Zurich Guide

Zurich Lake Zurich Tours

Cruise pristine alpine lake with mountain views, waterfront promenades, and charming villages!

72+ tours
From $20
1-4 hours
Zurich Lake Zurich Tours

Experience Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), the stunning alpine lake that defines Zurich's character! This 40km-long glacial lake offers crystal-clear waters backed by snow-capped Alps creating postcard-perfect scenery. Lake cruises explore from Zurich city to charming lakeside villages like Rapperswil (medieval "town of roses"), passing vineyards, elegant villas, and swimming beaches. Tours range from 1-hour city cruises to 4-hour grand tours, sunset dinner cruises, and paddle steamer rides on historic Belle Époque boats. The lake promenades (Quaibrücke, Bürkliplatz) are perfect for strolls, cycling, or swimming at public lidos (Strandbad). In summer, locals swim in the lake right in the city center! It's Swiss natural beauty combined with urban sophistication.

Featured Lake Zurich Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for lake zurich tours in Zurich

Lake Zurich Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit
From $79.04
👤Private TourNew

Enjoy a pleasant hour-long boat ride, with great views of the city centre and the crystal clear waters of Lake Zurich until you reach the Lindt Home of Chocolate factory and museum facilities. Visit the exhibitions of the most modern and sought-after chocolate museum in Switzerland. There you can find out the origins of chocolate and its history and how the manufacturing process of this precious delicacy is. Witness the machines working tirelessly and try firsthand the freshest Lindt chocolate that can be consumed in the world. Sample the renowned varieties offered by the brand, as well as its new creations. All this narrated with audio guide in the language of your choice. Return to Zurich at your own pace by bus that departs a few meters from the museum and enjoy the Zurich public transport included for the rest of the day. And all this being able to freely choose the time of visit to the Lindt Museum, unlike other providers.

4.4(31)
5h
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LINDT Home of Chocolate, Cruise On Lake Zurich And Old Town Walking Tour
From $176.22
🔥Likely to Sell Out

Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate and many visitors are traveling to Zurich with a dream - to explore the impressive LINDT Home of Chocolate. To make it a sweet and stressless experience we invite you on this small-group tour that includes a walking tour of the Old Town, an hour-long cruise on Lake Zurich, and an audio tour of the Lindt museum that comes together with unlimited chocolate tasting. This is an all-inclusive tour: the LINDT entry tickets for a self-guided audio tour and a 24-hour pass for all transportation in Zurich are included. Solo travelers are kindly asked to contact us in order to check the availability

5.0(11)
4h
View Details
Private audio book city rally around Lake Zurich in Zurich
From $47.32
👤Private Tour

On our outdoor puzzle tours you will only reach your goal if you can solve a number of tasks. Private detective Morgan communicated with you via text and audio clips via an encrypted messenger service and dealt with one or the other challenge on your scavenger hunt. You will only receive the coveted awards if you complete the missions.

2h 30m
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 Zurich tour with Lake Zurich Cruise & Lindt Chocolate Experience
From $510.77
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

The private tour "Zurich with boat trip and Lindt Home of Chocolate" combines culture, relaxation and enjoyment. Discover the historic old town of Zurich, enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Zurich with views of the Alps, and visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate with the impressive chocolate world and tastings. This exclusive tour is individually tailored to your wishes and offers an unforgettable experience for individuals, couples or families.

5.0(3)
4h
View Details
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour with Lake Zurich Boat Cruise
From $358.82
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Discover centuries of Swiss history and cultural heritage on a private 2-hour walking tour of the Old Town with additional tickets for a scenic 1-hour boat cruise on Lower Lake Zurich. See Grossmünster, Fraumünster, Niederdorf and other highlights. Available in English and German Languages. HIGHLIGHTS: - Embark on a history-filled tour of Zurich’s Old Town led by a 5-Star Private Guide - See Grossmünster, Fraumünster, Niederdorf, Augustinergasse, and more - Hear fun stories, historical facts and cultural insights about Zurich - Relax on a scenic boat cruise on Lower Lake Zurich with an audio-guide - Enjoy views of the Swiss Alps, lush landscapes, and elegant lakeside villas This original experience combines a walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town with a boat cruise on Lake Zurich for a perfect blend of historical exploration and picturesque views.

5.0(1)
3h
View Details
Zurich Downtown Old City Chocolate Factory and Lake Zurich Tour
From $727.85
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Zurich Downtown/Old City & Lake Zurich and Opera Square & Chocolate Factory Tour Experience the best of Zurich in one unforgettable day. This exclusive tour combines the historic charm of Zurich Downtown and Old City, the breathtaking beauty of Lake Zurich and Opera Square, and the sweet indulgence of Lindt Chocolate Factory visit. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Zurich’s Old Town, rich with history, culture, and architectural wonders. Then, unwind with a scenic drive along Lake Zurich’s serene shores, taking in elegant promenades and panoramic Alpine views. Capture the magic at Opera House Square, especially stunning at golden hour. Top off your day with a visit to a renowned Swiss chocolate factory, where you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look and irresistible tastings. Available as a private chauffeured experience with a professional guide and premium comfort transportation.

