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20 Famous Lakes in Switzerland That Are Absolutely Surreal

Swiss Lakes
Written by Tavleen Kaur on October 16, 2024

Switzerland is a lovely Alpine region with many lakes, alpine communities, and majestic peaks. Among these, the 20 famous lakes in Switzerland that are absolutely surreal add to the country’s charm. Aside from watches and chocolates, Switzerland is known for its challenging ski resorts and hiking trails, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Here is a list of 20 famous lakes in Switzerland, along with additional information.

20 Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

  1. Lake Lucerne
  2. Geneva Lake
  3. Lugano Lake
  4. Thun Lake
  5. Brienz Lake
  6. Lake Zurich
  7. Oeschinensee
  8. Walensee
  9. Blausee
  10. Bachalpsee
  11. Lake Constance
  12. Riffelsee Lake
  13. Lake Maggiore
  14. Schwarzsee
  15. Seealpsee Lake
  16. Champex-Lac
  17. Caumasee
  18. Lake Neuchâtel
  19. Crestasee
  20. Bannalpsee

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1. Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne, Lakes in Switzerland

This is Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake and is famous for its unusual shape. It turns and forks out at several spots across its topography. Vierwaldstättersee is another name for this lake. This provides the iconic Swiss landscape which flows through the majestic Swiss Alps. You may hire a boat to explore the lake’s hidden corners, stay at one of the numerous magnificent resorts located on the lake’s shoreline, or take a journey up Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views of the liquid cobalt below.

  • Rent a boat to the far end of Lake Uri and visit the Rütli Meadow, which is said to be the country’s birthplace.
  • Take a trip up Mt. Pilatus for spectacular views of the valley.

2. Lake Geneva

This lovely lake is known as Lake Geneva. It is located on the northern slope of the Alps, shared by the neighboring countries of Switzerland and France. Train excursions from Geneva to Montreux take you along the ancient seashore, past spectacular castles, old vineyards, and lakeside “beaches.” Similarly, the eastern shoreline is part of France, while the rest is nestled within the Swiss Alps and borders the Geneva metropolitan area.

  • Take a stroll around the shores of Geneva
  • Visit the Yerkes Observatory, which has been around for generations
  • Visit the Chillon Castle for a glimpse into the past

3. Lugano Lake

Lugano Lake, Lakes in Switzerland

The Lugano region’s lake is breathtaking because of the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
It’s a significant part in the early spring when everything is still dark and gloomy in the northern part of Switzerland, but flowers and bushes are flowering in Lugano, and temperatures are a few degrees higher than the rest of the country.

This glacial lake is in the southernmost part of Switzerland and the northernmost part of Italy. It is a hidden gem because it is nestled between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. You may do everything from dining at Michelin-starred lakefront restaurants to walk to the tops of gorgeous peaks or go fishing when visiting the lake.

  • Visit Monte San Giorgio, a wooded peak that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Climb Mount Bre to the summit
  • From the peak of Monte San Salvatore, take in the sights

4. Lake Thun

Lake thung with mountains backdrop

The best time to visit Lake Thun is between April and June, and then again between September and October. The spring and fall seasons are when it is at its most beautiful. It used to dump surplus armaments from World War II through 1962.

There are also several cafes and restaurants with a variety of delectable cuisines and beverages. There are various historic structures and heritage monuments throughout the old town. The churches in this area are also fascinating to visitors.

  • Schloss Thun, a 900-year old hilltop castle, is worth a visit
  • Take a stroll along Thun Altstadt’s old town waterfront, passing by the 15th-century townhouses
  • Visit Schadau Park’s stunning botanical gardens’s, which span along the shoreline of Lake Thun

5. Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. It is located north of the Alps that spans over 29.8 square kilometers and is in the Canton of Berne. The lake has a length of 14 kilometers, a width of 2.8 kilometers, and a depth of 260 meters. It is one of Switzerland’s deepest lakes.
On the shores of this lake, you’ll also find several castles and vineyards, which tempt tourists to participate in a variety of water-based sports and even host several music festivals throughout the year. If you have not yet visited this magnificent lake in Switzerland, why not plan a trip with your loved ones to witness the beauty of the captivating enchanted environment

  • Enjoy a glance into traditional structures and architecture from throughout the world at the open-air Ballenberg Museum
  • Spend some time at the Reichenbach Falls and the Aare Gorge

6. Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich

Zurich conjures up images of stunning Swiss meadows, alpine forests, enormous Alps, and pristine mountain lakes, all of which are spectacular and unspoiled. The Old Town is populated with centuries-old churches, cobblestone streets, and Renaissance-era houses.

