Finding the perfect spot for family photos in Zurich shouldn’t feel stressful. You want somewhere your children can relax, somewhere the light is flattering, and somewhere that actually looks good in photographs—not just in person.

I’ve photographed families across Zurich for nearly a decade now. Some locations look beautiful when you visit but photograph terribly. Others seem unremarkable until the golden hour light transforms them into something magical.

This guide shares the seven locations I recommend most to my clients. These are the spots I return to again and again because they consistently deliver natural, joyful images that families treasure for years.

Whether you’re planning your first family photoshoot in Switzerland or looking for somewhere new, you’ll find detailed insights on each location—including the best times to visit, what to expect with children, and practical tips only a local photographer would know.

---

Quick Summary: Best Locations for Family Photos in Zurich

Location	Best For	Season	Difficulty
Zürichhorn Park	Lakeside, playful sessions	Summer	Easy
Rietberg Park	Green backdrops, variety	Spring/Autumn	Easy
Belvoir Park	Elegant, refined portraits	Spring	Moderate
Rechberg Garden	Intimate, hidden charm	Any	Easy
Lake Zurich Shores	Modern, minimal aesthetic	Any	Easy
Altstadt Old Town	Storytelling, character	Morning	Moderate
Your Home	Authentic, personal	Any	Easiest

Best time to book: 1–2 hours before sunset Recommended seasons: April–May or September–October

---

What Makes a Location Perfect for Family Photos in Zurich?

Before exploring specific spots, let’s talk about what actually matters when choosing a family photo location.

Not every beautiful place photographs well. And not every photogenic spot works with young children. The best locations balance both—plus a few practical considerations that make the session enjoyable rather than stressful.

Four qualities I look for in every location:

• Soft, flattering light — Open shade or backlighting that creates even skin tones without harsh shadows
• Visual variety — Multiple backdrops within a short walk so your gallery feels dynamic, not repetitive
• Space for children to move — Kids need room to run, explore, and simply be themselves
• Practical accessibility — Easy parking or tram access, plus reasonable walking distances

Every location below delivers on all four. I’ve also included honest notes about challenges—because knowing what to expect helps you prepare.

The 7 Best Locations for a Family Photoshoot in Zurich

1. Zürichhorn Park

Zürichhorn is my go-to recommendation for families who want that classic lakeside look. The open lawns give children space to play, and the views across Lake Zurich create a timeless backdrop that never feels dated.

Why it works: The light over the water during the hour before sunset is genuinely spectacular. There’s something about how it reflects off the lake that creates a warmth you can’t replicate anywhere else in the city.

Best for: Active families, toddlers who need space to move, summer evening sessions.

2. Rietberg Park

If you’re drawn to lush greenery and a more natural feel, Rietberg delivers beautifully. The park surrounds the Museum Rietberg and offers everything from manicured lawns to wild, wooded paths.

Why it works: The variety here is exceptional. Within a 10-minute walk, we can capture images against museum architecture, open meadows, tree-lined paths, and quiet wooded corners. Your gallery will feel like we visited three different locations.

Best for: Spring sessions with blooming flowers, autumn colors, families who want variety.

3. Belvoir Park

Belvoir is where I take families who want something a bit more refined. The manicured gardens, elegant stone stairways, and mature trees create a sophisticated backdrop without feeling stuffy.

Why it works: This park photographs like a private estate. The symmetry of the gardens adds structure to images, while the variety of textures—stone, foliage, flowers—creates visual interest.

Best for: Milestone sessions (pregnancy, first birthday), families who prefer a polished aesthetic

4. Rechberg Garden

This is my hidden favorite—a lesser-known garden tucked right in the city center. Rechberg offers sculpted hedges, quiet benches, and an old-world European charm that photographs beautifully.

Why it works: Because few tourists know about it, Rechberg feels intimate and private. The geometric hedges create natural frames, and the muted color palette works in any season.

