Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Switzerland  /  Canton of Zurich  /  Zurich  /  Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich, Zurich

4.7
#1 of 299 in Things to do in Zurich
Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park
Fed by crisp mountain waters, Lake Zurich once served mostly for passenger traffic and cargo transport. Today the sprawling lake counts among Switzerland's top tourist destinations, luring visitors with its sightseeing boat tours, walking paths, and lush parks, set against a chain of photogenic hills. Used to supply clean water to the surrounding cities, the lake is 40 km (25 mi) long and about 3 km (2 mi) wide. The city of Zurich wraps itself around the northwestern end of lake and provides a base for cycling tours and paddle steamer cruises along the sun-kissed and prosperous "Golden Coast." Zurich's well-developed lakefront areas boast several immaculate beaches, a big draw for active vacationers from all over the world. Work out when and for how long to visit Lake Zurich and other Zurich attractions using our handy Zurich itinerary planner.
Create an itinerary including Lake Zurich
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Lake Zurich

FROM $68 BOOK WITH VIATOR Zurich City Highlights Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride
4.1
Duration: 4 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $68 »
FROM $39 BOOK WITH VIATOR Zurich City Tour Experience
3.5
Duration: 2 hours
Tours from $39 »
FROM $39 BOOK WITH VIATOR Zurich Highlights Tour
3.6
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $39 »

Lake Zurich reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,033 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By katarzynachojna
    When you visit Zurich, make sure that you visit the lake. It's a great place for walks. And in the right season a boat-tour is a must.  more »
  • By 867jackt
    Just walk around the lake and relax on a bench! Grab a brat wurst at one of the stands. I prefer the one at Bürkliplatz  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Zurich

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Zurich

Old Town ©
Neighborhood
Old Town
4.6
Duration: 3 hours
Bahnhofstrasse ©
Neighborhood
Bahnhofstrasse
3.9
Duration: 2 hours
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich) ©
Art Museum
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Landesmuseum ©
History Museum
Landesmuseum
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from Zurich

Lake Lucerne ©
Water Body
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Mt Pilatus ©
Wildlife Area
Mt Pilatus
Kriens
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Titlis ©
Mountain
Titlis
Engelberg
4.6
Duration: 6 hours
Rhine Falls ©
Waterfall
Rhine Falls
Neuhausen am Rheinfall
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Zurich

Museum Rietberg ©
Art Museum
Museum Rietberg
4.6
Duration: 3 hours
Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich ©
Specialty Museum
Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich
4.4
Duration: 1 hour
Limmat ©
Water Body
Limmat
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
©
Parasailing / Paragliding
Parasailing & Paragliding
5.0
Duration: 2 hours

Museums in Zurich

Zurcher Spielzeugmuseum ©
Specialty Museum
Zurcher Spielzeugmuseum
3.7
Duration: 2 hours
Foundation E. G. Buhrle Collection ©
Art Gallery
Foundation E. G. Buhrle Collection
3.9
Duration: 3 hours
FIFA World Football Museum ©
Specialty Museum
FIFA World Football Museum
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
Zoological Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Zoological Museum
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Shopping in Zurich

Hauptbahnhof ©
Shopping Mall
Hauptbahnhof
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Maurice de Mauriac ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Maurice de Mauriac
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Barenland ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Barenland
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Confiserie Sprungli ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Confiserie Sprungli
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Zurich

Zoo Zurich ©
Zoo
Zoo Zurich
4.4
Duration: 5h 30 min
Fraumünster Church ©
Religious Site
Fraumünster Church
4.2
Duration: 1 hour
Grossmunster ©
Church
Grossmunster
4.3
Duration: 30 minutes
Lindenhofplatz ©
Park
Lindenhofplatz
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Lake Zurich by other users

9 days in Zurich BY A USER FROM KAZAKHSTAN Zurich 10 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDIA Zurich Lucerne Bern 1 day in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDIA Lake Zurich Old Town Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich 16 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Zermatt Montreux Grindelwald 15 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA Geneva Zermatt Bern 11 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Geneva Montreux Zermatt