4h
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Why Choose Lake Zurich Tours in Zurich?

Alpine Lake Beauty

Crystal-clear waters with stunning mountain backdrop - iconic Swiss scenery!

Historic Paddle Steamers

Cruise on Belle Époque boats offering vintage elegance.

Waterfront Promenades

Beautiful lakeside walks and public swimming areas in city center.

Charming Villages

Visit medieval Rapperswil and picturesque lakeside towns.

Types of Lake Zurich Tours in Zurich

Lake Zurich Cruises

Scenic boat rides from 1-hour city tours to 4-hour grand tours.

1-4 hoursMultiple routesAlpine viewsCommentaryPopular

Sunset Dinner Cruises

Evening cruises with Swiss dinner and golden hour views.

2-3 hoursSwiss cuisineSunset viewsRomanticWine included

Rapperswil Day Trip

Cruise to medieval "town of roses" with castle and lakeside charm.

4-6 hoursMedieval townCastle visitFree timeRound trip

Swimming & Lido Tours

Visit public swimming areas and lakeside beaches.

2-3 hoursBeach accessSwimming spotsSummer activityRefreshing

What to Expect on Your Zurich Lake Zurich Tours

Duration

Short cruises: 1-2 hours. Grand tour: 4 hours. Dinner cruises: 2-3 hours.

Scenic Cruises

Glide past vineyards, villas, Alps backdrop, and charming lakeside villages.

Mountain Views

See Glarus Alps and Churfirsten mountain range framing the lake.

Rapperswil

Visit medieval town with castle, rose gardens, and wooden bridge.

Swimming Culture

Experience Swiss tradition of urban lake swimming at public lidos.

Swiss Lifestyle

Understand importance of lake to Zurich's quality of life.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Zurich Card includes lake cruises - excellent value if sightseeing!

2

Grand tour (4 hours to Rapperswil) best way to see entire lake.

3

Paddle steamers (May-September) offer most atmospheric cruises.

4

Public lidos (Strandbad): Mythenquai and Tiefenbrunnen most popular for swimming.

5

Summer swimming in lake is safe - water quality excellent!

6

Book dinner cruises ahead - very popular with locals on summer evenings.

7

Morning cruises offer best light for photos; evening best for atmosphere.

8

Combine cruise with train return for variety - lake + Alps views!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How much do Lake Zurich cruises cost?

A: Short cruise (1.5 hours): CHF 9. Grand tour (4 hours): CHF 32. Dinner cruises: CHF 70-120. Zurich Card (CHF 27/24 hours) includes all public boat transport - best value! Children get discounts.

Q:How long are Lake Zurich cruises?

A: Options range from 1.5-hour short cruises around Zurich to 4-hour grand tours to Rapperswil. Most popular: 2-hour cruise covering central lake. Dinner cruises typically 2-3 hours. Choose based on time and interest!

Q:Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

A: Absolutely! Lake swimming is beloved Swiss tradition. Public lidos (Strandbad) offer changing rooms, sunbathing areas, and lake access (CHF 8 entry). Many locals swim right off city docks in summer! Water is clean and refreshing.

Q:What is Rapperswil?

A: Rapperswil is medieval "town of roses" at far end of Lake Zurich. It has hilltop castle, rose gardens, charming old town, and wooden bridge. It's 1 hour by boat from Zurich - perfect half-day trip! Return by train for variety.

Q:When is the best time for lake cruises?

A: May-September offers full cruise schedule and paddle steamers. Summer (June-Aug) warmest with swimming. Spring/fall have fewer tourists and beautiful light. Winter limited service but fewer crowds. Lake beautiful year-round!

Q:Are dinner cruises worth it?

A: Yes! Sunset dinner cruises combine Swiss cuisine, wine, and golden hour views over Alps. Popular with locals for special occasions. CHF 70-120 but includes multi-course meal. Book ahead - they sell out summer weekends!

Q:Is the Zurich Card worth it?

A: Definitely for tourists! CHF 27 (24 hours) or CHF 53 (72 hours) includes public transport, lake cruises, and museum discounts. Pays for itself with 1-2 lake cruises plus trams. Very convenient - highly recommended!

Q:Can you see the Alps from the lake?

A: Yes! On clear days, see Glarus Alps and Churfirsten mountains framing lake. Best views from boat or eastern shore. Spring and fall often have clearest air. Mountain backdrop makes Lake Zurich spectacularly photogenic!

Don't Miss the Perfect Zurich Experience

Book your lake zurich tours today - 72+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Zurich?

Charming Old Town with medieval architecture

Beautiful Lake Zurich and waterfront promenades

Easy access to Swiss Alps and mountain scenery

World-class shopping and Swiss luxury

Excellent Swiss cuisine and chocolate culture

Perfect blend of tradition and sophistication

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Zurich enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are warm (70-80°F/21-27°C), winters are cold (30-45°F/-1-7°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

May to September offer the best weather with mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

October to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and shorter days.

Plan Your Zurich Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with trams, buses, and trains. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and taxis are readily available.

Car Rental Deals in Zurich

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Zurich

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