Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva - or, as they call it in France, Lake Leman (in French: Lac Léman) - can rightly be called the heart of western Switzerland. Every year, thousands of citizens of the Confederation and foreign guests come to its crystal-clear shores to spend their holidays here.

However, Lake Geneva is not just another resort for wealthy tourists, as you might think at first glance.

Did you know that the popular hit (as well as the most recognizable chords in the world) of Deep Purple called Smoke on the Water was written on the shores of Lake Geneva?

Surely, you could not even think that the largest jazz festival is held annually in the small resort town of Montreux?

Lake Geneva is a place where enchanting nature and a unique atmosphere merge into one. Want to know more? Read the details in this material of the Portal "Switzerland Business".

Table of Content

1 Lake Geneva: the etymology of the name

2 Geography

3 Swiss Coast

4 The solid size of the lake

5 Climate

6 Flora and fauna

7 Funny historical facts

8 Water quality

Things To Do On Lake Geneva

9 Shipping 

10 Fishing

11 Diving

12 Boats and kayaks

13 Sailing ships

14 Boating and yachting

15 Swiss Riviera and its attractions

16 Chillon Castle

17 Jet d'Eau Fountain

18 The musical legacy of Montreux

19 Lake Geneva Restaurants

Lake Geneva Switzerland

1) Lake Geneva: the etymology of the name

The name "Leman" comes from the Indo-European branch of languages, where the root of the word means "lake". In turn, the name "Lake Geneva" originates back in 1529 with the patronage of the Swiss national hero François Bonivard. The exact name suggested was "qu'est nostre lac de Genesve."

You May Also Read

Beautiful, Amazing & Fantastic Crater Lakes Around The Globe

With the growing importance of the city of Geneva, the name gradually became established in international usage. Today, the name "Lake Geneva" is often used by the Swiss, and "Lake Leman" by the French.

2) Geography

Lake Geneva is located on the territory of two countries: Switzerland and France. The state border west of the Confederation divides the reservoir almost in the center. However, the majority of the territory at 59.3 percent went to the Confederacy!

Lake Leman is conditionally divided into three parts: in the east - Upper Lake (Haut Lac), in the center - Big Lake (Grand Lac), and in the west - Small Lake (Petit Lac).

By the way, a beautiful view of the lake opens from aircraft arriving at Geneva International Airport.

3) Swiss Coast

The Swiss part of the lake was divided between the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Valais. The total length of the reservoir is 73 kilometers, and its width is 14 kilometers. In turn, the height above sea level is 372 meters. The total area of the lake is about 580 square kilometers.

4) The solid Size of the lake

Lake Geneva is considered the largest body of water nestled among the high Alpine mountains. Moreover, it is also the second-largest freshwater lake in all of Europe. Only Lake Balaton, located in the territory of Hungary, turned out to be a little larger.

We must not forget that Lake Leman is the largest body of water in Switzerland - both Lake Constance and Lake Zurich are inferior in size.

5) Climate

Lake Geneva is under the influence of three climatic zones at once: Atlantic, Mediterranean, and temperate continental. Therefore, do not be surprised when cold dry winds meet you in some parts of the lake in winter.

But in summer, the coast of Lake Geneva is enveloped in a mild climate and clean alpine air. The temperature gradually warms up to 30 degrees Celsius, and already in July, the Swiss can swim in the warm lake waters. Since the mountain peaks surround Lake Geneva with an impregnable wall, in summer almost not a single breath of wind can disturb the water's surface.

Lake Geneva is a real paradise for lovers of flora and fauna. The ecologically clean region can safely boast of untouched nature and an enviable variety of living creatures.

The thing is that the reservoir is located directly on the migration route of a number of representatives of the animal world. Let's not hide - in the distant 1970s, this factor caused many troubles for residents. But not today!

Lake Geneva is a real treasure for any avid fisherman. Just imagine, a huge variety of fish species living in the reservoir. Perch, pike, lake trout, whitefish - this is only a small proportion of all aquatic inhabitants.

In turn, the region is also an invaluable treasure trove of knowledge for ornithologists. Every year, Lake Leman witnesses the migration of 150,000 rare birds that make their way between the Swiss Alps and the Jura mountains. Among the main representatives of birds, one can note the great grebe (by the way, it is also called the great grebe), the crested duck, and the red-headed pochard.

