boat cruise in zurich

THE 10 BEST Zurich Boat Tours

Boat tours in zurich.

• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Lake Zurich
• Best of Switzerland Tours
• Wasserspiel Aquaretum
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

2. Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride

3. Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich Including Lake Lucerne Cruise

4. The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

5. Private Trip - Zurich to Basel in Switzerland & Colmar in France

6. Lake Zurich boat tour for an afternoon !

7. Lake Zurich mini boat tour / by night!

8. Zürich Guided City Sightseeing Tour with Lake Cruise

9. Introductory Walking Tour Of Zurich Including a 90 Min Lake Cruise

10. Lake Zurich boat tour for a morning !

11. Zurich Highlights City Tour with Lake Cruise

12. Zürich City Sightseeing Tour with Cruise, Lindt Home of Chocolate

13. Mount Rigi Winter Day Trip from Zurich

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Lake Lucerne Panoramic Sightseeing Cruise

Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise

Lucerne Walking & Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience

Mt Pilatus Peak and Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group from Lucerne

Lucerne CH Experience: Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château

Mt. Pilatus with cruise on Lake of Lucerne Small Group from Basel

Independent Rigi Tour from Lucerne With Cruise

Mount Rigi Day Trip from Lucerne

Lake Lucerne 1st Class Cruise with 3-course Gourmet Lunch

Winter Panorama Mount Pilatus: Small Group Tour from Luzern

Lucerne 2 Hours Private Walking Tour with Panorama Yacht Cruise

Mount Bürgenstock Independent Tour from Lucerne

Luzern Discovery:Small Group City Walk and Lake Cruise from Basel

Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland

10-Day Semi-Guided Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour: The Ultimate Lucerne Experience

Mount Rigi Majesty: A Scenic Tour to the Queen of the Mountains

What travelers are saying.

• Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate
• Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride
• Mount Rigi Winter Day Trip from Zurich
• Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich Including Lake Lucerne Cruise
• The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat
• Swiss Magic Tours
• Thomas Boeer
• Reboat Zürich
• Switzerland Excursions

Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for a fun cruise on Lake Zurich? This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about your lake and river cruise options from Zurich, so you’re definitely in the right place.

A cruise on the lake is one of the best activities you can do in Zurich because it is not only fun and relaxing but gives you a unique perspective on the city.

Types of cruises, ticket price information, and seasonal cruise timetables are all included in this detailed guide. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Lake Zurich cruises and start planning your adventure immediately!

Table of Contents

Cruise Recommendations

There are lots of cruises and boat trips on Lake Zurich, making it hard to choose. Although a cruise is fun, it is even better if you combine it with a walking tour, cable car ride or chocolate factory tour!

Below is a short selection of some tours worth considering (4.5-5 star ratings only). Many combine other great activities in Zurich so you save time and money!

• Small Group walking tour & cruise in Zurich
• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich
• Private Tour:  Walking Tour & Boat Cruise
• Cruise, Tour and trip to Lindt Museum

Main Types of Cruises on Lake Zurich

We can sort the types of cruises on Lake Zurich by length and by theme. When it comes to the duration of the cruise, travelers can choose from mini, short, and long lake cruises.

Mini-Cruises

Mini cruises usually take up to 1-2 hours and take you to one of the nearby towns in the lower part of the lake, closer to the city. They’re short and sweet; perfect for travelers who want to experience a cruise on Lake Zurich or Limmat River.

Short Cruises

Short cruises usually last up to three hours and visit towns near the lake’s center. They often have an onboard restaurant so that you can enjoy snacks and drinks on board.

Long Cruises

Longer cruises on Lake Zurich are the best option for people who want to explore the surroundings, see the entire lake, and enjoy a full day out. These round trips are up to 4 hours long, taking you from Zurich to Rapperswil and then back to Zurich.

You can get off the boat in Rapperswil and explore the town, it’s well worth it. Even if you just manage to stroll along the lakeshore and maybe walk to the top of the Rapperswil Castle , it will give you a great overview of this stunning historic town.

