Rivers and lakes

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The entire course of the Allondon (a tributary of the Rhône outside the gateway to the city of Geneva) is a meadowland biotope of national importance. A visit to this natural region is well worthwhile.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 “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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.