Lake Zurich

After Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Constance and Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich is one of Switzerland’s “Big Five” in terms of lakes. In the past, it was mainly used as a traffic and transportation route, but today it is a popular excursion destination for swimming, sailing, boating, and picnicking on the shore.

From One Shore to the Other 
Forested chains of hills frame Lake Zurich on both sides. You can get from one side to the other by ferry or by crossing the dam at Rapperswil. A third option is the “Seeüberquerung” event in summer, when up to 10,000 water lovers swim from Wollishofen to Tiefenbrunnen. The Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) operates various steamboats and motorized vessels on the lake, while sports enthusiasts can cross Lake Zurich in a canoe or on a SUP. The possibilities are endless.

To an Island or a Lido 
There are four islands in Lake Zurich. The tiny islands of Lützelau and Ufenau, with its St. Peter and Paul parish church, and Saffa Island, are particularly worthy of note. The last of these is connected to the mainland by a short footbridge and is a popular place to visit.

In summer, Lake Zurich is a paradise for bathers. The outdoor bathing facilities in Wollishofen, Mythenquai, Enge, Utoquai, and Tiefenbrunnen are very well frequented in the bathing season – but there are still plenty of other spots along the lake to take a refreshing dip.