Lake Zurich

Travel Guide
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 Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum or Rapperswil Castle.

Rapperswil
citizenM Zürich
citizenM Zürich
4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is RM651 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM651
RM710 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (1,023 reviews)
"We like citizenM hotels. Great helpful staff and you know exactly what you are going to get..,big beds, interesting people...."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 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 RM597 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM597
RM655 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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 24 Oct 2024

Crowne Plaza Zürich, an IHG Hotel
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is RM922 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM922
RM992 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (1,082 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and staff would highly recommend ,cant wait to go back"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 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.
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 22 Oct 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
VISIONAPARTMENTS Glattbrugg
VISIONAPARTMENTS Glattbrugg
3 out of 5
10 Industriestrasse, Opfikon, ZH
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Opfikon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Hallenstadion and Zoo Zurich ...
7.8/10 Good! (160 reviews)
"Apartment was exactly as described. Communications were polite and friendly. Website to enter information ask for ID, but should be more specific about only wanting passport, not driver’s license and only was able to enter one person’s info even though you have to enter every person staying. Needed ..."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

VISIONAPARTMENTS Glattbrugg
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (333 reviews)
"It's a small apartment with all the facilities and amenities. we were able to prepare own food to our taste after many days of travel. convenient location (walking distance) to Zurich central train station."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

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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