Holiday in Lake Zurich

What makes Lake Zurich special as a destination?

Lake Zurich stretches for 42 kilometers southeast of Zurich and is much more than just the favorite recreational area of the Zurich residents. The crescent-shaped body of water, framed by gentle hills, vineyards, and the snow-covered Glarus Alps in the background, offers a quality of life that regularly catapults Zurich to the top of the world's most livable cities. In summer, the lake transforms into a giant outdoor swimming pool: thousands jump into the swimming areas (Badi) at Utoquai, the Seebad Enge, or the legendary Fraünbadi — a Zurich ritual that is part of the city's lifestyle. The Gold Coast on the eastern shore of the lake has its name for a reason: here, affluent communities like Küsnacht, Zollikon, and Erlenbach line up, interspersed with vineyards and garden restaurants with lake views. The opposite Pfnüsel coast is more rural and surprises with charming villages like Wädenswil and Horgen. The island of Ufenau in the upper part of the lake is the largest island in Switzerland without a bridge connection and houses a Romanesque chapel from the 6th century. Steamships and modern passenger ships regularly operate on the lake, connecting Zurich with Rapperswil, the city of roses on the upper lakeshore. There, a wooden walkway crosses the lake, and the medieval castle offers a magnificent panoramic view. By bike, the lake circuit spans 75 kilometers through vineyards, fishing villages, and orchards. In winter, fog often settles over the lake, but those who take the funicular up to Uetliberg or Pfannenstiel will find radiant sunshine and an alpine panorama from Säntis to Mont Blanc.