Switzerland is a magical place of mountain peaks and crystal lakes. Although this land-locked alpine region may not have an ocean nearby, there are certainly many scenic lakes to experience with visiting.

Zürich itself is set upon the shores of Lake Zürich, which is fed by glacial waters from the Glarus Alps. On a boat tour on Lake Zürich, or one of the many other tranquil bodies of water in the region, you can view some of Switzerland’s most beautiful sights from a different perspective.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours in Zürich, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Switzerland.

What are the most popular boat tours in Zürich?

To observe Zürich as both a modern city and a place of natural beauty, a boat cruise is an ideal activity. These are some of the most popular group and private excursions with boat tours from Zürich:

Zürich city sightseeing tour with lake cruise

A half-day tour of Zürich typically includes a one hour audio-guided or guided cruise on Lake Zürich, a tour of the Zürichberg district and a guided walk through the medieval alleys of the city’s Old Town.

Different tour operators offer variations of this tour that may include visits to other attractions and landmarks in the city. Boat trips on this time of tour are usually between 45 minutes and an hour in length.

Zürich city tour, cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate visit

For a half-day tour that encompasses the best of Zürich, join a 3-in-1 excursion that includes a Zürich guided walking tour to the Bahnhofstrasse, the Paradeplatz and the Limmatquai historical area.

After discovering what the city has to offer, the tour heads to Felsenegg for a short cable car ride to the summit to take in its breathtaking views, after which you can join a short hike on the Planetweg trail which is representative of the solar system.

After the cable car descent, tour guests board the cruise boat for a 45-minute trip across Lake Zürich and back to the city.

Day trip to Lucerne from Zürich with optional yacht cruise

Starting with a drive through the Swiss countryside, this day trip travels over the Albis Pass to the shores of Lake Lucerne. The guide will escort you through Lucerne's historical Old Town district and then leave you with some time to explore on your own.

Before heading back to Zürich, there is time for a peaceful cruise on Lake Zürich on board a luxury yacht.

2-Day Mount Rigi Tour from Zürich plus Mineral baths and Lake Lucerne

An overnight tour to Mount Rigi, the Queen of the Mountains, includes a coach trip through the Swiss countryside to one of the region’s most notable natural landmarks.

After a cable car ride to the mountain’s summit and a rejuvenating overnight experience at the thermal hot springs, you will cruise across the tranquil Lake Lucerne before returning to Zürich.

This type of tour includes accommodation at Mt. Rigi, dinner and breakfast.

Interlaken private tour from Zürich with Lake Brienz Cruise and Brienze Rothorn summit

On a private tour to Interlaken you will have a vehicle and guide at your service to transport you to this region of great natural beauty. On arrival, there is time to walk along some of the trails in this beautiful mountain resort region.

Alternatively, you can opt to relax as a day guest at one of the many Interlaken resorts. Next, a boat cruise takes you from Interlaken Ost across Lake Brienz before you embark on a trip on Switzerland’s oldest steam train to Mount Brienzer Rothorn.

Your tour returns to Zürich later in the day with a drop-off at your hotel or the initial pickup point.

How much do boat tours in Zürich cost?

A Zürich city sightseeing tour with a lake cruise starts at around €80 and includes coach transport, 24-hour ticket for Zürich public transport, entry fees as described and the services of a professional guide.

Children aged 6-15 pay from €50, while children under 6 are free of charge.

On a small group basis, prices start from €180 per person and include transport by luxury minibus, an experienced guide, and entry fees to any places specified in the itinerary.

A 3-in-1 Zürich walking tour, cruise on Lake Zürich and cable car ride to Felsenegg in a small group costs from €90 per person. This price includes a local guide, funicular and aerial cable car tickets and the cruise on Lake Zürich.

A Day trip to Lucerne from Zürich with an optional yacht cruise costs from €60 per person for a full-day excursion, including a guide on some sections of the trip and comfortable coach transfers. There will be a surcharge if you include the cruise on your trip.

Zürich city tour, lake cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate visits start from €75 for a trip by coach and €180 per person on a small group basis. This tour includes a 24-hour Zürich city transport pass, a Lake Zürich cruise ticket and a chocolate making workshop.

A 2-Day Mount Rigi Tour from Zürich including mineral baths and Lake Lucerne starts at €510 per person for groups between two and nine persons.

One night of accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis is included as well as the boat cruise, transfers and guide services where applicable.

Interlaken private tours from Zürich with Lake Brienz Cruise and Brienze Rothorn summit cost €1,100 per group of up to three people. The tour includes transport by private vehicle and a pickup and drop off directly from your hotel.

Which places are visited?

Depending on the tour you select, you can select between tours that include Lake Zürich, Lake Lucerne, Interlake, Lake Brienz or the Rhine River near the Rhine Falls.

Each lake or river offers a unique perspective of the mountains, pastures, villages and city in the region. On a clear day, the scenery will be reflected on the clear waters and provide amazing photo opportunities.

On a Lake Zürich boat tour you may spot sites including the islands of Ufenau and Lützelau, the Baroque church in Lachen and the Lindt and Sprüngli chocolate factory from the water.

Places like Lucerne, Appenzell, Liechtenstein, Stein am Rhein and Mount Rigi are regularly included in day trips that include a boating activity.

How long does a boat trip last?

Trips that include a boat excursion can be as short as 3.5 hours or as long as a full day, 9-hour tour. Most tours are between five and six hours in length, but 2-day trips are also available.

Where do boat tours leave from?

In Zürich, lake boat trips depart from Bürkliplatz while river cruises leave from Zürich Landesmuseum.

Boat tours at Lake Lucerne often begin at Vitznau. In Interlaken, you will depart on your boat excursion on Lake Brienz from Interlaken Ost.

Depending on your tour, you may be asked to meet at a central pickup point, the Zürich bus station or the boat cruise departure point.

If the boat trip takes place mid-tour, you will be dropped at the starting point by your driver and collected again after the activity.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Zürich?

The best time for a boat tour is from mid-spring to late autumn, when there is the best chance of favorable weather. Calm waters and early morning or late afternoon light provide the best conditions for photography.

Many lakes also offer spectacular views in the winter months, when the surrounding snowy peaks contribute to the picturesque and dramatic nature of the Swiss landscape.

Which other water and outdoor activities can be done in Zürich?

Travel tips

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Carry water and a snack on longer trips.
A wide-angle camera lens and polarizing filter are ideal for landscape photography.

Boat tours in Zürich