Scenic boat trips on Lake Zürich on historic paddle steamers and modern ships, from short city cruises to longer routes to Rapperswil with Alpine views.
The Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft (ZSG) operates a fleet of ships on the lake, including a historic paddle steamer named Stadt Rapperswil. Short cruises from Bürkliplatz run along both shores past villas, vineyards and the Alpine backdrop, while longer routes connect lakeside villages and Rapperswil at the eastern end. The ships have outdoor decks and a restaurant or snack bar. A one-hour round trip gives a good overview of the city skyline from the water; the full trip to Rapperswil takes about 90 minutes each way. Departures are weather-dependent in the shoulder seasons. Boats are busiest on summer weekends.
| Admission | Adult Approx. CHF 10-35 depending on route (approx $12.50-44); free with Swiss Travel Pass · Child Half-fare; free under 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Departures vary by season; main sightseeing cruises run about Apr-Oct daily, limited winter sailings (check zsg.ch) |
| Typical visit | 1-4 hours |
| Best time | Clear summer afternoons or evenings |
| Getting there | Tram 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 or 13 to Bürkliplatz; 10 minutes' walk from Zürich Hauptbahnhof |
| Address | Bürkliplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, families, photographers
Location
Bürkliplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3667, 8.5414 View on map
Highlights
- Historic paddle steamer sailings
- Views of villas, vineyards and the Alps
- Departures from central Bürkliplatz
- Longer routes to Rapperswil
Tips for visiting
- Start at Bürkliplatz pier; a 1-hour 'Zürich-Kilchberg' short cruise is a good sampler
- The Swiss Travel Pass and Zürich Card cover many lake routes
- Bring a layer; it is cooler on the open deck
When to visit
Clear summer afternoons or evenings.
Accessibility
Most ships have step-free boarding on the main deck; check zsg.ch for specific vessels and ask staff at the pier.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free?
Yes, ZSG lake routes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass; the Zürich Card also covers many sailings.
Is food served on board?
Yes, most ships have a restaurant or snack bar with simple Swiss dishes.