The lakes in Switzerland are some of the most beautiful in the world. So you won’t want to skip them on a trip to the Alps. And with around 1,500 lakes dotted throughout the country, you'll have plenty to choose from.
Whether you’re taking a boat trip, hiking nearby, or going for a dip, dreamy Alpine scenery awaits. Think sparkling glaciers, wildflower meadows, and lakeside castles.
Find out where to go and what to do in this round-up of the 10 best lakes in Switzerland. Read on, and get ready to add Switzerland to your travel wish list.
- Marvel at turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and more on a self-drive tour of Switzerland
1. Lake Geneva
First up is Switzerland's largest lake, Lake Geneva (“Lac Léman”). Located on the border with France, its shores are dotted with bustling cities, historic spa towns, and medieval châteaux.
At the lake’s western tip is the cosmopolitan city of Geneva, where you’ll find the headquarters of the United Nations. The city is a great place to blend culture with time in the outdoors. Imagine enjoying activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking by day and visiting the Grand Théâtre de Genève by night.
Head east of Geneva, and you’ll come to the sun-drenched vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO-listed wine region, before arriving in Lausanne. This compact city is known for its Olympic Museum, but it also has a charming old town, a pretty lakeside promenade, and a Gothic cathedral.
Top tip: Look south from Lavaux to see the icy summit of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.
Meanwhile, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva is the town of Montreux. Here, you can immerse yourself in medieval history on a visit to the 13th-century Château de Chillon.
2. Lake Lucerne
Located in the heart of Switzerland, you can explore Lake Lucerne (“Lake Luzern”) on a day trip from Bern or Zürich.
Take a boat trip on a vintage paddle steamer or ride a cable car up Mount Pilatus for some of the best views. From the 2,128-metre (6,983-foot) tall summit, you’ll be able to see the lake’s unusual star-like shape.
Back down at lake level, you won’t want to miss Lucerne on the northwestern shore. Or better still, base yourself in this historic city and give yourself a day or two to experience the region.
Lucerne’s top attractions include the 12th-century wooden Chapel Bridge (“Kapellbrücke”) and the Lion Monument. There’s also Meggenhorn Castle, a 15-minute drive or 30-minute ferry ride from the city. The castle dates from the mid-1800s and was inspired by the famous Château Chambord in France.
Rütli, a village on the lake’s shore, is well-known among locals as the birthplace of Switzerland. The Federal Charter of 1291 was signed in a meadow near the village.
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3. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Head to Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, and you’ll be perfectly placed to check out both Lake Thun (“Thunersee”) and Lake Brienz (“Brienzersee”).
The deep blue waters of Lake Thun stretch 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) west of Interlaken. You’ll find enchanting villages and châteaux along its shores. And don’t miss Thun’s medieval old town, which is brimming with historical appeal.
East of Interlaken, Lake Brienz is known for its brilliant turquoise colour and dramatic mountain backdrop. If you want to stretch your legs, a leisurely 20-minute hike will take you to the mighty Giessbach Falls that plunge into the lake.
No matter which lake you visit, expect epic views of iconic snow-capped mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. For even more picture-perfect scenes, take a gondola ride up to Harder Kulm. The observation deck has unrivalled views of the region’s beautiful mountain lakes and rivers.
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4. Lake Constance
Shared by Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, Lake Constance (“Bodensee”) is well worth a trip. Visit, and you’ll soon notice the area is popular with cyclists. That’s because there’s a 260-kilometre (162-mile) cycle path around the lake. There’s plenty to see here, even if you’re not exploring on two wheels.
For instance, you could wander among half-timbered houses and glimpse colourful frescoes in the riverside town of Stein am Rhein. Head upstream, and you’ll come to Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
Meanwhile, on the German side of the lake, connected to the shore by a bridge, is the island of Mainaua. Here, you’ll find a Baroque mansion, a butterfly house, and ornamental gardens.
There’s also the nearby German island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to vineyards and a monastery dating from the 9th century.
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5. Lake Maggiore
If it’s Mediterranean charm you’re after, don’t miss Lake Maggiore (“Lago Maggiore”). Straddling the border with Italy, this lake combines Alpine scenery with an Italian feel.
