Lake Zurich boat services cut as drought lowers water levels

The heatwave in Switzerland this summer, combined with an ongoing drought, is affecting Swiss lakes and rivers. Due to low water levels, the Lake Zurich Steamship Company (ZSG/Zürichsee-Schiff­fahrts­ge­sell­schaft AG) has suspended several boat journeys and introduced restricted services on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River.

Lake Zurich cruises operating with restrictions

Since Wednesday, August 12, passenger boats on Lake Zurich have been operating with restrictions and some services have been cancelled, impacting one of the most popular things to do in Zurich. 

Access to the Ufenau Island station, not far from Rapperswil-Jona, is no longer available, and the Ufenau Island shuttle service between Rapperswil, Ufenau Island and Pfäffikon has been temporarily cancelled. Limmat River Boat Tours have also been suspended until further notice. 

Short lake cruises (Kleine Seerundfahrt) on Lake Zurich were cancelled on Tuesday but have since resumed with restrictions: tours 41 and 71 departing from Bürkliplatz will not be served. 

Similarly, big lake cruises (Grosse Seerundfahrt) have been affected, with services 103 from Bürkliplatz and 104 from Rapperswil cancelled. Take a look at the ZSG website for the latest information and boat timetables.

Not enough water in Swiss lakes

The reason for the restrictions is the low water level in Lake Zurich, which increases “the risk of the boats striking the lake bed or foundations,” reports blue News. As water levels drop, access to boats can also “become problematic” as boarding ramps are steeper than they usually are, which can increase the risk of accidents. 

Effects of the extreme weather in Switzerland are being felt elsewhere across the country as well. The Bella Tola glacier in Valais has recently melted, reports Watson, and the water levels in Lake Constance have reached the lowest levels ever recorded for this time of year.