Best Lakes in Switzerland: 15 Turquoise Lakes You Must See

By Vaishali Bhatore · 2026-08-18

Discover 15 of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, from turquoise Alpine waters and crystal-clear mountain lakes to dramatic lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks and charming Swiss villages. Switzerland is famous for its majestic mountains, picturesque villages, scenic railways, and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond the Alps, there is another side of Switzerland that is just as spectacular: its lakes. With around 1,500 lakes across the country, Switzerland offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Some lakes are surrounded by towering Alpine peaks, some are hidden among dense forests, and others sit beside historic cities, vineyards, and traditional villages. Among them are lakes with striking turquoise waters, deep blue reflections, emerald-green shores, and crystal-clear mountain scenery. Whether you're planning a summer holiday, a scenic road trip, a hiking adventure, or simply looking for peaceful places to enjoy Switzerland's natural beauty, these are some of the best lakes in Switzerland you should add to your travel list.

1. Lake Brienz – The Turquoise Gem of Switzerland

If you're searching for the most beautiful turquoise lake in Switzerland, Lake Brienz is one of the first places you should consider. Located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Brienz is famous for its intense turquoise color and dramatic mountain surroundings. Steep slopes rise on both sides of the lake, creating a landscape that feels wild and distinctly Alpine. The unusual color of the water comes from fine particles carried by glacial waters into the lake. The result is a beautiful turquoise shade that can appear particularly vivid under the right light conditions. The lake is surrounded by charming destinations including Brienz, Bönigen, and Iseltwald, while the spectacular Giessbach Falls cascade down the mountainside toward the lake. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, hiking trails, lakeside walks, swimming areas, and various water activities around the lake. Lake Brienz is also conveniently located near Interlaken, making it an excellent addition to a Bernese Oberland itinerary.

2. Lake Oeschinen – A Mountain Lake Surrounded by Giants

High above Kandersteg lies Lake Oeschinen, one of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain lakes. Known for its turquoise-blue water and dramatic Alpine surroundings, Lake Oeschinen is part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is surrounded by enormous mountain peaks, creating an unforgettable setting for hiking and outdoor exploration.During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, rowing, and bathing. Several walking routes provide different perspectives of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Lake Oeschinen is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps without giving up the chance to relax beside a beautiful lake.

3. Blausee – The Crystal-Clear Blue Lake

Hidden among the forests of the Kandertal region, Blausee is one of Switzerland's most enchanting natural attractions. The small mountain lake is famous for its incredibly clear, deep-blue water. Surrounded by forest, moss-covered rocks, and peaceful walking paths, Blausee has an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The lake is part of the Blausee Nature Park, where visitors can explore the surrounding landscape and enjoy a peaceful break away from the larger tourist destinations. Switzerland Tourism describes Blausee as a crystal-clear mountain lake and highlights it as a nearby attraction to Lake Oeschinen. Although Blausee is much smaller than lakes such as Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne, its distinctive color and peaceful setting make it one of the most memorable lakes to visit in Switzerland.

4. Bachalpsee – The Famous Alpine Reflection Lake

Located above Grindelwald, Bachalpsee is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Bernese Oberland. The lake is especially famous for the reflections created when the water is calm. The surrounding mountains can appear mirrored across the surface, creating one of the region's most recognizable Alpine landscapes. Bachalpsee is reached by hiking from the Grindelwald First area. The journey takes you through beautiful mountain scenery before arriving at the lake. The area around Bachalpsee is also a popular destination throughout the year, with hiking opportunities in summer and winter activities when conditions allow.

For travelers staying in Interlaken or Grindelwald, Bachalpsee is an excellent mountain excursion.

5. Lake Thun – Blue Waters and Alpine Villages

Located on the western side of Interlaken, Lake Thun is one of the most accessible and scenic lakes in the Bernese Oberland. The lake is surrounded by mountains, historic castles, charming towns, and picturesque villages. Popular destinations around Lake Thun include Thun, Spiez, and Interlaken. Visitors can explore lakeside promenades, historic sites, hiking trails, and boat routes. Switzerland Tourism highlights the combination of historic castles, romantic lakeside towns, and views toward the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as some of the main attractions around Lake Thun. Lake Thun is also an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine a lake visit with other attractions in the Bernese Oberland.

