Lake Zürich Promenade and Quaianlagen

The Quaianlagen are a 19th-century lakefront park created when the old city moorings and marshes were filled to form a grand promenade. Starting at Bürkliplatz, where lake boats depart, the path runs past the Opernhaus area, the Sechseläutenplatz and the Utoquai bathing platforms toward the Zürichhorn, with chestnut trees, flower beds and long views of the lake. The route is level and suits strollers and wheelchair users. In summer, residents swim from the platforms, sit on the steps and picnic on the grass; in winter the promenade is quiet and misty. Early morning gives the best light on the Alps and the fewest people. Allow one to two hours to walk the full length, and plan a stop for coffee at a lakefront kiosk or a longer pause at the Chinagarten and Heureka sculpture at Zürichhorn. Bürkliplatz is also the home of the Saturday and seasonal markets.