Related Reading

Swimming in lake zurich: best spots & tips.

Unique Cruises

Lake Zurich is also famous for themed lake and river cruises. If you find a regular boat trip boring, consider going on a fondue cruise or even a murder mystery cruise!

Unique cruises take place on Lake Zurich just a few times in a season, so you will need to plan your entire trip around the cruise if that’s something you want.

However, some themed cruises happen more often than others. The fondue boat cruise is very popular in Zurich and takes place frequently, but the murder mystery trip happens once or twice a month.

My Recommendations

• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich

Winter Cruises

Given the colder weather, there are fewer cruises in winter. However, that does not mean you can’t go on a Lake Zurich Cruise.

Lake Cruise Tours

A few companies still offer lake cruise tours, usually combined with a walking tour or visit to the Lindt Factory (because it is near a dock). Here are a few I have found:

• Best of Zurich and Surroundings – Extended City Sightseeing Tour with a local
• Zürich Charms Unveiled: Private City Center Walk and Lake Cruise
• Zurich Sightseeing With Lake Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate
• The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

Local Ferries

Local Zurich Lake ferries still run in winter, just on a reduced schedule. Just remember, that these are not “cruises” per se, but local ferries.

The simplest way to find the ferry times is on the SBB website, however as a general rule from the Bürkliplatz docks in Zurich there are

• two journeys a day to Rapperswil

• two boats a day to the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum (aka Kilchberg ZH (See))

Fondue Cruise

Another popular winter cruise option is the Fondue Cruise, which takes place at night on Lake Zurich

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Zurich lake cruises depend on a number of different things. If you already have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can go on a free cruise. It won’t be a themed cruise and you most likely won’t get any food for free, but you won’t have to pay for a ticket just to get on the boat.

As for all the other cruises, it’s important to note that themed cruises are a lot more expensive than sightseeing cruises. The themed cruises usually include dinner and drinks, and it’s no secret that going out in Zurich is not a cheap sport at all. The fondue cruise is around 65 CHF, while the murder mystery cruise costs around 115 CHF.

Sightseeing cruises are dirt cheap compared to themed ones. Prices for the mini round trip cruise start at around 7 CHF and go up to 43 CHF for a long lake cruise. In any case, expect to spend at least 50 CHF if you want to eat and drink something on the boat. You can bring your own food and drinks to save money, and this is the best thing to do if you want to get off the boat at some point and explore towns on the lake shore.

You can buy the tickets online at the ZVV and SBB online shops, as well as onboard all ZSG boats. Tickets are also available for purchase at the tourist information office at Zurich main station, the ticket office in Zürich Bürkliplatz, and all ZVV and SBB ticket machines.

On top of all that, you should know that tickets are necessary for children and dogs, and they’re 50% cheaper than regular adult tickets.

The timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich depends on the season, weather conditions, and destination. There are fewer departures in the winter season, especially for longer routes. Departures for one-way trips and shorter routes are more common, especially in smaller lakeshore towns.

Cruises are more popular in the summer season, so there are more departures from all docks along the shore. In any case, you can see the current timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich right here .

Things To Do In Zurich: History, Culture, and Swiss Delicacies

How to get to the main boat docks in zurich.

Most boat cruises depart from Zürich Bürkliplatz. This is a public square on the shore of the lake, which doubles as one of the most important transport hubs in the city. Most tram and bus lines in Zurich pass through here, so it’s really easy to reach the ferry terminal.

If you happen to have accommodation in Zurich’s old town, you can just walk to Zürich Bürkliplatz; it’s at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, so it will be a pleasant walk through the heart of the city. The pier is just a 10-minute walk away from both Fraumunster Church and Zurich Opera House, so it’s easily accessible from the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cruises on Lake Zurich

Is A Zurich Lake Cruise Included in the Swiss Pass?