6. Lake Lucerne – Where Mountains Meet the Water

Few Swiss lakes offer scenery as dramatic as Lake Lucerne.

Located in Central Switzerland, the lake is surrounded by mountains including Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. The city of Lucerne sits directly on its shores, making it one of the easiest lakes to combine with a city break. The lake has an unusual shape with several arms extending between the surrounding mountains. This creates constantly changing scenery as you travel around the lake. Switzerland Tourism describes Lake Lucerne as a deep-blue lake surrounded by mountains, picturesque villages, and the city of Lucerne. A visit to Lake Lucerne can easily be combined with exploring Lucerne's historic Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, or Mount Rigi.

7. Lake Walen – Dramatic Alpine Scenery

Lake Walen, or Walensee, is one of Switzerland's most dramatic mountain lakes.

The lake's deep-blue waters are surrounded by steep mountain slopes, with the impressive Churfirsten range rising dramatically above the water. The contrast between the dark blue lake and the towering mountains creates a landscape that feels almost fjord-like. Switzerland Tourism recommends exploring the lake by boat and highlights nearby attractions such as Quinten and the Seerenbach Falls. The surrounding region also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. For travelers looking for a quieter alternative to some of Switzerland's more famous destinations, Lake Walen is an excellent choice.

8. Lake Cauma – The Emerald Lake of Flims

Near the mountain resort of Flims in Graubünden lies Lake Cauma, a beautiful forest-surrounded lake known for its vivid turquoise and emerald tones. Unlike the enormous lakes of Central Switzerland, Cauma has a more intimate atmosphere. Dense forest surrounds much of the lake, creating a peaceful natural setting. The clear water and surrounding greenery make it especially appealing during the warmer months. Lake Cauma is also located close to other natural attractions around Flims, making it possible to explore several beautiful landscapes in the same area.

9. Lake Lungern – A Peaceful Alpine Escape

Lake Lungern is a beautiful mountain lake located in Central Switzerland between the regions of Lucerne and Interlaken. The lake is surrounded by green hills, mountain peaks, and the small village of Lungern. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a wonderful stop for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Switzerland. From viewpoints above the lake, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the water and surrounding Alpine landscape.

Lake Lungern is particularly beautiful during the warmer months when the surrounding hills are covered in lush green vegetation.

10. Lake Sils – The Beauty of the Engadin Valley

Located in the spectacular Engadin Valley of Graubünden, Lake Sils offers a different perspective on Swiss lake scenery.

Here, the landscape is more open and high-Alpine, with dramatic mountains surrounding the lake.

The area is particularly beautiful during summer and autumn, when the surrounding landscape changes color.

Lake Sils is also close to other destinations in the Engadin region, including St. Moritz and Lake Silvaplana.

For travelers looking for peaceful mountain scenery away from some of Switzerland's busiest tourist destinations, Lake Sils is a wonderful choice.

11. Lake Geneva – A Lake Surrounded by Vineyards and Cities

Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Léman, is one of the largest and most famous lakes in Switzerland.

Unlike many of the smaller Alpine lakes, Lake Geneva combines natural beauty with cities, historic towns, vineyards, castles, and cultural attractions.

The Swiss shoreline includes destinations such as Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux.

One of the most spectacular areas is the Lavaux vineyard region, where terraced vineyards overlook the lake and the Alps. The combination of vineyards, water, and mountains creates one of western Switzerland's most distinctive landscapes.

Lake Geneva is also ideal for travelers who want to combine nature with culture, food, wine, and city sightseeing.

12. Lake Maggiore – Switzerland's Mediterranean Side

Travel south to Ticino and you'll discover a completely different side of Switzerland.

Lake Maggiore has a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere, with palm trees, colorful buildings, lakeside promenades, and a warmer climate.

The Swiss side of the lake includes destinations such as Locarno and Ascona, both known for their beautiful waterfronts and relaxed atmosphere.

The Brissago Islands, located in Lake Maggiore, are another popular attraction and are known for their botanical gardens.

