Did you know that Switzerland has 1,484 lakes and more than 12,900 smaller bodies of water? Here are some of the most beautiful lakes that are the easiest to visit, with easy hikes.
Most hikes here are suitable for non-hikers and children. Only a couple hikes have narrow footpaths and uneven terrain, which are noted in the descriptions. If you prefer not to hike, you can simply find a nice picnic spot and enjoy the view.
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Lake walks near Zurich
1. Näfels Obersee
If you don’t mind driving up a narrow winding mountain road, you can have this whole lake to yourself. You can park right next to the lake and stroll along the lakeshore taking in the mountain views. Read more
2. Voralpsee
Drive or take a mountain bus up a one-lane mountain road then a short walk to this quiet alpine lake in an idyllic setting, surrounding by big mountain peaks. You can optionally walk around the lake on a narrow footpath in the shade of the forest. You can even swim on a warm day.
See details for Voralpsee lake walk
3. Türlersee
Zürich locals love the Türlersee because it’s so close, yet feels so far away out in the countryside. We’ve come for many picnics, done the Geocache trail around the lake, attempted to fish here, and even ice skated on it when it froze over a few years ago. Strangely, we’ve never swam here but friends tell me that its lovely. There’s a playground and cafe at the adjacent campground.
See details for Türlersee lake walk
4. Lützelsee
Easy obstacle-free walk around a pretty lake, good for little kids, strollers and anyone who enjoys a relaxing stroll.
See details for Lützelsee lake walk
Lake walks near Lucerne
5. Trübsee at Engelberg
Just one gondola ride up the mountain to reach this beautiful lake in Engelberg. You can admire the view from the restaurant patio, walk down to the water and grill up a picnic, or do the easy walk around the lake on a fun theme trail for children.
See details for Engelberg Trübsee lake walk
6. Arnisee
So easy to reach this alpine lake with a tiny gondola and short walk. It’s a popular place for a family picnic with mountain views. The new climbing park has a Via Ferrata course suitable for families (ages 10+). We’ve also snowshoed here in winter.
See details for Arnisee lake
7. Lungernsee
An easy but long walk around this bright blue lake in the mountains near Lucerne. Make sure to take the short detour to visit the tall waterfalls that run into the lake. Easy to access by train or car and options suitable for strollers or bikes. You can swim here in summer and it’s a popular place for fishing.
See details for Lungernsee lake walk
8. Glattalpsee
It looks like you worked really hard to reach this lake, but it’s a relatively easy walk from the top of a small cable car and optional 7 km loop around the water. We’ve been in rain, fog and snow but mid-summer is the best when the hills are green with wildflowers. This is a great choice for non-hikers that want to experience something off the tourist radar.
See details for the Glattalpsee…
9. Melchsee-Frutt
There are many trails that lead to the beautiful mountain lakes of Melchsee-Frutt. The easiest is riding up the gondola and riding a shuttle to the short trail around the lake shore. For a more dramatic entrance, try the Bönistock ridge trail or Horizontweg Skline trail from a neighboring mountain resort. You can even snowshoe here in winter.
See details for Melchsee-Frutt lakes
10. Rotsee
Walk around a lovely little lake right in Luzern city but nestled in a quiet green valley so you feel far away from the tourist buzz.
See details for Rotsee lake walk
Lake walks in Bernese Oberland
11. Launensee in Gstaad
You can drive or take a bus directly to this lake and do a short easy walk around the water. The views of mountain peaks, waterfalls and green rolling hills make for a particularly beautiful and dramatic setting. Have a picnic or eat at the restaurant with a lake view. Even swim in the cool waters on a hot day.
See details for Lauenensee
12. Gelmersee
While the lake is spectacular, this place is more famous for its ridiculously steep open-air funicular that brings you up to this gorgeous view. The 4 km loop around the lake is a little dangerous with some steep cliff drop-offs but not super difficult. We usually go in late August to pick wild blueberries and dare each other to jump in the icy water if it’s hot enough.
See details for the Gelmersee…
Lake walks in Zermatt & Valais region
13. Riffelsee in Zermatt
As famous and beautiful as this lake is, I’m surprised that not everyone who travels up the Gornergrat railway spends the extra 5 minutes walking down to the Riffelsee. Even in the late July, when Zermatt and all the mountain transport are packed with tourists, this little lake is relatively quiet, even quieter if you walk around it and down the beautiful trail to Riffelalp. You can take loads of pictures while your kids look for tadpoles. Read more…
14. Mattmarksee
An easy walk around a charming alpine reservoir with lots of waterfalls and a gorgeous river. One side of the lake is obstacle free and possible with strollers, while the other side is a bumpy path.
See details for Mattmarksee lake walk
15. Bettmersee
This beautiful reservoir sits right above the pedestrian only alpine village of Bettmeralp in the Aletsch Arena. After enjoy glacier views from the top of the gondola, you can ride back down for a stroll around this lake and a picnic with a view.
See details for Bettmeralp, including the lake walk
Lake walks in Graubünden
16. Pigniu reservoir
Easy hike around this big reservoir with two big multi-step waterfalls at the far end. A great choice for spring before mountain transport opens for summer season.
See details for Pigniu reservoir hike
17. Lai da Palpuogna
This quiet remote spot was once voted the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. You’ll have to visit it to decide for yourself. There is a short path around the lake and lots of fire pits and picnic spots for a relaxing day out with the family. Read more…
See details for Lai da Palpuogna lake walk
Lake walks in Ticino
18. Tremorgio
We adore this small mountain lake just south of the Gotthard tunnel. There is a short walk along the lake, big grassy areas for running around, and lots of places to build a fire and have a picnic. There are a couple waterfalls and rivers flowing into the lake, which makes fun places to jump around and throw rocks. You can’t quite hike all the way around, so you’ll need to walk there and back.
See details for Tremorgio lake walk
19. Lago Ritom
This day hike starts with a fun ride up a steep funicular and short walk to the dam. Then you can choose how long you want to hike. The north side is a dirt road, easy walking and suitable for strollers. The south side is a narrow footpath, where you’ll find lots of nice picnic areas and shade spots to lounge in the forest. It’s a long way around the whole lake. But for a short outing, just walk as far as you like, then turn back.
See details for Lago Ritom lake walk
20. Lai de Robiei
Short hike around a beautiful mountain lake with glacier views in the Ascona-Locarno region. If you want to hike longer, there are several reservoirs scattered around the hills here, so you are spoiled for choice.
See details for Lai de Robiei hike
Don’t see your favorite? Tell me about it in the comments.
See also Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Switzerland
And see all my lake posts here.
2 Responses
Tanya,
My son and I took the Gelmerbahn to the Gelmersee in late July, based on what I read from you. Best part of our 5 day trip thru the Alps. The twisty roads were fun, but this was the icing on the cake. I had reserved the 1st ride of the day, but had to change it. That was an easy process. I had scheduled 3 hours between going up and coming down. My son is 28 and i am 62. 3 hours was more then enough time for us to make it around the lake with a couple stops along the way to skip stones, have a snack, and just take in the beauty, with time to spare at the end. We were able to get an earlier ride going back down. I used walking sticks, which were a big help. I walk a lot, but not on terrain like this, or at this altitude, so I highly recommend them. Thank you so much for your information. It made the decision to stop there so easy.
So glad you enjoyed your visit and thanks for the fun report of your day.