Lake Zurich Travel Guide

Tourist 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

Default Image

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
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is AU$358 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$358
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,340 reviews)
"Great comfortable room, clean and top line amenities. Great staff and building, fun bar as well"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

4 out of 5
Thurgauerstrasse 116, Opfikon, Zurich
The price is AU$224 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$224
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Opfikon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (711 reviews)
"Some surface areas and floor areas were not entirely clean of drips and dust/debris. Facilities and room amenities were excellent."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
citizenM Zürich

citizenM Zürich

4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is AU$354 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$354
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,079 reviews)
"Great overall but don’t face the courtyard as there’s a bar that pumps music til midnight Thursday -Saturday Breakfast was yummy! Staff nice!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

citizenM Zürich
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.
SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel

SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel

3 out of 5
144 Seestrasse, 1, Herrliberg, ZH
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Herrliberg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolateria ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Sehr zum Empfehlen,"

Reviewed on 22 June 2025

SeeLoft - a Sharp Hotel
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 Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (149 reviews)
"Walkable to the train station. Good size bathroom. Easy check in considering there isn’t a reception desk."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
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 Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund Stadium ...
7.4/10 Good! (450 reviews)
"One of the rooms that we had was excellent. I think that the other room was still being renovated so wasn't at the highest standard of the other room. Overall good location, good check in, friendly people."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Lake Zurich

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia