Lake Zürich Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Zürich Zürichsee


Coordinates	47°15′N 8°41′E / 47.250°N 8.683°E / 47.250; 8.683
Primary inflows	Linth (Linthkanal)
Primary outflows	Limmat
Catchment area	1,829 km²
Basin countries	Switzerland

Max. length	40 km (25 mi)
Max. width	3 km (1.9 mi)
Surface area	88.66 km² (34.4 mi²)
Average depth	49 m
Max. depth	143 m (469 ft)
Water volume	3.9 km³
Residence time	440 days
Surface elevation	406 m (1,342 ft)

Frozen	1962/1963 (last)
Islands	Lützelau, Ufenau
Settlements	see list

Lake Zürich is a large lake in Switzerland. It stretches southeast from the city of Zürich. The lake is shaped like a banana or a crescent moon. It is a very important natural feature for the region.

Exploring Lake Zürich
Water Quality and Uses
- Drinking Water for the City
- Recreation and Fun Activities
  - Boating and Ferries
Wildlife and Nature Around the Lake
- Fish Species in the Lake
- Birds and Other Animals
Cities and Towns on the Lake
Historical Moments of the Lake
- When the Lake Freezes Over
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Lake Zürich

Lake Zürich is a beautiful and busy place. It is popular for many activities. People come here to swim, sail, and enjoy the views. The lake is surrounded by hills and charming towns.

Where is Lake Zürich Located?

Lake Zürich is in the eastern part of central Switzerland. It sits mainly within the canton of Zürich. Parts of it also touch the cantons of St. Gallen and Schwyz. The lake is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) long. It is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide at its widest point.

How Deep is Lake Zürich?

The average depth of Lake Zürich is about 49 meters (161 feet). Its deepest point is 143 meters (469 feet) down. This makes it quite deep in some areas. The lake holds a large amount of water.

How Lake Zürich Was Formed

Lake Zürich was formed by glaciers. Thousands of years ago, a huge glacier carved out the valley. As the glacier melted, it filled the valley with water. This created the lake we see today. The land around the lake still shows signs of this icy past.

Water Quality and Uses

The water in Lake Zürich is very clean. It is clean enough for people to drink. The lake is a major source of drinking water for Zürich. This shows how well the water is managed.

Drinking Water for the City

Special water treatment plants clean the lake water. They make it safe for everyone to drink. This is a big reason why the lake is so important. It provides fresh water to many homes.

Recreation and Fun Activities

Lake Zürich is a popular spot for recreation. Many people enjoy swimming in its clear waters. Sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are also common. There are many public beaches and swimming areas.

Boating and Ferries

Boats are a big part of life on Lake Zürich. There are private boats, but also public ferries. These ferries connect different towns around the lake. They offer scenic rides for tourists and locals. You can even see old steamboats on the lake.

Wildlife and Nature Around the Lake

Lake Zürich is home to various plants and animals. Many types of fish live in its waters. Birds also visit the lake, especially during migration. The areas around the lake are green and natural.

Fish Species in the Lake

Common fish in Lake Zürich include pike, perch, and trout. Fishing is a popular hobby here. Rules are in place to protect the fish populations.

Birds and Other Animals

You can often see ducks, swans, and gulls on the lake. In the surrounding forests, you might spot deer or foxes. The natural areas provide habitats for many creatures.

Cities and Towns on the Lake

Many towns and cities are located along the shores of Lake Zürich. The biggest and most famous is the city of Zürich itself. Other important towns include Rapperswil and Horgen.

Zürich City: The Main Hub

The city of Zürich is at the northern end of the lake. It is Switzerland's largest city. The lake adds to the city's beauty and lifestyle. Many people live and work near the lake.

Rapperswil: The Rose City

Rapperswil is known as the "Rose City." It has a beautiful old town and a medieval castle. A long wooden bridge, called the Seedamm, connects Rapperswil to Hurden. This bridge crosses a narrow part of the lake.

Islands of Lake Zürich

Lake Zürich has two small islands: Ufenau and Lützelau. Ufenau is the larger one. It has a church and a restaurant. Lützelau is a nature reserve. Both islands are popular for day trips.

Historical Moments of the Lake

Lake Zürich has a long history. It has been important for trade and transport for centuries. In very cold winters, the lake can freeze over.

When the Lake Freezes Over

Freezing of the entire lake is rare. The last time Lake Zürich completely froze was in the winter of 1962-1963. When it freezes, it's called a "Seegfrörni." People can then walk or skate across the ice. This is a very special event.

Images for kids

Lake Zurich from Grossmünster with Quaibrücke and the Limmat River in the foreground
Zürichsee view from Zürich to the Alps.
Küsnachter Dorfbach and Küsnacht's Reformed Church
View from the top of the observation tower at Uetliberg.
View from Felsenegg to the eastern part of Lake Zürich
Ufenau island
Au peninsula
Seedamm between Rapperswil and Hurden, view from Bachtel hill
Lützelau and Rapperswil, view from Ufenau island
Paddle steamships Stadt Rapperswil (to the left) and Stadt Zürich (1914) at Rapperswil (SG) harbour
Zurisee from an airplane