Picture sedately cruising a shimmering glassy blue expanse. Like an unfolding theatrical set, the jagged snow-capped Alps give way to gently sloping vineyards and orchards. The sheer beauty of 24-mile-long crescent-shaped Lake Zurich will take your breath away. Combine that with Zurich’s sophisticated cultural buzz and the charms of rural town life, and you have the perfect yachting destination.
ZURICH
Lying on the top shores of Lake Zurich and nestling in a picturesque mountain-side valley, Zurich is cocooned in nature. The Limmat River snakes its way through its heart, and the Uetliberg Mountain rises 2,850 feet above sea level in its centre, attracting hikers and mountain bikers, while in the winter, it’s popular with sledders.
Zurich is an ideal spot for those who wish to immerse themselves in the Swiss culture. Its vast historic Sechseläutenplatz square with a famous fairground and the nearby internationally-renowned 1,100-seat Zurich Opera House, which annually stages 250 performances (including 13 opera premieres), are a great starting point. For your art fix, head to Kunsthaus Zürich and marvel at modernist masterpieces from Picasso to Munch. Aside from its heritage, Zurich pulsates with youthful energy, such as in the trendy Zürich-West quarter (full of unusual boutiques, restaurants and bars).
The Lake offers scenic mooring at Hensa Lago Marina (Altendorf, Lake Zurich) where our Princess dealers are located, Thalwil (Western shore) and on the Eastern shore, Stäfa. Another recommended stop is Rapperswil, where you can take a relaxing amble along the town’s pretty medieval alleys to its hilltop castle. Dubbed ‘the town of the roses’, the scent of 16,000 roses fills the air of the monastery and Schanz rose gardens. For total tranquility, cruise to the Island of Ufenau to roam its nature reserve, medieval churches and ancient Einsiedeln Abbey (dating from the year 965).
For a different taste of Switzerland, experience something sweet at the new interactive Lindt Chocolate Museum. Next to the Kilchberg factory site (built in 1899), it boasts a 9m high chocolate-dripping fountain and 500m2 shop to simply lose yourself in!
RESTAURANTS
Staying on the subject of food, Lake Zurich is lined with many fine dining restaurants. To enjoy delectable cuisine and drink in amazing lakeside views, we suggest:
Belvoir Restaurant & Grill
Be tempted by chargrilled succulent meat and fish dishes at this 15 Gault Millau points-awarded restaurant.
Gasthof Hirschen am See
Renowned for spectacular views and mouth-watering freshly prepared seasonal and Mediterranean delicacies.
Frohberg Stäfa
Tasty traditional Swiss food, local fish dishes, wines and traditional folk music – it’s the real deal.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Zurich Marathon (10 April 2022)
Watch the spectacle of thousands of pro athletes and amateurs running a route skirting both Lake Zurich and downtown Zurich.
Zurich Festival (Biennial, late June to late July)
See world-class opera, concerts, plus classic/fringe theatre.
Caliente! (1–3 July, 2022)
Feel the exciting beat and sample the exotic flavours of South America at Europe’s largest Latin festival of music, food and culture.