Yes, you can go on a free Lake Zurich cruise if you purchased the Swiss Travel Pass Flex . It’s not included in the cheapest travel pass option, but only in the mid-range one. You will still need to pay for any food and drinks you consume on board, but you don’t have to spend any money on a ticket.

It’s important to note that the Travel Pass covers only sightseeing lake cruises. If you’re interested in one of the themed cruises, you must pay the full price.

How much does it cost to go to Lake Zurich?

That depends on so many different things. It can be anywhere from a few francs to several thousand, depending on whether you’re including the cost of plane tickets, accommodation, transport through Switzerland, and finally, boat cruise tickets.

Even without the plane tickets, it will cost you hundreds of $/€/£/₣. Hostels in Zurich start at around 100 Francs per night, and that’s for the cheapest type of accommodation available. The lake cruise can cost anywhere from a few francs to several hundred, eating out in Zurich is quite pricey, and train tickets to other nearby towns aren’t cheap either.

The Swiss Travel Pass can get you some great discounts, but it costs around 250 Francs for 3 days, and that’s the cheapest option that doesn’t include a Lake Zurich cruise. So to answer your question, it costs a lot of money to go to Lake Zurich – 300-400 Francs for a couple of days at least, not including the plane tickets.

Is Lake Zurich worth visiting?

Lake Zurich is definitely worth visiting if you’re staying somewhere in the area and you’ve never been before. The city of Zurich is absolutely amazing, and one of the most popular places to visit in entire Switzerland.

But if you want to visit Lake Zurich specifically for the lake and fun water activities, you might be a bit disappointed. Sure, there are things to do and places to see, but it’s not quite as popular as the lakes of Thun, Brienz, Lucerne, and Neuchatel. These are better options for people who want to have fun on the water and swim, but none of those will allow you to walk through the streets of Zurich.

Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

Yes, Lake Zurich offers plenty of opportunities for swimming. There’s a small beach area in the city of Zurich, but if you want to avoid the crowds it’s best to head to a more remote part of the lake. There are plenty of beaches along the shore of Lake Zurich that are rarely as busy as the swimming areas in the city.

Plan Your Trip to Switzerland

One thought on “ Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know ”

Hi there, appreciate if you can explain more details on Zurich Lake and River cruise particularly during winter season. I planned to go to Zurich sometimes in late February and really interested to take one of either mini or short cruise, however I noticed that you didn’t mentioned on its availability during winter time. If available, what their time-table would be? Thank you and best regards.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Our Free Swiss Tips Guide

Popular destinations, important pages, on social media, travel planning, certified swiss travel expert.

A Cruise on Lake Zurich

We had to attend a business meeting in Zürich and therefore had not even two full days to explore the city and its region. Of course, we wanted to see Zürich itself, but we also wanted to venture out of the city for a bit.

You suggested a Lake Cruise and we are so happy we did it. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful for a Cruise on Lake Zürich.

Great view cruising Lake Zurich

We departed from Bürkliplatz, a scenic view point where the River Limmat flows into Lake Zürich. We were lucky and caught the nostalgic and over one hundred year old steamer “Stadt Zürich”. The cruise took us all the way to Rapperswil at the opposite end of the Lake – a quaint medieval town with a 12th century castle on a hill overlooking the area.

The boat stopped at the pretty lakeside villages along the shoreline and people filed in and out. In Kilchberg you can visit the factory of Zürich’s iconic chocolate shop Sprüngli. We just didn’t have enough time on our hands. So we continued this enjoyable ride through the inspiring scenery.

You might also like the following article:

Zurich, Switzerland: What to do, see and Where to sleep, eat

I now understand why the northeast shore of Lake Zürich is called the “Gold coast”. The region is dotted by sun drenched vineyards and stately villas can be seen from the boat. Apparently taxes are low and there is plenty of money. We were actually surprised to see so many vineyards. We learned that it would be possible to visit wineries but again, time was not on our side but later we made sure we ordered a Swiss wine for dinner.

