Zürich
The best beaches near Zurich suit different kinds of lake days, from family outings and barbecues in Erlenbach to scenic walks beside the water in Zürich. Choose the setting that matches how you want to spend your time outdoors.
Before heading out, check the exact access point, current opening arrangements and whether swimming is practical. Distance from central Zurich, space for a picnic and the atmosphere around mealtimes can make a noticeable difference.
We researched which places in Zürich visitors recommend most and checked there is enough information to plan a visit.
Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.
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#1Lake swimming with generous grounds
Strandbad Mythenquai pairs lake swimming with generous grounds on the Zurich waterfront. A clean sandy area, clear accessible water, diving facilities, lawns and picnic space give it broad appeal for both active swimmers and slower afternoons by the lake.
Located at Mythenquai 95, it is especially well suited to sunbathing, family time and scenic swims.
#2Seebad Seeliken is a picturesque swimming spot in Zug for lake time, clean water and memorable sunsets. Its lakeside setting suits both a daytime dip and a slower summer evening, with a café adding a convenient refreshment stop during the warmer season.
Located at Artherstrasse 2, the venue combines bathing with the broader Seeliken hospitality offer and is listed with daily opening hours from 10 am to 11 pm. Dogs are not permitted during the bathing season, an important detail for planning a visit.
#3Seebad Rapperswil pairs lake swimming with a sociable waterfront setting in Rapperswil-Jona. The atmosphere suits a full summer outing as well as a relaxed drink by the water, while Pinsa gives the bathing stop a clear food-led identity.
At Bühlerallee, the venue is listed with daily opening hours from 9 am to 8:30 pm and municipal contact details. Its position by the lake makes it appealing for swimming, sunset watching and an easygoing break in the city’s waterfront area.
#4Strandbad Auslikon is a relaxed lake-shore swimming area in Zurich, well suited to an unhurried day beside the water. Shaded places make it appealing for longer stays, whether the plan is swimming, sunbathing or simply slowing down by the lake.
A small shop serves food and ice cream, while toilets, showers and lockers cover the essentials. The address is Strandbadstrasse, 8331 Auslikon; nearby outdoor options include a pumptrack, disc-golf course, Street Workout Park and SportBox.
#5Football and volleyball facilities
At Strandbad Beinwil, a family-friendly lake setting combines swimming with space for active breaks. The atmosphere suits groups who want more than a quick dip, with football and volleyball facilities adding an easy sporting option beside the water.
The restaurant serves snacks and light meals, making it convenient to extend the visit without leaving the lakeside. Located on Staadmattstrasse in Beinwil am See, it is a comfortable choice for warm-water swimming and a straightforward day outdoors.
#6Protected swimming area for small children
Strandbad Dorfmeilen is especially well suited to family days by Lake Zurich, with easy access to the water and a protected swimming area for small children . Shaded spaces, a playground and a toddler pool create a practical mix for different ages.
There are changing rooms, showers, table tennis and a waterslide, giving the lido plenty to do beyond swimming. It stands on Seestrasse in Meilen and offers a friendly, family-oriented lakeside setting.
#7Arbeiterstrandbad Tennwil brings together lakeside swimming, camping and a broad outdoor setting in Tennwil. Its appeal lies in the mix: visitors can settle beside the water, stay overnight or make use of the generous communal spaces for a longer summer escape.
Canoes and paddles can be rented, while boat and surfboard spaces support an active day on the lake. Current notices include temporarily suspended pedalo rental and an absolute fire ban, so conditions should be checked before arrival.
#8Platforms and a diving board
Strandbad Küsnacht is a spacious lake-shore swimming area with a mostly pebbled beach, some sand and plenty of room for relaxing. Children have shallow pools, beach sand and water slides, while deeper areas offer platforms and a diving board for stronger swimmers.
A restaurant and bar round out the visit, making this a versatile family destination near Zurich.
#9Oberrieden Lido pairs a compact lake swimming area with an inviting food-and-drink stop on Lake Zurich. Its kiosk serves ice cream, summer refreshments and grilled food, making the venue suitable for a swim followed by an easy lakeside meal or an unhurried afternoon.
Families have a sandy area, slide and water features for younger children, while the pier setting adds a scenic touch. Located on Seestrasse in Oberrieden, it opens daily in fine weather.
#10Playground right by the pool
Strandbad Uster is a welcoming outdoor bath for an easygoing family day beside the water. A playground right by the pool , a designated swimming area and a relaxed atmosphere make it particularly convenient when children need variety between dips.
The small restaurant provides snacks, while the Uferweg 7 location in Uster works well as a destination for a calm outing. The lakeside edge is natural rather than sandy, with small stones along the water.
#11Striking views across Lake Zurich
Seebad Risi brings open-air lake swimming to Stäfa, with striking views across Lake Zurich and clear water that suits a refreshing swim or a sunset visit. Its setting is the main attraction: peaceful, scenic and closely connected to the lakeshore.
The narrow, partly steep grass strip and rocky lake entry give the site a more natural feel than a fully landscaped pool. Facilities include areas for play and sport, gastronomy, water-temperature details, seasonal hours and 2026 admission information at Seestrasse 284.
