Rivers and lakes

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 “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.

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.

Lake Murten, nestled between the medieval town of Murten and the Fribourg Riviera with its vineyards on Mont Vully, is the smallest of the three Jura lakes. The small but charming lake with a cruiser service delights guests with its sandy beaches, is considered a water sports mecca and is surrounded by various hiking and biking routes.

A famous mountain lake near the Grindelwald First, 2,265m above sea level. This is a “mirror lake” which reflects the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn and the Grindelwald glacier on the lake surface. Because of its beauty, Lake Bachalp is also known as the “Jewel of the Alps”.

Lake Staz is located at 1,809 metres above sea level. It is nestled in the Stazerwald forest between St. Moritz and Pontresina. In summer, it is known as a bathing resort because of the crystal-clear water that flows down from the glaciers of the Bernina Alps and because of its pleasant temperature.

One of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland.

A forest trail leads from Betlis village to a vantage point, opening up a vista to a gigantic water spectacle. The Seerenbach thunders over the vertical cliff face on the northern shore of Lake Walen, cascading 585 m in a series of stages down to Betlis to join the waters of the Rin Spring.

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.

Lake Zurich combines nature, enjoyment and culture. Experience sightseeing from the ship and disembark wherever you like: In Zurich, on the island of Ufenau or at a beautiful swimming spot. There is also a wide range of water sports, seaside resorts and open-air bars.

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

This heart-shaped lake is located at 2,214 metres above sea level. It nestles in the mountain range that extends from the San Bernardino Pass, an Alpine pass that connects Graubünden with Ticino, between the Calanca and Mesolcina valleys.

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.

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.

Lake Derborence is a hidden natural paradise in the canton of Valais. Flanked by untamed rock faces and dense forests, it is considered one of the most unspoilt mountain lakes in Switzerland. Here, you will experience peace and quiet, untouched nature and alpine scenery that is one of a kind.

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.

Coloradoschlucht Gorge in the Vaud Jura.

At an altitude of 2,537m, this mountain lake provides the perfect photo backdrop, with direct views of the magnificent Matterhorn. On a clear, calm day, the lake is also renowned as a “mirror lake”, when the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the surface of the lake.

The water of the river Doubs, which has been dammed up by landslide debris, forms the four kilometer long, but only 200 meter wide, winding Lac des Brenets. The 27 meter high Doubs Falls are located at its end. The Falls can be reached on foot or by passenger boat.

The waterfall of Piumogna is 43 meters high and is considered one of the most spectacular in Ticino.