Rivers and lakes

In the Bavona Valley, where a large amount of energy is produced (three power plants; three reservoir lakes), there is no electric current, with the exception of Robiei. Therefore, solar cells, gas, small water turbines, candles, petroleum, etc., have to be used instead.

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 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.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is famous for its many waterfalls.

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.

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.

High over Biasca on an Alp you’ll find the source of the Ri della Froda. This small and seemingly insignificant stream flows over a stony landscape shaped by the water over centuries, before becoming the largest waterfall in Ticino: Santa Petronilla.

A natural spectacle in a class of their own are the 600m long Engstligen waterfalls. Under preservation since 1948, these are the second longest falls in Switzerland.

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.

To stand high above Europe's largest waterfall, feeling the roar and vibration of the water over one's entire body - this can be experienced at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall.

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.

Loud thundering and roaring in the interior of the mountain, gurgling, foaming and churning water: these are the Trümmelbach Falls. They are Europe's largest subterranean water falls and are located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, often called the valley of 72 waterfalls.

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.

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.

North of St. Maurice and the abbey, high above the castle at the Rhone narrows, the Fairies' Grotto has carved its way more than half a kilometre into the mountain. At the end of their walk, visitors will find a small subterranean lake and a 50 metre-high waterfall.

A culinary voyage of discovery between mountains and lakes on lake Brienz. This allows you to discover the Bernese Oberland.

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 River Inn begins its life in the Engadin, Graubünden’s high mountain valley. Once past the Upper Engadin’s top destination of St. Moritz. the Inn – known in Romansch as the “En” – flows eastwards and on through the Lower Engadin.

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.