Best things to do in Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich's Absolute Essentials

This selection captures the architectural and cultural heritage of the Lake Zurich region. It spans from the medieval Altstadt and the Romanesque Grossmünster—a focal point of the Swiss Reformation—to the luxury boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse. Significant landmarks include St. Peter's Church with its record-breaking clock face, the 17th-century Rathaus, and the birthplace of Dadaism at Cabaret Voltaire. Natural features like the Lindenhof moraine hill and the Uetliberg summit offer panoramic views across the water to the Glarus Alps.

Andreasdz / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

St. Peter's Church

Historic Protestant church featuring Europe's largest clock face and baroque architecture, recently renovated and reopened in November 2025.

Andrew Bossi / CC BY-SA 2.5

Fraumünster Church

Historic Protestant church known for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.

Andrew Bossi / CC BY-SA 2.5

Old Town Zurich

Historic district featuring medieval architecture, cultural landmarks, and pedestrian-friendly shopping streets.

Glenn4pr / Public domain

Grossmünster Church

Romanesque Protestant church notable for its twin towers and role in the Swiss Reformation.

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

Augustiner Street

Historic medieval street featuring colorful bay windows and well-preserved architecture connecting Bahnhofstrasse with the Augustiner Church and St. Peterhofstatt square.

Grzegorz Jereczek / CC BY-SA 2.0

Lake Zurich

This picturesque lake in Zurich is all one could wish for after a long and tiring day.

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

Water Church

The Wasserkirche of Zürich, first mentioned as ecclesia Aquatica Turicensi around 1250 and as wazzirkilcha in 1256, is a church built on a…

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lindenhof Hill

The Lindenhof is a moraine hill and a public square in the historic center of Zürich, Switzerland.

Adrian Michael / Public domain

Parade Square

Historic and prestigious public square known for its banking institutions and shopping. It serves as a transportation hub and a pedestrian zone featuring notable financial headquarters.

sidonius / Public domain

Bahnhof Street

Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich's main downtown street and one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues.

Sebastian Bergmann / CC BY-SA 2.0

Confiserie Sprüngli

A long-standing confectionery and café offering a heavenly collection of truffles, macarons, cakes, marzipan and chocolate.

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

Zürich Town Hall

The Rathaus in Zürich, Switzerland is Zürich's Town Hall. The Rathaus was built from 1694-1698.

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

Uetliberg

Rising 870 meters above sea level, Zurich's local mountain offers panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. The summit features a lookout tower and the 'Planet Trail' hiking path, and is easily reached via the Uetlibergbahn railway from the city center.