Zollikon is a premium lakeside municipality on Zurich's Gold Coast, the sunny eastern shore of Lake Zurich, where international families cluster for the views, the green space and quick access to the city and to several international schools. It suits families with a housing allowance or a higher budget who want a calm, well connected lakeside base a short S-Bahn ride from central Zurich.
Zollikon sits on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, the first of the Gold Coast villages that run south east from the city towards Kusnacht and Erlenbach. The Gold Coast earns its name from the afternoon sun it catches across the water, and Zollikon pairs that setting with manicured residential streets, lake access and a short hop into central Zurich. For relocating families the appeal is a premium, low rise lakeside lifestyle within easy reach of the international schools that serve the eastern shore. To weigh it against the rest of the city, start from the Zurich international schools hub, which sets out districts, curricula and the school landscape.
This is one of the most sought after and expensive parts of the Zurich area, so most international families arriving here do so with a housing allowance or a higher budget, and many accept a compromise on space in return for the location. The trade off is a calm, green, lakeside base with excellent transport and a cluster of international campuses on the same side of the lake, which keeps the school run short for families who choose carefully.
The eastern lakeshore is well served by international schools, with multilingual and English medium options in and near Zollikon and more a short ride along the Gold Coast. The named schools below are established options on this side of the lake; confirm current places, fees and admissions directly with each school before applying.
To compare these against the wider city, read our roundup of the best international schools in Zurich for context on curricula and demand, and browse parent feedback across cities on the school reviews hub. For a city based alternative, the Zurich city hub covers the central districts and the western Silver Coast. School names here are illustrative of the area's provision, not endorsements.
Tell us your child's age, preferred curriculum and budget and we will shortlist Zollikon and wider Zurich schools that fit, so you can focus the search before you arrive.
Open the School FinderZollikon is exceptionally well connected for a lakeside village. S-Bahn trains run along the eastern shore into Zurich main station in around ten minutes, and frequent buses and lake boats add further options, so daily life does not require a car. The proximity to central Zurich, the airport links beyond it and the wider canton make Zollikon a practical base for working parents as well as a scenic one.
For the school run, the cluster of international campuses on the eastern shore keeps journeys manageable, and several schools run their own bus networks along the Gold Coast. If a specific school is the priority, check its catchment and transport early, as places at the most established campuses are limited and allocated ahead of term.
Housing in Zollikon is premium and competitive. The municipality is known for high specification houses and apartments, many with lake or hillside views, and demand consistently outstrips supply. Detached houses command the highest prices, while apartments offer a more attainable entry point for families who want the location without the largest footprint. Many international families rely on a housing allowance to live here, or accept less space than they would find further from the lake.
Beyond rent, budget for Swiss health insurance, utilities, school fees and transport, all of which sit at the higher end. To model the full picture before you commit, our Zurich cost of living calculator totals rent, schooling and everyday spending, and the relocation hub covers permits, healthcare and the practical steps of moving to Switzerland. For school budgeting specifically, see our guide to international school fees in Zurich and the banded primary school fees for Zurich.
Day to day, Zollikon is built around the lake and the outdoors. Residents have lake access and a lido for summer swimming, lakeside paths for walking and cycling, and quick routes into the hills behind the village for hiking and sledging. The municipality has its own shops, restaurants, sports clubs and good local services, and the international community on the Gold Coast means clubs and activities are easy to plug into.
The combination of a safe, green, lakeside setting and a short commute into one of Europe's wealthiest cities makes Zollikon a comfortable base for families who can meet the cost. For households weighing Zollikon against other parts of the area, the Zurich city hub sets out districts, curricula and the school landscape across the city and its lakeshores.
Yes, for families who can meet the cost. Zollikon is a premium lakeside municipality on Zurich's Gold Coast, the sunny eastern shore, prized for lake views, green space, safety and quick access to central Zurich and to several international schools on the same side of the lake.
Tandem International Multilingual School has a campus in Zollikon, and the eastern shore is served by established schools such as Inter-Community School Zurich and Terra Nova, along with other Gold Coast campuses a short drive or ride away.
S-Bahn trains run along the eastern lakeshore into Zurich main station in around ten minutes, with frequent buses and lake boats as alternatives. The strong public transport means a car is not essential, although many families keep one for weekends.
Yes. Zollikon is one of the most sought after and expensive parts of the Zurich area, with premium houses and apartments and demand that outstrips supply. Many international families rely on a housing allowance, or accept less space than they would find further from the lake.
Zollikon is built around the lake and the outdoors, with lake access and a lido, lakeside walking and cycling paths and quick routes into the hills. The municipality has its own shops, restaurants and sports clubs, and the Gold Coast international community makes clubs and activities easy to find.
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