8 Surreal Lakes Of Switzerland Known For Its Magnificence

Everyone’s dream destination, Switzerland is a small country in central Europe that’s renowned for its beauty. Did you know, apart from the picturesque mountains, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates, Swiss cheese, and branded watches this place is also known for its many pristine lakes? Not one or two but 1,500 astonishing lakes of Switzerland are waiting to be explored. The mountainous backdrop, beautiful landscape, and clyster clear blue water of these lakes make for a picture-perfect destination. Your visit to Switzerland is incomplete without a tour of the country’s most scenic lakes. With so many beautiful lakes it may be hard to choose a few to add to your itinerary. Here’s our pick of some of the best lakes in Switzerland which will help you decide.

Best Lakes Of Switzerland That Guarantees A Perfect Holiday Escape

Each of these Switzerland lakes offers a unique set of fun-filled activities to choose from. Be it swimming, fishing, water skiing, or sightseeing cruises, each lake offers a totally new experience.

Lake Geneva

The largest lake in Europe, Lake Geneva is shared both by Switzerland and France. This crescent-shaped lake is completely surrounded by mountain peaks, with views of both Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. It’s not just famous for its dominating size but also for its jaw-dropping beauty that takes your breath away. Do not miss the world’s famous Jet d’Eau fountain here.

Location: North side of the Alps

Best Time to Visit: June – August

Things To Do Here:

• Take a sightseeing tour of the charming and colorful towns Geneva and of Annecy.
• Chocolate tasting tour while discovering Geneva’s old town.
• Spend a day in Montreux, visit Charlie Chaplin’s World and Chillon Castle.
• Go on a boat cruise on Lake Geneva to experience its beauty to the fullest.

Lake Lucerne

The fourth largest Swiss lake, Lake Lucerne is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Switzerland. Sitting at an elevation of 434 meters above sea level this lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains. The vast lake is spread across four Swiss cantons, hence the name Lake Lucerne which translates to the ‘Lake of the Four Forested Settlements’. A must for all visitors is a cruise around the lake to admire the impeccable views.

Location: Canton of Obwalden

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Things To Do Here:

• A day trip to Jungfraujoch combined with a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps.
• Make an excursion to Mount Titlis for breathtaking views.
• Combine a self-guided tour of Mount Pilatus and a boat cruise in one day.
• Book a guided tour of the city and a visit to Lucerne castle.
• If its winter, go skiing at one of the mountain resorts here.

Lake Neuchatel

Lake Neuchâtel is located entirely inside Switzerland. A major part of it sits in the French-speaking canton of Neuchâtel, the rest is shared by the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg, and Bern. The picturesque vineyards, enchanting marshlands, hilly landscapes, crystal clear water, and the Jura Mountains as a backdrop guarantee breathtaking views.

Location: Southern Foothills of the Jura Mountain Range

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Things To Do Here:

• Visit the Museum of Art and History in the beautiful “Palais des Beaux-Arts” building.
• Stroll around the lake or go swimming, Surfing, Rowing, or Sailing.
• Admire the wonderful street art.

Lake Lugano

Located in Ticino, this lake got its name from the beautiful city of Lugano. It is one of the largest lakes of Switzerland that lies in the southern end of Switzerland and the northern end of Italy. The lake brims with tourists, especially to hike the mountains surrounding the lake in Funiculars. The view from above is truly breathtaking.

Location: Between Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy

Best Time to Visit: July through September

Things To Do Here:

• Experience a paragliding flight in Lugano with trained pilots.
• Explore the park of Gole della Breggia.
• Visit the small traditional village of Gandria
• Climb Monte Brè to experience the romantic sunset.

Lake Zurich

The banana-shaped lake is located right in the capital city of Zurich with three cantons surrounding it. Lake Zurich is one of the most visited lakes of Switzerland. In the past, it was mainly used as a transportation route, but today it is a popular tourist destination. The best way to discover the Lake Zurich area is either by boating or walking. The sunny beaches, shimmering blue waters, picturesque towns and beautiful villages surrounding the lake makes this place worth the visit.

Location: Southeastern side of the city of Zurich

Best Time to Visit: June to August

Things To Do Here:

• Ride a tram through Zurich’s old town.
• See the beautiful Zurich Mountains from a cable car.
• Enjoy the sunset from a ferry ride on the lake.
• Tour the Rhine Falls and enchanting Stein am Rhein, a beautiful excursion spot from Zurich.

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Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a 63km-long European lake that is shared between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With a total shoreline of 270 kilometers, this lake is the third-largest lake in Central Europe. Around 70 million people visit Lake Constance every year to enjoy its surrounding natural flora and fauna, picturesque villages, and lakeside towns. This magical place is also a watersports hub, with sailors and windsurfers flocking the waters from across the globe.

Location: Northern foot of the Alps

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Things To Do Here:

• Visit Constance Minster, the largest town on Lake Constance.
• Explore Wollmatinger Ried Untersee-Gnadensee, a nature reserve.
• Visit Old Town Hall, St. Peter’s Church, and Uferweg.
• Click some pics at the stunning nine-meter-high statue, a well-known landmark in Constance.
• Take a Zeppelin flight to marvel at the views from the airship’s large panorama windows.

Lake Maggiore

Located in the south of the Alps, this alpine lake is divided between the Swiss Canton of Ticino and the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. So that makes it the second largest lake in Italy and the largest lake in southern Switzerland. With its stunning scenery and mild climate, Lake Maggiore or Verbano is a perfect romantic place to holiday. The lake’s shoreline is home to some beautiful resorts, boutiques, and galleries with spectacular views.

Location: South Side of the Alps

Best Time to Visit: April to mid-June

Things To Do Here:

• Take a tour of Isola Bella.
• Dedicated nature lovers should stop at Villa Taranto.
• Book a boat trip on Lake Maggiore.
• Ride the Monte Mottarone cable car.

Lake Thun

This deep blue water Lake Thun is one of the best lakes of Switzerland. Situated in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, its shoreline has some picturesque towns, majestic historic castles, and beautiful Romanesque churches. Do not miss the scenic cruise during sunset while enjoying a fine meal with your loved ones. You are sure to fall under the magical spell of the serene landscapes that surround the lake.

Location: Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Things To Do Here:

• Explore Thun’s old town and the Hilltop castle of Schloss.
• Go on a boat cruise on the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland.
• Visit the Botanical gardens.

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The gorgeous views of these eight hand-picked natural lakes of Switzerland are sure to leave you mesmerized. You may not be able to make it to all of the surreal Switzerland lakes, but a few of these iconic lakes definitely deserve a spot in your Swiss itinerary. Do share your experience with us in the comment section below.