Lake Zurich with a ship and cloudy sky, with the Alps in the background.

Why you should visit Lake Zurich 2024

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Lake Zurich is a place of unparalleled beauty in Switzerland. It's the perfect destination for a day trip or longer vacation, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities amidst a stunning scenery. There are also many pretty towns and villages to explore dotted around the lake. The water is clean and clear, making it ideal for swimming, boating and paddling. So if you are looking for a beautiful place to relax or an exciting place to explore, then you should definitely visit Lake Zurich.

16 highlights at Lake Zurich

  • Enjoy the breathtaking view. From Lake Zurich you have a great view of the Glarus Alps, so you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas everywhere.
  • Go swimming or sunbathing. The water of Lake Zurich is clean and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a hot day. There are also many meadows where you can relax in the sun.
  • Take a boat trip from Zurich or go sailing. One of the best ways to see Lake Zurich is from the water. You can rent boats, join group tours, or even sail around the lake on your own if you're feeling adventurous.
  • Take a cruise on the lake. From the water you can see the whole city of Zurich and it's a great way to relax, even in the winter.
  • Take a walk along the promenade. If you want to stretch your legs, the promenade is a great place to do it. You can start your walk at Bellevue and go all the way to Zürichhorn.
  • Relax in one of the parks along the lake. Lake Zurich has several beautiful parks where you can have a picnic, play some games, or just relax in the sun.
  • Plan a BBQ. Why not take advantage of the sunny weather and have a barbecue? You'll find grills all around the lake.
  • Rent a paddle boat. Paddle boats are the perfect way to explore a lake. They offer a unique and romantic experience for couples or can be used for an adventurous solo trip.
  • Explore the China Garden in Zurich. It is located between Bellerivestrasse and Blatterwiese on the Zürichhorn on the right shore of the lake. Surrounded by Zurich's beautiful lakefront promenade, it's the perfect place to spend a day outdoors.
  • Visit towns and villages nearby. There are many charming towns and villages around Lake Zurich, each with its own character.
  • Eat dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants. The Lake Zurich area is known for its delicious food, so be sure to try it out while you're here. You'll find everything from traditional Swiss dishes to international cuisine.
  • Rent a bike or an electric scooter. Biking is a great way to explore the sights of Lake Zurich. There are many scenic routes that wind through the countryside and offer breathtaking views of the lake. If you're not into sports, you can also rent an electric scooter.
  • Experience city life. Zurich, the largest city on Lake Zurich, is a cosmopolitan metropolis that has something for everyone. Whether you want to store, see the sights or just people-watch, you'll find plenty of variety.
  • Visit a museum or art gallery. When you're in the area, be sure to visit one (or more) of the many museums and galleries. There are many cultural attractions around Lake Zurich, from art museums to historic homes. The Swiss National Museum is a must-see.
  • Visit the old city of Zurich. The city of Zurich is full of history and culture and is just a short drive from Lake Zurich. Be sure to visit some of the city's most famous sights, such as the Old Town and Zurich's Grossmünster.
  • Shop till you drop. If you're looking for an upscale shopping spree, Zurich is the place for you. The city is famous for its luxury stores.
Zürichsee Ufer MenschenPromenade am Zürichsee (Foto: Schweiz Tourismus Ivo Scholz)
Hirslanden Zürich SeeHirslanden am Zürichsee (Foto: Schweiz Tourismus Nico Schaerer)

What awaits you at Lake Zurich

There are plenty of activities on offer at Lake Zurich, so there's something to suit everyone. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, go for a swim, or hire a paddle boat and explore the lake at your own pace. For those who want to up the ante, there are also plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. And when you're ready to refuel, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes offering delicious Swiss cuisine.

Lake Zurich in winter

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Lake Zurich is during the summer. But what awaits you at Lake Zurich during winter? The scenery is breathtaking with the snow-capped mountains and the pristine lake. You can go for a walk or take a cable car ride to Felsenegg to get up close with the stunning views.

The variety of different pleasure boats available guarantees an enjoyable outing. A classic on cold days is the Cheese Fondue Boat: while the illuminated lakeshore drifts by outside the window, diners can enjoy a hearty cheese fondue à discretion in the cozy onboard restaurant.