In this article we show you the 33 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. You can expect a mixture of lonely secret mountain lakes and famous big lakes with great excursion tips.

 

There are around 1500 lakes in Switzerland and each has its own unique charm. Doesn’t matter if it’s a glacier Lake in the high alpine region, one of the large lakes in the Swiss Mitelland or a small pond. Switzerland has something for everyone. The season does not play a big role at all, because even in spring, autumn and winter the waters have a lot to offer.

And especially in summer, this guide to the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland will help you to find your dream destinations

The 33 Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Here is an overview of the 33 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland:

• Lake Limmernsee
• Lake Jöriseen
• Lake Klöntalersee
• Lake Arnisee
• Lake Nidersee
• Lake Palpuognasee
• Lake Silsersee
• Lake Golzernsee
• Lake Lungernsee
• Lake Seenplatte von Macun
• Lake Steinsee (Sustenpass)
• Lake Brienzersee
• Lake Bachalpsee
• Lake Riffelsee
• Lake Genfersee
• Lake Partnunsee
• Lake Lauenensee
• Lake Oeschinensee
• Lake Etang de la Gruère
• Lake Muttsee
• Lake Wildsee
• Lake Blausee
• Lake Pfäffikersee
• Lake Seealpsee
• Lake Bielersee
• Lake Schottensee

Lakes near Zurich and in the Swiss Middle Lands

If you live in the Zurich region, you are spoiled for choice, because there are so many beautiful lakes close by. We start in the Zurich Mittelland and move towards the Alps. In summer, these destinations are a perfect way to cool off.

1. Lake Pfäffikon

A gem only about 30 minutes away from Zurich main station is the Lake Pfäffikon. There are so many sights and activities. One of my favorites is the hike around the lake, which takes about 2 hours. Along the way, you can indulge in culinary delights at the Juckerhof. The farm restaurant also has a nice selection for vegetarians and vegans. In addition, there is a pumpkin exhibition every autumn.

If you want to swim or use your Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in summer, you can do this at various places. Directly under the Juckerhof there is also a free entry point. Only the parking spaces are very hard to get.

Photographers also get their money’s worth on spring and autumn days with a little luck. Because then the chances are high that the fog will clear and it will result a great fog-lake-alpine picture.

2. Lake Klöntalersee

The Klöntalersee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and thanks to its proximity to Zurich (about 1h away) also a popular place to visit. Once a natural lake created by a rock fall thanks to damming up water, it was turned into an artificial lake. Thus, hydroelectric power can be produced.

A highlight is the shore walk along the lake, which takes about 2 hours. It is particularly impressive in spring, because then there are various waterfalls to see thanks to the snowmelt. In summer, of course, the hike can be combined with a swim in the lake. Stand up paddling is also very popular.

If you want to stay at a lake for a few days or a week, you can book one of the campsites. However, be early if you are targeting the summer vacations.

There are also restaurants at the beginning and at the end of the lake. In winter, the Lake Klöntalersee has no sun for about three months and is therefore frozen. Furthermore, there is no public bus during that time of the year, although it serves the stops around the lake from late spring to autumn.

3. Lake Wägitalersee

Only an hour away from Zurich by public transport, the Lake Wägitalersee is served by bus all year round. It is one of my favorite lakes in Switzerland. This has to do with the fact that the alpine lake panorama is simply indescribably beautiful, as you can also see from the pictures.

A tip for a day trip from Zurich is the hike around the lake, which takes about 3 hours. Almost every angle is photogenic and worth a picture.

If you come by car, you can park in Innerthal. Here you can also find the fishing club, where you can get a boat and a day license in summer. In addition, various breathtaking hikes start from Innterhal. One of my favorites is to hike the Bockmattlistock.

4. Lake Obersee

Perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, Lake Obersee is also only about an hour away from Zurich. Unlike the Klöntalersee in summer, as well as the Wägitalersee (all year round), the Obersee is not accessible by public transport. However, a narrow road leads you to the mountain paradise.

As an excursion tip, I can warmly recommend a walk around the lake both in summer and winter. For photographers, the morning sun in spring, summer and autumn and the evening light in October are particularly worthwhile.

5. Glattalpsee

Impressive how Lake Glattalpsee is embedded in the mountain world. With the peaks reflected in the lake and the beauty, the place is a balm for the soul. It is simply worth sitting down and enjoying the moment. There are also countless great hiking opportunities from here.

You can easily reach the mountain lake with a cable car ride. Please be aware that cell phone reception in the region is very poor.

An insider tip is the restaurant just before the lake called Berggasthaus Glattap, which is about 15 minutes from the cable car station. Here you can enjoy delicious and traditional Swiss food.

6. Lake Limmernsee – one of the most viral lakes in Switzerland

Lake Limmernsee in the Glarus Alps is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sardona and one of the Swiss lakes with the greatest viral potential. It has already grabbed users on Instagram several times. Therefore, it is not surprising that year after year more people hike tot he place. You can reach the parking lot of the cable car either by car, shared cab or by foot from Linthal (1h15min).

To reach the lake, you first have to hike about 30 minutes through a tunnel from the mountain station, what an adventure! When you come back to daylight, you are in paradise.

The light blue-milky color of the water comes from the glacial melt, which is carried into the lake with the various tributaries.

You need to know that the cable car runs for private persons only as long as the trails are free of snow, i.e. in summer and autumn.

7. Muttsee

If you do the Limmernsee round hike, you will automatically come to the Muttsee. From the mountain station it takes about 2.5 hours until you reach the reservoir in the Glarus Alps. By the way, the largest solar plant in the Alps of Switzerland is located here.

If you walk a little away from the dam walls, you’ll have the natural paradise mostly to yourself. Who can say no to this view?

8. Gletscherseeli Klausen Pass

One of the biggest insider tips when it comes to Swiss lakes is the Gletscherseeli near the Klausen Pass. Accessible from late spring to autumn, this is a dream place in the Uri Alps and perfect for all those seeking tranquility. You can reach this jewel in a hike of about one hour.

In summer and early autumn buses drive up to the Klausen Pass. In addition, there are various parking lots at the top of the pass.

9. Lake Chapfensee

In eastern Switzerland you will find a true gem, the so-called Chapfensee. In late spring, summer and autumn, a road leads almost to the lake. If you want, you can take a hike along the lake’s circular path. Moreover, many fishermen come here because even day licenses are sold. Those who want to stop at a restaurant can do so as well.

However, swimming is not allowed, because it is a reservoir.

 

10. & 11. Lake Wildsee and Schottensee

Ever heard of the 5-lake hike Pizol? The hike in the tourist region of Pizol has been making waves as a Swiss destination for several years. Because the lakes with the wild mountains are like ground, so that photographers, Instagrammers and nature lovers come here.

Therefore, the hike is very crowded especially on weekends and we recommend to do it during the summer vacations during the week. Besides the Wildsee, the Schottensee, which you will also find on the hike, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland as well. Depending on the season, the color of the lake changes. In spring, the water is still royal blue thanks to the melting snow, in summer, the mountain lake is light blue thanks to the hot temperature and glacier melt.

 

Lakes in Eastern Switzerland

12. & 13. Lake Fälensee and Lake Sämtis

Lake Fälensee is also called the Fjord of the Swiss Alps and is one of our favorites among the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. To reach the dream place, you have to hike about three hours from Brülisau. Especially the first hour is steep up the mountain. People with knee problems should definitely take sticks with them, as the way back also leads through here.

After the steep section you will pass a mountain inn, which offers delicious food in summer and early autumn. To the left, only 5 minutes away, is the Sämtisersee, a pearl with the mountain Hoher Kasten in the back. In very hot summers with little rain, the lake may be almost dry.

But the Fälensee can always be seen in its fullest beauty. An insider tip is behind the bench behind the Bollenwees inn as the best photo spot. If you want, you can even take a dip in the lake. Especially on hot summer days this is a great refreshment.

Both the Fälen and Sämtiser lakes are accessible only on foot while cars and bicycles are not allowed.

14. Seealpsee

Although you can’t reach it by car or bike, a 45-minute walk brings you to your destination. The route to the idyllic mountain lake in the Alpstein mountains is similarly steep to the Fälensee hike.

At the Lake Seealpsee you have the possibility to stop at one of the two restaurants or in summer to buy a delicious mountain cheese at the other end of the lake.

