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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 Züri by Fassbind in Zurich was an absolute delight. Located just behind the main train station on the city’s edge, it’s a short 10–15 minute walk to both the train and long-distance bus stations—perfect for travelers who value convenience without the noise of a central location. The hotel itself is incredibly quiet and spotlessly clean, making it a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. I booked the most affordable room—a loft-style space—and while it’s compact, it felt open and airy, not at all cramped. The design is modern yet cozy, with thoughtful touches throughout. One thing to note: extending your stay means a noticeable price increase, so if you’re planning to stay longer, book your full duration upfront. Overall, this is one of the best value stays in Zurich, especially for those who appreciate a calm, well-maintained place with great access.
Staying at Swiss Night by Fassbind was a fantastic experience overall. The location is excellent—just a 3- to 4-minute walk to the bus stop, making it super convenient for getting around Zurich. The hotel sits in a quiet, peaceful area, far from the city noise, which made for a relaxing and restful stay. Even though the rooms are compact, they’re well-designed with all the essentials: clean bedding, modern bathroom, efficient air conditioning, and plenty of storage space. The only minor issue was the pillows—they were a bit too soft for my taste, but I easily fixed that by bringing my own travel pillow. With its central yet serene setting, excellent service, and great value, this hotel is definitely worth considering if you're visiting Zurich.
I’ve stayed in many hotels around Europe, but this one truly stood out. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming—so helpful from check-in to check-out. They even offered to store my luggage before check-in and after checkout, which made exploring Zurich’s attractions so much easier without dragging heavy bags around. Every front desk team member was polite, friendly, and genuinely attentive. The room was perfectly cool with excellent air conditioning, making it ideal for a restful night’s sleep. What really made the stay special was the unique chocolate-themed design—especially the chocolate-shaped bedside tables that added such a charming, whimsical touch. It’s modern, stylish, and full of character. I felt right at home, and slept like a baby. This is definitely a place I’d recommend to friends and would absolutely return to. A perfect blend of comfort, charm, and thoughtful service.
Staying at the Cosmopolitan Apartments Zürich Seefeld was an absolute highlight of my trip to Zurich. Nestled in a quiet residential area near the lake, it’s surprisingly close to the city center—just a short walk or quick transit ride away. The neighborhood feels peaceful and safe, yet everything I needed was within easy reach: a Migros supermarket and a Coop grocery store just a few minutes’ walk. The studio is around 30 square meters—compact but thoughtfully designed. It includes a comfortable bed, a small dining table, a cozy sofa with coffee table, a TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a modern bathroom with shower. What stood out? The little touches: Nespresso capsules waiting upon arrival, a bottle of mineral water in the fridge, and tasteful, minimalist decor that made the space feel both welcoming and stylish. Check-in is completely self-service via code—no front desk hassle—and the hosts regularly check in to see how you’re doing. It’s perfect for solo travelers who value independence but still want attentive care. I’d book here again in a heartbeat.
The location is excellent—just a short walk from the city center and well-connected by public transit. The apartment itself has plenty of space, which was a plus. However, the overall experience was disappointing. The furnishings are extremely low quality—some cabinet doors were missing, and it felt like a student dorm with all IKEA furniture. Basic supplies like soap and shampoo were barely enough. We had to pay upfront, and communication was mostly via email, which made things difficult since the key was left in a 'secret' spot with no clear instructions. To make matters worse, we were told at checkout that we needed to vacuum and clean the entire place thoroughly—so we even filmed ourselves doing it, just in case they tried to charge us later. This is exactly what some reviews warned about: unexpected fees after check-out. While the location is great, the poor quality, lack of service, and unnecessary hassle aren’t worth it. Definitely not staying here again.
Staying at Lamira - Serviced Apartments in Zurich was an absolute highlight of my trip. The apartment itself is incredibly well-designed and offers excellent value for money—definitely one of the best deals I’ve found. The room is spacious and clean, though the bed is a bit soft and slightly shorter than expected; two women were comfortable, but it might feel tight for taller guests. What really stands out is the fully equipped kitchen with a built-in oven—perfect for preparing meals from groceries picked up at the nearby supermarket. I cooked several dinners during my stay, which saved me a lot of money and gave me a real homey feel. The bathroom is large and modern, and there’s a washer and dryer on-site, which made laundry stress-free. My unit even had a private balcony where I enjoyed morning coffee while watching the city come alive. The location is unbeatable—just a 500-meter walk left from the building to the train station, making travel around Zurich effortless. With great amenities, top-tier convenience, and a cozy atmosphere, this place is perfect for both short stays and longer visits. Highly recommended!
The staff was extremely unfriendly and gave zero flexibility regarding early check-in. I arrived at 1 PM, but check-in wasn't until 4 PM. Instead of allowing me to wait in the common area or offering to store my bags, they just left my luggage sitting around the facility and told me to leave and come back later. This was one of the worst hostel experiences I've ever had. The place is cheap and clean, which is a plus, but the facilities are basic and nothing is done to encourage guest interaction or socializing. It felt very impersonal and unwelcoming—definitely not worth it for the price.
Staying at Luxury Residences by Widder Hotel in Zurich was an absolute delight. The breakfast spread was exceptional—fresh, delicious, and varied, with local specialties that truly stood out. Location-wise, it's unbeatable: just a short walk to the city center, making it easy to explore everything Zurich has to offer, from shopping to museums and dining. The whole experience felt luxurious yet comfortable, and I’d definitely book here again on my next visit. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a home away from home with top-tier service and charm.
Perfectly located just steps from the tram stop and a quick ride to Zurich HB—ideal for exploring the city. The apartment was clean, well-maintained, and offered a comfortable stay with all essentials. I loved the contactless check-in; it was smooth and hassle-free. The neighborhood felt safe and convenient, with everything nearby. I’d definitely book again and recommend this place to anyone visiting Zurich.
Staying at EasyHotel Zürich West was a fantastic experience. The hotel’s location is unbeatable—right next to the train station, making it super convenient for getting around Zurich and beyond. Even though there's no front desk, self-check-in was smooth and hassle-free. The room was spacious with a great TV, and the beds were incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep. I’d highly recommend requesting a higher floor during booking; the views are much more pleasant from above, offering a nice outlook over the cityscape. Overall, this place delivers excellent value for money and comfort. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a simple, efficient, and well-located stay in Zurich.
I was really satisfied with the service at this apartment and would definitely recommend it to friends. The location is excellent—just a short walk from public transit and surrounded by great cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. The unit itself was spotless, well-equipped, and had a modern, clean vibe. I especially appreciated the contactless check-in; using the app to unlock the door was seamless and gave me a sense of privacy and independence. The bed was super comfortable, and I slept really well. It’s rare to find such a high-quality stay at this price point. If you’re visiting Zurich, this is a top pick—I’ll be recommending it to everyone who asks.
I’ve stayed at Guggach Apartôtel multiple times now, and every visit has been excellent. The rooms are spotless, well-equipped, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for both short trips and longer stays. The staff go above and beyond with their friendliness and helpfulness, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just a few steps from public transit, and everything you need—bakery, grocery stores, cafes—is within walking distance. There’s also a fully functional gym on-site, which is a huge plus if you’re traveling with fitness in mind. Housekeeping is regular and thorough, so you never have to worry about cleanliness. All in all, this place delivers exceptional value for money. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a home away from home with top-tier convenience and service. Definitely my go-to choice when visiting Zurich.
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