Although we were hungry and could have had lunch inside in the restaurant, we didn’t want to miss any vistas and sat on the upper deck where we took in the spectacular views. Lulled by softly rocking waves it felt like being in a dream: Gently rolling hills dotted with villages embedded in vineyards, meadows and forests, and the Alps in the background – some of them even snow covered. All this is enhanced by the sparkling water of Lake Zürich.

Another surprising fact to me was that there are ferries crossing Lake Zürich between the “Gold and Sniffle Coast” – apparently the “Gold Coast” gets all the sun while on the opposite side they have a bit less of the golden sunshine and is therefore called the Sniffle Coast. However, I wouldn’t mind living there because they get the best views 🙂

The medieval castle town of Rapperswil

We spent about an hour meandering along the cobbled streets of the old town of Rapperswil and climbed the stairs up to the castle. It’s a charming place and we could have spent more time but we were eager to see more of Zürich and so returned by train which took us in just over half an hour back to Switzerland’s largest city.

We have to return because we only touched the surface of Zürich; haven’t even seen anything else of this scenic country but our short stay definitely vetted our interest for more.

Additional info for Cruising Lake Zurich

There are many different Cruises on offer: Sunset cruise, wine and culinary tours, dance cruises, and even private boat tours; one-way or round-trips – lasting between 1.5 hours and 7 hours.

Next to regular boats, there are two steamers on the Lake – “Stadt Zürich” and “Stadt Rapperswil”, but they don’t always cruise so make sure you check with their website.

Summer weekends and evenings are the busiest on the lake. Cruises on Lake Zürich take place year-round, albeit with a limited schedule during winter. Regular cruises (not private tours) are included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

We got a great discount on the Zürich Lake Tour with the Zürich card.

Switzerland never fails to dazzle with its captivating beauty at every turn. We're out there hiking through meadows bursting with colorful flowers, scaling mountains like pros, getting lost in forests and biking until our legs twitch. And you know what? We're doing it only to share with you all there is to know about fantastical Switzerland.

Scenic lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland

With around 1,500 lakes in total, Switzerland is home to some sizable bodies of clear, sparkling water. Over 100 of these have a surface area exceeding 30 hectares. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is the largest of these, and is known all over the world. 

Many major European rivers also flow through Switzerland, so for a landlocked country there is a lot of water. Exploring these lakes and rivers can be a highlight of any Swiss vacation, but it goes way beyond that.

In Switzerland, taking journeys by boat is often a practical matter of getting from A to B. In addition to leisure trips operated by the likes of Lake Geneva cruise lines, there are public transport boats connecting destinations so a daily commute may involve travelling across the lakes or down the rivers. 

For the Swiss, in many instances the easiest way to get from one place to another is in fact by boat, so this is simply a way of life. Boat trips are therefore an essential part of the national transport system. 

As a visitor, you may be able to choose between taking a train and hopping onto a boat when planning how to get from one village, town or city to another.

A typical example is the trip between Bern and Interlaken, which can involve a cruise across Lake Thun. Though this is more time-consuming, it’s a great way to see more of the country while getting from one destination to another. 

This guide will take you through all you need to know about lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland – including scenic cruises typically taken by tourists as well as Swiss Travel Pass boat rides holders can take for free. 

From the famous shores of Lake Geneva to the River Rhine, these are the best boat trips in Switzerland. Which ones will you take? 

Top photo © Swiss Travel System

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Handy tip: Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass can travel free on most lake cruises in Switzerland.  Simply present your valid Swiss Travel Pass at the ticket counter before boarding.  If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, we have included links below to purchase tickets for individual cruises.

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Swiss boat trips covered in this guide

Lake geneva cruises.

For many visitors, there’s no Switzerland cruise that is as highly anticipated as a Lake Geneva cruise.  As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman as it is known in French), is located in western Switzerland.