By the way, Lake Geneva serves as a permanent home for birds such as the gray heron, mute swan, and moorhen. Don't miss the chance to see these wonders of nature with your own eyes!

7) Funny historical facts

- For the first time, the existence of Lake Geneva was mentioned back in the days of the Roman Empire. The documents call him Lacus Lemanus;

- in the 11th century, the shores of Lake Geneva were under the rule of the county of Savoy, during which the famous Chillon Castle (also known as the Chillon Castle) was built;

– in the 18th century, the lake was named Leman, which is still preserved in France;

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was the first to mention Lake Geneva in literature. In his epistolary novel "Julia, or New Elozia" he describes the reservoir as a mirror of the soul. And it's hard to argue with that!

- in 1827, the speed of sound in water was measured for the first time on Lake Geneva;

- About 40 ships sank in Lake Geneva. From the middle to the end of the 19th century, the reservoir swallowed up 6 railway cars, due to the collapse of the bridge. Also, at the bottom of Lake Leman lies a lot of sailboats, motor boats, about 3 aircraft, and the paddle steamer Rhône;

- in 1860, at the moment, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe had a serious level of pollution: the water surface was impenetrable, and swimming was dangerous for human health. Only 20 years later the environmental problem was solved.

- in 1962, on the south side of the lake in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, peace was concluded between France and Algeria, during which the latter gained its independence;

– in the picturesque city of Vevey, which is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the famous Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier lived;

- Swiss naturalist François-Alphonse Forel devoted almost his entire life to the study of Lake Geneva. His work was not in vain: an institute at the University of Geneva was named in his honor;

- Swiss artist François Bocion captured the unique atmosphere of Lake Geneva in his works;

- It was on the shores of Lake Geneva that the most recognizable chords in the world "Smoke on the Water" performed by the band "Deep Purple" were born. In 1971, the musicians stopped in the city of Montreux, where a fire soon broke out. The haze enveloped the water surface of the lake. Such an unusual sight prompted the group to create a golden hit.

8) Water quality

The Commission Internationale pour la Protection des eaux du Léman (CIPEL) is responsible for the water quality of the lake. And apparently, the work of this body is not in vain: the water qualifies as “very high quality”. This fact explains the fact that 80 million cubic meters of drinking water are produced from the waters of Lake Geneva per year.

Things To Do On Lake Geneva

9) Shipping

For 140 years, picturesque ships in the Belle Epoque style have been sailing on Lake Geneva. By the way, you will not find such a fleet anywhere in Europe. From year to year, transport ships transport everyone from one side of the reservoir to the other, measuredly plowing the water expanses of Lake Geneva.

And what a beautiful view from here! Having sailed to the middle of the reservoir, an amazing panorama of the Alpine Alps appears before the eyes of passengers, among which meadows are comfortably nestled. It is not difficult to imagine how another picturesque village is hiding behind another mountain peak.

By the way, good news for fans of gastronomic tourism: special ships ply Lake Geneva - restaurants, where guests can enjoy plenty of not only picturesque landscapes but also delicious Swiss cuisine. We advise you not to hesitate and go on specialized gastronomic tours on Lake Geneva.

For a taste of Swiss cuisine, board the cruise ship La Suisse, which regularly departs from charming coastal towns such as Lausanne, Pouli, Lutry, Culy, Riva, and Vevey. Guests will be able to taste the most famous national dishes, whose assortment, believe me, is not limited to fondue varieties.

Have you dreamed of tasting the famous Italian cuisine for a long time, but you just can’t get out to its homeland? Then Lake Geneva is your chance! In the picturesque resort regions of Montreux, Vevey, Villeneuve, Chillon, and Le Bouvre, anyone can board the Italie. During the cruise, guests will be able to get acquainted with the culinary heritage of Swiss Italy, represented by the canton of Ticino.

Transportation on Lake Léman is carried out by the Swiss company Compagnie générale de navigation sur le Lac Léman (CGN). Its ships can be found in almost every city on the shore of Lake Geneva.

10) Fishing

Amateur sport fishing is allowed in Lac Léman or Lake Geneva and most other lakes and rivers in Switzerland and France but you should have always required a license and proper equipment.

11) Diving

Lake Geneva is rightfully considered an invaluable storehouse of water entertainment. For example, Lake Leman has long been chosen by diving enthusiasts. Under the serene water surface, once sunken ships are buried, which is of particular interest. For example, only from the side of the municipality of Hermans (canton of Geneva), located near the border with France, about 5 ships were buried under the water's surface!

