Swiss Lakes: The Ultimate Guide to the Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Switzerland is a land of turquoise waters, alpine peaks, and glacial reflections. The country’s lakes are legendary mirror-like waters surrounded by snow capped mountains, medieval towns, and lush meadows. Whether you’re seeking swimming, kayaking, hiking, photography, or quiet relaxation, Swiss lakes deliver every kind of dreamscape imaginable.

From the famous Lake Geneva to hidden gems like Seealpsee or Blausee, every region hides a liquid jewel waiting to be explored. In this guide, you’ll discover the best lakes in Switzerland, what makes them special, and how to plan your perfect lake side adventure.

Quick Facts About Swiss Lakes

The Most Beautiful Swiss Lakes to Visit

Let’s explore the best lakes in Switzerland, grouped by region for easy travel planning.

1. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) – The Iconic Beauty

• Location: Western Switzerland (bordering France)
• Cities nearby: Geneva, Montreux, Lausanne
• Best for: Sightseeing, cruises, wine tours, photography

Lake Geneva is Switzerland’s largest and most glamorous lake. Its crescent-shaped shoreline hosts vineyards, castles, and jazz festivals. Visitors enjoy boat cruises, walks along the Montreux promenade, and panoramic views of the Alps and Chillon Castle.

2. Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) – The Heart of Switzerland

• Location: Central Switzerland
• Cities nearby: Lucerne
• Best for: Scenic boat rides, cable cars, mountain views

Lake Lucerne is famous for its curved fjord-like shape and crystal-clear waters. Take a boat cruise from Lucerne, ride the Pilatus cable car, or enjoy a swim in one of the lake’s many Badi (public swimming areas).

3. Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) – The Urban Escape

• Location: Northern Switzerland
• City: Zurich
• Best for: Swimming, paddleboarding, city walks

Locals love Lake Zurich for summer relaxation. The Seebad Enge and Mythenquai swimming baths offer stunning views and clear waters. You can rent paddleboards, take a ferry to Rapperswil, or enjoy lakeside cafés.

4. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – The Twin Lakes of Interlaken

• Location: Bernese Oberland
• Best for: Boating, hiking, adventure sports

Between them sits the adventure hub Interlaken, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Lake Thun offers castle visits and sailing, while Lake Brienz enchants visitors with turquoise waters, kayak rentals, and the Giessbach Waterfalls.

5. Blausee – The Enchanted Blue Lake

• Location: Kander Valley, Bernese Oberland
• Best for: Photography, short hikes, nature park visit

Blausee, literally “Blue Lake,” is a tiny but magical alpine lake surrounded by forest. The intense blue color comes from its mineral-rich glacial water. It’s perfect for romantic walks, family picnics, and Instagram photos.

6. Oeschinensee – The Glacier Paradise

• Location: Near Kandersteg
• Best for: Hiking, rowing, mountain views

Oeschinensee is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Switzerland’s most stunning alpine lakes. You can reach it via gondola, hike down, and rent rowboats on the emerald water.

7. Caumasee (Lake Cauma) – The Turquoise Gem of Flims

• Location: Graubünden (Eastern Switzerland)
• Best for: Swimming, SUP, relaxation

Caumasee is a warm, turquoise lake surrounded by forest. The wooden boardwalks and floating pontoons make it a perfect summer destination. Nearby, explore Ruinaulta (the Rhine Gorge).

8. Seealpsee – The Mirror of the Alps

• Location: Appenzell region
• Best for: Photography, hiking, nature walks

A short but steep hike leads you to Seealpsee, a perfectly reflective lake surrounded by mountains and meadows. You can rent rowboats, picnic by the shore, or stay at a mountain inn.

Best Lakes in Switzerland for Swimming

Switzerland’s clean, mineral-rich lakes make wild swimming a national passion.

Best Lakes in Switzerland for Water Sports

From kayaking and sailing to paddleboarding (SUP), the lakes of Switzerland offer endless aquatic fun.

Top Picks for Water Sports

• Lake Lucerne: Windsurfing & sailing
• Lake Brienz: Kayak rentals & scenic paddling
• Lake Maggiore: Jet-skiing & boating
• Lake Geneva: Sailing & sunset cruises
• Lake Zurich: SUP boards and yoga on water

More Read: Best Swiss Mountain Lakes

Camping & Lakeside Escapes

Many Swiss lakes have nearby campsites and eco-lodges. Popular ones include:

• Camping Aaregg – Lake Brienz
• Camping Hüttenberg – Lake Thun
• TCS Camping Lugano – Lake Lugano
• Camping Seebodenalp – Lake Lucerne

How to Get to Swiss Lakes (Public Transport Tips)

Switzerland’s public transport system makes it incredibly easy to explore the lakes by train, bus, and ferry.

Hidden & Lesser Known Swiss Lakes

Don’t miss these secret lakes that most tourists overlook:

• Lauenensee – Gstaad (romantic and quiet)
• Golzernsee – Uri (camping & fishing)
• Voralpsee – St. Gallen (reflective beauty)
• Lai da Rims – near Umbrail Pass (remote alpine lake)
• Lac de Louvie – Valais (best for hiking solitude)

Winter at the Lakes – Another Kind of Beauty

Even when frozen, Swiss lakes are breathtaking. Lake Sils and Lake St. Moritz transform into ice skating and snowshoeing paradises.

Conclusion:

Each of the Swiss lakes tells a different story from romantic Blausee to majestic Lake Geneva, from hidden alpine gems to bustling city waters.

Whether you love photography, swimming, paddleboarding, or picnicking under alpine skies, Switzerland’s lakes are the country’s beating heart serene, shimmering, and unforgettable.

FAQs About Swiss Lakes