Covering an area of 580km², the crescent-shaped lake is partly in Switzerland and partly in France and lies just north of the Alps.

Stretching from the westernmost point at Geneva to Montreux on the eastern shores, Lake Geneva is also at the feet of some other attractive Swiss cities and towns including Nyon, Lausanne and Vevey.

Above the latter two towns, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraced Lavaux Vineyards cover 800 hectares and make the ideal backdrop to the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.

The most popular routes among Lake Geneva boat tours include the cruise from Geneva to Lausanne, from Geneva to Evian-les-Bains on the French shore, and from Lausanne to Evian. Cruises to or from Geneva, Montreux or Vevey are also available. 

If you are planning to take one of the above Lake Geneva boat tours, Swiss Pass holders can travel for free whilst those without a Swiss Pass can buy a ticket at the boat pier.

Another option is to take the Yvoire boat from Geneva to visit this small, medieval French destination on the shores of the lake. Boats on this route also stop at Nyon, and you can find out more about this and other routes via the CGN website . 

There is also the option to book a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Vessels operating on Lake Geneva include a fleet of Belle Epoque paddle steamers and modern motor boats.

Below you will find some of the most popular Lake Geneva boat cruises.

One hour sightseeing Lake Geneva cruise

This one hour boat ride on Lake Geneva is taken by many holidaymakers so they can see the city from the water. During this cruise you can see landmarks like the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, Mont Blanc and of course the mighty Swiss Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Geneva cruise in Switzerland  

Two hour Montreux cruise to Chillon Castle

If you’re staying in the Montreux area, this is a great choice amongst the options of Lake Geneva boat cruises. It takes in the majestic Chillon Castle, as well as the lake which was immortalised in Deep Purple’s song Smoke on the Water . The cruise takes place aboard a historic paddle steamer and there are fabulous views of the Swiss and French Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Montreux cruise

Three hour Riviera cruise from Lausanne

Departing from Lausanne, this three hour boat trip takes in the Lavaux vineyards,  Montreux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. 

> Click here to book this Swiss Riviera cruise

Two hour Lake Geneva cruise from Vevey

If the idea of spending two hours aboard a paddle steamer appeals, this trip departing from Vevey is recommended. You’ll travel on Lake Geneva to Montreux, seeing Chillon Castle and the French and Swiss Alps en route. 

> Click here to book this Vevey to Montreux cruise

Self-guided boat trip from Lausanne to Evian

This one day ticket allows you to take a boat trip whenever you please from Lausanne to the charming town of Evian-les-Bains. The journey takes 35 minutes each way and you can explore Evian’s historic Old Town and lakeside promenade after arrival. 

> Click here to book this Lausanne to Evian trip

Lake Lucerne cruises

At 38 kilometres long, Lake Lucerne may not be Switzerland’s longest lake but it is one of the most uniquely shaped. The lake has four distinct ‘arms’ and several sharp bends which makes a superb scene when viewed from one of the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus .

Officially called Vierwaldstattersee in German (which translates to ‘four forest sites’), the lake is shared between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne.

When planning a lake cruise, Lucerne is the most popular starting point and there are numerous options to choose from.

You can take a cruise on Lake Lucerne that includes a three course gourmet lunch, hop aboard a luxury yacht for a scenic tour or take a journey across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau as part of a Mount Rigi day trip.

Other options include the Lucerne to Fluelen boat ride across Lake Lucerne, which is part of the Gotthard Panorama Express route. Find out more about this iconic journey via the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland in our dedicated guide here .  

From 2022, five paddle steamers will be in use every summer between late May and mid September. Travel on these Lake Lucerne steamers is also included with the Swiss Travel Pass (food and beverages are additional). 

As well as the paddle steamers and a fleet of modern motor boats, Lucerne is also home to MS Diamant , Switzerland’s first climate-neutral boat in regular service. The vessel is also the first Swiss hybrid boat in operation.

