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Hop on a riverboat cruise and glide across Lake Zurich, where snow-capped mountains mirror the city skyline in a dreamy, ever-shifting canvas—breezes whispering through your hair, time slowing down. You’re not just visiting Switzerland; you’re living its soul.
Everything you need to know about Riverboats
Hotel des Bains is a top choice for riverboat enthusiasts, located just a 5-minute walk from the lake dock. Its lake-view rooms and private pier offer uninterrupted views of passing riverboats, especially magical at sunrise. The hotel blends Swiss craftsmanship with modern design, plus offers complimentary bicycles to explore the scenic lakeside trails.
For luxury options, consider Baur au Lac or The Dolder Grand, both within easy reach of riverboat routes and providing exclusive shuttle services to and from downtown. For a unique experience, try the Floating Hotel Zurich, an innovative floating boutique hotel with panoramic glass domes offering 360-degree lake views. At night, the twinkling lights of riverboats create a dreamlike ambiance.
Public transport is highly convenient: Zurich’s S-Bahn lines 1 and 2 stop at "Lake Zurich" station, just 15 minutes from the city center. Multiple riverboat lines dock here, making access seamless for travelers seeking both comfort and scenic charm.
The most convenient option is taking the S-Bahn lines 1 or 2, which stop at "Lake Zurich" station—just a 15-minute ride from the city center. The station is directly adjacent to the riverboat docks, with a short walk to the boarding area.
Alternatively, Zürichsee-Schifffahrt operates electric-powered boats with frequent departures and clear timetables. Their routes include scenic circular tours and sightseeing cruises, available via official website or mobile app. Many vessels feature audio guides and wheelchair accessibility, ideal for families and elderly travelers.
For a more active journey, rent a bicycle and follow the well-marked lakeside cycle paths. You’ll enjoy stunning views of riverboats gliding across the water while stopping at charming lakeside cafés along the way. Zurich’s extensive greenway network ensures safe, scenic rides perfect for combining nature, culture, and local flavor.
Must-try experiences include sunset cruises, where you glide across Lake Zurich as golden hour paints the sky, often accompanied by live music. During winter, the light festival cruises illuminate the boats with festive lights, paired with seasonal music and fireworks displays.
Themed gourmet voyages are also popular—such as "Swiss Cheese & Wine Night," featuring local cheese platters, artisan chocolates, and premium wines, with expert commentary on Swiss culinary traditions. Some tours even offer Chinese-language narration for Asian visitors.
Families will love the kids’ interactive cruises, which include storytelling, games, and small gifts to engage young explorers. For photography enthusiasts, photo-focused excursions provide professional photographers and tripod-friendly spaces to capture perfect shots.
All tours can be booked online in advance—highly recommended during peak season and holidays for guaranteed spots.
Hidden gems near riverboat zones include Lido Beach, a secluded lakeside sandy cove accessible only to hotel guests—perfect for sunbathing and swimming in tranquil waters. Nearby, Hirschenplatz Garden offers a peaceful urban oasis with century-old oaks and a classic fountain, ideal for quiet photography.
Don’t miss the Kunsthaus Zürich Lakeside Pavilion, a free-entry branch of the Art and History Museum showcasing Swiss masterpieces, just a 10-minute walk from the dock. Nature lovers should explore the Utoquai Promenade, a winding lakeside path connecting small jetties, where you might spot wild birds or chat with local boat crew.
Lastly, Café am See is a tucked-away café famed for homemade pastries and specialty coffee. With live guitar performances in the evenings, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and savor lakefront serenity.
Hotel Schweizerhof is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Riverboat docks along Lake Zurich. Its lake-view rooms offer stunning vistas of passing riverboats, while its rooftop restaurant, Berggasthaus, serves authentic Swiss cuisine with a scenic backdrop. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to downtown Zurich via tram or a 10-minute walk.
Alternatively, consider Hotel Baur au Lac, a luxury landmark just a 15-minute stroll from the riverboat stop. Renowned for its private dock, elegant interiors, and exceptional service, it’s ideal for travelers seeking a refined experience. Both properties provide seamless access to riverboat tours and the vibrant lakeside atmosphere.
