Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, the Canton of Zurich is one of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, and stands out as the most populous and seventh largest by area, spanning 1,729 km².
Explore a curated selection of 12 featured attractions and discover the largest cities within Canton of Zurich, along with helpful tips for planning your trip.
Top Attractions in the Canton of Zurich
Photo Credit: Patrick Federi
- Lake Zurich – a lake with an area of 88.17 km² and part of the cantons of Schwyz, St. Gallen, and Zurich. Most of the lake is located in the Canton of Zurich. The lake has clean water and areas for bathers. During the summer, the water temperature is above 20ºC (68FºF). Zürichsee, Switzerland.
- Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall – a castle with a restaurant offering panoramic views of the Rhine Falls. Areal Schloss Laufen, 8447 Dachsen, Switzerland. Website: www.schlosslaufen.ch.
- Regensberg Castle – a castle built in the mid-13th century that dominates the Regensgerg skyline and offers beautiful landscape views. Schloss, Oberburg 22, 8158 Regensberg, Switzerland. Website: www.schlossregensberg.ch.
- Castle Kyburg – a medieval castle first mentioned in 1027, with a museum of weapons and armor. Schloss 1, 8314 Kyburg, Switzerland. Website: schlosskyburg.ch.
- Lindt Home of Chocolate – a chocolate museum with a Lindt outlet. Schokoladenplatz 1, Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland Website: www.lindt-home-of-chocolate.com.
- BirdLife-Naturzentrum Neeracherried – one of Switzerland‘s last extensive wetlands surrounded by cultivated farmland being habitat to numerous species of flora and fauna. Dielsdorferstrasse 13, 8173 Neerach, Switzerland. Website: www.birdlife.ch.
- Antennenturm – Aussichtsturm Cholfirst – a tower built in 1973 with an observatory accessible by stairs and offers beautiful views of the Rhine. 8247 Flurlingen, Switzerland.
- Schloss Mörsburg – a medieval castle first mentioned in 1241, with an exhibition showing mainly 17th and 18th-century home decor, as well as ceramics, glassware, and weapons. Mörsburgstrasse 30, 8404 Winterthur, Switzerland Website: schlosshalde-winterthur.ch.
- Alt-Wülflingen Castle – ruins of a hilltop castle offering panoramic views. 8408 Winterthur, Switzerland.
- Burg Uster – a castle built around 1100 and modified several times over time. Schlossweg 1, 8610 Uster, Switzerland.
- Park Seleger Moor – a beautiful and tranquil park that receives more than 40,000 visitors a year. Seleger-Moor-Strasse, 8911 Rifferswil, Switzerland. Website: www.selegermoor.ch.
- Zurich City – the main destination of the Canton of Zurich, offers numerous interesting and historical attractions, chocolate boutiques, and excellent restaurant options.
10 Largest Cities in the Canton of Zurich
The Canton of Zurich has 169 municipalities. Check out below the 10 largest cities in the canton by population.
- Zurich (capital of the canton and most populous city of the country) – population 421,878
- Winterthur (renowned for its cultural offerings, including the esteemed Swiss Science Center Technorama, the city captivates visitors with its vibrant arts scene and picturesque surroundings. ) – population 114,220
- Uster (offers a blend of historical sites, scenic beauty, and modern amenities. It’s known for its picturesque old town and serene Greifensee lake.) – population 30,614
- Dübendorf (famed for its aviation history and contemporary developments. It’s home to the Swiss Air Force Centre and ETH Zurich’s Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering.) – population 24,068
- Dietikon (combines historical charm with modern urban living. Notable for its cultural heritage and convenient transportation links, it offers a dynamic and vibrant community.) – population 22,497
- Wetzikon (surrounded by lakes and mountains, it offers a tranquil escape close to nature.) – population 20,542
- Horgen (renowned for its stunning lakeside setting and rich history. With a charming old town and picturesque views, it offers a delightful experience for visitors.) – population 20,355
- Wädenswil (nestled on the shores of Lake Zurich, it offers a perfect blend of nature and urban living.) – population 19,417
- Bülach (with picturesque surroundings and a rich cultural heritage, it offers a delightful experience for all.) – population 16,052
- Opfikon (notable for its modern infrastructure and convenient location near Zurich Airport.) – population 13,378
Source: Az Nations Switzerland
Where to stay in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Find below hotel suggestions in the towns and villages of Regensberg, Winterthur, Uster, Dübendorf, and Horgen.
1. Hotel Krone Regensberg
Photo Credit: Hotel Krone Regensberg
The Hotel Krone Regensberg is a charming hotel located in the village of Regensberg, 20 km from the center of Zurich.
The rooms are elegant and are equipped with a TV and a work desk.
The hotel has a restaurant with a terrace.
Oberburg 1, 8158 Regensberg, Switzerland
2. Park Hotel Winterthur
Photo Credit: Park Hotel Winterthur
The Park Hotel Winterthur is located in the center of Winterthur close to Central Station.
The rooms have a TV, a work desk, a coffee machine, and a minibar.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar.
Stadthausstrasse 4, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
3. Hotel Loge
Photo Credit: Hotel Loge
The Hotel Loge is located in a historic building in the center of Winterthur.
Rooms have a TV, a kettle, a coffee maker, and a minibar.
The hotel houses a bar and a movie theater.
Oberer Graben 6, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
4. HOTEL illuster – Urban & Local
Photo Credit: HOTEL illuster – Urban & Local
HOTEL illuster – Urban & Local is within walking distance of Uster Station and Burg Uster Castle.
All rooms are equipped with a TV and a work desk. Some rooms have a balcony.
The hotel has a garden with a terrace.
Zürichstrasse 14, 8610 Uster, Switzerland
5. Sorell Hotel Sonnental
Photo Credit: Sorell Hotel Sonnental
The Sorell Hotel Sonnental is located in Dübendorf just 3 km from Zurich Zoo and 10 km from Zurich city center.
The rooms have a TV, a work desk, and a minibar.
The hotel has a restaurant serving Swiss and international cuisine.
Zürichstrasse 94/96, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
6. Romantik Hotel Schwan
Photo Credit: Romantik Hotel Schwan Horgen
The Romantik Hotel Schwan is a hotel located in a historic building in the center of Horgen.
The rooms are cozy and have a TV and a work desk.
The hotel has a charming restaurant with a terrace.
Zugerstrasse 9, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Map of the Canton of Zurich
Featured Photo by Patrick Federi
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See also
3-Day Zurich Itinerary: Detailed Information and Map
Top 20 Destinations You Must Visit in Switzerland
Where to Buy Chocolate in Zurich: 10 Suggestions for Stores and Supermarkets