
Bürkliplatz Zurich
Bürkliplatz: Zurich's scenic lakeside hub for transport, stunning views, and vibrant seasonal markets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather for lake activities.

Bürkliplatz Zurich
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather for lake activities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bürkliplatz: Zurich's scenic lakeside hub for transport, stunning views, and vibrant seasonal markets.
"A must-visit for its beautiful lake and mountain views and central transport links."

🚢 Ferry Pass Value
A 9 o'clock Tagespass offers unlimited ferry rides on Lake Zurich and all public transport in the canton.
🚗 Avoid Driving
Parking is scarce and driving into Zurich is not recommended; public transport is efficient.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Zurich Ferry Terminal
Bürkliplatz
Embark on scenic boat tours across the shimmering Lake Zurich, offering stunning city and mountain vistas.

Promenade Views
Bürkliplatz lakeside
Stroll along the promenade, enjoying panoramic views of the lake, the Alps, and the city skyline.

Flower Market (Seasonal)
Bürkliplatz
Experience a vibrant display of colors and scents at the seasonal flower market, a local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Zurich's Lakeside Hub
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Pass Value
A 9 o'clock Tagespass offers unlimited ferry rides on Lake Zurich and all public transport in the canton.
🚗 Avoid Driving
Parking is scarce and driving into Zurich is not recommended; public transport is efficient.
🗺️ Zurich Card Perks
The Zurich Card includes unlimited public transport and free museum entries, a great money-saver.
🎶 Salsa Nights
Check for spontaneous salsa dancing events by the lake, a fun local experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Pass Value
A 9 o'clock Tagespass offers unlimited ferry rides on Lake Zurich and all public transport in the canton.
🚗 Avoid Driving
Parking is scarce and driving into Zurich is not recommended; public transport is efficient.
🗺️ Zurich Card Perks
The Zurich Card includes unlimited public transport and free museum entries, a great money-saver.
🎶 Salsa Nights
Check for spontaneous salsa dancing events by the lake, a fun local experience.
⛰️ Mountain Views
Use apps like PeakFinder or swisstopo to identify distant mountain peaks on clear days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bürkliplatz is a highly regarded central hub, praised for its stunning lake and mountain views, convenient transport links, and vibrant seasonal markets. While some find the area can get crowded, especially during peak times and events, its accessibility and scenic beauty make it a must-visit for most travelers.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bürkliplatz is a major transport hub easily accessible by numerous trams and buses from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and other city points. It also serves as a primary ferry terminal for Lake Zurich cruises.
Absolutely! Public transport is highly recommended. The Zurich Card or a day pass covers all trams, buses, and ferries, making it convenient and cost-effective. Driving and parking are challenging.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes, passing through Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town. You can also take the central Polybahn funicular for a scenic ascent.
Bürkliplatz is served by multiple tram lines (e.g., 2, 5, 8, 9, 11) and bus routes, connecting you to various parts of the city. The ferry terminal offers access to Lake Zurich.
Parking near Bürkliplatz is very limited and expensive. It's best to use public transport or park at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the city center and take public transport in.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bürkliplatz itself is a public square and promenade, so there's no entry fee to walk around and enjoy the views.
Boat tour prices vary depending on the duration and type of cruise. A 9 o'clock Tagespass (day pass) for 27 CHF offers unlimited ferry rides on Lake Zurich and all public transport.
If you plan to use public transport extensively and visit museums, the Zurich Card is highly recommended. It covers unlimited transport and free museum entries, including access to the Polybahn.
Yes, you can purchase ferry tickets directly at the ZSG (Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft) ticket counter at Bürkliplatz for various lake cruises.
The Zoological Museum is free to enter and is a short walk or Polybahn ride away. Exploring the Old Town and enjoying the lake views from Bürkliplatz are also free activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy lakeside strolls, take scenic boat tours on Lake Zurich, admire the views of the Alps, and experience seasonal markets like the flower market.
The best views are of Lake Zurich, the surrounding Alps on a clear day, and the city skyline. The terrace at ETH Zurich, accessible via the Polybahn, offers a fantastic panoramic city view.
