Guide Tour of Lake Zurich Region, Switzerland

Lake Zurich is a lake in Switzerland, extending southeast of the city of Zürich. The Lake Zurich region lies in the cantons of Glarus, Schwyz, St. Gallen and Zurich, which includes the towns and villages around Lake Zurich. The Prehistoric pile dwellings around Lake Zurich comprises 11 of total 56 Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps in Switzerland. Lake Zurich with beautiful scenery is not only a treat to the human eyes but also an excellent place for some recreational activities. Lakeside promenades, bars, restaurants, shops and many other facilities.

Lake Zurich, which looks like a bent almost banana-shaped on the map, is framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills. The lake is bordered by the cantons of Zurich, St.Gallen and Schwyz. Zürich, at the north-western end of the lake, is the largest city on Lake Zurich. The famous “golden coast” extends along the northern side of the lake, from Zollikon to Feldmeilen. This sun-soaked region is famous for its low rates of taxation and high property prices, and is therefore the stretch of coast where you can seen the magnificent houses and villas of the upper echelons of society.

On the west shore (which gradually becomes the south shore) are Rüschlikon, Thalwil, Horgen, Wädenswil, Richterswil, Pfäffikon, and Lachen. On the opposite shore are Küsnacht, Meilen, Stäfa, and Rapperswil-Jona with the medieval town of Rapperswil, whose castle is home to the Polish museum. Schmerikon is close to the east end of the lake, and a little further east is the larger town of Uznach.

Lake Zurich is a popular place for excursions, picnic. Bathe in the deep blue water, or cycle around it. With the soft splashing of the water on the shore, fresh fish on the plate and particularly romantic sunsets over the lake: the restaurants on the water have a Mediterranean attitude to life. The surrounding area also includes some well-known destinations: Ufenau Island, the Lindt Home of Chocolate, Rapperswil Castle or a winery near Stäfa.

Take a boat trip on the lake, guests spot the snow-covered Alps on the horizon. Gently rocking waves, peace and quiet, relaxation and fine food: the best way to discover the Lake Zurich area is by taking a boat trip. The two historic paddle-steamers, the “Gipfeli-Schiff” (early mornings) and the “Sonnenuntergangs-Schiff” (sunset sailings), offers all kinds of special excursions available. Musical trips and special tours on public holidays are all part of the programme offered by the Lake Zurich shipping company.

Lake Zurich’s water is very clean and reaches, during summer, temperatures well beyond 20 °C. Swimming in the public baths and beaches is very popular. The lake’s water is purified and fed into Zürich’s water system; it is potable. Lake Zurich offers plenty of bathing opportunities all around. Beaches and seaside resorts can be found in practically every seaside community.

Top Destinations
The Zurich lake is the landmark of the city and region of Zurich. It connects Zurich with Rapperswil and offers many activities on and in the water. Popular places to visit around Lake Zurich include the numerous swimming areas, the Alpamare in Pfäffikon – the largest covered water park in Europe – the sunny islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, the wooden footbridge across the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden, the Baroque church in Lachen, the famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg and, of course, the dynamic metropolis of Zurich, with all its many sights, the famous shopping mile of the Bahnhofsstrasse and its vast range of cultural amenities.

Zurich
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in north-central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. Zurich is Switzerland’s centre of economic life and education. Zurich has for years ranked among the world’s top cities in terms of quality of life. Located in the heart of Europe, the city offers all the modern amenities of a cosmopolitan metropolis.

Zurich combines the advantages of a green and modern city at the foot of the Alps with excellent infrastructure and a strong network of business, education and ambitious start-ups. Zürich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zurich Airport and Zürich’s main railway station are the largest and busiest in the country.

Zurich was already a prosperous centre of commerce in the Early Middle Ages. The 1519 Reformation gave the economy such a boost that the city rapidly became Switzerland’s financial centre. Zürich is home to many financial institutions and banking companies. The world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, which the Swiss National Bank located, is one of the most luxurious shopping strips around.

Not only as an economic hub, university city and boutique metropole by the water offering a high quality of life, Zurich is a great place to live. The cosmopolitan city by the water combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. Zurich is abuzz with activity day and night with its countless events, diverse museums, own food festival and Switzerland’s most vibrant nightlife.

Zurich has one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant in Europe. The city’s rustic pubs, street food festivals and pop-up restaurants in empty factories are also enjoying a great degree of popularity. Over 1,700 restaurants and bars serve both traditional Zurich and Swiss dishes as well as exotic specialties.

Zurich is a boutique city that offers everything that albeit in small and exquisite format. Many museums and art galleries can be found in the city, including the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus. Schauspielhaus Zürich is considered to be one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world. Zurich is avant-garde: it was not only home to Dada, but also the place where the Freitag bag and world-renowned Helvetica typeface originated.