The popular trip spot is Lake Zurich. Bathe, sail, or have a picnic in a private location, such as the tiny island of Lützelau. There are also several options to try out new sports like stand-up paddling, windsurfing, and waterskiing.

  • Take a tram ride along the lakefront
  • Take a stroll around the Zurich
  • On a pleasant evening, take a plunge in the lake

7. Lake Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee, Lakes in Switzerland

The Unesco World Heritage Site of Lake Oeschinen is regarded as the most magnificent mountain lake in the Alps Water sports enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and hikers will get their money’s worth.

Hire a rowboat and take a romantic boat ride around the lake, or try your luck at fishing. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and catch a fish. Let your soul dangle and enjoy the spectacular view of the Bluemlisalp group of mountains, whether hiking, sliding down the mountain coaster, or spending time at the blue wonder.

  • From January to March, you can go ice fishing
  • Ice skating is permitted from December to May, depending on ice conditions

8. Lake Walensee

Walensee, Lakes in Switzerland

The Walensee lake, which would also be style like a long finger, is shared by Glarus and Graubünden cantons. The beautiful panorama around this Switzerland lake, courtesy of the Churfirsten range’s towering limestone peaks, is well-known. Upland fields break up the craggy fjord-like backdrop that leads to the roaring Seerenbachfälle waterfalls.

  • Seerenbachfälle Falls is one of Switzerland’s highest waterfalls.
  • Hike along the lake’s edge and stop by one of the many coastal hamlets and meadows that seem to have vanished into the mists of time.
  • Take in the view as you cruise over the calm waters of the lake

Also Read: 5 Top Things to do in Switzerland

9. Lake Blausee

Blausee

The Bernese Oberland’s Lake Blausee, located between Kandersteg and Frutigen, is a romantic and beautiful woodland lake with an extremely blue color that earns it the name “Blue Lake”. The beautiful blue lake appears quickly and will take your breath away with its splendor.

It is a well-preserved natural region that attracts both tourists and locals. A restaurant on the lake’s edge serves organic trout taken straight from the lake, among other specialties.

  • If the weather permits, you can have a lakeside picnic.
  • Another enjoyable alternative is to rent a boat and take it out on the lake.

10. Lake Bachalpsee

Bachalpsee

If you’re planning a trip to the Alps, the Bachalpsee Lake Hike is a must-do activity during your stay. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the Jungfrau region, and it’s appropriate for people of all ages.

Therefore, it is on many people’s hiking bucket lists because of its shorter duration, low difficulty level, and spectacular views of the Eiger North Face.

  • Hike along with one of the several hiking routes that run alongside the lake
  • If the weather permits, sit down for a leisurely lunch.

11. Lake Constance

Lake Constance

The immense Lake Constance in Switzerland is located at the crossroad of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This freshwater lake stretches for 63 kilometers and has a 270-kilometer shoreline filled with lovely villages and lakeside cities.
Lake Constance, which has long been famous as a watersports hotspot, attracts sailors and windsurfers from all over the world.

  • Visit the charming tiny town of Konstanz and spend some time in the historic district.
  • Take a boat tour of Lake Constance.
  • From Bodensee to Rundwanderweg, hike the Lake Constance Trail.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Hiking places in Switzerland

12. Lake Riffelsee

Riffelsee

The Riffelsee lake’s surface is normally calm, making it great for photography. At lower altitudes, this pure alpine landscape offers travelers a total respite from the daily world. The dance of light and shadow among the clouds in the sky, the vast horizon, and the vistas of the Alps’ top summits inspire visitors.

In conclusion, when you arrive at the lake, you will be able to see the Matterhorn peak reflected in the tranquil waters, which is especially beautiful in the early mornings and late evenings.

  • At the lake, you can enjoy nature photography.
  • Take a stroll through unusual alpine flowers.
  • Have a ride on the cogwheel railway.

13. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore

Firstly, Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, and it’s attracted many famous Italian and international artists who have visited. It’s said to be the most important of the pre-Alpine lakes, hence the name “Maggiore,”. Most importantly, it’s glacial in origin, with banks in Lombardy, Piedmont, and Switzerland.

