Be Picky Zurich: Selected Tips From Insiders

Sure, it's lovely to dive into Lake Zurich in summer – but sometimes I prefer warm water to a cold splash. That's when I head to Hürlimannbad & Spa, located in the historic building of the former Hürlimann brewery.

In the vaulted cellar, where barrels of beer once rested, a modern take on ancient bathing culture is now celebrated – and the various thermal pools with different temperatures are perfect for unwinding. One experience not to miss is the Roman-Irish spa ritual. It takes about two hours and includes a floral and herbal steam bath, a sea buckthorn scrub, a hot bath, a Roman bath, a movement bath, and breaks spent on a warm stone.

On the rooftop, an infinity pool offers spectacular views as you soak. And the in-house bistro serves up tasty treats for that inevitable post-spa hunger.

More Insider Tips From the Lufthansa Insights Editorial Team

Go with the flow: If you're looking for more places to swim beyond Lake Zurich and Hürlimannbad, head to the Limmat River. The Oberer Letten river pool features a 400-meter swimming channel, a diving platform, food stalls, beach volleyball courts, and a pétanque area. The Unterer Letten might be smaller – with a 100-meter channel – but it also has great food, a shallow kids' pool, and a nonswimmer area. Both river pools are free and open from May to September.

From shady tavern to stylish bistro: At Schnupf, expertly crafted cocktails are served across the bar, while guests dine in a chic setting with moss-green, Bordeaux, and dark wood tones – or outside in a cozy garden strung with colorful lights. Must-tries include the artichokes with vinaigrette and the steak frites with béarnaise sauce.

Cultural hotspot by the lake: Since the 1980s, Rote Fabrik has been a meeting place for Zurich's alternative scene. This former silk factory is now a creative venue for concerts, performances, and art exhibitions.

About

Anita-Anna Steiner-Zakowski was born in Poland, grew up in Düsseldorf, and has lived near Zurich since 2005. She has been working with Lufthansa as a flight attendant since 1999. She particularly enjoys interacting with people and the challenge of providing an excellent service to all passengers. Steiner-Zakowski usually looks after guests in First Class, as she is specially qualified for this role.