Travel
Swiss lakes: one more to discover (Part II)
Lucerne Lake also known as Vierwaldstättersee:
- made up of the lakes of Urner and Uri
- famous for the town of Lucerne.
- William Tell story happens around the Vierwaldstättersee.
I recommend hiking up around in the mountains or taking the cable cars from Mt. Rigi or Pilatus for unforgettable views of the lake.
Lugano Lake:
- with an elevation of 885 feet (270 m), the lake belongs to the sunny canton of Ticino in Southern Switzerland.
- very close to Como lake and Maggiore lake.
- highest peak around the lake is the Pizzo di Gino at 7365 feet (2245 m)
The town of Lugano with its long promenade and park is a great place to enjoy the lake.
Lugano lake on the Promenade in Lugano
Lungerer Lake:
- Located in the canton of Obwalden
- is a reservoir which also feeds the lake of Sarnen nearby.
If you stop by at different times of the year, you will notice how low the water level can be during some months. When driving up to Interlaken, Ballenberg or Grindelwald, you will take this road and don’t forget to stop to admire the gorgeous panorama. At the spot where the picture is taken, there will be a platform restaurant in 2011.
Lungerer lake in the distance
Maggiore Lake:
- Almost the same size in km2 (210 km2) as the lake of Neuchatel but more than twice its depth 1220 feet! (372 m)
Take the cable cars to admire the mountain views around the lake.
One place to hike to is Cimetta or hike down from there. The cable car can be taken in Orselina in Locarno.
Enjoying the Maggiore lake from above
Neuchatel Lake also known as Neuenburgersee:
What is the biggest Swiss lake within its own territory? It is the Lake of Neuchatel.
A great place to stop on the lake is Yverdon les Bains.
Pfäffiker Lake:
- Located in the canton of Zurich
- only 3.3 km2 in surface area
I recommend to spend time at the bathing area, walk, take a canoe or take a boat ride on the lake.
People relaxing at bathing area (Badi)i on the Pfäffiker lake
Riffelberg lake:
- Located in the canton of Valais above the village of Zermatt
- altitude 9045 feet (2757 m)
It is a beautiful small lake reachable via the Gonergratbahn. You need to stop at the Rotenboden station and walk about 10 minutes. Bring a windbreaker as it can be quite windy there even in July.
If you are lucky you can see the Matterhorn reflecting into the lake. The panorama with all the glaciers around is spectacular.
Riffelberg lake above Zermatt
Thun Lake:
- is the biggest of the two lakes around Interlaken with almost 48 km2.
A lot of fish is caught each year in the lake. It is a great place also for surfing and sailing due to the wind.
Thun lake and mountain peaks
Trub Lake called Trübsee:
- Located at 5787 feet (1764 m) above Engelberg
- less than 1 km2 in surface area
This lake is ideal for families with children. What a great place to hike, eat, take a boat and just enjoy the scenery!
Rowing on the Trub lake, overlooking Mt. Titlis
Waegital lake:
- located in the canton of Schwyz with a little more than 4 km2.
- perfect for a relaxing day outside, a pick-nick, a walk, a jog or a bike ride around the lake.
I had the chance to discover this lake in the Fall last year and can’t wait to go back.
Waegital lake in the fall
Walen Lake also known as Walenstadt:
- not too long (24 km2) but very deep 492 feet (150 m)
- very close to Zurich by car
It offers great opportunities for swimming, hiking and boating. Great cities and villages to visit are Wessen, Betlis and Quinten. Also don’t miss the waterfalls.
Yellow flowers blooming on the Walen lake
Zug Lake:
- located in the cantons of Lucerne, Zug and Schwyz at an altitude of 1354 feet (413 m).
- Great views of the Ross and Zug mountains from the top.
The old town of Zug with its promenade along the lake is a plus if you are in the area. I also noticed many restaurants with possibilities to sit outside. Children will love the bir
Relaxing afternoon along the lake of Zug
Zurich Lake:
- 6th largest lake in size in Switzerland with 90 km2.
My recommendation: Take a boat to enjoy the many villages around the lake. Visit the vineyards around the Stafa and Meilen. Stop in Rapperswil and walk along the promenade. Hike along the Panoramaweg on the Zurich lake.
Early morning on the Zurich lake in Herrliberg
Enjoy the lakes of Switzerland!