In addition to historical values, Lake Geneva boasts a rich underwater world. The diversity of local inhabitants can compete with the famous coral reefs of Egypt or Australia.

12) Boats and kayaks

A popular water activity on Lake Leman is boating and kayaking. Every year, hundreds of those wishing to take up the oars with pleasure to enjoy the peaceful water surface and the picturesque landscape of the Swiss Alps.

In this case, the main thing is not to swim too far. According to the Swiss inland waterway navigation law, such types of water transport are only allowed to sail within the inland coastline - 150 meters from land.

13) Sailing ships

Love to sail? Then head for Lake Geneva. The reservoir can be safely called an integral part of the sailing sport. For more than 75 years, it has become the venue for the largest international sailing regatta, Bol d'Or Mirabaud.

Just imagine: about 600 snow-white sailboats glide across the sky-blue water surface in the struggle for the victorious championship. And this is only a small part of all the competitions held here! In 2017 the championship will take place from 16 to 18 June. Do not miss it!

14) Boating and yachting

Even in quiet times of events, the coastline of Lake Geneva is full of small boats. Their main representatives are boats and yachts. Virtually every Swiss port boasts an impressive collection of moored "snow-white beauties" while their owners spend time in upscale Swiss yacht clubs.

However, when sailing on Lake Leman, you should remember that navigation through local waters is regulated by law. According to the Federal Inland Waterway Navigation Act, the permissible blood alcohol level while operating a vessel cannot exceed 0.5 ppm.

In other cases, operating the helm while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. The violator is waiting for a fine, deprivation of the right to drive by a court, or even imprisonment for up to three years. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a bottle of excellent Swiss wine to the fullest while cutting through the water's surface, we advise you to first leave the helm.

In any case, it is difficult to disagree with this requirement: whatever one may say, running a court requires a lot of responsibility. Given the high popularity of Lake Geneva among shippers, the skipper needs to be constantly on alert. It is especially important to keep clear of other vessels and be prepared to maneuver to avoid the collision. The letter of Swiss law states that the distance of the boat from other vessels must be at least 50 meters.

15) Swiss Riviera and its attractions

The unique mild climate, clean alpine air, and high-quality service instantly turned the northern shore of Lake Geneva into a popular holiday destination. The resort coastline was dubbed the "Swiss Riviera".

Against the backdrop of the incredible beauty of the Alpine mountains, one after another, such tourist cities as Montreux, Geneva, Vevey, Lausanne, Walrus, and Nyon began to grow. Each of them is unique in its way and therefore deserves special attention. And our map will allow you to go on a virtual journey through each of them:

16) Chillon Castle

One of the main attractions of Lake Geneva is Chillon Castle (also known as Chillon Castle). The fortress is located on the coastline of the canton of Vaud, literally 3 kilometers from the city of Montreux.

Chillon Castle is rightfully considered one of the most visited historic buildings in Switzerland. Just imagine: a majestic fortress was erected on the rocky shore of Lake Leman, from where a stunning view of the picturesque nature of the region opens up.

Historians are still arguing about the exact date of birth, but the first mention of Chillon Castle dates back to 1160. From the 12th to the 16th centuries, the fortress served as a residence for representatives of the Savoy Count family.

Chillon Castle became the subject of John Byron's poem "The Prisoner of Chillon", serving as the main place of events. Also, the fortress was a source of inspiration for the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Percy Shelley, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas.

17) Jet d'Eau Fountain

One of the most prominent and recognizable sights of Geneva - the Jet d'Eau fountain - is an integral part of Lake Leman. It dates back to 1891 and recently celebrated its 125th anniversary!

Every second from a small hole with a diameter of 16 centimes500 liters of water flies out under a huge pressure of 16 bar to a height of 140 meters! However, even without mathematics, one thing is clear: this water attraction is a must-see for every visitor to Lake Geneva.

18) The musical legacy of Montreux

The small town of Montreux is rightfully considered the musical capital of the Swiss coastline of Lake Geneva. At one time, the legend of music, Freddie Mercury, lived here. From 1979 to 1993, Queen owned the local recording studio Mountain Studios, where they recorded their last album.

Also, the city of Montreux became a source of inspiration for the Deep Purple group: it was here that they wrote the most recognizable chords in the world “Smoke on the Water” (by the way, we are talking about Lake Geneva). Every year Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Do not miss it!