#12A gentle setting for paddling
Seebadi Pfäffikon is a lakeside lido in Pfäffikon SZ, at 8808 Freienbach, suited to relaxed shoreline time rather than deep-water swimming. Its shallow water creates a gentle setting for paddling , while the lakeside path adds an appealing option for a stroll beside the water.
The site is also associated with a restaurant and provides an easy point of reference for exploring nearby bathing spots in the Schwyz area. Its listed contact number is +41 55 410 69 69; seasonal access and restaurant opening should be checked before travelling.
#13A quiet lakeshore setting
Junkerfarm is next to the bathing area
Badi Seegräben offers a quiet lakeshore setting in 8607 Seegräben, with swimming spots that work well for an unhurried summer dip. The surrounding lake also lends itself to walking or jogging in cooler seasons, making this more than a purely warm-weather destination.
Its peaceful atmosphere suits visitors looking to spend time by the water without a highly developed beach setting. Junkerfarm is next to the bathing area for food and drinks, and arriving early is sensible on hot summer days when the best shoreline spots fill quickly.
#14Close to Rote Fabrik
Windsurfing and stand-up paddling
Strandbad Wollishofen is a compact lakeside bathing spot in Zurich, close to Rote Fabrik and well suited to combining a swim with water-based activities. Its smaller scale gives it a more focused, easygoing feel than a large pool complex.
The offer includes lake access alongside options such as windsurfing and stand-up paddling , making it attractive for active summer outings. Located at Seestrasse 451, it has municipal location and facility details available, while seasonal opening hours are worth checking before departure.
#15Dedicated children’s water area
Large lawn with natural shade
Strandbad Sonnenfeld is a spacious lake shore swimming area on Lake Zurich, designed for a full day by the water. A large lawn provides both sunny and naturally shaded places to relax, while the lake includes diving facilities and a dedicated shallow children’s area.
Families have access to a paddling pool, sandpit, slide and further play options. Beach volleyball, outdoor chess, barbecue facilities, a kiosk and a small restaurant add variety between swims. The setting is more about grass and lake access than a sandy beach, with limited parking nearby.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Strandbad Mythenquai | 4.6 | 1,718 | Lake days with swimming and picnics |
| #2 | Seebad Seeliken | 4.7 | 375 | Sunset swims |
| #3 | Seebad Rapperswil | 4.7 | 313 | Waterfront afternoons combining swimming |
| #4 | Strandbad Auslikon | 4.5 | 992 | A relaxed lake day with practical facilities and nearby outdoor activities |
| #5 | Strandbad Beinwil | 4.5 | 854 | Families and groups wanting swimming plus casual sports |
| #6 | Strandbad Dorfmeilen | 4.6 | 275 | Families with toddlers and young children |
| #7 | Arbeiterstrandbad Tennwil | 4.4 | 1,108 | Longer lakeside stays and non-motorised water activities |
| #8 | Strandbad Küsnacht | 4.5 | 389 | Family lake days with varied water play |
| #9 | Oberrieden Lido | 4.5 | 318 | Casual swimming |
| #10 | Strandbad Uster | 4.4 | 605 | Families seeking a relaxed swim with play space |
| #11 | Seebad Risi | 4.5 | 243 | Swimmers prioritising lake views |
| #12 | Seebadi Pfäffikon | 4.4 | 397 | Shallow-water paddling and lakeside walks |
| #13 | Badi Seegräben | 4.5 | 169 | Quiet swims and seasonal lakeside walks |
| #14 | Strandbad Wollishofen | 4.4 | 303 | Active swimmers looking for a compact lake venue near Rote Fabrik |
| #15 | Strandbad Sonnenfeld | 4.4 | 222 | — |
For businesses
Map and areas
The options sit in two distinct areas: Erlenwagen Playa Lago Zurich is in 8703 Erlenbach, while Mythenquai is in 8002 Zürich. This makes the map useful for comparing a quieter lakeside outing with a more urban waterfront setting. Use your starting point to judge travel time before leaving. Mythenquai is convenient for a promenade and casual stop, while Erlenbach may better suit a planned family visit, picnic or barbecue.
Erlenwagen Playa Lago Zurich in Erlenbach is the more natural choice for a family outing. Its relaxed lakeside setting suits a slower day outdoors, with room for a picnic, barbecue or drinks beside the lake. Confirm current access arrangements before travelling, especially if you are planning around children or a longer stay.
Mythenquai in 8002 Zürich is well suited to a scenic walk along the waterfront. The promenade brings broad views across the lake, cool breezes and passing boats, creating an easygoing route for an atmosphere-led outing. It is better for walking and lakeside downtime than for straightforward swimming, so check the access route if entering the water matters.
Erlenwagen Playa Lago Zurich is the stronger option for a planned barbecue, picnic or relaxed gathering by the water. The setting is particularly suitable for spending several unhurried hours outdoors rather than making only a brief stop. Check what is currently permitted and whether you need to bring all cooking equipment, food and drinks with you.
Mythenquai is primarily appealing for its promenade, views and lakeside atmosphere, and access to the water is not especially straightforward for swimming. If swimming is your main reason for visiting, inspect the route and current conditions before setting off. For a walk, casual meal or time beside the lake, it remains a convenient Zurich option.