Popular Lake Lucerne cruises include:

Two hour Lake Lucerne cruise with lunch

This Lake Lucerne panoramic sightseeing cruise includes a gourmet lunch, so you’ll enjoy three delicious courses made from fresh local produce while admiring the mountainous Swiss landscape. Key Lucerne landmarks can also be viewed from the water.  

> Click here to book this lake cruise in Lucerne with lunch

One hour yacht cruise in Lucerne

Taking a trip aboard a panoramic yacht can help to make your stay in Lucerne truly memorable. The yacht will take you towards Meggenhorn Castle and includes views of upmarket homes, local landmarks and rolling green hills. This Lake Lucerne cruise is perfect for those who have limited time but don’t want to miss the experience of cruising on the tranquil waters.

> Click here to book this Lucerne yacht cruise

Self-guided Mount Rigi trip with lake cruise

The Lake Lucerne cruise price is included in this self-guided Mount Rig i day trip . You will also travel by train and cogwheel railway to reach the mountain summit. This trip to the Queen of the Mountains is not to be missed while in Switzerland. 

> Click here to book this Mount Rigi day trip ticket

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz cruises

Located either side of the holiday resort town of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer totally different experiences for those who’d like to cruise in the Bernese Oberland.

With a choice of both paddle steamers and modern motor boats, there is a cruise to suit everyone.

The larger of the two lakes, Lake Thun stretches 17.5 kilometres (10.8 miles) from Interlaken to Thun.   

Lake Thun boat tours call at Oberhofen and Spiez where you can disembark to see the impressive castles, or you hop off at St. Beatus Caves to explore the network of caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, before rejoining a later service.   

If you are short on time and don’t wish to disembark enroute, the cruise from Interlaken to Thun – or vice versa – takes just over two and a half hours.  The boat pier is located by the Interlaken West train station.

The return journey can be taken by boat (subject to the timetable) or train.

Boat trips on Lake Brienz stop at the pretty village of Iseltwald and at Giessbach Falls before continuing on to Brienz, well known for its wood carving. If you choose to disembark at Giessbach Falls, you can take a funicular to the Giessbach Hotel for lunch or a snack and view the magnificent waterfalls.

You can reach Brienz from Interlaken by boat in 75 minutes. The boat pier is located beside Interlaken Ost train station and, just like the boat trips on Lake Thun, the return journey can be made by boat or train.

Lake Brienz boat trips operate from April to October only.

Why not make your day out extra special by including a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train when you reach Brienz?

Interlaken Lake Thun cruise day pass 

This Interlaken cruise pass allows you to travel all day on Lake Thun, plus Lake Brienz if you travel between early April and mid-October. As you travel over the water you can see pretty Swiss villages with traditional chalets and snow-capped mountain peaks.  

> Click here to book this Lake Thun boat day pass

Lake Brienz cruise day pass

Between early April and mid-October, a day pass is also available for Lake Brienz. Regular services connect Interlaken and Brienz with stops at Iseltwald and Giessbach Falls, making this one of the most popular boat tours Interlaken has to offer.

The cruise day pass is essentially a self-guided ‘tour’ giving you the flexibility to hop on and off as you wish. 

> Click here to book this Lake Brienz boat day pass

Lake Zurich cruises

Imagine commuting to work in Switzerland’s largest city across a tranquil lake with the spectacular Swiss Alps as a backdrop!  Many folks in Zurich do just that and you can experience this serene way to travel too!

The city of Zurich sits at one end of the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long banana-shaped Lake Zurich, and there are numerous different cruises available depending on how much time you have available.

The Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates 17 different ships – including two paddle steamers – with round trip cruises ranging from 90 minutes to 4.5 hours in duration. 

One of the most popular boat trips is from Zurich city to the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg which takes just 27 minutes. 

The boat trip from Zurich to Rapperswil is another I personally recommend. Rapperswil, known as the City of Roses, is well worth visiting and is a relaxing two hour boat ride from Zurich. 

