Tina Turner, the iconic queen of rock ‘n’ roll, captivated millions with her electrifying performances and soulful voice. While her music took her across the globe, one place held a permanent piece of her heart: the small lakeside town of Küsnacht, Switzerland. It was here, on the shores of Lake Zurich, that Tina built the home she returned to again and again — and where she lived until her passing on May 24, 2023. In this post, we’re taking you through her Küsnacht: the streets she walked, the quiet she found, and the Switzerland she chose to call home. And once you’ve walked it with us, stick around — at the end, we’ll show you how to bring a little bit of Tina, and a little bit of Küsnacht, into your own home.
It was in the early 1980s when Tina Turner first discovered the serene beauty of Switzerland. Following a tumultuous personal and professional period, she found solace in the tranquil Swiss countryside. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes, Tina discovered a sense of peace and tranquility that had eluded her for so long. Switzerland became her refuge, providing the ideal environment for her to heal and rediscover herself.
One of the places that Tina called home was the picturesque town of Küsnacht, located on the shores of Lake Zurich. With its serene waters and lush greenery, the town provided a sanctuary away from the spotlight. Here, Tina was able to nurture her soul, seeking inspiration from the idyllic surroundings (like walking along Lake Zürich Promenade) that became an integral part of her creative process.
Start with the Goldküste light: long, warm reflections on the water, quiet piers, and elegant villas. Walk slowly along Seestrasse, letting the lake guide your rhythm.
Pause at small piers
Sit on a bench with coffee
Watch ferries glide past like moving postcards
This is the softest way to arrive in Küsnacht.
Move gently toward the area where Tina lived—no “sightseeing” in the tourist sense, but a pilgrimage of atmosphere. You’ll feel the same golden light she loved, the same quiet shoreline she walked. Let this be a moment of gratitude rather than observation.
Switzerland also played a significant role in this superstar’s personal life. It was in this enchanting country that Tina found love and happiness with her longtime partner, Erwin Bach. The couple’s love story blossomed in Switzerland, and they eventually tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on the banks of Lake Zurich. This union not only solidified her connection to Switzerland but also showcased the profound impact the country had on her life.
If Tina and Erwin’s lakeside love story has you in the mood for your own romantic Swiss escape, here are 8 more unforgettable romantic things to do in Switzerland — several within easy reach of Küsnacht itself.
Tour Tina’s beloved Switzerland:
Beyond the scenic landscapes and romantic connections, Tina Turner embraced Swiss culture wholeheartedly. She immersed herself in the local customs, learned the German language, and actively participated in the Swiss community. Tina’s admiration for Swiss values such as punctuality, precision, and quality resonated with her own pursuit of excellence in her craft. Switzerland became a symbol of stability, authenticity, and a fresh start—a place where Tina could truly be herself.
Tina Turner’s love for Switzerland was further evident through her philanthropic endeavors. In recognition of the support and inspiration she received from the country, she became a Swiss citizen in 2013. This act of gratitude showcased her commitment to giving back and contributing to the Swiss society that embraced her during her time of need.
Küsnacht is conveniently located near Zurich, Switzerland, making it easily accessible by various transportation options.
By Air: Fly into Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) (IATA code: ZRH), approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Küsnacht.
By Train: From Zurich Airport, take a train to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the main train station in Zurich). The journey takes around 10-15 minutes. From Zurich Hauptbahnhof, there are regular train services to Küsnacht, which usually take around 10-15 minutes.
By Car: If you prefer to drive or pick up a rental car from Zurich Airport, follow signs towards Zurich, then take the A3 highway towards Chur/Zug. After approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles), take the exit towards Küsnacht, and follow the signs to reach the town. Traffic conditions and parking availability should be considered, especially in city centers.
By Public Transportation: From Zurich Airport, you can take a tram or bus to Zurich Hauptbahnhof and then transfer to a train to Küsnacht. The public transportation system is well-integrated and provides convenient connections between different modes of transport.
Once you reach Küsnacht, you can explore the town and its surroundings on foot or by utilizing local transportation options such as buses and trains.
The sweet spot is three full days. Wake up to a slow morning on day one, visit Carl Jung’s home, and end the day with a sunset dinner at the Küsnacht Pier. Set a day aside to do a day trip to Zürich, and set another day aside for Küsnachter Tobel and forested serenity.
Küsnacht itself doesn’t have to be expensive — the lake promenade is free, and you can stretch your francs further with these Switzerland budget tips for the rest of your trip.
The summer months of June to August are the peak tourist season in Küsnacht due to the pleasant weather and lively atmosphere.
If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, can be equally delightful.
Winter is a great choice for those interested in winter sports and experiencing the Swiss holiday charm.
Consider your preferred climate, activities, and the ambiance you seek when selecting the best time to visit Küsnacht. Use this link to get current weather, monthly averages, and climate info like the wettest, windiest, coldest, or hottest months.
Before you plan the trip, it’s worth a quick detour: here are 17 mistakes most people make in Switzerland — a few of them (cash vs. card, transport passes) apply directly if you’re routing through Küsnacht.
Travelandhome Tip: Start early for cool air, and walk only as far as feels right. There is no pressure to complete the full route.
Take the S‑Bahn (6 minutes).
Travel Tip: You don’t have to do all the rooms. Don’t let it be a museum marathon, but rather a slow, soft, and intentional visit. Stop when you feel full— not when the museum ends. The key to an enjoyable museum visit is to leave before you get tired, overstimulated, or “museum fatigued”.
If you want both sightseeing and scenic views, choose Seestrasse near Küsnacht Dorf. This gives you:
Lakefront views
5–7 minutes’ walk to the station
Easy access to restaurants and the promenade
Quick train rides into Zürich
Switzerland not only provided Tina Turner with a safe haven but also became an intrinsic part of her identity. It shaped her artistic expression, fortified her personal relationships, and fueled her passion for life.
Küsnacht is just one quiet corner of a country full of them. If this stretch of the Goldküste won you over, see our full list of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland for where to go next.
As Tina Turner’s extraordinary life story unfolded, Switzerland stood as a testament to the power of a place to heal, inspire, and transform lives. Switzerland held a special place in the heart of this music legend, as a testament to the enduring bond between an artist and the land that embraced her in her journey of self-discovery.
To wrap up:
Switzerland, with its mountains grand,
A place where Tina found her promised land.
In Küsnacht’s embrace, her spirit grew,
As her love for this nation only grew.
From the shores of Lake Zurich’s serenity,
To the unity of love’s matrimony,
Tina’s soul found solace and delight,
In Switzerland’s embrace, forever bright. ❤️
– @travelandhome –
Now that you’ve walked the same Lake Zurich shoreline Tina Turner loved, why not bring a little of that energy home? Throw your own Tina Turner costume party — sequins, wigs, “Simply the Best” on repeat, and all. It’s our favorite way to turn a place you’ve fallen for into a celebration you can host in your own living room.