Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich (German: Zürichsee) is a glacial lake in north-eastern Switzerland, lying below the Glarus Alps in the canton of Zurich. The location is mapped in the canton of Zurich near Grüningen, but the lake itself, with its shoreline and towns, is the reason to come. It covers about 88 km², reaches 136 m at its deepest point and is just under 4 km across at its widest.

What kind of lake is it?

The catchment area covers 1,829 km². Two smaller lakes, Greifensee and Pfäffikersee, lie to the east. At Rapperswil an embankment, the Seedamm, built from the 1870s, divides the lake into a lower basin and the Obersee. A road and a railway line cross the narrow, shallow strait from Rapperswil to Pfäffikon.

What can you see around the lake?

• The Zurich promenade. The walkway along the lower basin links the Mythenquai, General-Guisan-Quai, Utoquai and Seefeldquai. Bürkliplatz is the central viewing terrace. At the end of Seefeldquai you reach the Chinagarten, a gift from partner city Kunming. Magnolias and cherry trees bloom here in spring.
• Rapperswil. A medieval castle, an old town and Knie's Kinderzoo make it a favourite boat destination.
• Ufenau island. It belongs to Einsiedeln monastery and is served by boats in summer.
• Kilchberg. Home of the Lindt Home of Chocolate, with an interactive tour and a shop.
• Zollikon and Wollishofen. The 1922 Seebad Zollikon bathing house, and the Rote Fabrik cultural centre with concerts, theatre and art.

How do you get around the lake?

Passenger boats run from Zurich past the lakeside towns to Rapperswil and Schmerikon. They are operated by the Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft (ZSG), whose fleet counts 17 vessels. The first iron steamship on the European continent, the Minerva, started service here in July 1835. Check current timetables and fares at zsg.ch. The Zurich Card includes boat trips.

When should you visit?

From late spring to early autumn, when the lake baths are open, all boats run and the promenade is at its liveliest. Spring brings blossom to the Chinagarten.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Lake Zurich? The deepest point lies 136 m below the surface.

Can you tour the lake by boat? Yes. ZSG boats connect Zurich with lakeside towns including Rapperswil and Schmerikon.

What is worth seeing in Rapperswil? The medieval castle, the old town and Knie's Kinderzoo, plus the Seedamm crossing with its lake views.

Does Grüningen have lake access? This description covers the lake in the canton of Zurich. Quays, bathing spots and boat stops are in towns directly on the water, such as Zurich, Zollikon and Rapperswil.