Zurich Walking Tour With Ferry and Cable Car: 6 Hours

Old Town streets, a 45-minute lake cruise, then alpine views from a hilltop cable car.

A 6-hour guided walking tour of Zurich combines the Old Town on foot, a ferry ride across Lake Zurich, and an aerial cable car ascent to Felsenegg or Üetliberg for panoramic views. The guide speaks English and leads a small group through landmarks including St. Peter Church, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and Lindenhof park, with public transport and the cable car included. Children are welcome from age 6 onward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Zurich Old Town2h
2. Lindenhof30m
3. Lake Zurich1h · entry included
4. Felsenegg1h · entry included

Zurich city tour with lake cruise and cable car

• Ride Polybahn funicular to panorama terrace
• Walk through Zurich Old Town highlights
• Visit Lindenhof park for city views
• Take 45-minute cruise on Lake Zurich
• Ride aerial cable car or train to Felsenegg
• Hike short trail on Planetweg
• Return to Zurich by boat

The experience

The tour starts with a three-minute funicular ride up to the Federal Institute of Technology for views across the city and facts about Swiss education and innovation. From there, the walking begins through Zurich's Old Town: Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmatquai dining quarter, Lindenhof park (a former Roman settlement), and the four main churches that shape the skyline. Your guide points out where Lenin lived before the Russian Revolution and explains the Chagall windows at Fraumünster and the Reformation history tied to Grossmünster. The walk covers roughly 5 to 6 hours total, moving at a pace that lets you absorb the layers of the city without rushing.

After the Old Town, you board a ferry for a 45-minute cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat passes the Lindt Chocolate Factory and the expensive lakeside villas where celebrities like Tina Turner live. This is the serenity part. You sit, the views do the work, and the guide talks about chocolate and the landscape sliding past. The ferry brings you back toward the foothills.

The final leg is a cable car or train ride up to either Felsenegg or Üetliberg (depending on weather and maintenance). Once at the top, a short hike along the Planetweg (a trail scaled to represent the solar system), takes you through forest with views back over Zurich, the lake, and the snow-capped Alps. The cable car or train brings you back down to rejoin the city. Wear comfortable walking shoes, waterproof layers, and bring your own umbrella if rain is forecast. The tour runs in all weather.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide.
• aerial cable car or train ride to Felsenegg or Üetliberg.
• 45-minute ferry cruise on Lake Zurich.
• access to Lindenhof park and the Old Town landmarks.
• the Planetweg forest trail at the hilltop.
• all public transportation included as part of the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:45Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by WOW ZURICH TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cover city, lake, and mountains on foot and public transport in one outing: the 6-hour walk on uneven ground moves at a steady pace, and the small English-speaking group keeps explanations focused rather than broadcast.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What are the main landmarks I'll see in Zurich's Old Town on this tour?

The Old Town walk includes St. Peter Church (which has Europe's largest clock face), Fraumünster with its Chagall windows, Grossmünster Church where the Reformation began, Lindenhof park, and the house where Lenin lived before the Russian Revolution. Bahnhofstrasse and Limmatquai, known for guild houses and dining, are also part of the route.

How long is the ferry ride on Lake Zurich?

The ferry cruise lasts 45 minutes and takes you across Lake Zurich, passing the Lindt Chocolate Factory and the expensive residential areas along the shore before returning toward the foothills.

What's the difference between Felsenegg and Üetliberg?

Both are local mountains near Zurich. Felsenegg is reached by aerial cable car, while Üetliberg is accessed by train. The tour goes to whichever is available based on weather and cable car maintenance. Both offer panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps, and both have the Planetweg trail for a short forest walk.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing in case of rain or snow. Bring your own umbrella if needed, none are provided. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions, especially at the higher elevations.

Is food included in the tour?

Food and snacks are not included. The tour covers the walking, ferry, and cable car, but you'll need to arrange and pay for any meals or refreshments separately.