The city is a centre of research, development, business formation and innovation. Researchers at the revered Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and companies such as Google and Disney Research produce one innovation after the next. Zurich University of the Arts and other cultural establishments such as the Kunsthaus Zürich, Haus Konstruktiv and Museum für Gestaltung make sure creativity is also in abundance.

Stäfa
Stäfa is a municipality in the district of Meilen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland. At Confiserie Isler, a confectioner well known among aficionados, you can learn all about the fine art of chocolate making. Without any previous experience, you can make and decorate your own chocolates, and learn how to make and decorate a moulded Easter bunny. Along the way you get to taste a variety of chocolates,finishing off with an aperitif.

Rapperswil-Jona
Rapperswil-Jona, also know as town of roses, is a municipality located on the upper end of Lake Zurich. The riviera at the upper end of Lake Zürich, will charm you with its many attractions: the castle, the medieval old town, the historical wooden bridge and Knies Children’s Zoo. At the eastern end of the lake is the “rose town” of Rapperswil. In the public gardens with over 15,000 rose bushes blooming, of more than 600 different varieties. The Alpamare water park and Atzmännig slide & trampoline paradise are just as much part of this family-friendly destination. The lakeside promenade with its Mediterranean charms, the picturesque Old Town and the medieval castle make this harbour town a popular place for excursions.

Rapperswil-Jona combines sights, cultural life, hiking and sports possibilities with a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere. The castle towers above the town and lake and is the landmark. The castle hill affords a panorama view from the Glarus Alps all the way to the Zurich Oberland. Several churches, chapels and monasteries bears testimony to the past. The medieval old town is a protected historic monument, the lake promenade and varied excursion possibilities make Rapperswil particularly suitable for families with children. Rapperswil is an embarkation point for the regular ship services on Lake Zurich, the wooden bridge for pedestrians happens to be the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland.

Knie’s Children’s Zoo is a particular attraction for children and circus fans. The animals at the children’s zoo can be stroked and there are also elephant rides on offer. In summer a 700-metre-long summer toboggan run on the nearby Atzmännig is great for some family fun. In winter there is a ski region suitable for families with easy ski pistes. On the other side of the lake, Pfäffikon with the Alpamare fun and experience baths featuring a wide range of water slides and wellness treatments is well worth visiting. Einsiedeln, the most important place of pilgrimage in Switzerland with a famous monastery.

Horgen
Horgen is a municipality in the district of Horgen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland. Horgen has been a traffic hub on the north/south axis since the year 1230. This long period of time has left its historical and economic imprint on our town. Due to its proximity to Zurich, the multifaceted small town on Lake Zurich meets the local inhabitant’s as well as the visitor’s need for cosmopolitan life and big city entertainment.

Today this important district town is a popular location for living and working. At the same time it is the regional recreation and excursion destination. Horgen is at the same time an abode of peace, of ambience and congeniality. The main street is part of the historic town center and is a car-free pedestrian zone. Horgen offers from the busy town center with its educational institutions and seminar facilities to the nature reserve and regional leisure time and recreation area.

Langenberg
Zürich Wilderness Park is a wilderness park near the city of Zürich in Switzerland. It includes the Sihlwald forest, the largest mixed deciduous and coniferous forest in the Swiss Mittelland, and the Langenberg Wildlife Park, the oldest Swiss wildlife park. Both sites are situated in the Sihl Valley to the south of Zürich. In the Wilderness Park Zürich Langenberg, visitors can observe 19 native and formerly native animals like deer, bear, lynx, wolf, wildcat, marmot, elk, wild boar, and the Przewalski horse on 80 hectares. The animals live in a spacious and natural environment and makes encounters with animals fascinating and memorable. Adventure worlds intensify man’s encounter with the animal world.

Rüschlikon
Rüschlikon is a municipality in the district of Horgen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland. It is located on the west shore of Lake Zürich. The park “in the green” above Rüschlikon, which lies in picturesque position overlooking the lake of Zurich, is a genuine oasis for fun and relaxation. The park is made up of extensive lawns and lovely playground. Water games and the diverse cultural program with puppet theatre, miniature trains, donkey rides and more.

Ufenau island
Right in the middle of Lake Zurich, the largest island in Switzerland, Ufenau Island lies. The island has been most probably there since the year 965. The island is owned by Einsiedeln Abbey and is home to Zu den Zwei Raben restaurant, St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Peter and Paul Church, and abbey-owned vineyards.

