich City - Self check-in
City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
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! (88 reviews)
"Easy to get into the unit and check in. Clean. Staff very responsive to messaging."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
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! (274 reviews)
"Location was excellent, everything was accessible. Good breakfast. Helpful staff. Only drawback, being very hot, there was no air conditioning."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 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! (413 reviews)
Great short stay
"Very clean and quiet. Small room with appliances including coffee machine, kettle and a fan."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 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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