From hotels like Hotel Schweizerhof or Lakefront Boutique Hotel, it's a mere 10- to 15-minute walk to the Lake Zurich Riverboat Docks. For public transit, take Tram Line 12 or Bus 36 from nearby stops—just a 7-minute ride to the "Lake Zurich Dock" station. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, especially during peak season; advance HopeGoo is recommended.
Additionally, consider the ZVV Travel Pass, which grants unlimited rides on trams, buses, trains, and riverboats across Zurich, making travel seamless and cost-effective.
Don’t miss the sunset cruise—enjoy warm drinks and snacks while gazing at the city skyline and distant Alps mirrored in the lake. Some routes include guided commentary highlighting landmarks like Zurich Cathedral and the Old Town.
Family-friendly themed boats feature interactive games and children’s activities. For cultural immersion, opt for live music cruises or gourmet food tours, sampling Swiss cheese, chocolate, and regional wines. These experiences blend scenic beauty with authentic local flavor.
Yes, several hotels near the Riverboat docks offer comprehensive travel packages. For example, the Lakefront Getaway Package includes riverboat tickets, hotel stay, and breakfast, with add-ons like city hop-on-hop-off bus passes or onboard photography sessions.
Hotel Baur au Lac’s "Zurich Waterfront Experience" bundle features private dock transfers, a couples’ dinner, and an evening river cruise—ideal for travelers seeking a seamless, all-inclusive journey. These packages are available through hotel websites or major travel platforms, often with flexible date changes for added convenience.
See what other travelers say about Riverboats
Staying at Rigiblick Spa Suites & Studios was an absolute delight, especially for the second time. The self-check-in process was smooth and hassle-free, and getting our room key was quick and easy. The room itself is beautifully designed with a small kitchenette—perfect for light meals or snacks. The bathroom features both a shower and a bathtub, which was a nice touch after a long day. The bed, however, is on the narrower side at 160 cm wide—slightly tight for two guests sharing it. That said, the views over Lake Zurich are absolutely stunning, especially in the evening when the sun dips behind the hills. The hotel’s location is ideal—quiet yet well-connected by public transport. Plus, the fridge and complimentary beverages are generously stocked and included in the room rate, which adds great value. The theater nearby is a bonus for culture lovers. Overall, this stay was exceptional and I’d definitely return.
I highly recommend this apartment for anyone visiting Zurich! The location is unbeatable—right next to the train station, and it’s just a 20-25 minute walk from Zurich HB. Whether you’re arriving by train or exploring the city, getting around is super easy. There’s a large shopping mall nearby, plus several supermarkets like Migros, Lidl, and Coop—all within walking distance. The apartment itself is clean, well-maintained, and offers contactless check-in, which was a big plus for us. We appreciated the convenience and privacy without any hassle. Great value for money, comfortable stay, and perfect for travelers who want both comfort and practicality. Definitely planning to come back!
Staying at this luxury apartment in the heart of Zurich was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from public transit, shopping streets, and local cafes. Everything I needed for a short trip was right there in the apartment, from kitchen essentials to cozy bedding. It was quite hot during my visit (35°C), so I would’ve appreciated a fan, but the management team quickly helped improve airflow and ensured a comfortable night’s sleep. Their responsiveness and warm hospitality made all the difference. This place feels like home—spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. Highly recommend for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and a personal touch.
This family-friendly hotel in a safe, modern neighborhood is absolutely fantastic. Just a few minutes by S-Bahn from the main train station—right in the heart of Zurich—and only a short ride away from the Sihlcity shopping center. The location makes exploring the city so convenient. The family rooms are spacious, clean, and stylishly modern, perfect for travelers with kids. Our children still talk about the pancake machine at breakfast—it was like magic! The staff are incredibly friendly and always ready to help. This place offers unbeatable value and a truly welcoming atmosphere. A top pick for families visiting Zurich.
Staying at the Olympia Hotel Zurich was an absolute highlight of my trip! The front desk staff were incredibly helpful and friendly—she took time to explain how to purchase the fast train tickets, which was such a big relief for me as a first-time visitor. The room itself was immaculately clean, with a cozy and well-designed layout that made me feel right at home. I especially loved how close the hotel is to the bus stop—just a short walk to get around the city or head to the airport. Everything was so convenient, and the overall experience felt premium without the premium price tag. If you're looking for comfort, location, and great service in Zurich, this hotel is a top choice.