Furthermore, at the Seealpsee mountain inn, you can also rent a rowing boat for a small amount and get to know the Swiss lake from another side. If you want, you have two more fantastic hiking options. On the one hand, you can climb the Säntis, the highest mountain of the Alpstein, in about four hours. On the other hand, in about 1.5 hours you can reach the mountain inn Äscher, according to National Geographics the most beautiful place in the world

15. Lake Golzernsee

If you were to send a poet like Goethe to Lake Golzernsee, he would probably not leave so quickly. Because the mountain lake in the Uri Alps is a place that once again shows the beauty of our Switzerland. Surrounded by green meadows and forests, the Golzernsee shines surrounded by huge mountains. With a cable car you reach the top station in a few minutes, from where you then walk for about 15 minutes.

In summer people come to swim, enjoy or barbecue. Lake Golzern is also highly recommended in spring and autumn. Great hikes, such as to the Windgällenhütte, can be made as soon as the snow has melted.

16. & 17. Lake Arni and Lake Nidersee

Also on the list of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland must appear the Lake Arnisee. The panorama of the mountains opposite makes the small mountain lake a popular destination both in summer and winter.

Word has spread that the lake is so beautiful. Therefore, we advise against visiting the mountain lake on a weekend in summer. Because then you may have to wait 1-1.5 hours for the cable car.

Furthermore you can not swim in the lake, but it has a barbecue area and various benches. Even a new fountain with great spring water was built. And also clean toilets are located directly at the lake.

Hiking enthusiasts should take the insider tip to the Nidersee. The light blue glacier lake is one of the most wonderful waters the Swiss Alps have to offer.

18. Lake Lungern – picturebook perfect lake in Switzerland

The green-blue Lake Lungern occupies one of the top ranks among the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Its color is incomparable and unique, which attracts many photographers and more and more tourists. There are various beautiful places and sights to admire around the lake. An excursion tip is to stop at the parking lot of Camping Lungern to look at the lake promenade. Lake Lungern was also the filming location for the Korean Netflix series Crash Landing On You.

Furthermore, nature lovers can also hike around the lake.

19. Lake Bachalpsee – one of the most famous mountain lakes in Switzerland

Lake Bachalpsee above Grindelwald is probably one of the most famous mountain lakes in Switzerland. Hundreds of times it went viral on Instagram and is a very well visited place because of its beauty.

You can take the cable car from Grindelwald to First and then reach the famous place in about 45 minutes. Swimming is possible in summer, but right after the snow melts it is still an ice bath.

20. Lake Blausee

Another popular destination is the Lake Blausee. The small lake in the Kandertal valley captivates with its special beautiful blue color, exactly after its name. In contrast to all other lakes, you pay an entrance fee to visit that place. 12 Swiss francs (CHF) for an adult on weekends, 10 CHF during the week.

Although it is not possible to swim in the lake, there are barbecue sites, restaurants and even a hotel. As this is a popular day trip, we recommend arriving early on weekends during the summer months.

21. Lake Oeschinensee

Of course, Lake Oeschinensee should not be missing from this article, because many people call it the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. Now very crowded due to social media, the lake still has a lot of charm away from the hotspots. Or how about just taking an evening walk if you want to avoid the crowds?

Besides a swim in the cold mountain lake, there are also rowing boats for rent. Furthermore, the three-hour hike around the lake is also very popular. Or do you want to go literally steep? Then we can recommend the hike to the SAC hut Blüemlisalp.

In winter you can skate on the Oeschinensee.

22. Lake Brienz – one of the deepest lakes in Switzerland

Lake Brienz is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland and next to Lake Thun. Thanks to its blue-green color and the surrounding mountains, Lake Brienz is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Especially recommended is the village of Iseltwald, which also featured in the Netflix series Crash Landing on You. Since then, hundreds of Asian fans flock here every day. Nevertheless, the masses are concentrated in one specific place. The rest of the village is still very quiet and even more beautiful.

Another excursion tip is the hike from Iseltwald along Lake Brienz to the Giessbach Falls. The breathtaking view of the waterfalls with the mountain-lake view is stunning.

If you want, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake in summer. Since Lake Brienz is one of the deepest lakes in Switzerland and is partly fed by glacier water, it is accordingly cool.

