Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This European beauty is home to many magnificent gifts like soothing lakes, gurgling waterfalls, mesmerizing scenery and much more. But, if you’re a hodophile who loves to explore nature and all its bounties, you must know how ethereal even the simplest of lakes can look. And when you’re sitting by the lake and just enjoying your own presence, the beauty increases tenfold. The lakes in Switzerland are definitely one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see, which will show you why Switzerland is a popular destination.

Here are the 10 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, after visiting which you’ll be convinced you’re in heaven:

10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

1. Riffelsee Lake

You’ll find Riffelsee Lake laying peacefully below the mighty Mount Matterhorn. Set picturesquely against the cliffs of Mount Matterhorn, the alpine Riffelsee gives such a mesmerizing view, your eyes will forever yearn for more. There’s not much to wonder about Riffelsee lake or why it’s included in the 10 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland; this popular destination is not only one of the most beautiful in Switzerland but definitely ranks in one of the most gorgeous places in the world. Just imagine sitting beside the lake, dipping your toes in the cool, pristine blue water and breathing the fresh air…sounds like heaven, right? And indeed it is. Now you might think that Riffelsee is simply a lake, but that’s not the case. This paradise worth-exploring is located just a stone’s throw from Zermatt, an alpine village which has one of Switzerland’s best skiing resorts. So it’s natural that you’ll end up traveling to Riffelsee without any issues. And, if you’re ever getting tired of this gorgeous destination, you can always make the trip to the ski resort. Chances of you getting tired of this destination are very low, though.

You also won’t have to worry about finding a travel route to Riffelsee because you’ll find the nearest railway station Rotenboden only a 10 minutes walk from the lake; here at the Rotenboden station, the Gornergrat Bahn narrow-gauge railway makes a stop.

Popular activities near the lake include mountain climbing, hiking and downhill skiing. And, the best thing about Riffelsee is that whether you’re there in the summer or winter, you’ll have plenty to do!

2. Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is Switzerland’s fourth largest lake, and gives tourists the chance to explore its vast beauty. Set against the infamous Swiss Alps, you would expect Lake Lucerne to be freezing cold, but that’s not true! Instead of being extremely cold, Lake Lucerne manages a very pleasant weather year round. One of the most popular destinations in Switzerland and included in the 10 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is a sight to behold. Think about a vast body of sparkling blue that stretches against the dramatic backdrop of the Swiss Alps. That sounds like pure bliss and this alone makes this paradise worth exploring. But, you’ll be glad to know that Lake Lucerne is not just the place to take stunning Instagram photos but also a place where you can do tons of lakeside and mountain activities. You can boat on the lake and spend the entire day just frolicking in the pristine water; or you can test your physical strength and hike up to the challenging cliffs nearby.

If you’re a sucker for mysterious, dark and brooding places, you’ll love Lake Lucerne during the foggy months. With a mysterious aura that appeals to all travelers, Lake Lucerne is an ideal destination. We have to warn you though, the foggier the lake, the more difficult it becomes to reach; but that hasn’t stopped generations of travelers so as long as you’re careful, you’re not going to have any trouble. Lake Lucerne is also luxuriously close to the Meadow of Rutli, a legendary site that many know of, which founded Swiss independence. If you’re a sucker for history and nature, you know Lake Lucerne ticks all your boxes. And when you’re in the mood to go off track, you can rent a bicycle and go cycling in the area.

3. Lake Geneva

Switzerland’s largest lake, Lake Geneva is situated on the northern side of the Alps and yes, that means it’s quite close to France. If you’ve been wanting to kill two birds with one stone, all you need to do is visit Lake Geneva and enjoy the best of France and Switzerland. You might have even recognized the Lake Geneva from the many Instagram posts that cross your feed; Lake Geneva is quite popular for its crescent shape and hosts hundreds of wealthy tourists. But don’t worry, the lake is open to everyone and invites people from all over the world to enjoy its immense beauty. The lake isn’t just a simple place where you go to dip your toes; you’ll find plenty of luxurious shops lined across Geneva’s cobblestone streets, giving the area a very rustic and old-timey vibe. For a refreshing view, you can watch the yachts resting on the water and enjoy a lovely picnic while you’re at it. Since Lake Geneva is quite big, the best way to explore it is by taking a cruise which allows you to explore lakeshore castles, hillside vineyards and introduces you to all the kinds of lakeside beauties there could be. If you’re an adventurous fellow who loves to take thrilling challenges, you can take a long walk or drive to the number of ski resorts nearby. Hiking enthusiasts can also enjoy a scenic, lakeside hike.

