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Lake Zurich, Zurich

4.7
#1 of 185 in Things to do in Zurich
Water Body Nature / Park Must See
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. Make Lake Zurich part of your personalized Zurich itinerary using our Zurich itinerary planner.
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Lake Zurich Tours
Heidiland and Liechtenstein Tour from Zurich: Two Countries in One Day BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $91
Zurich City Highlights with Felsenegg Cable Car Ride BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $59
Zurich Super Saver 2: Rhine Falls including Best of Zurich City Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $81
Switzerland Mountains, Cheese and Chocolates Tour from Zurich BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $153
Day Trip to Lucerne and Engelberg from Zurich BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $76
Zurich Highlights Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $36
Switzerland Countryside and Traditions Tour from Zurich BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $117
The Great Tour of Zurich BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $61
Supersaver: Zurich Highlights Tour, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein from Zurich BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $91
Zurich Tour Including Lake Cruise and Lindt Chocolate Factory Outlet BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $61
Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $138
Private Tour: Zurich City Highlights BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $99
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Lake Zurich Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
4,163 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • August 20, 2017
    Stunning lake with so much to do around it. Whether you want to stroll around, hire a Pedalo, speed boat, sit on one of the restaurants on the water front or put your feet inside the water... there's ...  more »
  • August 19, 2017
    City and Lake simply belong together. A walk along the shore it is worth anyway. Particularly beautiful are the benches near the Opera House. As kanm you sit right on the water.
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  • August 19, 2017
    Nice spot even during the winter. I've been cycling for several kilometres along the way to the Lake. Have bike path.
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Best things to do in Zurich

Popular
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Old Town (Altstadt)
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Kunsthaus
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Bahnhofstrasse
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Side Trips
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Mt Pilatus
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Lake Lucerne
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Mt. Rigi
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Hidden Gems
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Swiss National Museum
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Visit for: 3​h
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Museum Rietberg
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Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen
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Kid Friendly Attractions
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Zoo Zurich
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Visit for: 5​h 30​min
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Seebad Katzensee
Zurich
Visit for: 3​h
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Hallenbad Altstetten
Zurich
Visit for: 4​h
Museums
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Zurich Toy Museum
Zurich
Visit for: 2​h
Foundation E.G. Bührle
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focusTerra
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Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Nearby
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Uetliberg Mountain
Zurich
Visit for: 3​h
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Fraumünster Church
Zurich
Visit for: 1​h
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Grossmunster
Zurich
Visit for: 30​min
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Where to stay in Zurich

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As the financial hub of the country, it shouldn't come as a surprise that staying in Zurich usually comes at a price. The city puts emphasis on its glamorous four- and five-star hotels and international chains that appeal to traveling professionals. There a handful of hostels and guesthouses for the budget-conscious traveler. When staying in Zurich, you'll find that the majority of the accommodation offerings are in close proximity to the city core, either on the left or right bank. The left bank is the glitzier of the two, with its grand restaurants, shops, and proximity to the banks and train station. The right side, as home to the Old Town, charms with its historical atmosphere. Here you'll find independently owned boutique hotels and some mid-range options. The city also sports several hotels geared toward wellness, with spas and saunas. These tend to be pricey too, but you're guaranteed a truly relaxing retreat.
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Plans in Zurich by other users

18 days in Munich, Austria & Switzerland BY A USER FROM ISRAEL October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in Austria, Munich & Switzerland BY A USER FROM ISRAEL October, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: October, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA September, kids, popular PREFERENCES: September, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM ITALY April, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDIA November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 9 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDIA November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, fast-paced, popular PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Fast-paced 9 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDIA December, popular PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE April, popular PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in The Netherlands, Switzerland & Germany BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 12 days in Mexico, Europe & United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy 10 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDONESIA December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in Switzerland BY A USER FROM INDONESIA December, popular PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
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