Breathtaking Lakes in Switzerland to Add to Your Itinerary


Whether it’s your first trip to Switzerland or a returning visit, no itinerary would be complete without exploring at least one of the beautiful Switzerland lakes. 

From Lake Geneva, the biggest lake in Switzerland, to a tiny pond in the mountains, the choice is abundant. Which one you should visit depends on your Switzerland itinerary. Find out about the most scenic and colorful Swiss lakes, and add them to your bucket list.

Wonder how many lakes there are in Switzerland?

You may be surprised that a small country like Switzerland has about 1500 lakes. Yes, that’s the number. Quite impressive, right?

Some of them are quite big, others are tiny mountain lakes, but all are beautiful. Each one in its way. Also, there are lakes in almost every canton, so even if you’re spending in Switzerland only a couple of days, it’s head not to stumble into at least one.

The largest lakes in Switzerland

Lake Geneva

Unquestionably Lake Geneva (Lac Léman, in French) is the most famous lake in Switzerland. It also happens to be Switzerland’s biggest lake.  Roughly shaped like a croissant, or a crescent, if you prefer, it’s divided between Switzerland and France.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland Biggest Lake
Lake Geneva. Photo by Xavier von Erlach on Unsplash

The beauty of the lake attracted many personalities, especially from the 1800s. Poets Percey Shelley and Lord Byron often spent holidays by Lake Geneva. Actor Charlie Chaplin died in Vevey, where he lived during his final years. Other famous people who bought homes around Lake Geneva include Audrey Hepburn, Phil Collins, and Michael Schumacher.

Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle in Montreux
Lake Geneva, Photo by Ricardo Gomez on Unsplash

Geneva is the largest city overlooking the lake, and besides being very pretty, it’s also conveniently located to explore the surroundings. There are plenty of beautiful day trips from Geneva, therefore, choose wisely. Two of my favorite excursions on Lake Geneva include the boat trip from Geneva to Montreux and the easy walk along the Lavaux terraces. These vineyard terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, and the best time to fully enjoy their beauty is Summer and Autumn.

Where to stay on Lake Geneva:

Geneva: The elegant Hotel Longemalle is located in a pedestrian area, at the center of Geneva. From there, you can easily visit the city and make day trips in the surroundings:

Lausanne: Hotel Angleterre & Résidence is on the lakeshore, from where you’ll get beautiful views of the Alps. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful garden, making it the perfect choice if you travel to Switzerland with kids.

Lake Lucerne

Since Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, there are good chances you’ll include it and Lake Lucerne in your itinerary to visit Switzerland.

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Lake Lucerne, Photo by Fuyu Yeo on Unsplash

Furthermore, Lake Lucerne is in central Switzerland, thus close to many stunning attractions. The English name is a little misleading. In French, German, and Italian (Switzerland official languages with Romansh), it’s called the Lake of Four Cantons, since it spans across the cantons Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, and Lucerne.

The area around Lake Lucerne is also famous for superb mountain sceneries, offering stunning views of the lake. One of the best excursions from Lucerne is the one to Mount Pilatus. Combining the cable car ride, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, and a boat trip, it’s one of the most exciting day trips from Lucerne you can imagine. Another top spot near Lucerne is Mount Rigi, perfect for a day amid idyllic scenery. If you’re keen to see eternal snow and a glacier, you should take a tour to Mount Titlis. The trip is nothing short of spectacular, starting from the revolving cable car.

Where to stay on Lake Lucerne: Although there are many towns where you could overnight, I suggest you stay in Lucerne. First of all, because the city is incredibly beautiful. And also because it’ll be much easier to take day trips from Lucerne rather than from nearby towns unless you’re hiring a car.

The elegant Hotel des Balances is set in one of the best areas in Lucerne, along the river and only steps from the city’s most beautiful sights. It also boasts a lovely bar overlooking the river Reuss.

Another excellent option is the Hotel des Alpes. Located in the heart of Lucerne, it features modern rooms and a beautiful terrace with romantic views of the river.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Although they’re two distinct lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are adjacent. Interlaken, one of the top destinations in Switzerland, lies in between, and is thus enjoys a privileged position to visit both lakes.

Switzerland, Thun
Thun, Switzerland

Furthermore, Interlaken is the gateway to some of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in Switzerland. One above all is Jungfraujoch Top of Europe, the highest train station in the old continent. From there, you’ll get unique views of the Aletsch glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

That is also the area where you can experience one or more of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides.  They’re pricey, like everything in Switzerland, but if you have good weather, you won’t be disappointed.

Lake Brienz, Switzerland
Lake Brienz

Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are beautiful, but I confess that I slightly prefer Lake Thun, which is one of my all-time favorites. I’m in love with its bright turquoise water, and charming Thun, the town at one of the lake’s extremities.

Where to stay on Lake Thun:

It’s worth overnighting in Thun if you want to visit some of the beautiful nearby mountain attractions, like the Stockhorn or Beatenberg.

Although Brienz is pretty, I suggest you stay in Interlaken. Set in between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it enjoys an ideal location to explore the area. Furthermore, Interlaken is also an excellent gateway for an excursion to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe, and to discover some of the prettiest villages in Switzerland.

Thun: The charming Restaurant & Hotel Schlossberg is ideally located at the heart of Thun’s old town. This boutique hotel features stylish decor and a small wellness area.

Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken is in the center of the town, and minutes from the train station. It features contemporary décor in a beautiful historical building.

Lake Zurich

It’s perhaps not as scenic as others of the biggest lakes in Switzerland, but it’s certainly worth seeing if you visit Zurich.

Zurich Lake from Uetliberg Mountain
Zurich Lake from Uetliberg Mountain

A classic is a boat ride, which can go a far as the charming city of Rapperswil, is always a good idea. To get magnificent views of the lake from above, I strongly recommend you catch the train or the cable car to the Uetliberg. Zurich mountain is a beautiful spot. There are a few cafes and restaurants with terraces overlooking the lake and several options for easy hikes.

Where to stay on Lake Zurich

The best choice is to stay in Zurich, from where you can easily travel across Switzerland and discover the surrounding area.

Check out my post on the best areas to stay in Zurich for more information.

Lake Constance

The second largest lake in Switzerland, Lake Constance, is located up north, at the border with Germany and Austria.

Lake Constance
Lake Constance, Photo by Harry Dona on Unsplash

To be honest, the “classic” Switzerland itineraries are unlikely to include Lake Constance, but if you spend a couple of days in Zurich, I strongly recommend a day trip to Stein am Rhein. This lesser-known town, which lies at the corner where Lake Constance becomes the river Rhine again, is a real gem. If you get there, you’ll see why it’s hard not to fall in love with the finely decorated façades of its medieval houses.

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In Switzerland, you can also choose between a myriad of smaller lakes. There are many picture-perfect mountain lakes within easy reach, either by public transportation or having a short and easy walk.

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Most Beautiful Swiss Lakes

 

simon-falvo

About Me

Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

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