Lake Zurich & Bathing Culture★★
The Lake Zurich is the heart of leisure culture: 40 km long, up to 136 m deep, and up to 24 °C warm in summer. The people of Zurich have a unique bathing culture — public bathing facilities (Badis) are social meeting points where you can spend the whole day.
★★★ Lake Promenade & Bürkliplatz
From Bürkliplatz at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, the lake promenade stretches southwards — a festival of strolling and sunbathing in good weather. Boat rental (pedal boats, SUP, rowing boats from 20 CHF/hour), ice cream vendors, and the view of the snow-covered Alps on the horizon. A popular flea market takes place here on Saturdays.
★★ Seebad Utoquai (Men's Bath) & Frauenbad Stadthausquai
Zurich's legendary gender-separated bathing facilities from the 19th century — historic wooden decks directly into the Limmat or by the lake. During the day a bathing facility (entry 8 CHF), in the evening the women's bath transforms into the Barfussbar — one of Zurich's most romantic bars with candles, cocktails, and lake views. Only in summer.
★★ Strandbad Mythenquai
The largest lakeside bath in Zurich: 400 meters of beach, diving tower, sunbathing lawn, restaurant. A folk festival on weekends — the people of Zurich come with picnics, grills, and good spirits. Entry 8 CHF, children 4 CHF. May–September.
★ Boat Trip on Lake Zurich
The ZSG ships regularly operate on the lake — from the short round trip (1.5 hours, 9 CHF) to the grand tour to Rapperswil (2 hours, 27 CHF). Included in the Swiss Travel Pass! The evening cruise with the fondue ship is an experience (from 85 CHF).
💡 Tipp
The Barfussbar in the former women's bath (Stadthausquai 12) is Zurich's most romantic summer evening spot: cocktails on floating wooden decks by candlelight. No entry fee, only drinks. June–September, from 6 PM. Come at sunset!
