Rivers and lakes: Big Lakes

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 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.

The bent, almost banana-shaped Lake Zurich is framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills. The lake is bordered by the cantons of Zurich, St.Gallen and Schwyz. At the western end lies Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.

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.

The rolling landscape, the mild climate and a plethora of water sport and other leisure activities are responsible for attracting many holidaymakers and day trippers to Lake Constance, especially in the summer months.

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.

Experience the beauty of the Bernese Oberland on Lake Thun. Historic castles, romantic lakeside towns and the view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau will inspire you. Combine a boat trip with an excursion to the St. Beatus Caves, the Niederhorn or the city of Thun.

Lake Walen (Walensee) in eastern Switzerland links the two cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus and forms the western end of the holiday region known as “Heidiland”, after Johanna Spyri’s world-famous Heidi story. On the northern side, the Churfirsten mountain chain rises nearly vertically out of the water. On the other side of the lake is the popular winter sports and hiking region of the Flumserberg.

Lake Biel/Bienne in the Jura & Three-Lakes area of Switzerland is situated on the border between the French and German speaking parts. It borders the southern edge of the Jura, where the slopes are used for intensive cultivation of vines.

The shores of Lake Neuchâtel are characterised by vines, sandy beaches and reed belts. Discover the unique natural landscape on a boat trip or canoe tour. Visit Neuchâtel and Estavayer-le-Lac with their castles or Yverdon-les-Bains with its thermal baths.

The turquoise Lake Brienz and neighbouring Lake Thun are set amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland. Passengers aboard the “Lötschberg” paddle steamer from the Belle Epoque (built in 1914) are inspired by its wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.

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.