On the Swiss side of the lake, well-known tourist resorts like Locarno, which has roughly 23 hours of daylight, and Ascona, a trendy and charming town with many stores and galleries, flank the waterfront.

  • Take a lake cruise from tourist towns like Locarno, Ascona, or Brissago.
  • Book a seat on the lakeside narrow-gauge train from Locarno to Centovalli.
  • Hike along the Riviera del Gambarogno.

14. Lake Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee

With an area of 0.47 km square, the Schwarzsee or Lac Noir is one of the smallest lakes in the Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. The peaks of Schwyberg on the west border the lake in the Swiss Prealps.

The lake is well-known among visitors for its beautiful natural surroundings and warm, mineral-rich waters, which draw swimmers. For their unique natural beauty, certain areas of the lake have been named natural reserves.

  • Boat rental services are available for a relaxing afternoon on the lake.

15. Lake Seealpsee Lake

Seealpsee

The site is a popular tourist spot because of its stunning blue waters, spectacular mountain landscape, and similarly attractive approach. Seealpsee is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine lakes, located in the Appenzell Alpstein region. The lake is accessible in under an hour from the Wasserauen Train Station or via more difficult hiking paths throughout Alpstein.

  • The Seealpsee Berghaus is a great place to stop for a cup of coffee or a meal.
  • Rent a rowboat and cross the lake in it
  • Take a walk around the lake’s rim

16. Lake Champex-Lac

Champex Lac

Champex Lac is a charming lakeside village nestled in the forests. It’s the perfect place to unwind from the stresses of modern life. This lovely Swiss village includes a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a croissant in the morning or, have a relaxed meal.

  • Mountain bike rides around the shoreline are available.
  • At the water, try stand-up paddling.

17. Lake Caumasee

Lake Caumasee

Caumasee is another of the lakes built on top of the Flims Rockslides which is built near Flims. The lake gets its water from underground sources, and its natural beauty makes it a popular tourist destination.

You may spend your time at the lake swimming, lounging, and sunbathing. Because the lake is bordered on three sides by forest, there are plenty of hiking opportunities. You can visit the on-site restaurant that serves superb food with spectacular views.

  • Take a swim in the lake.
  • Visit the on-site cafeteria for lunch.

18. Lake Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel is often accessible in Romandy, Switzerland’s French-speaking region. This lake in Switzerland is nestled in the Jura Mountain Range’s southern foothills. Beautiful vineyard views and lovely marshlands dot the terrain. Several charming settlements dot the seashore, all of which are easily accessible by tour boats.

  • Take a walk in the marshes area to see the birds
  • If you are planninig to visit in summer, you can go for swimming in the lake.

Also Read: 10 Best Waterfalls in Switzerland

19. Lake Crestasee

Crestasee

Crestasee is a tiny lake in the canton of Grisons in eastern Switzerland that is well-known for swimming and other leisure activities. Moreover, The massive Flims Rockslide, which created this and several other lakes, dominates the entire terrain.

  • To get to the Ruinaulta gorge, take a trek through the forest.
  • Try your hand at wildlife photography
  • Treat yourself to dinner at the lakeside restaurant

20. Lake Bannalpsee

Bannalpsee

Another one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland is Bannalpsee! It is an artificial lake that is there because of a dam. You find this lake near the village of Wolfenschiessen in the Nidwalden canton. The lake is a rather unknown place because almost no people visit. This makes the lake an even more special place! Visit the place during summer as it will be an amazing experience. It is very small and looks even smaller compared to the huge mountain next to it.

That’s also why it belongs to the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. From that mountain, you can see how blue the lake is, which is great! To get to the lake you can take a cable car from Oberrickenbach in the village of Wolfenschiessen. In addition, You can also take a bus from the train station in Wolfenschiessen. There is even a train connection to this train station from the city of Lucerne, so it is easy to get here.

  • Hike along the lake
  • Watch the cows grazing in the field next to the lake

In conclusion, there are so many places and lakes to visit in Switzerland. You have a lot of options for getting those much-needed holiday chills. Pack your belongings for a trip to your favorite location in Switzerland. Visit the Pickyourtrail website and check out the Switzerland Packages and Switzerland honeymoon packages and get ready to fly. Still, if you are having doubts, we will help you at any point in time. You can also customise your own Switzerland itinerary. Explore breathtaking destinations, immerse yourself in local cultures, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your dream trip today!

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