Switzerland boasts rugged mountains and quaint villages beneath sunny summer skies with crystal-clear lakes of Switzerland shimmering deeply. Beneath snow-capped peaks, folk find lakes that provide many activities, including swimming, kayaking, and scenic boat rides. Summer in Switzerland features many stunning lakes of Switzerland that offer intriguing experiences beneath sunny skies. This guide provides information about Switzerland’s Best Lakes to visit in Summer for different water activities.

Lake Geneva – Switzerland’s Largest & Most Glamorous

Why Visit?

Lake Geneva, situated near France’s borders, forms a massive body of water that completely dominates the surrounding landscape. Glamorous lakeside cities like Lausanne are nestled beside the deep blue waters surrounding Montreux and Geneva.

Best Things to Do in Geneva:

• The boat cruise offers stunning views of Château de Chillon beneath sunny skies over the vineyards of Lavaux in a beautiful way.
• Water sports enthusiasts frequently gather at Bains des Pâquis beneath stunning scenery for summer swims and sailing. Save your energy by visiting there in a luxurious vehicle, such as a Geneva chauffeur service.
• Riviera Strolls involve leisurely sauntering beside palm trees on Montreux’s picturesque promenade, which overlooks serene lakeside scenery surrounded by vibrant life.

Pro Tip:

Drop by in late June or early July to catch the Montreux Jazz Festival, which features live music and stunning lakeside scenery outdoors.

Lake Lucerne – A Fairytale Setting

Why Visit?

Lake Lucerne features breathtakingly beautiful mountains rising steeply beside serene waters and quaint medieval villages near ferry routes.

Best Things to Do in Lucerne:

• Ride vintage paddle steamers around Flüelen, surrounded utterly by breathtaking mountains.
• Hike Burgenstock for a panoramic view of the lake from Hammetschwand Lift, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator.
• Chapel Bridge & Old Town: Before grabbing a lakeside gelato, explore Lucerne’s medieval Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) in a Zurich to Lucerne transfer.

Pro Tip:

Lake Seelisberg sits above Lake Lucerne, offering a serene swim in the blue Caribbean waters surrounded deeply by lush green nature.

Lake Zurich – The City’s Summer Playground

Why Visit?

Lake Zurich boasts balmy days beside placid waters surrounded by many vibrant urban amenities for thrill seekers. Locals flock wildly towards shores near Zurich beneath warm sunshine for languid swimming at weird floating bars.

Best Things to Do in Zurich:

• Swimming bars are pretty cool at lakeside spot Strandbad Mythenquai or Barfussbar, where patrons walk barefoot.
• Embark on a wildly exhilarating journey up Uetliberg Mountain by foot via train, or you may take a Zurich chauffeur service up to Uitikon Waldegg for a breathtaking vista overlooking sparkling lake waters amidst the cityscape.
• Rapperswil boasts stunning castle views and lakeside dining in this quaint town called the Town of Roses.

Pro Tip:

Rent a pedal boat or kayak near Bürkliplatz and slowly meander around the lake scenery.

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz – The Twin Jewels of Interlaken

Why Visit?

Majestic mountains loom over Interlaken, surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Switzerland nestled in a scenic part of the country. You likely have an affinity for deep blue Lake Thun, yet Lake Brienz holds enchantment beneath its captivating turquoise hue in sweltering summer.

Best Things to Do in Interlaken:

• Paddle swiftly but awkwardly over Lake Brienz’s vibrant turquoise waters beneath towering mountains.
• Fairytale Schloss Oberhofen perches precariously above Lake Thun’s shores, surrounded by breathtaking scenery Spiez Castle.
• Giessbach Waterfalls beneath Brienz are deeply beautiful, and a boat ride reveals stunning falls plunging. To get that boat on time, hire an Interlaken transfer.

Pro Tip:

Ride the Harder Kulm funicular near Interlaken and soak up breathtakingly panoramic sunsets over the lakes of Switzerland from lofty heights extremely high above the surroundings.

Oeschinen Lake – A Hidden Alpine Gem

Why Visit?

Oeschinen lies quietly beneath rugged mountains surrounding Kandersteg in obscure alpine splendor. Stepping into this place feels like entering a mystical realm surrounded by incredibly vibrant turquoise waters beneath ruggedly dramatic cliffs.

Best Things to Do in Oeschinen:

• Scenic Hike involves riding a gondola from Kandersteg and hiking downhill toward a serene lake with breathtaking panoramic views.
• Rowboat Adventure offers wooden vessels for rental allowing patrons serene voyages beneath tranquil heavens enveloped by lush foliage.
• Experience an utterly thrilling mountain coaster ride alongside serene lake vistas going down steep Alpine Toboggan Run slopes.

Pro Tip:

Head out in the early morning hours and beat hordes of people so you can see the lake when its surface is eerily still.

Lake Maggiore – A Slice of Italy in Switzerland

Why Visit?

Ticino with stunning Lake Maggiore set beneath rugged mountains surrounded by Mediterranean charm and the precision of Swiss heritage. Palm trees sway gently beside surprisingly mild temperatures near quaint villages situated lakeside in a fairly serene manner.

Best Things to Do in Ticino:

• Explore Ascona, situated precariously near Locarno. Vibrant villages beneath serene lakeside pathways radiate sophisticated charm surrounded by soft pastel hues.
• The Brissago Islands boast gorgeous lakeside flora surrounded by mind-blowingly stunning scenery enveloping that tiny archipelago.
• Water sports fans frequently participate in activities like wakeboarding or jet skiing on lake waters, which feel warm against bare skin.

Pro Tip:

Locarno Film Festival happens outside in August so visit then.

Blausee – The Enchanted Blue Lake

Why Visit?

Blausee, or Blue Lake, sits deep within the Swiss Alps as a small yet magical hidden gem. It boasts pretty, vibrant blue hues beneath wildly dramatic skylines reminiscent of fantasy realms.

Best Things to Do in Blausee:

• Fairy-Tale Walks involve meandering slowly past beautifully misty woods near serene waters.
• The Glass-Bottom Boat Ride provides a fantastic opportunity to admire deep azure waters from beneath in dry surroundings.
• Unwind beside a serene lake under twisted tree silhouettes mirrored in calm water surrounded by dense foliage.

Pro Tip:

Blausee looks photogenic when morning sunlight pours directly onto the lake surface, rendering the water deeply blue in certain situations.

Final Thoughts: Where Will You Go This Summer?

Switzerland’s lakes offer a fairly adrenaline-fueled experience beneath rugged mountains surrounded by calmness. Travelers seeking adventure stumble upon the serene lakes of Switzerland, surrounded by trails for hiking and kayak trips beneath a tranquil sunset.

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