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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
This hotel is absolutely fantastic! It's a bit farther from Zurich HB, but everything else more than makes up for it. The room was spotless and incredibly quiet—perfect for a good night's sleep. I especially loved the small balcony; it was a great little spot to enjoy morning coffee with a view. Breakfast was a classic Western spread with plenty of variety and fresh options. One major plus: free drinks available downstairs, which saved me money on bottled water and soft drinks. From comfort to convenience, this place nails it. A truly memorable stay—I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting Zurich.
Staying at Hotel Rutli was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right across from the main train station and a large supermarket, making it super convenient for getting around Zurich. There's a great Chinese restaurant just downstairs, and nearby is the tram stop leading directly to ETH Zurich—perfect for students or professionals. I especially loved the free mini-bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot drinks, which made winter stays even more cozy. The hotel itself is clean, welcoming, and well-maintained. It’s rare to find such a high-quality stay with so much convenience and comfort in one place. Definitely going back.
Our first stop on our Swiss honeymoon was Zurich, and from the moment we arrived, the city’s charm lifted our spirits. The hotel was incredibly clean and well-maintained—exactly what we hoped for after a long journey. It's not far from the train station, and with great public transport links nearby, getting around was a breeze. Everything we needed—restaurants, shops, cafes—was just a short walk away, making it easy to explore the city on foot. We especially loved strolling through the streets at night to enjoy the stunning skyline views. Returning to the hotel after a perfect evening felt like coming home. Truly a memorable stay with excellent value.
I was lucky to find a room here since all the hotels near my company were fully booked. The location is quiet and safe, with minimal noise from the surrounding area—perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep. While there aren’t many dining options nearby, the calm atmosphere more than makes up for it. It’s also well-connected by public transit, making it easy to get into the city center. A solid choice for business travelers looking for comfort and value without the hassle.
My stay at Boutique & Art Hotel Helvetia was absolutely delightful. The hotel boasts a clean, minimalist design with subtle artistic touches throughout—very elegant and calming. I especially loved the heated floors, which made stepping into the room so comfortable, especially during colder evenings. The front desk isn’t available 24/7, but they provide a secure access code for the door, which worked perfectly and added a nice touch of convenience. Located just a short walk from the city center, it’s incredibly easy to explore Zurich on foot or via public transit. Great ambiance, thoughtful details, and excellent value—definitely a place I’d recommend and return to.
I couldn't be more satisfied with my stay at Ibis Styles Zurich City Center! From the moment I arrived, everything felt seamless and welcoming. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to the heart of Zurich, with excellent access to public transport, restaurants, and shopping. My room was spotless, modern, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. What stood out most was the amazing value—top-quality service and amenities without the high price tag. If you're looking for a reliable, stylish, and convenient base in Zurich, this hotel is an absolute must-try. I’ll definitely be back!
The overall experience was excellent 👍. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from Zurich HB train station, with flat access all the way. There’s a supermarket right downstairs, and nearby Coop has an affordable buffet on the fourth floor that’s worth trying. The hotel is spotlessly clean and well-maintained throughout. An elevator takes you directly to your floor on the ground level, and the bathroom lighting is bright and functional. Showering is only possible in the bathtub, which isn’t ideal, but the toilet flush requires covering the lid first—a small quirk that actually helps keep hygiene in check. The mini-bar includes coffee capsules for a quick caffeine fix. What truly stood out was the warm and helpful service from a female staff member who didn’t look typically European but was incredibly kind and attentive—she made us feel welcome and at ease during our stay in Zurich. We chose this hotel mainly for its excellent transport links, cleanliness, and genuine hospitality. The only minor downside was that our room shared a door with the adjacent one, and since the neighboring room had a family with kids, there was some noise—still, it didn’t ruin the trip. Overall, this place offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere, highly recommended.
Staying at Ibis Zurich Messe Airport was a delightful surprise. I’ve heard about this place through friends and finally had the chance to experience it myself—definitely worth the visit. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious for a budget-friendly hotel. The bed was comfortable, and the quiet atmosphere made for a restful night’s sleep. Breakfast was a classic European style—simple but satisfying: fresh bread, jam, coffee, and some local sausages. Not overly elaborate, but everything was fresh and tasty. What really stood out was the location. It’s just a short walk from the airport, with excellent public transport links to downtown Zurich. The surrounding area is peaceful and scenic, offering a nice balance between convenience and tranquility. If you’re traveling through Zurich or need a reliable base near the airport, this hotel delivers great value. I’ll definitely come back.
Staying at Hotel Scheuble was a real highlight during my trip to Zurich! The room was spotless, and the bathroom felt fresh and well-maintained—everything you’d expect from a clean, modern hotel. I appreciated that all the amenities like shampoo and towels were provided in good quality. The air conditioning wasn’t the strongest initially, but it cooled down nicely within about half an hour, which worked perfectly for me. What really stood out was the location—most of the top attractions were just a 5-10 minute walk away, and getting to the city center via public transit was super easy. Breakfast was excellent: fresh, well-served, and had a nice variety of options. The staff were incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English—they even helped carry my luggage with a smile. It’s a small detail, but it made a big difference. One minor note: there’s no free shuttle pass included, but honestly, with how central the hotel is, it’s not necessary. Overall, this place offers great value, comfort, and hospitality. I’d definitely book here again.
The Hotel Sternen Oerlikon exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I arrived, the cleanliness was impressive—every corner felt fresh and well-maintained. The staff were incredibly warm and helpful, making check-in smooth and welcoming. I truly felt at home during my two-night stay. Located just a short subway ride from downtown Zurich, it’s both convenient and peaceful—a perfect balance for a relaxing getaway. The attention to detail, comfort of the room, and overall ambiance made this a standout experience. I’d absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
I was worried the room would be cramped and barely fit a person, but actually it was quite comfortable—similar in size to budget chains like Home Inn or 7 Days in China, though I do understand this is Switzerland, so expectations should be balanced. The room was spotless and very clean, which made a big difference. Best of all, it's just a 10-minute walk from Zurich’s main train station—perfect for getting around the city without hassle. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in and check-out smooth. Also, on Wednesdays, the Kunsthaus Zurich museum offers free admission—definitely worth a visit if you're into art. Overall, this hotel delivers great value for money, with excellent location and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Zurich.
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.
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