Bürkliplatz hosts various events, including seasonal markets, concerts, and sometimes outdoor dance events like salsa nights. The Street Parade also features stages nearby.
Yes, on clear days, you can see various Alpine peaks. Apps like PeakFinder or swisstopo can help you identify them.
Bürkliplatz offers excellent photographic opportunities with its lake, mountain, and city views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Bürkliplatz itself is more of a public space and transport hub, there are numerous cafes and restaurants along the lakeside promenade and in the nearby city center offering various cuisines.
Look for bakeries or smaller cafes in the side streets off Bahnhofstrasse for more affordable sandwiches and pastries. Supermarkets also offer good picnic options.
Yes, the lakeside promenade is a perfect spot for a picnic. You can purchase supplies from local supermarkets or bakeries.
While not directly at Bürkliplatz, the historic Öpfelchammer restaurant offers a unique traditional Swiss experience, including a quirky 'climbing through rafters' challenge.
Zurich cuisine features hearty Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce), fondue, raclette, and various pastries and chocolates.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lakeside promenade offers stunning shots of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The ferry terminal provides interesting foreground elements.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday can be bright, but the expansive lake views are always impressive.
Yes, on clear days, the Alps are visible and make for dramatic backdrops. Use a zoom lens to capture distant peaks.
Capturing the ferries against the lake and mountains, or the vibrant flower market in season, offers unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant mountain details. A polarizing filter can enhance the lake's colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Picnicking by the lake is a budget-friendly and enjoyable option for families. You can easily grab supplies from local bakeries or supermarkets. While there aren't specific playgrounds directly at Bürkliplatz, the general atmosphere and the novelty of boat rides often keep children entertained.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on transport, invest in a day pass or the Zurich Card if you plan on using public transport frequently. For meals, opt for picnics with supplies from supermarkets or bakeries, or seek out local bakeries for affordable sandwiches and pastries.
couples
For a unique evening activity, check if there are any salsa dancing events by the lake, which can be a fun and lively date. Exploring the charming Old Town nearby, accessible by a short walk, also provides a romantic backdrop for discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Zurich by Boat
When planning your boat trip, consider the Limmat river cruise as an alternative if you prefer a shorter, city-focused water experience. It's advisable to check the ZSG timetable assistant online for specific cruise schedules and routes. While driving to Bürkliplatz is possible, it's strongly discouraged due to limited parking; opting for public transport is far more convenient and stress-free.
For those interested in identifying the mountain ranges visible from the lake, apps like PeakFinder or swisstopo are invaluable tools. These can help you pinpoint specific peaks and understand the geography surrounding Zurich, adding another layer of appreciation to the stunning scenery.
Bürkliplatz as a Transport Hub
The presence of the ferry terminal makes Bürkliplatz the gateway to exploring the picturesque Lake Zurich. Whether you're heading to a lakeside town or simply enjoying a scenic cruise, the ferries departing from here are a quintessential Zurich experience. For visitors aiming to maximize their travel and sightseeing, the Zurich Card is a highly recommended investment. It provides unlimited access to all public transport within Zurich and its surrounding canton, along with free entry to many museums and other attractions.
Travelers often emphasize the ease and efficiency of Zurich's public transport system, advising against driving into the city due to parking difficulties and traffic congestion. Utilizing trams, buses, and ferries from Bürkliplatz is the most practical and enjoyable way to navigate Zurich and its beautiful surroundings.
Seasonal Markets and Events
Beyond markets, Bürkliplatz is a venue for cultural happenings. You might stumble upon spontaneous salsa dancing sessions by the lake, as captured in some social media posts, adding a lively and unexpected dimension to your visit. The area also plays a role during major city events like the Street Parade, with stages and activities often set up nearby, contributing to the city's energetic atmosphere.
These events transform Bürkliplatz from a transit point into a destination in itself, offering visitors a glimpse into local life and traditions. Checking local event listings before your visit can help you time your trip to coincide with these engaging activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit