boat trip around lake geneva

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Board the boat in Montreux and relax on the round trip across Lake Geneva. You will pass Chillon Castle and the nature reserve Les Grangettes.

Unfortunately, this offer is not bookable at the moment.

Similar activities

Lake Geneva ticket from Lausanne to Evian-les-Bains return

Take a beautiful boat trip from Lausanne to Evian and back with a view of Lake Geneva. You will make your way to the source of the world famous Evian water.

Duration: 35 minutes

Day ticket Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in summer

With the day ticket, experience unlimited travel by boat on Lakes Thun and Brienz, two beautiful and turquoise blue lakes in the Bernese Oberland.

Validity: All day

Lunch and boat tour Lake Lucerne from Lucerne

With this ticket you enjoy a delicious, seasonal 3-course lunch on the ship. On Lake Lucerne you are surrounded by the picturesque scenery of Central Switzerland.

Duration: 2 hours

Round trip Lake Geneva ticket from Geneva incl. audio guide

With this ticket you will experience the city of Geneva from the lake. During a 50-minute boat ride, you'll get a special view of Geneva and the Jet d'eau, the famous water fountain in Geneva's harbor basin.

Duration: 50 minutes

From Montreux: Riviera Tour boat cruise

About this ticket high demand.

Mobile ticket accepted

Use your phone or print out the voucher

Meeting point

Montreux pier, Quai Edouard-Jacoud, 1820 Montreux

Guest Card, Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card

Free cancellation

Full refund in case of cancellation up to 24h before start

Ticket boat tour from Montreux

free audio guide "GCN Tours" for your cell phone

optional stop at Chillon Castle

Entrance Chateau Chillon

• Enjoy a cruise along the Swiss Riviera on the beautiful Lake Geneva
• View of the Vaudois and High Savoy Alps, Chillon Castle and the "Dents du Midi"
• Get an insight into the nature reserve Les Grangettes
• You can download the audio guide "CGN Tours" to your cell phone for free and use it without roaming charges
• Plan your trip flexibly with an optional stopover in Chillon
• With the GA travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Day Passes, you can travel for free

Description

This boat trip on Lake Geneva takes you past beautiful scenery and to the world-famous Château de Chillon. It's perfect for you, your family, and friends as a relaxing, culture-filled, and informative outing.

In Montreux, you hop on the boat. Your journey takes you along various vineyards, to the nature reserve "Les Grangettes" at the Rhône estuary, and to the beach resorts of Le Bouveret and St. Gingolph. It also gives you wonderful views of the mountain range "Dents du Midi" along the way. The round trip lasts about 2 hours without stops.

On the shores of Lake Geneva, the impressive water castle Chillon appears, which you can optionally explore from the inside. Over 300 objects are displayed in the tour. If you want to visit, you can get off and continue your round trip two hours later. Please check the current schedule for that.

Practical Information:

• This trip is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Boat Trip Route:

• Starting Point: Montreux
• Stops: Montreux - Château de Chillon - Villeneuve - Le Bouveret - St. Gingolph - Vevey Marché
• Exit Point: Montreux

With dog, wheelchair or stroller

• free up to 30 cm shoulder height
• half price of 2nd class over 30 cm shoulder height, even if you booked 1st class as a guest
• Tickets are available at the CGN counter

Wheelchair:

• Ships are wheelchair accessible for "normal-sized" wheelchairs, but only on the main deck (upper deck is only accessible via stairs)
• Width of passenger bridges at all major docks; at smaller docks, wide (electric) wheelchairs may not fit through.
• Can stay on the main deck if you want to visit the upper deck.

Restaurant areas

• With first class tickets, restaurant areas on the main deck and the upper deck are accessible at any time
• With second class tickets, the restaurant area can only be accessed during meal times
• Restaurant reservation is optional at info@cgn.ch or by phone at +41 (0) 848 811 848

Important Information

• Please note current timetable
• The last departure does not allow a stop at Chateau Chillon

Meeting Points

From CHF 19 High demand

Discount: Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card

booked 149 times

booked 216 times

Discount: GA, Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass

booked 196 times

German, English, French, Chinese

booked 237 times

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Lake Geneva Cruises

CGN SA Avenue de Rhodanie 17 1007 Lausanne Phone  +41 (0)84 881 18 48 cgn.ch

Boat cruising on Central Europe’s largest inland lake every which way. Passengers can embark and disembark on the Swiss as well as the French side of the lake.

The Belle Époque boats have been navigating Central Europe’s largest inland lake for 140 years and offer fantastic cruises between France and Switzerland. The views from the boat extend from harbours and castles (Chillon, Morges, Rolle, Yvoire among others) over vineyards (Lavaux UNESCO and La Côte) to the snow-covered summits of the Swiss and Savoyan Alps. The boat landings are starting points for many exploration activities like city tours (Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey).

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CGN SA Avenue de Rhodanie 17 1007  Lausanne Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)84 881 18 48 [email protected] cgn.ch Show Route

CGN SA Avenue de Rhodanie 17 1007 Lausanne Phone  +41 (0)84 881 18 48 cgn.ch Show Route

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Insider tips and recommendations on Where to Eat, Where to Stay and What to Do in Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana, WI.

Adult , Fall , Family , Fontana, WI , Lake Geneva, WI , Spring , Summer , What to Do , Williams Bay, WI · November 1, 2022

Lake Geneva Boat Tours

Are you thinking of taking one of the Lake Geneva Bout Tours? Below I breakdown all of the best tours with insider tips to make sure you have a wonderful time on Geneva Lake.

If you only do one thing around Lake Geneva it should be a Lake Geneva Cruise Line Boat tour! They offer a variety of narrated tours geared towards different audiences and interests.

This is the BEST way to take in the beauty of the lake! There is nothing better than relaxing on a beautiful boat (cocktail in hand!) while learning about the history of the lakefront mansions and cruising around the lake.

Since my family has been around the lake since the 1930s I put together a breakdown of all of the best boat tours that should not be missed! From family friendly ice cream tours to Jazz dinner cruises, there is something for everyone.

Insider Tips:

• Boats leave from the Riviera building in downtown Lake Geneva (boats are all the way in the back of the building)
• Allow plenty of time for parking- in peak times the area is packed and you may have to park several blocks away
• Tickets should be purchased in advance online HERE .
• Show the confirmation email on your phone to board
• Boats have cash bars and small snacks for purchase – no coolers or outside alcohol allowed
• Strollers are allowed and there are restrooms on board
• Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure (except for the mail boat tour which is 30 min prior to departure)
• Tours range from 1.25 hours to 3.5 hours
• Non motorised wheelchairs can board however the restrooms are not wheelchair accessible

Best Lake Geneva Boat Tours

Mail boat tour, ice cream social boat tour, geneva bay tour.

• Full Lake Tour
• Black Point Estate Tour- boat and mansion tour

Jazz Dinner Cruise

• Santa Cruise
• Sunday Brunch Cruise
• Lunch Cruise
• Fall Color Tour

This post is all about the Lake Geneva Boat Tours.

This unique tour takes you on the journey of delivering the daily mail by boat! Around 75 homes around the lake still get their mail by boat from mid June to mid September. The boat departs from the Rivera promptly at 10am (boarding at 9:30am) and here is the kicker……the mail delivery is done without the boat actually stopping! The mail runner jumps off the moving mail boat, runs the mail into the dock mail box, then jumps back on the still moving boat! This exciting narrated tour is a can’t miss which I highly recommend!

Length: 2.5 hours

Good for: older children and adults

Runs: Mid June-mid Sept

Price: Adults $50, Kids $33, 3 and under free

Portion of Lake: Whole lake

If you have kids this is the best boat tour option. This family friendly narrated boat tour is shorter (1.25 hours), serves each passenger a HUGE ice cream sundae with cookie (either chocolate, caramel or strawberry), and has a cash bar and restrooms on the boat! My sons ages 3 and 11 both love the tour and we have gone multiple times!

Since there are usually a lot families on the boat if you really want to hear the narration or have a more adult focused ride I would recommend the Geneva Bay or Full Length boat tours.

Length: 1.25 hours

Good For: Families with kids

Runs: May 1st-end October

Price: Adults $43, Kids $29, 3 and under free

Portion of lake: Half of lake

This is one of the most popular tours! This narrated tour will take our around the eastern side of the lake, called Geneva Bay. The shorter tour time make it popular with all ages and again snacks and cash bar are available.

Length: 1 hour

Good For: All Ages

Runs: May 1st- end October

Cost: Adults $38, Kids $24, 3 and under free

Portion of lake: Geneva Bay

Full Length Tour

Choose this tour if you want to be taken around the entire lake!

Length: 2 hours

Good for: 12+

Cost: Adults $48, Kids $32, 3 and under Free

Portion of Lake: Whole Lake

Black Point Estate Tour and Boat Cruise

Looking for something different? Take a tour of this historic mansion built by Chicago beer baron, Conrad Seipp in 1888. There were no roads at the time, so the family got to the house by boat. That is how you will also get there! The Geneva Cruise Line offers a Black Point estate tour which includes 45 minutes boat ride followed by an 1.5 tour of the first 2 levels of the home. You will return home by narrated boat tour as well. The entire tour takes around 3.5 hours. Inside tip: There are around 100 steps from the pier to the home so make sure everyone on your tour is ok with this!

Length: 3.5 hours

Good For: Ages 12+ who are comfortable walking the 100 stairs from the pier to the home

Runs: May- End October

Cost: Adult $49; Kids $32

Portion of the Lake: 3/4 of the lake

This Friday evening dinner cruise takes you around the entire lake while listening to a live jazz band and has a cash bar. I thought the salmon was very good and it was a great way for my husband and I to end the week!

Good for: 12+ years old

Runs: Fridays May 1st-end October

Cost: Adults $80, Kids $65

Portion of lake: Whole Lake

Santa Boat Cruise

This is one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva in the winter! The Santa boat tour leaves from Pier 290 in Williams Bay and takes you on a magical journey to catch a glimpse of Santa himself. The cool thing is that all of the kids on the boat have their names on a list and Santa reads each child’s name from his nice list as the boat passes by! I mean, a personal shout out from Santa…..what could be better!? Adults will also enjoy getting into the holiday spirit watching the light displays and listening to the holiday story.

Insider tip: Before boarding get into the Christmas spirit by walking through the Festival of Christmas tree display which has multiple decorated Christmas trees and other decorations. There is a cash bar at the tree display but no bar on the boat. The boat is heated however remember it is winter in Wisconsin and cold out! Dress warmly with hats, gloves and coats because it can get chilly. Book tickets in advance because this tour sells out quick!

Length: 40 minutes

Good for: All Ages

Runs: Day after Thanksgiving – Dec 30th starting at 4:30pm

Cost: Adults $30, Kids $18, 3 and under free

Sunday Brunch Buffet Tour

Relax on a Sunday by enjoying this full lake tour with brunch buffet! Gluten free and vegetarian options are available upon request but must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

Length: 2.25 hours

Good For: 12+ (no age limit but the length could be a bit long for young kids)

Runs: Sundays from May 1- end October

Cost: Adults $64, Kids $53, 3 and under free

Lunch Boat Tour

This narrated boat tour offers a view of the entire lake with a sit down lunch. Menu is classic/retro American and changes so view here . Gluten free and vegetarian options are available upon request but must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

Good For: Adults (no age limit but audience is normally adults or retirees)

Runs: May 1- end October check here for exact dates and times.

Cost: Adults $60, Kids $50, 3 and under free

Portion of the Lake: Whole lake

Fall Color Boat Tour

This is one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in the fall! Any boat tour in lake September/October gets to take advantage of the beauty of the fall foliage. Click here for all public tours options.

Which ever boat tour you choose, you are sure to have a relaxing time while learning about the mansions along the lake!

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Tour-specific faqs, is this a good tour for kids.

The Full Lake Cruise is two hours in length which can be long for young kids. As with all of our tours, there is a live narration so passengers are still asked to be respectful of others who are there to enjoy the narration. We recommend the Best of the Lake Cruise or the Ice Cream Social Cruise for children because of the shorter length of the tour.

Are there any discounts on this tour?

We offer AAA, Preferred Guest with local hotels, and military discounts. (One discount per transaction.) We also offer an additional discount for senior guests on Tuesdays. View our specials and promos here.

Can we bring snacks on board the boat?

We offer a full snack bar and cash bar with items such as chips, candy and soft drinks. We also offer a full cash bar. If you bring a small snack to hold you over during the tour that is fine, but we do not allow full meals and we do not allow coolers. No alcohol is permitted to be brought on board because we have liquor licenses on all of our boats.

Can I bring a stroller?

In most cases we can accommodate a stroller, however on very busy days our crew may ask you to fold it up and/or store it on the dock due to limited space. The boat crew makes that decision based on the number of tickets sold.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The Walworth, the boat we use for the Full Lake Cruise, can accommodate a wheelchair. There is a gangplank that goes across from the pier to the boat and one step down onto the main deck that our crew can help you navigate. Please let us know ahead of time if you need extra assistance.

See Lake Geneva Your Way

Find the right cruise for you, top recommendations.

US Mailboat Tour

Jazz Dinner Cruise

Supper Club Dinner Cruise

Cocktail Cruise

Sunday Brunch Buffet Cruise

Luncheon Cruise

Black Point Tour

Full Lake Cruise

Best of the Lake Cruise

Ice Cream Social Cruise

Other great choices, didn't find the tour you’re looking for, sorry, no tours matched your search, lake geneva cruise line.

The Best Boat Tour Around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Categories Boating

Geneva Lake is a freshwater lake in southeastern Wisconsin, USA. The lake is formed by the damming of the Fox River by the City of Lake Geneva. The lake is about 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level and covers 68 square miles (180 km2). It has a maximum depth of 230 feet (70 m). The lake is fed by the Fox River and several smaller streams.

Boat tour companies are located all around the lake, and many of them offer sight-seeing tours. Lake Geneva is just a short drive from Chicago, and it’s worth the trip.

Best boat tour around Lake Geneva

Lake geneva cruise line.

Looking for a fun and relaxing way to see the sights around Lake Geneva? Look no further than the Lake Geneva Cruise Line! Their boats offer the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery and get a new perspective on the city.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers various tour options to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a romantic evening cruise or a family-friendly sightseeing tour. Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about the area. So come on board and enjoy the ride!

Address: Riviera Docks, 812 Wrigley Drive Summer Harbor, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

Contact: (262)-248-6206

U.S. Mailboat Tour

U.S. Mailboat Tour will take you on a boat ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. You’ll get to see the fantastic sights of Lake Geneva and the surrounding area and learn all about the history and culture of the area.

This tour is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Address: 812 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

GENEVA BAY TOUR

Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a day in Geneva? Then look no further than a Geneva Bay Tour! This is the perfect way to see the sights and enjoy the beauty of Lake Geneva.

Your tour will start at the quay, where you will board your comfortable tour boat. Then sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise past some of Geneva’s most famous landmarks. You’ll see the Jet d’Eau, the United Nations buildings, and the beautiful homes lining the shore. You’ll also have a chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, as you may see swans, ducks, and even a few fish swimming in the lake.

At the end of your tour, you’ll dock back at the quay and disembark. This is a tour that you’re sure to remember for years to come, so don’t hesitate to book your spot today!

Black Point Estate Tour

When booking a Black Point Estate tour, you can experience the best boat tour around Lake Geneva. This beautiful estate is situated on the shores of the lake, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities to learn about the area’s history. Your tour guide will be happy to share stories and answer any questions you have about the estate and its surroundings.

Expanded Bay Tour

Welcome to Lake Geneva! Our Expanded Bay Tour is the perfect way to see the best of what this beautiful lake has to offer. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake, its shoreline, and some of the most popular attractions. Expanded Bay Tour also stops at one of the lake’s many lovely Swiss towns.

This tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your time at Lake Geneva. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Luncheon Cruise

Looking for the best way to see Lake Geneva? Come aboard the Luncheon Cruise and enjoy a delicious meal and the stunning scenery. Luncheon Cruise friendly and professional staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions and ensure you have a memorable experience.

What are the different sights that are seen on tour?

-The tour takes you around the entire lake so that you can see all of the different sights

-The tour guide is very knowledgeable and can answer any questions that you have

-The tour is very affordable and is a great way to see the lake

-The tour is family-friendly and is an excellent activity for all ages

-The tour is a great way to learn about the history of the lake and the different towns that are located on it

What are the different types of boats that are available for the tour?

The different types of boats that are available for the tour are:

– Pontoons

– Ski Boats

– Fishing Boats

– Sailboats

– WaveRunners

– Jet Skis

– Pedal Boats

– Stand Up Paddle Boards

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prices for the different boat tour companies.

The prices for the different boat tour companies vary depending on the length of the tour, the number of people, and the type of boat. The most expensive boat tour is the private tour, which can cost up to $500 for a group of four. The cheapest boat tour is the group tour, which can cost as little as $50 per person.

What is the length of the tour?

The different types of tours are:

– 2 Hour Private Tour  – 4 Hour Group Tour – Sunset Cruise

How many people can go on a boat?

The number of people that can go on a boat is:

– Private Tour – up to 4 People – Group Tour – up to 20 People

What are the different times that the tour is offered?

-The tour is offered at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 1 hour, but you can stay on the boat for as long as you would like afterward.

What is the best time to take the tour?

The best time to take the tour is from late May to early October. The tour lasts about an hour and departs every half hour from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

What is the weather like in Lake Geneva?

The weather in Lake Geneva is perfect for boating! The average temperature in the summer is in the low to mid-80s, and there are often pleasant breezes blowing across the water.

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Lake Geneva Cruise Line

The perfect group outing! Spend the day out on Lake Geneva!

Founded in 1873, Lake Geneva Cruise Line is deeply rooted in the history of Lake Geneva. Our fleet of eight classic boats from a variety of historical eras, gets locals and visitors out on the water! We offer a wide variety of boat tours including narrated scenic tours; brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises; and private parties.

May through October you will find us at the Riviera Docks in Lake Geneva. Popular tours include our Geneva Bay tour featuring breathtaking historical estates, our US Mailboat tour including mail jumpers delivering the mail to lake homes, and our Fall Color Cruise flaunting beautiful fall colors.

• Group rates for 10-19 and 20+
• Tour bus friendly
• Dining packages available 

Late November and December you will find us at our winter harbor in Williams Bay. We celebrate the holiday season with families as we cruise over to Santa’s Hideaway aboard our Santa Cruise.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line is a Gage Marine Corporation business along with Gage Marine boat sales, PIER 290 restaurant, Lake Life Catering, and Lake Life Store. Lake Life Begins with Gage.

• Largest Group Capacity: 200
• WebsiteAlternate: www.cruiselakegeneva.com
• TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60022-d1813072-Reviews-Lake_Geneva_Cruise_Line-Lake_Geneva_Wisconsin.html

Facility Info

• Floorplan File Floorplan File
• Theatre Capacity 1
• Alternative Meeting Space true
• Audio/Video Available true
• Catering Available true
• Banquet Capacity 1

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Ferry Boats and Pleasure Cruises from Lausanne on Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva passenger ferry boats connect Lausanne with Evian and Thonon while pleasure cruise boats go to Montreux, Nyon, Yvoire, and Genève.

Lausanne is one of the best departure ports for cruises on Lake Geneva. Many ferry and pleasure boats depart from Lausanne-Ouchy while the Alpine background on these cruises is more spectacular than on excursions closer to Geneva. Passenger ferries operate year-round from Lausanne-Ouchy in Switzerland to Evian and Thonon in France. Pleasure cruises frequently sail from Lausanne to other Lac Léman destinations including Montreux, Chillon Castle , Vevey, the Lavaux , Yvoire , Nyon , and Geneva. Lunch, dinner, and event cruises also depart frequently from Lausanne on Lake Geneva.

The cruise seasons on Lake Geneva in Switzerland are:

• High Season / Summer – end June to early September.
• Shoulder Season / Spring & Fall – mid-April to end June and early September to late October.
• Low Season / Winter – late October to mid-April.

Ferries from Lausanne to Evian and Thonon

Ferryboats cross Lake Geneva year-round from Lausanne-Ouchy in Switzerland to Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains in France. The Lausanne-Evian ferry is often the only sensible cruise option during the winter season on Lake Geneva. Passenger ferryboats operate up to 13 times per day between Lausanne and Evian. The Lausanne-Evian crossing takes around 35 minutes with sailing generally every 90 minutes every day of the year.

The Lausanne-Thonon crossing takes around 50 minutes. The Thonon-Lausanne route can see up to 14 crossings on a summer weekday but does not operate on Sundays outside the summer season.

CGN boats do not connect Evian and Thonon. No car ferries operate on Lake Geneva.

• For more details see: Passenger Ferryboats from Lausanne .

Pleasure Boat Cruises from Lausanne on Lake Geneva

CGN pleasure boat cruises from Lausanne follow two main routings: either to the Upper Lake / Montreux area with spectacular Alpine scenery or down to Geneva. The most scenic cruises on Lake Geneva are in the Haute Lac (Upper Lake) area – the part of the lake between Lausanne / Evian and the Montreux / St Gingolph areas. Here the Alps provide a magnificent backdrop to the south while the spectacular UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed vineyards of the Lavaux cover the northern banks of the lake. Cruising time from Lausanne is around an hour to Vevey, two hours to Montreux / Chateau de Chillon , and 2h40 to St Gingolph.

In summer, around six cruises are available daily, and two during the shoulder season. Further cruises on this route start from Vevey.

• See Lake Cruises from Vevey and Lausanne for more details on these cruises.

The four-hour Lausanne to Geneva cruise is also very popular, stopping en route at amongst others Nyon and Yvoire . During summer, steamboats connect the two largest Lac Léman cities twice per day in each direction. During the shoulder season, the cruise operates once per day on weekends and national holidays only.

• See Passenger Boats between Geneva and Lausanne for more details.

During the winter season , pleasure boat cruises on Lake Geneva from Lausanne are limited to a lunch cruise to Chateau de Chillon or the passenger ferry services to Evian.

Lunch and Dinner Cruises from Lausanne

Food and drinks are available on almost all boats cruising on Lake Geneva. The first-class restaurants on the steamships are particularly pleasant. Food and drink are not included in ticket fares and consumption is not obligatory, except on special cruises. Reservations for lunch and dinner are generally not essential but highly recommended, as the restaurants can seat only a limited number of passengers. Prices are similar to good quality restaurants on land, i.e. not cheap but the quality of food is good. After the main lunch has been served, it is possible to simply have coffee (and cakes) as seats become available again. Picnicking is allowed on the open decks.

During the shoulder and winter seasons, special dinner cruises depart usually on Thursday and Friday from Lausanne at around 19:30. The food is usually a special theme for the year, e.g. cheese fondue, Asian buffet, or gourmet food and wine. Reservations for these cruises are essential.

Boat Landing at Lausanne-Ouchy

All boats on Lake Geneva depart in Lausanne from the boat landing in Lausanne-Ouchy. This lovely lakeside area is quite a distance from downtown Lausanne and the train station. Very steep inclines make this definitely not an easy hike, although it is a pleasant stroll from the boat landing to the Olympic Museum .

The easiest way to reach Lausanne-Ouchy from central Lausanne is to use the Metro. M2 stop Ouchy is right across the road from the boat landing. The one-way fare is CHF3.70 (steep, but so are the hills when walking) but is included in the price of a train ticket if “Mobilis Zone 11” is printed on the ticket.

Tickets for CGN Lake Geneva Boat Cruises

Tickets for CGN Lake Geneva boats may generally be bought anywhere where train tickets are for sale. The simplest is from ticket windows at the boat landing. Many boats, including the ferries, are termed “Autocontrol” — for these, it is essential to buy a ticket in advance of boarding. On pleasure cruises, it is often possible to buy a ticket onboard but check when boarding as the fines are high.

It is also possible to buy most tickets and make boat restaurant reservations online from  CGN — sometimes big discounts are offered when buying tickets through SBB if committing to take a specific boat.

All regular Swiss transportation system and Swiss Railways discounts may be applied to CGN regular cruises and passenger ferryboat services, e.g. half-fare card and Junior Card for children.

See Savings Deals on Lake Geneva Cruise Boats for a range of savings options to make cruising in Lac Léman boats cheaper.

More on Lake Geneva Pleasure Boats and Cruises:

• Pleasure Boats and Ferries on Lake Geneva
• Lake Geneva Boat Cruises in Spring
• Passenger Ferries on Lake Geneva
• Book Cruises at GYG or at CGN
• Passenger Ferries and Cruises from Lausanne to Evian and Thonon
• Savings Tickets for CGN Lake Geneva Boat Cruises
• Summer Lake Geneva Boat Excursions and Day Cruises
• Spring & Autumn Cruises on Lake Geneva
• Winter and Christmas Cruises on Lake Geneva
• Pleasure Boat Excursions to Yvoire
• Boat Cruises from Genéve to Lausanne
• See the Historic Paddle Steamers at the Parade Navale
• New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruises on Lake Geneva

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Zurich in December: What's the weather like?

