Lake Zurich (Zürichsee)

The Basics

Most everyone who visits Zurich will come across the lake at some point. Perhaps the best way to fully appreciate Lake Zurich’s scenic beauty is on a boat tour; options range from leisurely sightseeing cruises to high-adrenaline watersports excursions. Some city tours incorporate a boat trip across the lake, as well as a ride on the Felsenegg cable car, which leads to a 2,624-foot (800-meter) viewpoint overlooking the lake. If you’d rather stay on solid ground, land-based tours from Zurich often combine stops at lake-edge villages, such as the medieval old town of Rapperswil, with trips to storybook mountain towns like Appenzell, or even Vaduz in the neighboring microstate of Liechtenstein.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring a swimsuit to try out the lake’s swimming spots (May through October).

• Water-based excursions range in duration, from short round-trip outings to leisurely half-day cruises.

• The Felsenegg cable car is wheelchair accessible. Private sightseeing tours can be customized to meet the needs of wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Lake Zurich is easily accessible by public transportation. To get to Zurich’s Lake Promenade park, take the tram (5, 6, 7, 8, or 13), train (S, S8, S24, or SN8), or bus (161 or 165) to Zurich Wollishofen station, then walk the short distance to the waterfront. Alternatively ride the tram to Burkliplatz (2, 5, 8, 9, and 11) at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, or Bellevue (2, 5, and 9), which brings you to the edge of Lake Zurich where the Limmat river begins.

When to Get There

The best season at Lake Zurich is summer, when warmer temperatures make boating, swimming, and sunbathing feasible. Boats do not run during the winter months (mid-October to early April), though you’ll find ice-skating rinks at the lake’s edge during this time.

What to See and Do on Lake Zurich

Among the most popular spots to visit on the lake is Rapperswil, a small town famed for its medieval old center and its public gardens, where a bounty of roses blossom. For the sweet-toothed, there is the Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory in Kilchberg on the southern lake edge, not far from Zurich, while the sunny stretch along the northeast—known as the Gold Coast (Goldkueste) is dotted with lakeside mansions owned by Europe’s elite.

Ways to explore

Lake Zurich has no shortage of things to do with water for cruising, pedal boating, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding; the circular Zürichsee-Weg for cycling and walking; and lakeside attractions, such as Kilchberg’s Lindt Home of Chocolate.

It’s worth considering a guided experience if you’re short on time or want local recommendations to maximize your experience. Many Zurich sightseeing tours include an option to add a Lake Zurich sightseeing cruise, while day trips from Basel or Bern often include a cruise as a highlight of their itineraries.

Accessibility

All Lake Zurich Lake Navigation (ZSG) boats are wheelchair accessible. Check accessibility guidelines for specific tours, as this varies.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bathing suit, bug spray, sunscreen

What to wear

Layered clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring, sneakers for the summer, and a waterproof jacket for colder seasons.

Not allowed

Going more than 980 feet (300 meters) from the shore without a life jacket.

Amenities

Public and private beaches with showers and restrooms, bike and walking paths on Route 84

Address 

The closest popular tourist towns to Lake Zurich are Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona. Many international travelers fly to Zurich Airport and travel to the lake from there.

Driving

You must buy a “vignette” ticket to use Swiss highways: these are available as annual tickets and can be purchased online or as a sticker from gas stations, toll centers, or post offices. The lake is signposted from nearby towns, and there are parking lots situated all around it.

Public transportation

You can reach the lake via trams from Zurich or trains. ZSG boats also offer a fun and easy way to sightsee and explore; consider buying a Zurich Card as a day ticket or multi-day pass to save money.

Best times to visit

Hit the beaches in the morning before they fill up with sunbathers in late afternoon, while the lakeside lidos are lively in the evenings.

Best days to visit

Away from Zurich, avoid Sundays for shopping around the lake, as many shops are closed.

Best months to visit

Summer is ideal for lake swimming and water sports; fall and winter offer crystal clear views over the lake and mountains.

Special events

Enjoy the Lake and Sound Festival on the Rapperswil lakefront in June. In Zurich, annual lakefront events include an open-air cinema screening from mid-July to mid-August, and Street Parade techno party in early August.