Lake Zurich
Ideal: Ideal for gentle walks, city views, and a relaxed travel pace.
The 40-kilometre lake ends right beside the city and in summer Zürich residents swim even at lunchtime. The city is famous for its water: more than 1,200 fountains flow continuously and almost all are drinkable, tap-quality unless marked otherwise. Public swimming baths called Badis on the shore are a 19th-century tradition; some turn into bars in the evening. Floating down the Limmat with the current through the city centre is also a local habit.
Quick facts
- Length
- 42 km
- Area
- 88.7 km²
- Elevation
- 406 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, and the water is close to drinking quality. The city has free or very cheap public bathing areas called Badi, and a lunchtime swim in summer is an ordinary Zurich habit.
Is the water in the city's fountains drinkable?
Zurich has over 1,200 public fountains and almost all provide drinking water. The few that do not are clearly signposted.
Is a boat trip on the lake expensive?
The city transport ticket also covers boats on part of the lake, so you can take a short cruise on a normal day pass without buying a separate tour ticket.
Why go?
- To experience city and nature atmosphere in Zürich at once
- For lakeside walks, coffee breaks, or boat trips
- To build a calm route without leaving the city centre far behind
Travel tip
In fine weather, combining a lakeside walk with the old town route works very well.