4. Lake Thun

If you consider yourself a history buff or take great interest in literature, you’ll know how amazing it is to explore medieval castles. Well, luckily for you Lake Thun is yet another popular destination included in the 10 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland that lies conveniently near several medieval castles and churches.  With a serene environment, Lake Thun is the perfect place for you to ward off the burdens from work. Lake Thun is separated by only a sliver of land from another lake, which means you’ll have plenty to explore. On the northeast shore of Lake Thun is Oberhofen, which is dominated by a 13th century castle hanging over the lake. If you’d like to explore the castle, you will find many beautiful points where you can take mesmerizing photographs. For vloggers and bloggers, this medieval castle is an excellent spot. Opposite to the Oberhofen is Spiez, which sports its own castle and even has a Romanesque church; quite perfect for history lovers, right? While there are many ways to get to Lake Thun, you can also take a ferry at the Beatushohlen-Sundlauenen ferry terminal at the sound end of the lake. Here, you’ll also find St. Beatus Caves, which are lined with stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby, you’ll also chance upon a few waterfalls, which gurgle and bubble to create a very romantic environment. Honestly, if you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, Lake Thun is the place to be.

5. Lake Brienz

Just a little distance from Lake Thun, Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise-blue water. The spectacular setting is not only a popular destination in Switzerland but around the world. People travel long distances only to visit this paradise worth exploring. What makes Lake Brienz special is more than just its breath-taking views; because the lake is a neighbor to the Lake Thun, the trip becomes more than just a one-wonder exploration. A boat trip is the best way to experience the true nature and beauty of Lake Brienz; you’ll also find plenty of charters willing to take you on a ride. Passenger ships are no new story to Lake Brienz; these ships have been running the long course since 1839 (an impressive historical record) and provide regular service to shoreline locations. One of these shoreline stops include the town of Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s most popular and stunning resort towns. One of the most popular activities at the lake is hiking to the Geissbach Falls, an iconic waterfall which gushes dramatically below; only a stone’s throw from Lake Brienz. You might have heard of the Grand Geissbach Hotel, a place that’s quite popular but more so because of its historic grounds. To reach the grounds of the Grand Geissbach Hotel, you can take a funicular railway up till the final stretch. No wonder this is included in 10 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland!

6. Oeschinensee

One of the most unique lakes in Switzerland, Oeschinensee is a high altitude lake that sits above the resort village of Kandersteg. Attracting visitors all year round in all seasons, Oeschinensee is a prime holiday destination and is a paradise worth seeing. With dramatic mighty mountains providing picturesque scenery and its sparkling turquoise shade making the popular destination a piece of heaven, Oeschinensee thrives during both summer and winter. To reach Oeschinensee, you can take a gondola ride from Kandersteg and reach it within a few minutes. When the weather is warmer, Oeschinensee offers a very unique experience that appeals to not only adventurists but people of all ages. This unique and enthralling experience is taking a long winding slide that runs down the mountainous landscape and is the perfect adrenaline pill to take. If you’d like to explore the water, you will find numerous rowboat rentals at your service. You would expect the lake to be closed during winters but that’s not the case; December to May, when the lake gets too cold and freezes over, people hail from all over the world to go ice fishing, ice skating and tobogganing.