Lützelau Island
Right next to Ufenau Island, there’s another island named Lützelau Island. It is smaller than the Ufenau Island, but it’s also worth a visit. The word Lützelau means small in German. It is around a 300 m long nature reserve with a campground, a restaurant, and a few spots for lighting fire. Unlike Ufenau Island, swimming is allowed here.

Vineyard
The Romans brought wine across the Alps to Zurich around 2000 years ago, and with it the knowledge of how to grow it. The lake and the foehn in autumn favor the cultivation area on Lake Zurich. Wine can be grown around the lake, mostly the grape varieties Riesling, Silvaner, Räuschling, Pinot Noir and Completer.

With 50 hectares, Stäfa on the right bank of the lake is the largest wine-growing community in the canton of Zurich. There are also a few vineyards in Miles and Herrliberg. The Au Wine Museum is located on the Au peninsula on the left bank of the lake. In Wädenswil are the Swiss Federal Research Institute for Fruit, Viticulture and Horticulture and the Wädenswil University, where vintners, oenologists and cellar masters are trained.

Gourmet
Zurich offer magnificent views of the lake and serve the best culinary delicacies. Some restaurants serve freshly caught fish dishes and seafood, while others serve traditional Swiss cuisine, seasonal delicacies or gourmet cuisine.

Outdoor activities
Lake Zurich is also a paradise for water sports of all kinds. Whether sailors, wakeboarders, wind and kite surfers, divers, rowers or stand-up paddlers – every type of sport is practiced on the lake. Boat rentals and water sports centers can be found in many places around the lake.

Boat Ride
Short river cruises, full-day cruises, and round trips are available on Lake Zurich to make your Switzerland trip memorable. Boat cruises are available throughout the year and in every season. If you want to experience the best of Lake Zurich, a boat ride is essential. You’ll find all the necessary information about boat rides in Lake Zurich, Switzerland, from the Lake Zurich Navigation Company.

Fishing
What can be more beautiful than observing the mesmerizing view of the Swiss Alps while fishing in Lake Zurich? Fishing in Lake Zurich, Switzerland, is free of cost, but you’ve to follow some rules and regulations. You’ll find largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, northern pike, panfish, and carps in the lake. Regulations differ according to fish varieties.

Water Sporting
Surprise, surprise! Swimming isn’t the only sporting activity that you can try out in Lake Zurich, Switzerland; there are more. You can glide along the water on a kayaking tour or rent a canoe or a boat to enjoy an unforgettable day. You can also hire a pedal boat or a stand-up paddleboard and discover the most mesmerizing sights of Zurich from the lake.

There are also surfing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, sailing course and sailing yacht opportunities available in Lake Zurich. Lastly, you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing time in Lake Zurich on a Rubber Dinghy trip around the lake.

Bicycling
There are three bicycle routes around Lake Zurich, Switzerland. You can cycle around the lake that’ll be a distance of around 90 kilometres. This distance is quite large for someone who isn’t used to cycling, so this route is mainly preferable to experienced cyclists.

For an easy ride, you can choose the Cycle Route 66, which goes from Zurich to Rapperswil through picturesque vineyards and neighbourhoods along the right bank of the lake. There’s another route, known as Heart Route or Cycle Route 99, which extends from Einsiedeln to Rapperswil.

Transportation
The majority of the region is in the catchment area of the ZVV and the Zurich S-Bahn. Main traffic axes (rail and road) run on both sides of the lake. The A3 motorway runs along the left bank of Lake Zurich, which leads from Basel to Sargans, where it joins the A13 St.Margerten – Chur. The most important railway line runs along the left bank of Lake Zurich, the Zurich – Chur line. Between Zurich and Thalwil, trains also run in the direction of Gotthard and Zug – Lucerne. Trains to Chur usually leave Basel directly. Zurich-Kloten International Airport is connected to the region by direct S-Bahn trains.

An important link for passenger and motorized traffic are the five car ferries of the Zürichsee-Fähre Horgen-Meilen AG from Horgen to Meilen. Other continuous passenger ships in regular shuttle service across Lake Zurich operate between Richterswil, Wädenswil, Stäfa and Männedorf, further between Thalwil, Erlenbach and Küsnacht, and irregularly between Rapperswil and the island of Ufenau.

The round trip of the Stadtzürcher Limmatschiffe (operated by the ZSG) leads on the Limmat from the Landesmuseum to Bürkliplatz and on to Wollishofen and the Zürichhorn. The Hafen Enge stop is also served by the Limmat ships.

In 1895, the first steam train operated at Rapperswil station, as a junction of the railway lines from Rapperswil to Rüti and from Rapperswil along the Obersee to Schmerikon. Since 1878, the SOB railway line and the road to Pfäffikon SZ have run across the Seedamm from Rapperswil.