Mention Zurich and most people will immediately note the city’s vaunted reputation as the banking and finance powerhouse of Switzerland. However, few will initially wax poetic about the allure and many charms of Lake Zurich. And yet they very much should, as the lake is an integral part of life in the city. 

Framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills, scenic Lake Zurich is transformed into an oasis of fun, exhilarating outdoor activities, and epicurean delights as spring gives way to summer, the days grow longer and temperatures reach their annual peak. In fact, so magical is this time of year on the lake, that locals and visitors alike flock to its shores to indulge in thrilling water sports and scenic biking adventures, savor exquisite chocolates and cheeses, or simply sunbathe in the shadow of the supreme natural beauty that borders it. 

One of the most favored means of exploring Lake Zurich is by boat. For those anxious to live like the locals, there is perhaps no more popular local activity than gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the lake where idyllic, Instagrammable views of lush green landscapes await and the snow-capped Alps peek over the horizon. Though most destinations around the shore are served by a regular boat service all year round, summer adds a special air of enchantment to the experience. The undisputed favorites among locals are the two historic paddle-steamers – the “Gipfeli-Schiff” (early mornings) and the “Sonnenuntergangs-Schiff” (sunset sailings). 

Local favorites notwithstanding, there is also something to be said for the special culinary cruises offered on Lake Zurich, which include everything from cheese fondue, chocolate tasting and build your own burger cruises to BBQ and brunch cruises. Similarly, for those who prefer a dinner and dancing experience, special party boats serving up an array of musical flavors ranging from salsa and country to the best of the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s are also available. And let’s not forget, of course, the destination cruises which transport passengers to some of the most popular shores on the lake. 

Among the most well-liked of destinations on Lake Zurich is the “rose town” of Rapperswil, which is located at the eastern end of the lake. Resplendent with public gardens blooming with some 16,000 rose bushes of more than 600 different varieties, this delightful lakeside riviera is a wonder to behold. Boasting Mediterranean charms, a picturesque Old Town, a medieval castle and ample options for swimming and sunbathing –Seebad Rapperswil lido at the foot of the castle is particularly beloved – Rapperswil is not only one of the defining charms of Lake Zurich, but of Switzerland itself. 

Another trendy destination on the lake is Ufenau Island – or, as the locals call it, “Ufnau” – which, though tiny, also happens to be the largest island in Switzerland. Owned by Einsiedeln Abbey since the year 965, the island is home to abbey-managed vineyards, a chapel, and a restaurant –but swimming is strictly prohibited. That said, swimming is permitted on the smaller Lützelau Island located directly next to Ufnau. And, yes, in case you were wondering, island-hopping is not merely encouraged, it’s actually a thing. Schedules and itineraries permitting, of course.  

Now, lest you think that cruises and island hopping are the only ways to enjoy the pleasures of Lake Zurich, be advised that there are many other ways to avail oneself of the lake’s splendor. The Swiss are very outdoorsy in general and take great pleasure in nature. It is not uncommon to see Zurich’s plentiful lidos (bathing spots) filled with locals and tourists basking side by side in the sun or taking a quick dip in the lake throughout the day in the summer months. 

The lake is also a popular destination for all manner of watersports. While stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is currently all the rage on the lake, wakeboarding and waterskiing are equally in vogue. As are canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, often accompanied by classes for beginners. There is even an “Urbansurf platform” in Zurich-West where novice and professional surfers alike can surf to their heart’s content right in the middle of the city. And why not? Who says Hawaii gets to have a monopoly on surf and sand? 

Beyond the lake itself, there are a few scenic bicycle routes that provide yet another opportunity to sample the beauty of Lake Zurich. On the more leisurely side is Cycle Route 66, which wends its way from Zurich to Rapperswil along the right bank of Lake Zurich through picturesque neighborhoods and vineyards. Meanwhile, the Heart Route (Cycle Route 99) takes cyclists once around the Obersee and as far as the famous abbey village of Einsiedeln. It is also possible to cycle around the entirety of Lake Zurich, however at a distance of 56 miles, it is not for the faint of heart. 

Activities aside, Lake Zurich is also a destination that invites indulgence in many of the things for which Zurich is well-regarded, not least among which are the city’s culinary delights. A veritable foodie paradise, Zurich is renowned for the breadth and scope of its epicurean offerings.  In summer, when many people spend much of their time outdoors, these offerings make their way to the shores of Lake Zurich where a myriad of restaurants and bars entice guests to dine outside in the open air in secluded gardens or at fashionable “Badi-Bars”. 

Lastly, one cannot talk about Zurich without discussing chocolate. While Lake Zurich may have its charms, Swiss chocolate can be equally as enchanting. Case in point, in a Willy Wonka-worthy new building by the lake designed by star architects Christ & Gantenbein, sits the Lindt Home of Chocolate, the largest Lindt Chocolate Shop in the world. A bona fide chocolate wonderland, the store boasts a 30-foot-tall chocolate fountain, an ultra-modern Lindt café, where guests are treated to delicious home-made waffle and chocolate specialties, and an interactive multimedia exhibition that guides visitors through seven different chocolate worlds. And, as an added bonus for true chocolate afficionados, visitors to the store can even learn how to handle chocolate and create their own personal chocolate masterpieces at the Lindt Chocolateria under the expert guidance of the Lindt Maîtres Chocolatiers.