Make it a full day’s excursion by cruising both ways or travel by train one way (40 minutes) and boat the other.  Both modes of transport are free with your Swiss Travel Pass .

The Zurich boat pier is located at Bürkliplatz. 

3.5 hour Zurich sightseeing tour with cruise 

This Zurich lake cruise price covers a boat trip across Lake Zurich as well as guided tours of the city on foot and by bus. As you glide across the water, your guide will tell you all about the history and famous sights of Switzerland’s biggest city. 

> Click here to book this Lake Zurich cruise

Lake Lugano cruise

Fringed with palm trees and framed by surrounding Alps, there’s a real Mediterranean vibe around Lake Lugano.

The lake is shared between Switzerland and Italy and cruises and boat trips on the lake offer the chance to visit both countries. 

Popular cruise destinations include the villages of Morcote, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland, the fishing village of Gandria and Cassarate where passengers can disembark and take the funicular to Monte Bre.

Lunch and dinner cruises are also available.

Cruises on Lake Lugano operate from April to October.  The boat pier can be found at Lugano Centro.

4.5 hour Monte Bré trip via Lake Lugano

This four-and-a-half hour trip includes a scenic boat ride from Lugano to Cassarate, a small harbour town. A picturesque return journey on the funicular railway to Monte Bré is also included, as is a visit to the Museum Wilhelm Schmid. You can then walk or take a bus back to Lugano. 

> Click here to book this Monte Bré day trip with cruise

3 Lakes cruises – Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten

The Three Lakes area encompasses Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel/Bienne in the Jura region in Switzerland’s west. This area has a gentle landscape awash with Swiss farmland and rolling vineyards, and also connects with the Aare River. 

Cruises operate on all three lakes and passengers can choose from cruises on just one lake, two or three as the lakes are connected by canals.  Lake Biel Navigation Company operates the boat trips on Lake Biel, whilst Lacs de Neuchâtel et Morat offer cruises on Lake Neuchâtel and Murten.

On Lake Biel/Bienne, the village of Ligerz and St. Peter’s Island are popular places to disembark and stroll around.  The medieval town of Murten (on Lake Murten) and the well-known wellness town of Yverdon-les-Bains (Lake Neuchatel) are other much-visited cruise destinations.

You can take a Three Lakes cruise from Biel to Erlach to Murten lasting for a little over three hours. It’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass – as is the epic 8-hour cruise that operates on special occasions.

Lunch and dinner cruises, as well as theme cruises are available.

In total, there are 28 landing stages on the three lakes which can be found in the cantons of Neuchatel, Fribourg , Vaud and Bern.

A fleet of seven vessels operate on the Three Lakes, including the only lake and river steamer in Switzerland.  Cruises are from Spring to Autumn (Fall).

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Lake Constance cruises

Bordering three countries – Switzerland, Austria and Germany – Lake Constance, or Bodensee as it’s known in German, is fed by the Rhine River. It’s also the third largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

From the Swiss shores of Lake Constance it’s possible to cruise to the German side in around one hour. Routes include Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen and Rorschach to Lindau .

Travel on these routes is not fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass but a 50% discount applies to pass holders.

Rhine River cruises

If you would prefer to experience a Switzerland river cruise there is the possibility to take a boat trip on the Rhine. The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps so it’s only natural that a cruise on this majestic waterway is popular with visitors.

Options include a cruise between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen which takes around four hours, or from Basel to Rheinfelden.  Further details can be found below.

Rhine River cruise from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen

This route takes you from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen with numerous stops along the way.  Two towns worth disembarking at are Diessenhofen, which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland organisation, and Stein am Rhein, a pretty medieval town with an attractive Old Town.

Find out more about this cruise here . 

Rhine River cruise from Basel to Rheinfelden

Despite being located in a landlocked country, Basel has something of a maritime air due to the fact that it’s at the mouth of the mighty River Rhine. Local company Basler Personenschifffahrt operates boat trips from Basel to Rheinfelden between March and October. 

