Lake Zurich and nature: cruises, hikes and excursions around the Swiss metropolis
Cruises on Lake Zurich
With its deep blue waters framed by rolling green hills and terraced vineyards, Lake Zurich is the region's natural jewel. The ZSG navigation company operates cruises year-round, lasting from one and a half to four and a half hours, allowing passengers to explore both shores and their charming villages. The mini cruise to Wollishofen makes an excellent one-hour introduction, while the grand cruise to Rapperswil, nicknamed the «city of roses», offers a full journey with picturesque stops along the way. Themed cruises enrich the calendar: Sunday brunch on board, winter fondue on the lake or a gourmet sunset dinner.
Hikes between lake and forests
The shores of Lake Zurich are crisscrossed by walking trails suitable for all fitness levels. The lakeside path connecting Zurich to Thalwil runs past small beaches, shaded parks and jetties where you can combine walking with a boat ride. On the heights, the Pfannenstiel panoramic trail winds through beech forests and flower-filled meadows before reaching a viewpoint with a spectacular outlook over the lake and the Glarus Alps. For the more adventurous, the traverse from Uetliberg to Felsenegg, known as the «planet trail», offers a two-hour hike punctuated by scale models of the solar system.
Day trips from Zurich
Zurich is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of central Switzerland. An hour away by train, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen rank among Europe's most powerful waterfalls: the thunder of the water and the spray crashing against the rocks create a breathtaking spectacle. The Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car, reachable in just minutes from the city centre, soars above the forest and provides a panoramic arrival on the ridge overlooking the lake. Further south, the medieval town of Rapperswil invites visitors to wander its narrow lanes, visit its 13th-century castle and explore its rose garden, the largest in Switzerland, which blooms fragrantly from June to October.