Rivers and 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.

The Aare is the longest wholly Swiss river. It originates from the Oberaar glacier in the eastern Bernese Alps, flows through lakes Brienz and Thun, passes by the federal capital of Bern, is channelled into Lake Biel, follows the southern foot of the Jura range and finally flows into the Rhine at Koblenz, in north-western Switzerland. Passenger boats operate on the lakes as well as the river section from Biel to Solothurn.

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.

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

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

The rear Glarus valley is a place awash with water: mighty torrents cascade from the mountains all around. Not far from the former «Bergli» restaurant on the road to the Klausen Pass, you can soon hear the thundering sound, and suddenly the rushing waterfall is in front of you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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

Coloradoschlucht Gorge in the Vaud Jura.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.