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written by Magda Borzecka

updated 14.09.2024

December offers a multitude of reasons to visit  Zurich . As winter sets in, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, creating a perfect setting for various festive activities. The weather in Zurich in December is ideal for enjoying cozy cafes, cultural events, and exploring the city's charming streets adorned with holiday decorations. Local festivals, Christmas markets, and the crisp winter air add a touch of magic to your visit. Enjoy the beauty of Zurich's winter landscapes and its festive atmosphere as the city welcomes you with its winter charm. Make sure to read all about the weather in Zurich in December.

• Zurich in December at a glance
• Average temperatures range from around  32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C).
• December is  cold and festive , with the city often adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Snowfall is possible, adding to the magical winter atmosphere that envelops Zurich during this time.
• Perfect for experiencing  Zurich’s Christmas markets , ice skating, and enjoying seasonal treats. 
• The holiday season attracts  more visitors , so expect a lively and bustling atmosphere. 
• Dress warmly and embrace the seasonal charm of Zurich’s winter festivities.

What is the weather in Zurich in December like?

Average daily temperatures in december, is december a good time to visit zurich, what about the crowds & cost, festivals and events in zurich in december, ready for your dream trip to switzerland, travel ideas for switzerland.

Created by local experts

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The weather in Zurich in December is typically cold and often snowy, marking the peak of winter. The days are short, and the temperatures drop, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. While the mountainous regions of Switzerland experience significant snowfall, Zurich enjoys a milder but still chilly climate, perfect for urban winter activities.

December is a great time for enjoying Zurich's Christmas markets , winter festivals, and cozy cafes. The average snowfall adds to the city's picturesque winter landscape, making it a delightful destination for those looking to experience the magic of winter.

In December, Zurich experiences cold winter temperatures. The average high temperature during this month is around 41°F (5°C), while the average low can dip to 30°F (-1°C). Although Zurich is milder compared to the Swiss Alps, the chilly weather makes it perfect for enjoying winter activities and the cozy ambiance of the city.

Zurich with Predigerkirche Church, Switzerland © Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

December is a fantastic time to visit Zurich if you’re interested in experiencing the peak of winter. The weather in Zurich in December offers perfect conditions for activities like ice skating, exploring Christmas markets, and enjoying the cozy ambiance of the city's cafes and restaurants. The shorter days and colder temperatures provide a charming atmosphere ideal for exploring indoor attractions and winter landscapes. However, be prepared for the cold, so packing warm clothing is essential.

December is a peak time for tourism due to the holiday season, so expect a lively atmosphere. Pack warm layers to stay comfortable and fully embrace Zurich’s winter charm during this magical month.

December falls during the peak winter and holiday season in Zurich, meaning more crowds at popular destinations. This results in higher accommodation, excursions, and flight costs compared to other months. The stunning winter scenery and the opportunity to enjoy Zurich’s holiday charm often justify the visit during this lively period.

Famous Grossmunster church in Zurich © S-F/Shutterstock

December in Zurich offers several exciting festivals and events that add to the charm of your visit.

• Zurich Christmas Markets: Explore the magical Christmas markets throughout the city, featuring festive decorations, seasonal treats, and handmade gifts.
• Lichterschwimmen: A beautiful tradition where hundreds of floating candles are released into the Limmat River, creating a magical sight.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Join the lively celebrations in Zurich, including fireworks and festivities to ring in the New Year.

These festivals not only provide entertainment but also offer a deeper understanding of Switzerland’s cultural heritage.

Limmat River and Zurich Lake from Grossmunster Church, Switzerland © S-F/Shutterstock

Our  tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. All of our planned itineraries are created by local travel experts and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. 

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• Golden Round Trip Switzerland : Take an 8-day active tour through the Swiss mountains with hikes and cable cars, then delight in the exquisite cheese and wines of Lausanne and Geneva. Savor the true flavor of Switzerland.
• Unforgettable Switzerland : Immerse yourself in Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery over 11 days, enjoying picturesque towns, eternal ice and snow, and historic landmarks. Highlights include Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Geneva.
• Grand Circle of Switzerland : Explore Switzerland’s highlights in 10 days, with a scenic ride on the Glacier Express, visits to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, and a stay in St Moritz. A journey through Swiss wonders.

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