Zurich: Walking Tour, Lake Cruise & Felsenegg Cable Car Views

Summary

Zurich old town strolls, lakeside breeze and mountain air in one day

You’ll wander Zurich’s old town with a local guide, ride the Polybahn funicular for city views, then relax on a Lake Zurich cruise before gliding up to Felsenegg by cable car for crisp Alpine air. Expect stories you won’t find in guidebooks—and moments that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Zurich by squeezing onto the Polybahn funicular with a bunch of locals heading up to ETH. The air inside smelled faintly of wet coats (it had rained earlier), and someone’s coffee. Our guide, Daniel, pointed out Einstein’s old classroom once we reached the terrace—honestly, I was more distracted by the view. The city just spilled out below us, rooftops shining after the drizzle. I tried to snap a photo but fumbled with my gloves—classic.

We wandered through Bahnhofstrasse, dodging trams and window-shoppers. Daniel had this way of slipping little stories into the walk—he told us about the guild houses along Limmatquai and how St. Peter’s clock face is apparently Europe’s biggest (I squinted up at it; it really is huge). At Lindenhof, there was this quiet patch of green where an old man played chess alone. The wind carried a whiff of roasted chestnuts from a street vendor nearby—tiny things like that stick with you.

After all that city bustle, hopping on the boat felt like exhaling. The Lake Zurich cruise lasted about 45 minutes—I leaned on the rail and watched swans chase each other near the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Daniel joked about celebrity villas along the shore (he claims Tina Turner lives there; who knows). Then came the cable car up to Felsenegg—my first time in one—and honestly, my knees wobbled as we floated above forest patches and little gardens. We walked part of this “Planetweg” trail; it’s meant to be our solar system in miniature but I mostly remember the cold air biting my cheeks and how everyone fell quiet looking out at Zurich and those distant snowy Alps.

It was just six hours but felt like three different days strung together. I still think about that view from Felsenegg—how small everything looked, even all those grand churches we’d just walked past. If you like tours where you actually feel a city changing under your feet (and maybe get a bit windblown), this Zurich walking tour with cruise and cable car is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zurich city tour with cruise and cable car

• Ride Polybahn funicular to panorama terrace
• Enjoy city views and learn about ETH
• Walk and explore Zurich Old Town highlights
• Visit Lindenhof park for photos
• Take aerial cable car or train to Felsenegg or Uetliberg
• Hike Planetweg trail on the mountain
• Return to Zurich by boat cruise on Lake Zurich

Top questions

How long does the Zurich walking tour last?

The tour lasts between 5 and 6 hours including walking, boat cruise, and cable car ride.

Is lunch included on this Zurich walking tour?

No lunch is included; you may want to bring snacks or buy food during breaks.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you’ll meet at a central location in Zurich.

Which mountain do we visit: Felsenegg or Uetliberg?

The tour usually goes to Felsenegg by cable car; if weather or maintenance prevents this, Uetliberg is used as an alternative.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

No, it’s not recommended for families with children under 6 due to walking distance and uneven surfaces.

Are public transportation tickets included?

Yes, all necessary public transport rides (funicular, cable car or train) are included during the tour.

What should I wear for this Zurich walking tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring waterproof clothing if rain or snow is forecasted; no umbrellas are provided.

Can solo travelers join this Zurich day trip?

Solo travelers can join if space allows; contact provider for availability before booking.

What’s included

Your day includes all public transportation rides—from the Polybahn funicular up to ETH’s terrace to either an aerial cable car or train ride up Felsenegg or Uetliberg—as well as a relaxing ferry cruise across Lake Zurich. A knowledgeable local guide leads every step; just bring your own snacks and weatherproof gear for whatever Swiss skies deliver that day.