12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

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Whether it’s the high elevation, the clarity of the water, or the stunning natural setting, the lakes of Switzerland are really remarkable. Hundreds of picture-perfect lakes can be found in each of the country’s four main river basins. With Switzerland’s well-developed infrastructure, even the most inaccessible bodies of water are within easy reach.

Each lake has its own special set of recreational opportunities, from swimming and fishing to water skiing and sightseeing boat rides. Cultural landmarks like medieval castles, unique museums, and beautiful public gardens can also be found in lakeside resorts, villages, and cities. Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes are worth seeing no matter where your travels take you in the country.

12. Riffelsee

Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee Lake, Zermatt, Switzerland

Visitors from all over the globe come to visit the majestic Mount Matterhorn, which can be seen from the shores of Riffelsee. The Matterhorn looks beautiful reflected in the still water of the lake. Zermatt, an alpine village with a popular ski area, makes it simple to get to Riffelsee as well. You can reach the lake in less than ten minutes from the Rotenboden station on the Gornergrat Bahn narrow-gauge train, which serves the resort. Popular year-round activities include downhill skiing, mountain climbing, and hiking.

11. Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a popular summer vacation destination that straddles the boundaries of three countries (Switzerland, Austria, and Germany). This third-largest lake in Central Europe is a popular tourist attraction due to its convenient location and the wide variety of outdoor activities available there. A fantastic biking experience can be had on the trail that circles the lake. Leaving from Kreuzlingen in Switzerland, you can embark on one of the most beautiful lake cruises in all of Europe. Travelers can stop at Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and the medieval towns of Stein am Rhein along the way.

10. Bachalpsee

Hiker at Lake Bachalpsee, Grindelwald, Switzerland

Bachalpsee, often spelled Bachse, is a lake in the Bernese Canton that overlooks the popular vacation destination of Grindelwald. From the busy ski area, the trip up to the small lake takes around 1.5 hours. The scenery along the way, including the glaciers, mountains, and meadows, is more than worth the effort. It’s OK if some of the surroundings seem familiar at first. Several well-known films have used the area surrounding Grindelwald as a setting, including “Revenge of the Sith,” which has a scene set on the planet Alderaan.

9. Blausee

Scenic view of Blausee lake, Switzerland

The Kander River valley is home to the picturesque Blausee Lake. The lake’s deep blue water, which is fed by underground springs, gives the lake its name. According to legend, a blue-eyed maiden who died of a broken heart gave the lake its distinctive color. The gorgeous lake can be found in the heart of Blausee Nature Park, which itself is surrounded by a verdant forest. The Blue Lake has been visited by people for generations, yet despite this, it still seems quiet and isolated. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and picnics. A hotel on the water offers spa services for those who just wish to relax.

8. Lake Zurich

Panoramic view of Zurich city center with churches and boats on Limmat river

Lake Zurich is one of the most convenient Swiss lakes due to its northern tip, which protrudes into Switzerland’s biggest city. An excursion on the water begins with a trip through Zurich’s architectural marvels and out into the countryside. Passing through picturesque villages, the town of Rapperswil awaits, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along a lakeside promenade, an adventure inside a medieval castle, and a look at more than 600 different types of roses in the public gardens. On the adjoining island of Ufenau, there is a chapel built in the seventh century that is well worth seeing.

7. Walensee

Walensee is one of the major lakes in Switzerland, and it can be found in the region of “Heidiland,” which is also the setting for the Heidi books by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. Numerous picturesque towns, spas, and ski resorts dot the high, vertical cliffs that surround the lake. The views of the lake below from each of them are stunning. Whether you like boating, hiking, or downhill skiing, Lake Walen is a fantastic destination. Heidi enthusiasts should definitely check out Heididorf, a tourist attraction in neighboring Maienfeld.

6. Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee is a high-altitude lake that draws people year-round and is located above the resort village of Kandersteg. From Kandersteg, the big alpine lake is a quick gondola ride away. Lake Oeschinen offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year. When the weather is nice, you can get your heart racing by going for a ride on a long slide that winds through the mountains. For some fun on the water, you can easily rent a rowboat. When the lake freezes over in the months between December and May, a number of winter sports become accessible.

5. Lake Brienz

Panoramic view of Brienz town on lake Brienz

Lake Brienz, in Switzerland, is renowned for its picturesque location and stunning turquoise water. With towering mountains on all sides, the lake is best explored from the water. Regular service to coastal areas, including the resort town of Interlaken, has been provided by passenger ships operating on Lake Brienz since 1839. It is also common for visitors to hike from the lake to Geissbach Falls. The last ascent is serviced by a funicular train that deposits you just in front of the Grand Hotel Geissbach.

4. Lake Lugano

Scenic view of lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore

Lake Lugano, which straddles the international boundary between Switzerland and Italy, is a popular tourist destination because of the diversity of its guest population. The scenery around this enormous, branching lake is breathtaking. Taking the rack train from Capolago Village up to Monte Generoso is a fantastic way to take it all in. Historical treasures abound in the lakeside towns, from the Renaissance church in Morcote to the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola.

3. Lake Thun

Lake Thun, which is separated from Lake Brienz by a narrow strip of land, is an excellent tourist destination because of its proximity to many historical sites and beautiful landscapes. Northeast of the lake’s center lies the municipality of Oberhofen, whose skyline is dominated by a castle built in the 13th century and perched precariously above the water. On the other side is the picturesque town of Spiez, which is home to a castle and a Romanesque church. The St. Beatus Caves, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, and waterfalls, are located close to the Beatushohlen-Sundlauenen ferry terminal on the lake’s southern end.

2. Lake Geneva

Traditional paddle steamer ship at Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is Switzerland’s biggest lake, and it is popular with tourists from both Switzerland and France. The crescent-shaped lake on the northern edge of the Alps is a popular vacation location for the affluent and famous. Geneva is famous for its high-end shopping and relaxing boats on the lake. On a leisurely trip around the lake, you’ll see castles on the water’s edge and vineyards on the hills. Lake Geneva’s natural beauty isn’t the only reason people go there, however. Less than an hour’s drive will take you from the coast to ski resorts and mountain hiking trails.

1. Lake Lucerne

View of Lucerne lake and mountain Pilatus from Rigi

Lake Lucerne is the contrastive fourth-largest lake in Switzerland. The temperature is moderate since the waterway is sheltered by the Alps. One of the most visited places in Switzerland, the lake can take on a sinister air when shrouded in fog. All along the coast, you can find various resorts and hotels. The beauty of Lake Lucerne can be attributed to its breathtaking surroundings. Recreational activities like boating, hiking, and cycling are common here, as are trips to the fabled meadow of the Rutli, where the Swiss Revolution is said to have begun.

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