Rivers and lakes

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 water of the Foroglio waterfall thunders 110 meters into the depths. Follow the stone steps into Val Calnègia and immerse yourself in the original Ticino mountain landscape with historic hamlets and turquoise blue stream basins for Baden.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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”.

One of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland.

The Rhône is one of Switzerland's most characteristic rivers. From its source at the Rhône Glacier to Lake Geneva, it crosses impressive landscapes and shapes Valais with its vineyards and alluvial landscapes. Discover charming towns, spectacular nature and countless opportunities for outdoor adventures along its course.

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.