Switzerland has several thousand lakes scattered around the country. From large lakes to smaller mountain lakes, Instagram-worthy lakes to family-friendly lakes, summer is the best time to discover them all! Here are our top 6 must-visit lakes in Switzerland to check out this summer, located in some of the most beautiful towns and villages in Switzerland.

Best Lakes in Switzerland To Visit

Blausee Lake, Oberland (Blue Lake)

Blausee, located in the Bernese Oberland municipality of Kandergrund, is one of the most famous mountain lakes in Switzerland. Blausee sits 887 meters above sea level with a length of about 100m and a width of about 70 meters. This glistening deep blue mountain Lake is embedded in a protected forest area between Kandergrund in the north and Kandersteg in the south.

Since the lake is fed by underground springs, its water is crystal clear and you can practically see the lake bottom – as deep as 12 meters. Nestled inside a fenced natural park, Blausee offers its visitors well-maintained barbecue and picnic areas. There is also a glass bottom boat ride which is a must-do when the sun is shining.

The lake and park areas are illuminated during the evenings making it the ideal spot to spend the entire day just relaxing and grilling.

Getting to Lake Blausee can be done by public transportation. From Interlaken, take a train to Kandersteg. From Kandersteg, you can take the bus to Blausee and the stop will be right across the entrance to Blausee. The ticket price of the train varies depending on where you take the train from. The bus ride is free if when you present your train ticket. Self-drive is also possible and there is a car park next to the entrance.

If you plan to go out on the lake, be it sailing or kayaking, be sure to invest in a decent life jacket first!

Crestasee (LAKE CRESTA)

Crestasee is a picturesque lake in the cantonal district of Grisons. It is located in the middle of the ‘Flimser Grosswald’ – one of the largest wooded areas in Graubünden and a must-see for all nature enthusiasts. Also known as Lag da Cresta, as it is called in Romansch, Crestasee lies at an altitude of 845 meters above sea level with a maximum depth of 14 meters.

While the mountain lake is fed from underground springs, the water from the lake forms a small stream and enters the Flem River.

Swimming in the crystal-clear water is a must-do in summer. There are also rowboat rentals, standup paddles, a fire-place and an on-site restaurant.

Crestasee is only accessible by foot so be prepared for a lovely walk through the natural forest.

From Laax or Flims you take the bus to Trin / Chur. Get off the bus at “Trin, Felsbach-Crestasee” stop. From there, it takes 20 minutes by foot to the lake. You may also opt to stop at Trin Mulin village. From here, it takes 40 minutes to get to Crestasee. If you’re arriving by car, head to Trin Mulin village and follow the signs to car parks 3 to 5. The walk from the car park to the lake takes 10 minutes.

Seealpsee 

Located 1141 meters above sea level, high up in the region of the Alpstein Mountains in Appenzell, Seealpsee Lake (literally translated as Lake-Alp-Lake) is a hidden gem lying in between majestic mountains including the Säntis.

Its emerald waters are refreshingly cool to swim in after a long hike and there are row-boats for rent during the summer. Visitors can walk around the lake, set-up a picnic or sit on the terraces of the two restaurants overlooking the lake.

Getting to the lake is a challenge by itself- albeit a rewarding one. You can either opt to hike up a paved road for 1.5 hours from the car park at Wasserauen village or take a cable car and walk for 2 hours, passing through a church hidden in a cave on the way down to the lake.

Lake Lungern

Lake Lungern is a natural reservoir formed by a dam in Canton Obwalden between the villages of Kaiserstuhl and Lungern. It is the second largest in the canton of Obwalden after Lake Sarnen and is 687 meters above sea level at the end of the Sarneraatals

The lake at Lungern, where the water is of drinking quality and up to 23 degrees celcius, is perfect for a dip on a hot summer day, and also has a fine sandy beach and a small swimming pool area equipped with a water slide that’s great for kids.

Lake Lungern is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts where you can rent rowboats, paddle boats, and even motorboats with its maximum depth of over 70 meters. There is a sailing school on-site for aspiring yachtsmen and thanks to its reliable winds, you’ll see plenty of windsurfers around the lake. Fishing is also permitted and great angling is almost guaranteed.

There is a gentle circular route around the lake with proper paths for walking and cycling. Bikes can also be hired around the lakeside.

Lake Lungern can easily be reached from Lucerne by a 50-minute car ride. Alternatively, take the train that travels between Interlaken and Lucerne. Lungern train stop is along the way and the trains pass by every hour.

TÜRLERSEE (LAKE TÜRLER)

Not far from Zürich is the idyllic Türlersee. The approximately 1.4 kilometers long and 500 meters wide lake is listed in the Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance in Switzerland.

The small lake attracts locals living around Zurich during the summer with its pleasant bathing temperatures and is a quick half day trip from Zurich. Around the lake there are several bathing spots and the beautiful sandy beach of Türlersee on the southeastern shore. This beach area opens its doors between May and September and offers everything that is needed for a successful bathing day. There is an on-site restaurant, a convenience store and well-kept sanitary facilities. Rowing boats can be rented for a ride on the natural lake. You can also find a camping site next to the Türlersee beach.

The natural lake is very well connected to public transport. Türlersee can be reached by train and bus or post bus in less than an hour from Zurich city center. If you plan on taking the bus, stop at the “Hausen am Albis, Türlersee” Postbus stop and from there, it is a mere five minutes walk to the lake. For those arriving by car, there are several parking lots around the lake.

CHAMPEX-LAC

Surrounded by vast forests and traditional wooden chalets, this crystal clear lake of Champex-Lac in the Valais region of Switzerland has been nicknamed “Little Canada”.

A natural ice-rink in winter, the beautiful lake of Champex-Lac transforms itself in summer as one of Switzerland’s picturesque lake.  It is a popular spot with everyone from families to high alpine hikers, as it’s situated along the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

There is something for everyone to choose from with a large range of leisure and sports activities around Champex-Lac. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat and drift along a bisse (waterway) and try your luck in fishing. One must not miss the enchanting visit to the Alpine botanical garden, an introduction to the underground artillery fort around Champex-Lac and of course, meeting the official mascots of Champex-Lac – the friendly Saint Bernard dogs!

To get to Champex-Lac by public transportation, take the Simplon line train to Martigny, and then take the Martigny-Orsières train, changing at Sembrancher. Once in Orsières, take the bus to Champex-Lac.

If you’re coming by car, take the A9/E62 highway to Martigny then follow the signs to Grand-Saint-Bernard up to Orsières. From there, there are clear directional signages to Champex-Lac.

Based in Switzerland, SUNSTYLEFILES is an online summertime travel and lifestyle magazine featuring the very best of sunny destinations around the world.  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more summer-inspired travels and tips.

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