Rivers and lakes

The unique Macun lake plateau lies high up between Zernez and Lavin. There, 23 mountain lakes of various sizes lie like dark pearls scattered across the plateau. This is a particularly magical place and a real highlight of the Swiss National Park.

The small and fjord-like Lake Schiffenen at Düdingen is a popular excursion destination for young and old.

Lake Lucerne is both diverse and beautiful. A lake basin filled with deep-blue water, surrounded by destination mountains such as the Rigi and the Pilatus, and with picturesque villages and the city of Lucerne on its shores: this unique combination is nothing short of inspiring.

Lake Ägeri is nestled in a hilly moraine landscape and offers a wide range of hiking, mountain biking and water sports activities. Its shores were the site of the famous Battle of Morgarten in 1315, the first battle between the Confederates and the Habsburgs.

“... nowhere have I felt so truly happy as on St. Peter's Island in the middle of Lake Biel,” wrote Jean-Jacques Rousseau shortly before his death, wistfully recalling his all too short stay on the island in the autumn of 1765.

The Palfries cable car offers a unique view of large parts of the Heidiland and beyond. The cable car runs directly above an impressive waterfall, one of the highest in Switzerland. After passengers arrive at 1,728 metres above sea level, the imposing Palfries plateau is revealed in all its glory.

Lago Nero and Lago Bianco provide visitors with striking spectacles of colour in both summer and winter.

The oldest game preserve still in existence. It owes its name to its milky blue colour: a karst (limestone) lake with genuine glacier waters.

Above Les Mosses, Lake Lioson is bordered by the imposing peaks of the Vaud Alps. Take a moment to enjoy the idyllic scenery and the emerald green water of the lake. There's a good reason why Lake Lioson is known as the pearl of the Alpine lakes.

Blue, crystal clear and indescribably beautiful – that’s the Blausee. Discover one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland in the Kandertal Region of the Bernese Oberland. Enjoy the peace and quiet by the lake and the fairytale nature park with walking paths, fire pits and picnic areas.

Clean air, fresh water, untouched nature: The Schwarzsee is the ideal choice for active relaxation while hiking, bathing and biking – or simply for lazing around. Discover the fascinating landscape around the mountain lake and visit the alpine huts on the Riggisalp and in the Brecca Valley.

Anne-Marie, a local hiking guide, leads her group of hikers across gentle Alpine meadows and forests to the Sprutz waterfall which lives up to its Swiss name: to splash.

Above Adelboden in the canton of Bern lies the Engstligenalp. The cable car takes you up in 7 minutes, past the 600-meter-high Engstligen Falls. At the top, flat paths, mountain streams and cows grazing in summer await you.

Lake Sarnen occupies 7.5 square kilometers in the beautiful landscape between Sarnen (a major town in the region of Obwald) and the ascent to the Brünig Pass.

Lac de Joux in the Vaud Jura is located at 1,000 metres in the valley of the same name (Vallée de Joux). The stark beauty and unspoilt nature of the high valley and the lake attract countless visitors all year round; in summer mainly for water sports, biking and hiking and in winter for ice-skating and cross-country skiing.

The mild climate at Lago Maggiore is unique in Switzerland, and enables subtropical plants to flourish in the open air on Isola Grande, the large island. The Botanical Gardens of the Canton of Ticino house around 1,700 plant species.

The Diesbachfall is a rare nature experience and the region’s landmark. Many profess it to be one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Though there are many mountain lakes at higher altitudes, Lake Sils is the only one with daily scheduled passenger boats in summer that carry tourists and hikers from Sils Maria to Maloja via Chastè, Plaun da Lej and Isola. This is Europe's highest passenger boat service.

At an altitude of 2,757 metres, this mountain lake sits below the Matterhorn at the foot of the Gorner Ridge in Zermatt. The lake is best known for its mirror surface, which reflects the beautiful Matterhorn. This is a popular spot that’s easily accessible thanks to its location right next to the middle station of the Gornergrat mountain railway, which is a vantage point offering spectacular views.

A jewel of a lake, embedded between the steep rock cliffs of Widderalpstöcke, and the peaks of the Hundstein in the north, the Altmann, Saxerfirst and the Kreuzberge mountains in the east, Lake Fälen's nearly black water and its constantly changing kaleidoscope of reflections never fails to enchant its visitors.

Visit the Staubbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Experience one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, which falls almost 300 meters into the depths.

Lej Nair is a well-kept secret. Usually, you’ll only have to share the little mountain lake in Lower Engadine with a few locals. Quiet and – as the name suggests – dark, it is located on an upland moor above Tarasp.

Up on the Diemtigbergli above Diemtigen, a popular place for excursions.

Experience the Berglistüber near Linthal in Glarnerland: The Fätschbach plunges 44 meters into the depths here. A short path leads you close to the thundering waterfall.

The turquoise blue Lake Brienz – a jewel in the middle of the mountain landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Discover pretty lakeside villages such as Brienz or Bönigen. Enjoy a ride on the paddle steamer to the Giessbach Falls. Or experience a nostalgic ride on the steam locomotive to the Brienzer Rothorn.

Lake Cauma is a turquoise oasis in the middle of the Grisons Alps. Surrounded by dense forests, it invites you to relax and explore. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water warms up to a pleasant temperature in summer – ideal for a refreshing break with a view of the Alps.

Turn off your worries, inhale deeply and enjoy the comforting effect of alpine waters. This theme trail invites hikers to discover at first hand unique water scenery at the end of the Adelboden Valley

The Giessbach plunges over 14 steps into the turquoise Lake Brienz. Follow the hiking trail behind the waterfall and feel the refreshing spray on your skin. In the background sits the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.

Idyllic Lake Bannalp lies above the Engelberg Valley. The alp of the same name can be reached by cable car from Oberrickenbach and is irresistible to summiteers, families with children and people searching for relaxation.

The Greifensee is a pearl in the heavily built-up Glatt valley. This small lake, which has a water expanse of just under 9 square kilometres, and its shore areas of diverse flora and fauna are a favourite excursion destination for people from the conurbation of Zurich city.