These boat trips last for about four hours and you can see various Basel landmarks. You should even be able to make out parts of Germany and France as you glide across the water, and you’ll also pass a couple of major locks, namely Birsfelden and Augst. 

Cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Useful things to know

If you’re interested in taking trips around Switzerland by boat or cruising the lakes or the Rhine, there are some useful facts worth knowing to help you plan your trip. 

Swiss Travel Pass

The first thing to consider when planning any trip to Switzerland is the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass . As mentioned above in various sections, the pass covers boat trips on the major lakes in the country.

A Swiss Travel Pass also gives the holder free public transport in all Swiss destinations, plus some cogwheel, funicular and scenic railway routes. Entry to hundreds of museums is also included. 

Alternatively you could buy a Swiss Half Fare Card to receive 50% off the price of boat trips. 

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card in this article . 

1st and 2nd class travel in Switzerland

Swiss public transport such as trains and some boats includes first and second class travel options. You can select either option when buying individual tickets or passes. On boats, the first class section is usually found on the upper deck. 

First class carriages are generally more spacious and private, and may give you better views over the landscape. This option is ideal for the trip-of-a-lifetime or honeymooners, as well as those who don’t mind paying more for a bit of extra space.

Swiss boat piers

As they form such an important part of the Swiss public transport network, boat piers in Switzerland are often located right next to the train station. This allows for seamless travel via several modes of transport – and makes it easier for visitors to find them. 

Restaurants on Swiss boats

A number of Swiss ferries and boats have on-board eateries, making it convenient to dine while you travel. 

Swiss boat timetables 

You can find timetables for each Swiss boat operator via their websites or on the Swiss Federal Railways website sbb.ch or the SBB app. Do bear in mind when planning your trip that some services may be seasonal: this particularly applies to funicular and cogwheel railways, cable cars and boats. 

Swiss lake names – See, Lac or Lago

Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch – and therefore you’ll notice the word for lake differs depending on which language-speaking region you are in.

In German-speaking Switzerland, the word for lake is see so Lake Zurich is called Zürichsee whilst Lake Thun is Thunersee, and so on.

In Geneva and the Three Lakes Region where French is the local language, Lake Geneva is referred to as Lac L é man and Lake Neuchâtel as Lac Neuchâtel .

Lake Lugano, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is called Lago Lugano .

Lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Final thoughts

Whether you opt to take a boat trip to help make your Swiss journeys more seamless or more scenic, there are so many possibilities to enjoy a Switzerland cruise. 

The abundance of lakes and rivers here makes the journey all part of the experience – not least when you have soaring peaks, rolling hills, undulating vineyards, lush meadows, Alpine chalets and crystal clear waters as the picturesque backdrop. 

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Private Transfers

Rail Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Accommodation

Sightseeing.

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Berner Oberland Pass

Group Tours

Private Tours

Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

Episode 43: Decadent must-have Swiss chocolate experiences

Episode 44: Breathtaking boat trips to enjoy in Switzerland

We travelling to Switzerland.

© Holidays to Switzerland 2024. All Rights Reserved . About • Privacy Policy • Disclaimer/Disclosure • Contact

Winter Experience Cruise on Lake Zurich

• Small apéro comprising prosecco, beer, mineral water, orange juice, nuts, and potato chips     
• Lamb´s lettuce salad with bacon cubes, egg, and home-made dressing     
• Main course depending on menu choice     
• Dessert buffet served in small glasses: tiramisu, chocolate mousse, panna cotta, vermicelles     
• Beverages: white wine, red wine, beer, mineral water, soft drinks, coffee, mulled wine      
• Sound system

Prices vary according to the menu 

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

Operator: Partner company

Contact & Starting Point

You Might Also Like

Cast a Chocolate Christmas Boot

Boat trip with wine seminar and cheese

Mission Christmas Market

Dragonboat on Lake Zurich