15 Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland You Must Visit

Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes, ranging from vast valley lakes to tiny hidden alpine tarns. Here are the **15 most beautiful**, from world-famous to little-known gems.

The Iconic Lakes

**1. Lake Brienz** — The undisputed champion of Swiss lake colour. The intense turquoise glacial water is almost unreal. Free access everywhere along the shore. Take the paddle steamer from Brienz to Interlaken (CHF 38 one way, free with Swiss Travel Pass) for the full experience.

**2. Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)** — Switzerland's most dramatically scenic lake, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The historic paddle steamer cruise (CHF 48 round trip) passes through some of the most storied landscapes in Swiss history.

**3. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)** — Western Europe's largest alpine lake, shared with France. The Lavaux vineyard terraces above the northern shore are UNESCO-listed. Best viewed from the Corniche road between Lausanne and Vevey.

**4. Lake Thun** — A quieter alternative to neighbouring Lake Brienz, with medieval Oberhofen Castle dramatically perched on its shore. Excellent free swimming beaches at Gwatt and Hilterfingen.

Hidden Gems

**5. Lake Caumasee (Flims)** — A jaw-dropping emerald lake hidden in a forest, accessible only by foot or a small elevator cut into the rock. Entry CHF 9 adults, CHF 5 kids. Swimming is magical — the water reaches 24°C in summer.

**6. Oeschinensee (Kandersteg)** — A UNESCO World Heritage alpine lake ringed by towering peaks. Take the gondola up (CHF 32 return) and walk 20 minutes to the shore. Rowboat rental CHF 25/30 min.

**7. Lago di Saoseo (Val di Campo)** — A remote larch-ringed lake in the Italian-speaking Val Poschiavo. The reflection of the golden larches in autumn is one of Switzerland's most photographed scenes. Free access, 45-minute walk from the road.

**8. Cresta Lake (Crestasee)** — Near Flims, smaller and quieter than Caumasee. Crystal-clear water in a peaceful forest setting. Entry CHF 7. No crowds even in peak summer.

**9. Lake Seealpsee (Appenzell)** — A picture-perfect lake below the dramatic Alpstein massif. The 45-minute hike from Wasserauen is easy, and the mountain inn on the shore serves excellent Rösti. Free access.

Lakes with the Best Swimming

**10. Bains des Pâquis, Lake Geneva** — Geneva's legendary public bath with a beach, sauna, and fondue restaurant. Entry just CHF 2. A quintessential Geneva experience.

**11. Lake Morat (Murtensee)** — A warm, shallow lake perfect for families. The medieval town of Murten on its shore is one of Switzerland's prettiest. Free beaches with gentle entry.

**12. Aare River, Bern** — Technically a river, but the Bernese tradition of floating through the capital in the turquoise Aare is unmissable. Free. Water temperature reaches 18-20°C in summer.

Off the Beaten Path

**13. Bachalpsee (Grindelwald)** — A high-altitude lake at 2,265m with the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn perfectly reflected on calm mornings. Reached via a 50-minute walk from First gondola station. Free access.

**14. Lago Bianco (Bernina Pass)** — A striking two-toned lake at 2,234m, split by the railway line into turquoise and dark blue halves. Visible from the Bernina Express. Free access from the Ospizio Bernina train stop.

**15. Lac de Derborence (Valais)** — A remote lake created by a massive rockslide in 1749, surrounded by ancient virgin forest. One of Switzerland's wildest landscapes. Free access, 20-minute walk from the road.

Practical Tips

**Pro tip:** Visit alpine lakes (Oeschinensee, Bachalpsee, Seealpsee) in September for fewer crowds, stable weather, and the first hints of autumn colour. The light is magical for photography, and you'll often have the trail nearly to yourself.