Best for: Smaller families, couples expecting their first child, anyone who prefers quieter settings.

5. The Shores of Lake Zurich

Sometimes simple is best. The lakeside walkways from Enge to Seefeld offer clean, modern backdrops with stunning water reflections and mountain views on clear days.

Why it works: The uncluttered background keeps all attention on your family. The soft light reflecting off the water is incredibly flattering, and children love being near the ducks and boats.

Best for: Modern, minimalist aesthetic, families who want relaxed waterside images.

6. Altstadt (Zurich Old Town)

The winding cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and historic architecture of Zurich’s Old Town create images with character and story.

Why it works: Every corner offers something different—window boxes, arched doorways, quiet courtyards. Families who love texture, color, and a sense of place will treasure these images.

Best for: Storytelling sessions, families who want images that show where they lived, older children who can navigate uneven streets.

7. Your Home or Garden

Sometimes the most meaningful location is the one your children already know. Home sessions capture authentic moments—morning routines, favorite toys, the way light falls through your kitchen window.

Why it works: Children are most relaxed in familiar spaces. The resulting images feel intimate, honest, and deeply personal in ways that outdoor locations can’t replicate.

Best for: Newborn sessions, families with very young children, documenting your current home before a move.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Family

Still unsure which spot fits your family best? Here’s a simple framework.

Choose based on your children’s ages:

• Toddlers and young children → Zürichhorn or Rietberg (space to move)
• Babies and newborns → Your home or Rechberg Garden (calm, contained)
• Older children → Altstadt or Belvoir (can handle more structure)

Choose based on the feeling you want:

• Playful and natural → Zürichhorn, Lake Zurich shores
• Elegant and timeless → Belvoir, Rechberg Garden
• Personal and authentic → Your home
• Character and story → Altstadt Old Town

Choose based on season:

• Spring → Belvoir (tulips), Rietberg (blooms)
• Summer → Zürichhorn, Lake Zurich
• Autumn → Rietberg (colors), Belvoir (golden leaves)
• Winter → Your home, Altstadt (holiday atmosphere)

Not sure what works best for your family? Contact me and I’ll help you decide based on your children’s ages, your aesthetic preferences, and the time of year.

Planning Your Family Photoshoot in Zurich: Practical Tips

[H3] When to Book

For the best light, schedule your session 1–2 hours before sunset. This “golden hour” creates soft, warm tones that flatter everyone.

Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful natural colors. Summer works well too, but sessions need to start later due to the extended daylight.

I recommend booking 2–4 months in advance, especially for weekend sessions or popular seasons. View my availability and pricing →

[H3] What to Wear

Coordinated (not matching) outfits photograph best. Choose a color palette of 2–3 complementary tones and let each family member express their personality within that range.

Quick guidelines:

• Avoid large logos or busy patterns
• Solid colors and subtle textures work beautifully
• Dress for the location (elegant for Belvoir, casual for Zürichhorn)

For detailed guidance, read my complete guide: What to Wear for Family Photos →

Ready to Book Your Family Session in Zurich?

These seven locations represent the best of what Zurich offers for family photography—but the right choice depends on your family, your children, and the feeling you want to capture.

I’d love to help you plan a session that feels relaxed, looks beautiful, and gives you images worth sharing with family around the world.

Book Your Consultation →

During our call, we’ll discuss which location fits your family best, the ideal time of year for your session, and any questions you have about the experience.

---

I’m a family photographer based in Zug, with established clientele throughout Switzerland—particularly Zurich and Zug. My approach focuses on natural, relaxed portraits that capture how your family actually feels together, not stiff poses that feel forced.

I work primarily with families who value clear communication, a professional process, and images that meet global standards. Whether you’re documenting a new baby, annual family portraits, or a special milestone, I’d be honored to be part of your story.

Learn more about working with me →

---

Would you like to receive VIP tips, offers and more? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!