7. Blausee

Small in size but big in charm, Blausee is not a lake to be taken lightly. Located in the Kander River valley and fed by subterranean springs, Blausee is named so because of its deep blue color. Legend has it, the lake was once the site where a young maiden with deep blue eyes spent her days. Young, in love and hopeful of a romantic life, the maiden’s heart was broken and she spent her days mourning at the site. The lake soon became her deathbed, and got its color from the deceased maiden’s eyes. Blausee is set against an idyllic scenery; surrounded by lush green forest trees and situated in the middle of the Blausee National Park, it looks like a place right out of a dreamy story book.  While the Blausee Lake, dubbed the Blue Lake, has been a popular destination for several centuries, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that it has retained its sense of serene solitude. This alone makes it one of the most visited places in Switzerland but worry not; even with lots of people around, you’ll feel at home. Popular activities at the lake include fishing and hiking, but if you’re down for a more peaceful time, you can spread out a picnic blanket and munch to your heart’s delight. Of course, if you’re not that keen on staying outdoors all the time and want to unwind in a luxurious setting, you can spend the day at the luscious spa of the luxury hotels that dot across the shoreline.

8. Bachalpsee

Situated just above the resort town of Grindelwald in the canton of Berne is Bachalpsee, an idyllic lake that presents you with the perfect opportunity to combine a luxurious vacation with a natural environment. Also known as Bachse among the locals, Bachalpsee isn’t your average lake; you’ll recognize the magical place from quite a few movies. In fact, Bachalpsee is the idyllic setting of Alderaan from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. To reach the lake, you’ll have to hike up only for an hour and a half. If you think that’s too much, just trust the scene because only one glimpse from the mystical point will make all your exercise worth it. We’re talking mesmerizing glaciers, mountains and meadows… talk about a postcard worthy scenery! Popular activities at the lake include picnics, boating and hiking. The lake may not have much to offer, but once you’re up there breathing in the cool air, you’ll forget all there is to stress. And this alone makes Bachalpsee one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.

9. Lake Constance

Perhaps one of the most visited lakes in the world, Lake Constance is not only Switzerland’s source of pride; the pretty lake is the prized possession of Austria, Germany and Switzerland together. Tourists from all over the world come here just for the rare chance to explore the three countries together. Indeed, a cruise that takes you along the lake sounds as magical as taking Aladdin’s carpet ride. Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Europe and becomes a prime holiday destination during the summer months. A paradise worth exploring, Lake Constance appeals to people of all ages. Whether it’s kids running around the lake or playing catch; whether it’s teenagers cycling on the many trails and pathways, you’ll find everyone having fun here. People especially love to take a hike along the lake but you can also partake in various water sports. If you do choose to go along with the cruise, take the one that starts at Kreuzlingen, the Swiss side of Constance lake; this route is known as Europe’s most picturesque cruise. For those who love to go deep into the history of a place, you can also head over to the nearby attractions like Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen towns.

10. Lake Lugano

Yet another lake that goes beyond Switzerland, Lake Lugano is straddled between Italy and Switzerland. If you’ve been looking for a multicultural holiday experience, then this is the place to be. Lake Lugano spreads between the two countries in such a way that you’ll be able to get breath-taking shots from every angle. And while this branching lake can be enjoyed from any point, one of the most recommended tours include taking a ride up the rack railway from the village of Copolago to the top of Monte Generoso. And if you think this lake is pretty sights alone, you’d be wrong; from a beautiful Renaissance church in Morcote to Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, this lake is lined with various lakeside towns that offer you an insight into the region’s rich history. For those who have been waiting for a chance to explore Italy and Switzerland, a cruise along Lake Lugano is the perfect thing to do.

 

Switzerland is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, so it comes as no surprise that such a country boasts beautiful lakes. From mesmerizing sceneries that make each lake a paradise worth exploring to fascinating folk stories that invite people to learn about Switzerland’s unique history, these ten most beautiful lakes in Switzerland have everything to offer. And, if you’re looking for something that breaks all barriers and gives you more than just mind-blowing views, you’ll find that each lake boasts the ability to host various adventurous activities, making them popular destinations individually. Whether you’re hoping to catch a break from the strenuous work routine or looking to finally take that dream vacation, visiting Switzerland’s lakes is definitely the best decision you will ever make. And if you’re ever on the lookout for more things to do, exploring the lakeshore towns allows you to reunite with nature in a fun, unique way!