Lakes in Switzerland - crystal waters

Lake Zug is located in the heart of Central Switzerland, in the cantons of Zug, Schwyz and Lucerne. Set amid charming hilly countryside, this picturesque region presents many and varied opportunities for walking, cycling and rollerblading. For example, an energetic rollerblading excursion can be rounded off with a relaxing boat ride and a piece of typical Zug cherry cake.

Situated east of Lake Zug, the Ägerisee was the site of the renowned Battle of Morgarten in 1315, the first battle between the Confederates and the Habsburgs. Matters are much more peaceful now, day trippers travel across the calm lake, fish restaurants serve the local ‘Rötel’ (Zug golden trout) and walkers and cyclist make their way through the Alpine upland landscape.

Embedded within an imposing backdrop of mountains including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Lake Thun lies on the northern periphery of the Alps, between the Bernese Oberland towns of Thun and Interlaken. Lake Thun’s motor vessels beckon guests onboard for cruises along its deeply-blue waters. Favourite excursion peaks around the lake are the pyramidal Niesen, the Stockhorn and the Niederhorn.

At 291 km, the Aare is the longest wholly Swiss river. It originates from the Oberaar glacier in the eastern Bernese Alps, flows through lakes Brienz and Thun, passes by the federal capital of Bern, is channelled into Lake Biel, follows the southern foot of the Jura range and finally flows into the Rhine at Koblenz, in north-western Switzerland. Passenger boats operate on the lakes as well as the river section from Biel to Solothurn.

Measuring 64 km in length and 12 km at it widest point, Lake Constance, which is sited at the tripoint of Switzerland/Germany/Austria, is the third largest lake in Central Europe. The rolling landscape, the mild climate and a plethora of water sport and other leisure activities are responsible for attracting many holidaymakers and day trippers to Lake Constance, especially in the summer months.

The Greifensee is a pearl in the heavily built-up Glatt valley, not far from the metropolis of Zurich. The small lake with its diverse flora and fauna is a favourite excursion and relaxation destination for people from the conurbation of Zurich city and especially beckons its visitors to enjoy long walks and bicycle tours, as well as boat cruises.

Lake Murten (Murtensee, Lac de Morat), embedded between the small mediaeval town of Murten and the "Riviera Fribourgeoise" with its vineyard slopes gracing Mont Vully, is the smallest of the three lakes on the periphery of the Jura. Thanks to its shallow depth, lake Murten is warmed quickly by the sun and is much loved as a swimming lake from spring through to autumn. Regular boat services sail through the Broye canal from lake Murten to Lac de Neuchâtel, and further on to lake Biel.

In Arosa, at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, families will discover something which is usually only found at the seaside - a small but fine sandy beach at which the entire family will want to linger.

Estavayer-le-Lac is a medieval town situated beside Lake Neuchâtel and is home to the best-equipped watersports centre in Switzerland.

Lake Gruyere is one of the prettiest artifical lakes in Switzerland. Pedalos and rowing boats are available for hire.