Lake Maggiore is ideal for travelers who want to combine beautiful lake scenery with Italian-influenced culture, cuisine, architecture, and a more relaxed holiday atmosphere.

13. Seealpsee – A Beautiful Alpine Mountain Lake

Hidden in the Alpstein region of northeastern Switzerland, Seealpsee is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes.

The lake is smaller and more remote than many of Switzerland's famous lakes, making the journey there part of the experience.

The surrounding mountains, traditional Alpine landscapes, and clear water create an authentic Swiss mountain setting.

Seealpsee is particularly appealing to hikers and nature lovers who want to explore beyond Switzerland's most famous tourist destinations.

14. Riffelsee – The Lake With a Matterhorn View

Near Zermatt, Riffelsee is a small mountain lake famous for one spectacular feature: its view of the Matterhorn.

When the water is calm, the Matterhorn can be reflected on the surface of the lake, creating one of Switzerland's most iconic Alpine scenes.

The lake is located at a high elevation, so weather and seasonal conditions can vary considerably.

For many visitors to Zermatt, combining Riffelsee with a journey into the surrounding mountains creates one of the highlights of their Switzerland trip.

15. Lake Lugano – Alpine Scenery With Italian Charm

Lake Lugano sits in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and offers a beautiful combination of mountains, water, and Mediterranean atmosphere.

The city of Lugano sits along the lake, surrounded by mountains and elegant lakeside neighborhoods.

Visitors can enjoy boat trips, lakeside walks, mountain excursions, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The surrounding mountains provide spectacular views over the lake, while the palm trees and Mediterranean-style architecture give the region a character that feels very different from the Swiss Alps around Interlaken.

Which Is the Most Beautiful Lake in Switzerland?

Choosing the single most beautiful lake in Switzerland is almost impossible because every lake offers something different.

If you are looking for striking turquoise water, Lake Brienz and Lake Oeschinen are among the strongest choices.

If you prefer crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings, Blausee is difficult to beat.

For dramatic mountain scenery, Lake Lucerne and Lake Walen are exceptional.

If you want mountains reflected in a small Alpine lake, Bachalpsee and Riffelsee are excellent choices.

And for travelers who want to combine beautiful scenery with towns, culture, and restaurants, Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Lake Lugano, and Lake Maggiore offer a much broader travel experience.

Best Lakes in Switzerland for a Summer Trip

Summer is one of the most popular seasons for exploring Switzerland's lakes.

The warmer months provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding mountain regions.

Some excellent choices for a summer trip include:

1. Lake Brienz
2. Lake Oeschinen
3. Lake Thun
4. Lake Lucerne
5. Lake Cauma
6. Lake Geneva
7. Lake Maggiore
8. Lake Lugano

However, Switzerland's lakes are not only summer destinations. Autumn brings colorful landscapes, winter creates snow-covered mountain scenery, and spring brings fresh greenery and waterfalls.

Best Lakes in Switzerland for a Scenic Holiday

One of the best things about traveling around Switzerland is that you don't have to choose between mountains and lakes.

Many of the country's most beautiful lakes are surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery.

In the Bernese Oberland, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, Lake Oeschinen, and Bachalpsee can be combined with destinations such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen. Switzerland Tourism describes the Bernese Oberland as a region of mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and valleys.

In Central Switzerland, Lake Lucerne provides easy access to Lucerne, Rigi, Pilatus, and other mountain destinations.

In Ticino, Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore offer a more Mediterranean experience.

Meanwhile, Lake Geneva provides a combination of Alpine scenery, vineyards, historic towns, and major cities.

This variety is what makes Switzerland such a rewarding destination for lake lovers.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland's lakes are among the country's greatest natural treasures.

From the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and the dramatic peaks surrounding Lake Oeschinen to the peaceful forests of Blausee, the reflections of Bachalpsee, and the Mediterranean atmosphere of Lake Lugano, every lake offers a different experience.

You can spend a morning hiking beside an Alpine lake, an afternoon exploring a traditional Swiss village, and an evening enjoying dinner beside the water.

Whether you're planning a short Switzerland vacation or a longer journey through the Alps, adding a few of these lakes to your itinerary will give you the opportunity to experience a quieter and more scenic side of the country.