I absolutely loved my stay at this property—it exceeded all my expectations! The room was spotless, quiet, and peaceful, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. Located just a short walk from the train station, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Zurich. The bar downstairs has a cozy vibe, and the staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming—always smiling and happy to chat. I especially appreciated the contactless check-in; it was seamless and saved me time. The whole experience felt modern yet personal. I’d definitely come back and recommend this place to friends. If you’re visiting Zurich, don’t miss out on this gem!
The apartment was absolutely fantastic—spacious, clean, and well-designed with a modern touch. Located just minutes from the city center, it's incredibly convenient for exploring Zurich by public transit. The contactless check-in was a huge plus, making our arrival stress-free and efficient. While we appreciated the privacy and independence, we did notice that housekeeping wasn’t scheduled during longer stays, so we had to manage cleaning duties ourselves. That said, the overall experience was outstanding—great value, excellent location, and a comfortable home away from home. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend this place to travelers who prefer self-sufficient stays.
My stay at Trip Inn Zurich Hotel was absolutely fantastic. The single room I booked was by far the largest I've ever had in Europe—spacious, well-lit, and incredibly comfortable. It felt more like a cozy apartment than a hotel room. Located just a 12-minute walk from Zurich HB Train Station, the hotel offers unbeatable convenience for getting around the city or catching trains to nearby destinations. There are plenty of restaurants right on the ground floor, so dining out is super easy—no need to go far for a good meal. I also appreciated the nearby Coop supermarket where I picked up water and snacks to bring back to my room. While the vending machines inside the hotel charge a bit more for bottled water, it’s definitely cheaper to shop at the store. The room itself was spotless, clean, and thoughtfully designed. From check-in to check-out, everything ran smoothly. This place truly delivers great value and comfort—I’d happily return without hesitation.
Staying at Residence Appartements in Zurich was a great experience overall. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the metro and close to all the main attractions, shops, and restaurants. The apartment itself was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully furnished with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The layout felt spacious and practical, making it ideal for both short trips and longer stays. What stood out most was the value for money—great quality without the high price tag. I’d definitely book again next time I’m in Zurich and would recommend this place to friends and family.
StattHotel is an outstanding choice for a stay in Zurich. Located just a 10-minute walk from Zurich HB, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city on foot. The rooms are thoughtfully designed—compact but smartly laid out with all the essentials and nothing extra. Everything feels functional and modern, making it a comfortable and efficient base for both business and leisure travelers. Highly recommend for those who value convenience, style, and a quiet urban retreat.
Even though this is an older property, my family and I truly enjoyed our stay at this charming apartment. The space was perfect for five of us—plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. Daniella was incredibly responsive before we arrived, answering all our questions promptly and making the booking process smooth. We were greeted with welcome gifts that we happily enjoyed after arriving late in the evening. Prince, our host, was friendly and helpful—he showed us where the laundry area was and confirmed our floor level. I was a bit nervous thinking it might be on the top floor, but being on the second floor was much more convenient, especially with my knee issues. One small thing: the shower or bathtub drains slowly when in use—hopefully this can be improved soon. Prince also gave us an extra 30 minutes to finish packing, which was a thoughtful touch. The tram stop is literally just steps away, making public transit super easy and quick. There’s a handy laundry schedule posted on the wall—we booked the last slot since we often return late, but someone else was using the dryer during our time. It would be great if the apartment included a microwave, as it’s much cheaper and easier to heat up ready meals than ordering takeout every night after a full day of sightseeing. Overall, this place exceeded our expectations. The location, comfort, and service are excellent. I’d definitely stay here again on our next visit to Zurich.
Zurich is such a compact city—most attractions are within walking distance, making it perfect for travelers with luggage. I arrived from Paris with a heavy backpack and chose Hotel Montana Zürich precisely because of its convenient location just a short walk from the train station. That proximity made my arrival stress-free. The best part? There’s a Coop supermarket right downstairs—grabbing snacks, drinks, or essentials was effortless. The room itself isn’t large, and the lighting is on the dimmer side, but it’s spotless and well-maintained. Breakfast was surprisingly varied, offering both local Swiss treats and classic Western options. Having breakfast in-room saved me time and energy—no need to hunt for a café or stop by a grocery store. For a city-center stay with great convenience, excellent cleanliness, and a solid breakfast selection, this hotel delivers. A smart choice for any traveler looking for comfort without compromise.
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