Is the Seefeld promenade walk difficult?

No, it is an easy, flat walk. The entire route follows the lakeside path which is paved and accessible, making it suitable for all fitness levels, strollers, and wheelchairs.

What is the best time for a walking route in Seefeld?

The best time is late afternoon. You can enjoy the museums and gardens while they are open, and then watch the sunset over Lake Zurich from the Zürichhorn, which is a local favorite activity.

Is Pavillon Le Corbusier worth visiting?

Yes, especially for fans of architecture and design. It is the only building by Le Corbusier made of steel and glass and serves as a vibrant museum of his life's work. Note that it is typically closed during the winter months.

Can I swim in the lake during this self-guided walk?

Yes, there are several public access points for swimming along the route, particularly at the Zürichhorn and the various 'Badis' (swimming baths) like Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen near the end of the route.

Are there places to eat along the Seefeld lakeside?

Absolutely. There are numerous options ranging from casual kiosks selling sausages and ice cream at Zürichhorn to high-end dining at the Opera House or Lake Side restaurant.

Is the Chinese Garden in Zurich free?

No, the Chinese Garden usually charges a small admission fee (around 4 CHF). It is open daily from spring through autumn, but it is best to check current seasonal hours.

How do I get back to Zurich city center from the end of the walk?

You can take Tram 2 or 4 from the Wildbachstrasse stop, which is a short walk from the Lake Side restaurant. Alternatively, you can take a scenic ferry ride from the Zürichhorn pier back to Bürkliplatz.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the refined charm of Zurich's gold coast on this self-guided walk through the Seefeld neighborhood. This route invites you to transition from the grand, bustling city squares to the serene, artistic landscapes that line the shores of Lake Zurich. As you follow the lakeside promenade, you will experience a unique blend of high culture, modernist architecture, and tranquil greenery. This area, known for its prestige and elegance, offers some of the most stunning views of the Glarus Alps across the shimmering water. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of Zurich’s high quality of life, taking you past historic institutions and hidden artistic treasures. The journey begins at the expansive Sechseläutenplatz, the city's largest square, where tradition meets modern urban design. From here, the route guides you past the majestic Opera House, a beacon of Neo-Baroque splendor. As you move further south into Seefeld, the atmosphere shifts from urban grandeur to parkland peace. You will encounter the Pavillon Le Corbusier, a kaleidoscopic masterpiece of 20th-century architecture that stands as the final work of the legendary Swiss-French architect. Nearby, the Chinagarten offers a moment of Zen-like reflection, showcasing traditional craftsmanship gifted to Zurich by its partner city, Kunming. The walk concludes at the Zürichhorn, a lush delta where locals gather to enjoy the sun and public art. This walking route is perfect for those who want to explore Zurich at their own pace, away from the frantic pace of the Bahnhofstrasse, while still enjoying the architectural and natural highlights that make this city so iconic. Whether you are a fan of modernist design, a lover of botanical gardens, or simply looking for a peaceful lakeside escape, this self-guided adventure provides the perfect introduction to Zurich’s most sophisticated district.

Highlights

Marvel at the Neo-Baroque architecture of the Zürich Opera House

Visit the colorful Pavillon Le Corbusier, a masterpiece of modern design

Find tranquility in the traditional Chinese Garden of Zurich

Walk the scenic promenade with views of the Glarus Alps

Discover Jean Tinguely's kinetic sculpture 'Heureka' at Zürichhorn

Relax in the lush green spaces of Zurich’s most prestigious neighborhood

Tour Stops (6)

Sechseläutenplatz

Welcome to Sechseläutenplatz, the largest town square in Switzerland. This vast open space, paved with Valser quartzite, serves as the city's living room. Historically, this site has been the heart of Zurich’s most famous tradition: the Sechseläuten spring festival. Every April, a giant snowman called the 'Böögg' is placed atop a bonfire here; the faster his head explodes, the better the summer is predicted to be. Take a moment to appreciate the scale of the square, which connects the busy city center with the lake. The modern design we see today was completed in 2014, creating a seamless transition between the urban fabric and the water. It is a place of constant motion, where locals meet before a show or simply enjoy the sun.

Zürich Opera House

Standing proudly at the edge of the square is the Zürich Opera House. Opened in 1891, this Neo-Baroque jewel was built after the previous theater burned down. If you look closely at the facade, you can see busts of famous cultural figures like Shakespeare, Mozart, and Wagner. It was the first opera house in Europe to have electric lighting, a testament to Zurich’s forward-thinking nature even in the 19th century. Despite its relatively small size—seating only about 1,100 people—it is world-renowned for its high-quality productions and has seen many famous premieres. The building’s white and grey stone contrasts beautifully with the blue of the lake just steps away, making it one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

Pavillon Le Corbusier

As you continue along the lake, you will reach a striking structure of glass, steel, and brightly colored panels. This is the Pavillon Le Corbusier, the final building designed by the legendary architect before his death in 1965. Unlike most of his famous concrete works, this structure is a 'Gesamtkunstwerk'—a total work of art—made entirely of prefabricated steel and glass elements. The primary colors—red, yellow, blue, white, and black—are classic Le Corbusier. It was commissioned by Heidi Weber, a gallery owner who wanted a space to showcase the architect's art. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to his legacy. Its playful geometry and radical design remain a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding parkland.

Chinagarten Zürich

A short walk further brings you to a sudden change in scenery. The Chinagarten, or Chinese Garden, is a gift from Zurich's Chinese sister city, Kunming, as a thank you for technical assistance with Zurich's water supply. This is a 'temple garden' and is considered one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China. It is centered around a pond and features a small island, pavilions, and a winding gallery. The garden is dedicated to the 'Three Friends of Winter'—pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms—which represent perseverance and strength in adverse conditions. The intricate woodwork, red pillars, and golden roof tiles offer a vibrant, meditative pocket of culture right on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Zürichhorn

You are now at the Zürichhorn, a large park area that marks a delta formed by the Hornbach stream. This has been a public park since the late 19th century and is a favorite spot for locals to picnic, swim, and stroll. Keep an eye out for the 'Heureka' sculpture by Jean Tinguely. This massive, kinetic iron sculpture looks like a complex, nonsensical machine—a commentary on the industrial age. The park also hosts an outdoor cinema in the summer. The Zürichhorn represents the democratic spirit of the city; here, the lakefront belongs to everyone. It’s the perfect place to sit on the grass and watch the historic paddle steamers glide across the water toward the city center.

Lake Side | Restaurant, Sushi, Tagungen

The final stop on our promenade is the Lake Side complex. This modern venue represents the contemporary side of Seefeld’s elegance. With its expansive terraces and glass walls, it offers an unobstructed view of the lake and the distant mountains. It’s a popular spot for everything from business lunches to elegant evening cocktails. This area marks the end of the formal parkland and the beginning of the more residential part of Seefeld. Reflect on your walk here; you’ve moved from the historic heart of the city through modernist art and oriental gardens to this peaceful delta. From here, you can choose to walk back along the water or take a ferry for a different perspective of the shoreline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. If walking at a steady pace without stopping, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the stops along the way.