Zürich, Lake of

Zürich, Lake of, Ger. Zürichsee, narrow, elongated lake, 34 sq mi (88 sq km), 25 mi (40 km) long, N Switzerland. It has a maximum depth of c.470 ft (140 m). The lake is connected to the Lake of Wallenstadt (Walensee) by the Linth Canal and also receives water from the Linth River. It is drained by the Limmat River. The gently sloping shores of the lake are covered with vineyards, orchards, and woods; houses and villas dot the slopes. A causeway crosses the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden. The city of Zürich is located at the northern end of the lake.