Zurich, Switzerland: And the Lake Zurich Area

Updated April 2025
Züruch is Switzerland's largest city surrounded by attractive scenery including the expansive Lake Zurich, Zürich is a popular destination for many reasons. Located in north central Switzerland, this bustling city has much to offer just by itself including a charming Old Town, numerous museums, lakeside activities, hilltop vistas, and even a fun chocolate factory.

This Starting-Point Guide covers Zurich, much of the Lake Zurich area, and many mountain adventures ranging from tall mountain peaks to low-key family adventures. You will find details in this guide on suggested day trips such as a visit to Liechtenstein or Rhine Falls.

Numerous graphs, maps, and photographs are included to help orient you to this historic area. Guidance on how to get around town and an orientation to the most popular sites is included. This guide focuses on the city and nearby attractions. This is not a complete guide to all of central or northcentral Switzerland. Such a guide would go beyond the suggested scope of staying in one town and having enjoyable day trips from there.