10 most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Switzerland is not a large country –it’s only 41,285 square kilometers- but it’s known to be a beautiful one thanks to its diverse geography. It’s landlocked between the Alps and the Jura Mountains, with the Swiss Plateau sandwiched in between. Switzerland also happens to be home to more than 1,500 lakes and holds six percent of Europe’s entire freshwater stock.

There are four major rivers running through the country -Rhine, Inn, Ticino, and the Rhône- with many lakes being found along with them. Most are high in the mountains and are shared with neighboring countries, and happen to be some of the largest lakes in all of Western Europe. There are also numerous lakes that are located only within Switzerland. Many of the lakes are magnificent, with their mountainous backdrop and amazing clear blue water. Here is our list of the 15 best lakes in Switzerland.

1. Oeschinensee

Located above the village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland known for its magnificence. The turquoise waters surrounded by greenery and snow-capped mountains make this lake a beautiful place for hiking and boating. While this is for summers; in winters, the freezing temperature of the lake turns it into an ice skating arena.

2. Lake Geneva

The largest lake in Switzerland, Lake Geneva shares its many attractions with neighboring France. Situated at the northern side of the Alps, the crescent-shaped lake is a favorite holiday spot for the rich and famous. Luxury shops line the cobblestone streets of Geneva, and yachts float serenely on the lake’s waters. A scenic cruise around the lake takes you past lakeshore castles and hillside vineyards. It becomes an amazing spot for sports during summers and one can take part in many water sports activities like sailing, swimming, diving, rowing, to name a few. Ski resorts and mountainous hiking trails are less than an hour’s drive away from the shoreline.

3. Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne literally translates to the ‘Lake of the Four Forested Settlements’, as its spreads across four Swiss cantons. The lake has an irregular shape that makes it appear as if it sits within four different valleys, although 113.6 square kilometer lake sits in the Reuss Valley. It is famous for its greatest scenic versions. To know its history that it was formed twelve thousand years back, one must go for the boat tours and witness every detail about this breath-taking lake. The climate here is mostly mild.

When wreathed in fog, the lake can take on a forbidding atmosphere, yet it is one of the most popular travel destinations in Switzerland. Numerous hotels and resorts dot the shores. Breathtaking landscapes explain the appeal of lovely Lake Lucerne. In addition to boating, hiking, and cycling, popular activities include visits to the meadow of the Rutli, the legendary site of the founding of Swiss independence.

4. Lake Lugano

Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano offers visitors a multicultural holiday experience. This large, branching lake boasts spectacular views from every angle. A great way to take it all in is with a ride up the rack railway from the village of Capolago to the top of Monte Generoso. From the Renaissance church in Morcote to the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, lakeside towns offer unique insights into the region’s rich history.

5. Lake Thun

Lake Thun sits at an elevation of 558 meters above sea level in the high Berner Oberland region of Bern. The alpine lake was created during the last glacial period between 115,000 and 11,700 years ago.

The lake is known for its clear blue water that reflects its mountainous backdrop. Its shoreline is home to picturesque towns, walking trails and a great selection of accommodations.

Windsurfing and sailing are particularly popular here, although many visitors come to Lake Thun to go canoeing or go on a memorable cruise around the 48.3 square kilometer lake. Some of these scenic cruises even offer a fabulous gourmet dinner that can be enjoyed while watching the beautiful sunset.

6. Blausee

Although Blausee is very small, it’s one of the Bernese Oberland region’s most popular tourist destinations. Blausee literally translates to Blue Lake and its magnificent color is what draws so many people to it.

The lake is surrounded by the Blausee Nature Park, which features picnic areas, restaurants, a small museum, and romantic walkways. It even has a spa, an organic trout farm, and a lovely 3-star hotel.

Blausee is located in the Kander valley at an elevation of 887 meters above sea level. It’s accessible by bus or by train, or, of course, you can drive yourself there.

7. Walensee

Also known as Lake Walen, Walensee is one of the largest lakes in the country and sits at the western end of the Swiss holiday region known as Heidiland. The south side of the lake is where the towns and villages can be found, while the Churfirsten mountain chain is on the north side.

Walensee boasts spectacular views of the massif of the Mürtschenstock that overlooks it, though Todi is the largest peak in the lake’s surroundings. The road along the lake’s southern shoreline is its only access and is extremely scenic.

The historic hamlet of Quinten is the only settlement along the north side of the lake and happens to be completely car-free, being accessible by boat or on foot. The Flumserberg sports resort is just minutes away from Walensee, offering skiing in the winter, and hiking, biking and climbing in the summer.

8. Bachalpsee

Often overlooked by many, Bachalpsee is absolutely stunning, having the Schreckhorn as a backdrop. This is the highest peak in the Bernese Oberland and the northernmost peak in all of Europe that is over 4,000 meters.

The lake itself sits at an elevation of 2,265 meters above sea level and is only accessible on foot. The trail leading to Bachalpsee starts at the First Station and takes around one hour to get to.

The hike to the lake is easy and boasts spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains, streams, and hills. Once there, there is a bench to sit and rest on and enjoy the magnificence of Bachalpsee and its surroundings.

9. Lac de Joux

This is the largest lake in Switzerland that lies above 1,000 meters, as it sits at an elevation of 1,004 meters. Lac de Joux is located in the Vallée de Joux in the Jura Mountains.

The small lake is a haven for outdoor lovers that want to enjoy both the lake and its surroundings. Windsurfing, yachting, water skiing, wake boarding, and rowing are offered on the lake while hiking cycling and mountain biking are popular land activities.

In the summer, a boat travels around the lake on the weekend, taking tourists on a memorable ride. In the winter, Lac de Joux freezes and becomes a massive skating rink.

10. Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee is also known as Lac Noir, or Black Lake, because of its dark appearance caused by the shadows of the Eastern Freiburg Pre-Alps. In fact, the small lake is completely surrounded by mountain peaks.

The lake is a popular destination due to its nearby alpine valley, glaciers and vacation resort. Many families come here to go skiing, snow-shoeing, and snowboarding.

Schwarzsee is also a summer destination, offering swimming, rowing, fishing, and hiking. In addition to a four-kilometer path circling the lake, there is also a 200-kilometer network of paths in the lake’s surrounding area.