The beautiful lakes in Switzerland have a special quality, whether it is the high altitude, the clear water, or the splendour of the surroundings. No trip to Switzerland is complete without visiting some of the most beautiful lakes there, no matter where your travels lead you.
1. Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee, sometimes known as Bachse, is a lake in the canton of Berne that is situated above the resort town of Grindelwald. It takes around 1.5 hours to trek up to the little lake from the well-known ski resort.
The trip is well worth it because of the views of the nearby glaciers, mountains, and meadows. If the surroundings seem somewhat familiar, don’t be alarmed. The area surrounding Grindelwald served as the setting for a number of well-known motion pictures, notably the panorama of Alderaan in the Star Wars movie “Revenge of the Sith.”
2. Blausee
Blausee is a tiny lake with a lot of charm that is situated in the Kander River valley. The lake’s brilliant blue water gave it its name, and it is fed by underground springs. According to legend, a blue-eyed woman who passed away from a broken heart gave the lake its colour.
The lovely lake is located in the Blausee Nature Park’s heart of lush green woodland. Despite being a well-known tourist destination for many years, Blue Lake nonetheless exudes a sense of tranquillity and seclusion. The best activities include hiking, fishing, and picnics. An on-site hotel offers a full-service spa if all you want to do is relax.
3. Lake Zurich
One of Switzerland’s most accessible lakes is Lake Zurich, whose northern end juts into the country’s largest metropolis. The first step in any maritime adventure is a boat ride across the countryside past Zurich’s magnificent buildings. To get to Rapperswil, travel by picture-perfect villages.
Here, you may stroll along a lakeside promenade, wander through a historic castle, and discover more than 600 different rose species in the public gardens. The neighbouring island Ufenau is also worth a visit because it has a chapel that was built in the seventh century.
4. Walensee
Walensee, one of Switzerland’s major lakes, can be found in the region known as “Heidiland,” which served as the basis for the well-known Heidi tales by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. A number of cute villages, spa towns, and ski resorts are strewn across the vertical, steep cliffs that frame the lake.
Awe-inspiring vistas of the lake below are provided by each. The lake at Lake Walen is an excellent location for boating, hiking, and downhill skiing, among other outdoor pursuits. Fans of the Heidi books will enjoy a trip to the adjacent Maienfeld tourist destination Heididorf.
5. Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is a high-altitude lake that draws tourists all year round. It is located above the resort village of Kandersteg. The big alpine lake is easily accessible via a gondola from Kandersteg. Lake Oeschinen offers a variety of unusual experiences both in the summer and winter.
A long slide that winds through the steep terrain provides an exhilarating sensation in warm weather. Rowboat rentals are easily accessible for enjoyment on the water. When the lake freezes over, which typically happens from December to May, popular activities include ice fishing, tobogganing, and skating.
6. Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque lakes, is renowned for its location and stunning turquoise-blue water. The lake, which is encircled by towering mountains, is best enjoyed from a boat.
Since 1839, passenger ships have been operating on Lake Brienz, offering frequent service to destinations along the shore, including the vacation destination of Interlaken. Another well-liked activity is the hike to the Geissbach Falls from the lake. You ascend the last section of a funicular railway before arriving at the grounds of the storied Grand Hotel Geissbach.
7. Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano, which spans the border between Switzerland and Italy, provides tourists with a diverse vacation experience. This vast, branching lake offers breathtaking vistas from every direction.
A trip up the rack railway from the community of Capolago to the summit of Monte Generoso is a fantastic way to take it all in. Lakeside villages provide fascinating insights into the extensive history of the area, from the Renaissance church in Morcote to the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola.
8. Lake Thun
Lake Thun, which is only a short distance from Lake Brienz to the neighbouring, offers a wide range of viewing opportunities, from natural beauties to historic cathedrals and castles. A 13th-century castle that hangs over the lake dominates Oberhofen, which is located on the northeastern shore.
Spiez, a charming town with its own castle and Romanesque church, is located on the other side. The St. Beatus Caves, where you may witness stalagmites, stalactites, and waterfalls, are close to the Beatushohlen-Sundlauenen ferry terminal at the south end of the lake.
9. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Switzerland, borders France and offers a variety of tourist attractions. The crescent-shaped lake is a favoured vacation destination for the affluent and famous and is located on the northern slope of the Alps.
Geneva’s cobblestone streets are lined with upscale stores, and boats glide serenely on the lake. You may see lakeshore castles and vineyards on a beautiful lake tour. Visitors to Lake Geneva are also attracted by the available outdoor activities. Less than an hour’s drive from the coast are ski areas and mountains with hiking trails.
10. Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne, the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland, is a study in contrasts. The Alps surround the twisting body of water, although the weather is typically pleasant. The lake can have a threatening vibe when shrouded in fog, but it is nevertheless one of the most visited places in Switzerland.
The coastline is lined with hotels and resorts. Beautiful Lake Lucerne’s attractiveness is explained by its breathtaking surroundings. Popular pursuits include trips to the Rutli Meadow, the fabled site of the founding of Swiss independence, along with boating, hiking, and cycling.
