Rivers and lakes

Lake Maggiore extends from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland far into the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Thanks to its mild climate, there is lush, Mediterranean vegetation along its shores. In the hinterland is a wild and romantic mountain landscape with breathtaking views.

The bent, almost banana-shaped Lake Zurich is framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills. The lake is bordered by the cantons of Zurich, St.Gallen and Schwyz. At the western end lies Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.

A little paradise in the Vaud Alps: tucked away in a basin on the south-facing slope of La Palette, the crystal clear waters of Lake Retaud reflect blue sky and dark fir trees.

This popular bathing lake in Graubünden is 1,800 metres above sea level, and it features a small but lovely beach.

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.

Western Switzerland’s most important river originates in the Gotthard Massif – where the rivers Rhine, Reuss and Ticino also originate. On its westward course, the country’s best vineyards accompany it for a large part.

One of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland.

Alpine hiking region, romantic side valleys, wildwater adventures, fishing paradise, and southern flair: Variety is the trademark of the Ticino River, which also lent its name to Ticino, the “Sun Parlor”.

Not far from Zürich is the idyllic Türlersee. The approximately 1.4 kilometer long and 500 meter wide lake is listed in the Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance.

Beavers, frogs and butterflies, white willows and orchids: now the region at the confluence of the Thur and the Rhine has been returned to nature, wildlife is flourishing again.

The lake at Lungern, where the water is of drinking quality and up to 23 degrees, is perfect for bathing, and also has a small swimming pool area with a fine sandy beach and a long water slide.

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.

Idyllic Lake Seelisberg nestles in a hollow at the foot of Niederbauen mountain, at an altitude of 738m.

Lake Lugano is at the southernmost tip of the Tessin, the holiday region south of the ridge of the Alps, and it reaches its arms out into Italy. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, there are even citrus fruit trees growing here, and visitors can sunbathe under palm trees.

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.

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.

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.

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

Belle Epoque boats have plied Central Europe's largest lake for 130 years, offering cruises between France and Switzerland and between Geneva and the upper end of the lake (known as the Haut Lac).

Lake Oeschinen, which lies above Kandersteg, is a pristine mountain lake, fed by the glacial brooks of the three-thousand-meter peaks of Blüemlisalp, Oeschinenhorn, Fründenhorn and Doldenhorn. People who love to swim, nature lovers and hikers can really enjoy themselves here.

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.