23. Lake Lauenen – known through a Swiss song

Known from a Swiss song, Lake Lauenen is a real gem near Gstaad. Although the lake is a nature reserve and parking is limited, the destination can be really crowded, especially in summer. Therefore, we recommend coming at off-peak times or in spring and autumn. Furthermore you will find a restaurant near the lake. There you can rent a rowing boat, which is very popular in summer.

In winter, cross-country skiing can be done in the region.

24. Lake Stein (Susten Pass) – the most beautiful easy to reach glacier lake in Switzerland

Lake Steinsee at the Susten Pass is a breathtaking glacier lake in the Bernese Oberland. If you look down from the road, you will be overwhelmed by the view. It is also the best photo spot there.

If you want, you can also park near the lake to relax and enjoy. From our side Steinsee is the most beautiful easy to reach glacier lake in Switzerland.

25. Lake Silsersee

Now we go to the canton of Graubünden to the Lake Silsersee. Not without reason considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, the large lake near St.Moritz has its own charm. Because the larch trees and the dark blue water make every heart beat faster.

In summer you can swim or start with your SUP at various places. In addition, you can make fantastic hikes along the Grisons mountain lake. Especially in autumn with the larches changing color, the region is one of the most worth visiting in Switzerland.

26. Lake Palpuogna

Lake Palpuogna is located directly on the road of the Albula Pass. Despite its proximity to the road, it is one of the stunning mountain lakes in Switzerland. Because the reflections of the mountains and larches makes the lake a picture book place.

If you want, you can walk around the lake in about 45 minutes. According to experience, this often becomes longer, because there are so many beautiful photo opportunities. Swimming is prohibited in the lake, as it belongs to the Ela Nature Park.

27. Jöriseen – the most beautiful lake in Switzerland

If we had to choose the most beautiful lake in Switzerland, it would be the Jöriseen Lake. The lake plateau near Davos triggered feelings of happiness in me personally, which I have never had in any other place in the world. When you arrive at the Jöriseenfurgga after the 1.5 hour climb and see the lakes in different colors, you know that you are at a very special place.

The Jöriseen can only be reached by hiking. We therefore recommend to make the 5.5-hour round trip from the bus station at Jöriseen.

28. Macun lake district

With the lake district of Macun we are not talking about one lake, but 23! It is an excursion tip, which is unique in Switzerland. You can reach the place including a shuttle only in a hike of about 6 hours.

If you are lucky you can see ibexes, chamois, marmots and various other wild animals, because the lake district of Macun is located in the Swiss National Park. For the hike is recommended the months of July, August to mid-September, as it should be free of snow and is partly an alpine trail.

29. Partnunsee

Graubünden has many beautiful Swiss lakes. Lake Partnunsee should not be missing from the list. The mountain lake is located very close to the Austrian border and offers a great experience with its boats. If you want, you can also rent scooters at the nearest mountain inn and jet down the mountain. This makes the place a perfect destination for families as well.

Again, in summer during the vacations we recommend to come rather at off-peak times. In spring, as soon as the snow has melted and in autumn, it usually has, apart from weekends, rather less people.

30. Lake Riffel

Zermatt has incredibly many beautiful lakes. Therefore, it was difficult to choose a favorite. But the Riffelsee has something magical about it, especially in the morning hours with the reflection of the Matterhorn.

You can either hike from Zermatt to the destination or take the Gornergratbahn in the direction of Rotenboden.

31. Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, or Lac Leman, is also on our list. Although not all of the lake is in Switzerland and about half of it is shared with France, the region around the Lavaux vineyards in particular is hard to describe in words. No wonder the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine lovers get their money’s worth here in particular.

If you want to swim, you will find various possibilities on Lake Geneva: Cully, Montreux at Chillon Castle, Villeneuve and many more.

32. Etang de la Gruere

Of course, the Jura also has its lake pearls. A feast for the eyes is the Etang de la Gruere, which also has to be on the list of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

The whole lake and its surrounding area is under nature reserve. However, you can walk around the lake in about an hour.

33. Lake Biel

Lake Biel is another lake in the tourist region Jura3Lacs. Thanks to its vineyards and the Petersinsel, the lake must be on the bucket list.

In addition to many opportunities for cooling down in summer, the Twann to La Neuveville vineyard hike is especially recommended in the fall.

Der Beitrag The 33 most beautiful lakes to visit in Switzerland (2023) erschien zuerst auf Switzerland by Locals.