Rivers and lakes

The “Étang de la Gruère” is a dammed, but natural moor lake situated in a hollow on the highland plateau of the Franches-Montagnes in the canton of Jura.Together with the forested area around the lake itself, the nature reserve covers an area of 1km2.

Discover the Santa Petronilla waterfall above Biasca. The highest waterfall in Ticino plunges over the rock face in two crossing arms. Experience the natural spectacle on a short walk from the village centre.

The Engstligen Waterfalls, which fall 600 metres deep into the valley, are a natural spectacle in a class of its own. As the second highest waterfalls in Switzerland, they have been under cantonal nature conservation since 1948.

With a length of 375 kilometers, the Rhine is the longest river in Switzerland. Although the Rhine flows far to the east of the country, thanks to mighty tributaries it drains 80 per cent of Switzerland’s surface. Now it’s time to leave the water for a short while, because at Neuhausen the mightily grown river plunges at the Rhine Falls into the depth. In the summer about 700 cubic meters of water gush downwards per second, the record quantity, however, is twice as high. The fearless climb under the Rhine Falls into one of the boats that travel very close to the roaring waters.

The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is the most famous nature destination in Switzerland. Huge masses of water plunge down the rocks. You can experience the spectacle from Laufen Castle, from viewing platforms or on a boat trip.

With wonderful surroundings, unique charm and plenty of things to do and see, Lake Geneva is quite enchanting: Enjoy a cruise or take a stroll through the vineyard terraces of Lavaux. Discover Geneva, Lausanne and the Montreux Riviera with Chillon Castle.

Lake Gruyère will enchant you: Hike along the shores of the beautiful reservoir, paddle to the other shore or to Ogoz Island. Around the lake, you will discover sights worth seeing such as the town of Gruyères with its castle, the Maison Cailler in Broc or the Gruyère Museum in Bulle.

Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, the largest underground waterfalls in Europe in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Feel the power of the glacier water of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau up close.

The lake is also known as the jewel of Kandersteg: with its turquoise blue water and unique natural scenery, Lake Oeschinen is a top destination in the Bernese Oberland. Whether you come for the hiking, picnicking, rowing or bathing – you will be amazed at its beauty.

Nearly 6,000 years ago people first began to settle in the Lake Constance region. Remains of this impressive settlement have been found by Lake Nussbaumen near Hüttwilen.

The water of the Foroglio waterfall thunders 110 meters into the depths. Follow the stone steps into Val Calnègia and immerse yourself in the original Ticino mountain landscape with historic hamlets and turquoise blue stream basins for Baden.

The view from the Blausee to the nearby Valais four-thousand-metre peaks (Weisshorn, Matterhorn and Dom) is breathtaking!

Lake Constance is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Europe. Its idyllic landscape, Mediterranean charm, and wide range of leisure activities never fail to impress. Discover the lakeside towns with their lidos, enjoy scenic boat cruises, or dive into water sports action.

Experience the spectacular Mürrenbach Falls up close. Take the cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren. From the air you can marvel at the water that plunges over the Mürrenfluh 417 meters down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Lützelsee lake is located in the heart of some of the loveliest scenery to be found in the Zurich region.

The lake in the Louwene Valley that makes up the Lake Lauenen system are home to moorland meadows, reeds, clumps of heather and groups of dark fir trees.

Lake Leisee, situated below the Sunnega, offers a place for young and old to recuperate, relax, sunbathe, cool down, play and grill.

The Saane is not one of the very large rivers in Switzerland, but it offers a great variety of experiences and adventure potential. The river, here sometimes called “Rösti ditch”, is the dividing line between the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland.

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but still within easy reach, the Walensee boat trip entices with an unforgettable experience in a dramatic setting. Let yourself be enchanted by the imposing Churfirsten, the wildly romantic nature and the crystal-clear water. Whether you want to relax, enjoy or celebrate – the Walensee ship makes everything possible.

This beautiful lake is situated 962 metres above sea level in the heart of the Poschiavo Valley, surrounded by mountains. The lake is a natural reservoir in the middle of the Poschiavino river. Its calm and clear surface reflects the surrounding mountains just like a mirror.

Seelisberg is located high above Lake Lucerne and offers you a fantastic view of the lake and mountains. The small village is a place of peace – with historic paths, green meadows and exciting excursion destinations in central Switzerland.

Almost as soon as your trip begins at the Rhine Falls, you will experience the Rhine Falls from up close before gliding down the Rhine into the “Rhineland Amazon”. After around 30 minutes, your party will reach the Rheinau power station, where your boat will have to pass the first weir. This requires you to leave the boat and walk 100 metres along the track while the ship is pulled to the other side on a trolley – a truly unique spectacle!

A walk of approximately ten minutes conveys you comfortably from the village square to the Chämmerlitobel.

The waterfall near Jaun remained an unsolved mystery for many years. No one knew where the vast quantities of water came from. In June, up to 6,000 litres of water flow over the Jaun waterfall every second – it is an exceptional thing of natural beauty.

Seven springs feed the Simme, a 55km-long river in the Bernese Oberland that flows into Lake Thun at Wimmis. The waterfalls that cascade over rocks several metres high are also well worth a visit.

Plunging more than 100 metres, the Iffigfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Bernese Oberland.

Lake Lugano in Ticino enchants with its Mediterranean flair and the Alps in the background. From idyllic villages such as Morcote to spectacular views from Monte San Salvatore - a paradise for nature and culture lovers, ideal for boat trips, hikes and water sports.

The fairy grotto near Saint-Maurice takes you 500 meters deep into the mountain. At the end of the illuminated galleries, an underground lake with a 50-meter-high waterfall awaits you. A journey into a mystical underworld in Valais.

Between Maloja and St. Moritz, the Upper Engadine lake plateau presents itself sometimes almost as a kitschy tableau. Besides the four big lakes (St. Moritz, Silvaplana, Champfèrer and Silser) a large number of romantic mountain lakes are hidden in the forests.