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

Stroll along the banks, take a refreshing dip or explore beyond the city limits by boat at this expanse of water, an iconic feature of Zurich.

Clear, still and picturesque, Lake Zurich is a defining feature of the city. But the water stretches much further than the city. From its northern tip, it extends 18 miles (29 kilometres) southeast, passing townships including Meilen on its east bank and Horgen on its left.Lake Zurich can be seen from numerous points around Zurich. The only bridge to cross the lake (aside from the Seedamm in the far south) is the Quaibrücke. The bridge is straddled by Lake Zurich to the south and the Limmat River to the north. Though busy with cars and trams, the Quaibrücke has ample paths for pedestrians and is a brilliant vantage point over the lake. Another favourite approach to Lake Zurich is the walk down to the waterfront from Bahnhofstrasse. The boats bobbing up and down here make a great photo. You can go out on a boat yourself, and see the city from an entirely different perspective. The Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft company offers a choice of trips around the lake, varying from 1.5 to 7 hours in length (the longest is a round-trip to Rapperswil). They also organise evening cruises with refreshments and live entertainment.Switzerland is a landlocked country, so in summer its lakes become substitutes for a coastline. Fortunately, Lake Zurich’s water often reaches temperatures of over 68 F (20 C), making for pleasant swimming conditions. Temporary beaches, such as that at Mythenquai, provide spaces for sunbathing and ball games. Lake Zurich’s gentle waves make it a safe swimming spot for younger children.Lake Zurich is also used for the International Self-Transcendence Marathon Swim. This 16.4-mile (26.4-kilometre) course is tackled by keen athletes every summer. If you’re not participating, it’s an impressive sight to see more than 100 participants swim towards Zurich as they complete the journey from Rapperswil.

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 Knies Kinderzoo or Rapperswil Castle.

Rapperswil
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €242 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€242
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,273 reviews)
"Good location , nice staff and clean room"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

4.5 out of 5
Zurich Airport, Kloten, ZH
The price is €208 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€208
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (569 reviews)
"We liked the fact that we coukd walk directly to our terminal - no shuttle or taxi needed. The restaurant in the hotel was very good. Ask for a room facing the outside rather than the inside where the elevators are. We switched because the rooms facing inside are quite dark. taxibvfrom"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Hotel Allegra Lodge

Hotel Allegra Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Hamelirainstrasse 5, Kloten
The price is €163 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€163
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Very comfortable, good sized flat. exchellent bed"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Hotel Allegra Lodge
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 Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (112 reviews)
"Good option has a supermarket under building and close to train station"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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! (281 reviews)
"Clean and relatively new hotel with an easy access to the main train station and Zurich center"

Reviewed on 28 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 Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund Stadium ...
7.4/10 Good! (425 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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