Lake Zurich and Neighbouring Griefensee

My first experience of Zurich is from the banks of Lake Zurich. Many hours could be spent alongside the lakeside without even stepping foot into the city centre.

The hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s economic hot-spots is here juxtaposed with the serenity and calm of the lakeside where aimless wandering and appreciation of the scenery appears a higher priority than the purposeful strides of the suited and booted in the business-orientated city centre.

You can read about my round-up of Zurich city life here.

We stopped along the lakeside in the small town of Stafa. Cafes and restaurants line the lake-side where laid-back locals enjoy a meal and wine with friends. The lakeside is a perfect place to sit back with your favourite flavour of gelato and enjoy the sunshine. In the far distance the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, approximately 30km away peer over the South end of the lake.

If you fancy taking to the lake you can hire a pedalo or small rowing boat. Alternatively, there is a ferry ride that takes you across the lake allowing you to hop over to other beautiful towns on the other side.

Not too far from lake Zurich are a series of other smaller, and perhaps more tranquil, lakes away from the tourist buzz. Lake Griefensee to the North-East of Zurich, is home to a handful of campsites within a perfect travelling distance from the City where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

The trail around lake Griefensee is perfect for taking a stroll. Locals use the picturesque trail for cycling, walks and roller-blading. The path has a gentle gradient as it meanders over the rolling hills at the lakeside and is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and fields of corn.

As the sun begins to set over the lakeside the lake mirrors the colours of the sky. A distant glow of orange lights from far-off towns across the lake harmonise with the wonderful light of dusk.

Lake Zurich and its surrounding lakes allow a beautiful glimpse of serenity.