Locarno and Ascona are some of the best places to visit here. Located on either side of the River Maggia, these towns sit on the lake’s western shore. Whichever one you go to, expect palm-lined promenades, pastel-coloured piazzas, and a vibrant café culture.
From Ascona, you can hop on a boat and be on the largest of the two Brissago Islands in just 20 minutes. Roam the flourishing botanical gardens, then grab lunch at the Villa Emden’s restaurant.
Or switch up your perspective by taking the funicular to Madonna del Sasso. Along with sweeping views of the lake, this historic place of pilgrimage is home to a museum.
Top tip: Extend your stay in this sunny Alpine region by visiting neighbouring Lake Lugano and Lake Como.
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6. Lake Neuchâtel
Lake Neuchâtel (“Lac de Neuchâtel”) is nestled at the base of the Jura Mountains in the French-speaking canton of Neuchâtel. If you don’t count lakes shared by other countries, this is the largest lake in Switzerland.
The lake’s jewel has got to be the city of Neuchâtel and its hilltop castle – Château de Neuchâtel. Soak up old-world French charm as you wander the city’s medieval streets. And, spend an afternoon relaxing on one of the nearby beaches.
Or drive 30 minutes south of Neuchâtel, and you’ll come to the Grande Cariçaie. The nature reserve is home to species such as beavers, great-crested grebes and kingfishers. So grab your binoculars and walk one of the wildlife trails or enjoy a guided canoe tour in these protected wetlands.
7. Riffelsee
Riffelsee is famous for its jaw-dropping view of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most recognisable peak.
To reach this small alpine lake, take the scenic Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat. From there, you can follow a way-marked hiking trail to the lake, which is 2,757 meters (9,045 feet) above sea level.
On a clear day, you’ll get stunning views along the way. But the highlight will surely be seeing the Matterhorn reflected in the lake. The longer Gornergrat Trail offers even more glacier and mountain scenery if you want to explore beyond Riffelsee.
8. Leisee
Located across the valley from Riffelsee, Leisee lake is another top spot for marvelling at the Matterhorn. What's more, you can hop on the Sunnegga funicular and be there in under 5 minutes from Zermatt.
Sunnegga is a ski area in winter, but come summer, it's perfect for a family-friendly day in the mountains. There’s a restaurant, children’s playground, and barbeque area close to the funicular station. Whether you plan to go for a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the scenery, you’re in for a treat.
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9. Bachalpsee
A 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) round-trip hike from First cable car station will bring you to the alpine lake known as Bachalpsee. Your reward for making the journey is the sight of the 4,078-metre (13,379-feet) Schreckhorn reflected in the lake’s crystal-clear water.
Before heading to Bachalpsee, we recommend allowing time for the thrilling First Cliff Walk. If you’ve got a head for heights, you won’t want to miss this metal pathway that clings to the mountainside. First also has an alpine garden with native flowers like edelweiss, silver thistle and chamomile.
You can get to First by taking a cable car from the chalet-style town of Grindelwald.
Good to know: June and July are the best months to see the wildflower meadows in bloom. Just remember that picking these protected plant species is not allowed.
10. Oeschinensee
Perched above the town of Kandersteg in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland is Oeschinensee lake. Venture here, and you can expect glacial-fed turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks.
In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. You can also rent a rowing boat or explore on a mountain bike. No matter what you do, you’ll have stunning views of the snow-dusted summits. There’s also a lakeside restaurant where you can fuel your adventures.
What’s more, this is all just a 10-minute cable car ride from Kandersteg.
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Explore Switzerland’s lakes and beyond
Make your trip hassle-free by letting Nordic Visitor take care of the details. Book with us, and an Alps-based travel consultant will arrange your accommodation, organise your local transport, and plan exciting excursions. You’ll also get a hand-marked route map and a travel guide packed with recommended attractions.
Opt for a self-drive tour of Switzerland for the freedom to go at your own pace. You'll also be able to customise your trip with extra nights, accommodation upgrades, and optional activities.
Or, let someone else take the wheel on a small group tour of the Alps. A local guide will lead the way while you uncover the best of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany by minibus and train.
However you decide to experience Switzerland’s beautiful lakes, with our 24/7 helpline, support is always available if you need it.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to start planning your Swiss lakeside getaway.
