The lake at a glance
- Area (approx.)
- 90 km²
- Maximum depth (approx.)
- 136 m
- Reference elevation
- 406 m
- Shore municipalities (selection)
- Zürich · Horgen · Rapperswil-Jona
- Setting
- Linth catchment and Zurich
- Main inflows
- Linth via the Obersee
- Outflow
- Limmat in Zurich
- Regulation
- Platzspitz weir
Elevation is a rounded geographical reference, not the current level. Area and depth may vary with the boundary and survey used. Area includes the Obersee; maximum depth is in the main basin.
Editorial responsibility: Patrick Mächler · Mächler Media
Geographical figures checked:
The lake in its landscape
Lake Zurich extends from the Obersee through a narrow connection to the city. Hydrologically, the continuous system matters more than boundaries: water from Glarus crosses Lake Walen and the Linth Canal before reaching the Obersee and main basin.
The path of the water
The Linth is the main inflow and the Limmat the outlet. Between them, the lake stores water and smooths rapid change. Rain over the city explains only part of the level; conditions in the Alpine catchment and previous storage often matter more. The Sihl joins the Limmat downstream and does not feed the lake.
Annual cycle and management
The Platzspitz weir regulates outflow. Winter operation commonly creates room for expected snowmelt, with discharge adjusted by season. The rules balance several interests but cannot replace missing rain or absorb every extreme inflow. Seasonal median comparisons therefore remain useful even on a regulated lake.
How to read the measurements
An elevation above sea level is not lake depth and does not say how much water lies below a boat. A 24-hour trend shows only recent movement; normality requires comparing the same calendar period across many years. Station, timestamp and data status are therefore part of the reading.
Temperature and depth
The elongated basin does not warm uniformly. Shallow shores, the Obersee and the urban basin can differ from open water. Wind can shift or mix the warm upper layer. One surface value is therefore a useful local snapshot, not a guarantee for every bathing site.
Visiting the lake
Plan a visit using local operators and tourism offices. Check timetables, access and bathing conditions before travelling. Water temperature alone does not indicate bathing-water quality.
Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen · Zürich
Lakeside bathing site on Bellerivestrasse. The city publishes opening and access information, including winter 2026/27 works; check before travelling.
Information and directionsZSG describes its piers, access and connections. This helps when combining rail, a lakeside walk and a boat trip at Zurich, Horgen or Rapperswil.
Lake ecosystem condition and hygienic bathing-water quality are different assessments. Check the authority’s area, sampling date and exact site; older samples do not confirm today’s bathing conditions.
Visitor information and links checked:
Gallery
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Das Delta der Wägitaler Aa im Obersee bei Lachen Mitte Oktober 2026
Location and viewing direction: Kiesstrand im Delta der Wägitaler Aa, Obersee, Richtung Mündung
Photo: Lichtbildwerkstatt · Taken: Oct 14, 2026
Ufer des Zürichsees beim Seegut zwischen Au/Wädenswil und Horgen-Meilibach
Photo: Lichtbildwerkstatt · Taken: Nov 1, 2026
Checked specialist sources
These sources support the hydrological context. Current readings and timestamps remain on the live page.