Known for its luxurious ski resorts, charming villages and mountain landscapes, Switzerland will delight nature lovers and tourists alike. There are no less than 1500 lakes in its 26 cantons. From the invisible Lake Geneva to Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Constance or even Lugano, find our selection of lakes not to be missed during your stay in Switzerland.
Lake Geneva, the largest
The largest alpine lake shared between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva forms a crescent of almost 73 km long, with a maximum width of 14 km. The Swiss side offers stunning views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, sheltering a range of towns and villages from Geneva to Montreux through Lausanne. On the navigation side, CGN provides a dense network of connections between the two coasts as well as a large offering of cruises, particularly with its 5 steamers. Website: www.cgn.ch:
- The most beautiful view
Along the Route de la Corniche, a road suspended above the terraced vineyards of Lavaux between Chexbres and Riex.
Lake Neuchatel is the most active
At 38 km long and 8 km wide, Lake Nochatel stands out as the largest lake located entirely within Switzerland. A huge playground for swimmers and boaters. An area shared by professional fishermen and gravel pits, while the south coast has several nature reserves dedicated to waterfowl. Board the Neuchâtel steamer for a complete tour of the lake. Website
- The most beautiful view
From the Utopia footbridge, an architectural work installed in Neuchâtel in 1991 on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Confederation.
Lake Murten – the most medieval
Morat and its lake offer a spectacular journey through time. Built in the 12th century by Duke Berchtold IV of Saehringen, the town rises above the lake with walls, towers and keep. Pass through the magnificent gate guarding the entrance to Morat Castle to relive Charles the Bold’s 15th-century siege and enjoy the lakeside foyer. From the port, a very beautiful promenade borders the lake and leads to Mont Voully and its vineyards.
- The most beautiful view
Follow the footpath that runs along the old city walls.
Lake Lucerne, the weirdest
In the heart of central Switzerland, the 114 km² area of Lake Lucerne winds its way through the valleys of Lucerne, Schwyz, Nidwalden and Uri. Enough to create such a different atmosphere. At Lucerne and Vegis, the lake takes on a seaside air, with beautiful beaches overlooking Mount Pilatus. In Brunnen, set in the scenery of the Norwegian fjords. SVG to detect company ships at sea. Website
- The most beautiful view
Take the Stoos cable car and enjoy the aerial view from the ridge trail. The price of the cable car tour is €22.
Lake Tun, the smallest
At a distance of 30 km from Bern, Lake Thun presents itself as the “Riviera of the Bernese Oberland”. The mild climate and enchanting landscape make it a popular holiday destination. Visit especially Spiez and Oberhofen castles, two medieval castles that have been converted into residences and then museums. We also fell in love with Château Hünegg in Hilterfingen, inspired by a Loire château. And for diving, the shores of the lake have 15 beaches and swimming pools. Website
- The most beautiful view
From the small island of Gründerinsel with the fabulous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Lake Oeschinen, the most turquoise
Lake Oeschinen is the only Swiss lake included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the expansion of the classification of the Jungfrau-Aletz massif. At 1,578 meters above sea level, this small lake is sandwiched between dizzying peaks that flirt with heights of 3,000 meters. Above all, the lake is fed by glacial floods, which give it a turquoise color worthy of the lagoon. Website
- The most beautiful view
Hike #8 towards Hoiberg sees a spectacular loop above the lake. Allow about 3 hours of walking to complete the 7km route.
Riffel Lake is the most photogenic
This is one of the most famous photos of Switzerland. The Matterhorn is mirrored in a mountain lake. You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to take this epic shot; Lake Riffel, which serves as the setting for the image, is located at an altitude of 2,757 meters and is about a ten-minute walk from the Rotenboden Station, Gornergrat Bahn stops. the train that connects Zermatt to the top of the Gornergrat. Website
- The most beautiful view
Book a special ticket including train and breakfast to watch the sunrise over the Matterhorn. Price: 103 euros per person.
Lake Silvaplana, the most sporty
5 km from St. Moritz in the Grisons region, Lake Silvaplana is one of Europe’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. The punctual wind force 4 to 5, which blows every day from 11 am, allows competitions of international caliber to be organized every summer, including the famous Engadin wind. Silvaplana also offers a beautiful setting for hiking and mountain biking, with many trails overlooking the lake. Website
- The most beautiful view
Opposite Chastè Crap da Sass, a neo-romantic castle built on the lake shore in 1906 by German general Graf von der Lippe.
Lake Lugano, the most Mediterranean
With its generous sunshine, palm trees and Italian accent, Lake Lugano offers a warm Mediterranean setting in the heart of the Alps. Be sure to explore the picturesque village of Morcot, ranked among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Also follow the path of the olive tree, a wonderful walk of just over 3 km that runs along the lake between the villages of Gandria and Castagnola. Website
- The most beautiful view
From 925 meters of Monte Bre, one of the two mountains surrounding Lugano. The cost of the railway by cable car: 25 €.
Lake Constance, the largest
If Lake Constance is slightly smaller than Lake Geneva, 536 km² versus 580 km², its rectangular shape makes it a true inland sea, encroaching on Switzerland, Germany and Austria. This impression of the open sea is perfectly felt at the quays of the charming village of Romanshorn on the departure of the high-speed ferries to Friedrichshafen, the large German city on the other side of the lake. Website
- The most beautiful view
Walking the border line in Konstanz, one foot in Switzerland, one foot in Germany.
Source: Le Figaro