The Most Beautiful Mountain Lakes in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking mountain views and gorgeous landscapes. However, the mountains are not the only noble miracles of the country. Switzerland has many magnificent lakes that are also a part of its wonderful sites and must-visit locations. Here is a list of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland.

1. Oeschinensee

It is a magnificent lake located in the Oeschinen Valley, about 4 km east of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. The area of the lake is 1.1147 km2, its maximum depth is 56 meters, and it lies at an elevation of 1,578 meters.

This lake is a superb location and lies in the core area of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site, as named in 2007. You can hike around the lake during the summer months to experience its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Usually frozen from December to May, this winter wonderland provides the odd opportunity for skating. The serene surface of the ice fishery tempts the interest of those who would try their luck from January to March.

2. Bachalpsee

Lake Bachalp is a stunning mountain lake located in the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Bernese Alps, 2265 meters above sea level. This delightful “mirror lake” reflects the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn mountains.

Bachalpsee is divided into two halves by a natural dam. The smaller half is known as Hinterbachalpsee. Surrounded by unusual alpine plants, travelers can take a scenic 50-minute stroll from the Grindelwald First observatory from early summer up to autumn.

The most beautiful vistas are found in the early morning and at nightfall when the serene waters perfectly reflect the majestic mountains. Bachalpsee is a must-see location, whether you are hiking or just taking in the scenery.

3. Riffelsee

The Lake Riffelsee is about 50 meters wide and 100 meters long, situated in the shadow of the Riffelhorn, an extremely popular rock climb that most mountaineers use as a warm-up climb before tackling the Matterhorn. For botanists, this area is a virtual El Dorado of rare species that thrive in the sheltered climate and rise to incredible heights.

The lake is covered in snow in the winter, but its breathtaking beauty is seen from early July until late October. As the first snow falls, the lake freezes over, going into a well-earned winter hibernation. A snowshoe track offers stunning vistas as it passes the snow-covered Riffelsee.

Since Riffelsee is located within a conservation area, which protects it for future generations, it is not permitted to spend the night there or to ignite fires.

4. Lake Sils

Lake Sils is located 1,797 meters above sea level in the Upper Engadine. Occasionally, the lake displays an incredibly clear reflection of the neighboring mountain peaks, while other times, the wind from Maloja stirs up the roughly four square kilometers of water.

The lake is located between Lake Silvaplana and Maloja Pass at an elevation of 1,797 meters above sea level. It is viewed from several 3,000-meter-high peaks, including Piz Corvatsch, Piz Grevasalvas, and Piz da la Margna. The lake's drainage basin includes the Vadrec da Fedoz glacier and ends at Piz Fora (3,336 m).

In addition to relaxing near this lake, you can boat, surf, swim, or hike around it.

5. Melchsee

This lake, the focal point of Melchsee-Frutt, is a real alpine jewel, sitting just below 2,000 meters and dammed by an artificial structure. The waters from the lake power the neighboring Hugschwendi power station, run by Elektrizitätswerk Obwalden (EWO). In summer, the surrounding countryside blossoms into a vivid sea of flowers, and the trout-rich lake's deep blue waters draw in both nature enthusiasts and ardent fishermen.

A drag lift traverses the ice to link with the Balmeregg ski lift and the Erzegg chairlift on the other side of the lake, converting the lake into a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. Lake Melchsee offers year-round appeal, whether you're skiing in the winter or fishing in the summer.

6. Lacs de Fenêtre

The Fenêtre Lakes, or the Window Lakes, are three spectacular high-altitude alpine lakes near the Great St. Bernard Pass in Valais. This picturesque setting showcases equally overwhelming views of the highest mountain on the continent - the Mont Blanc massif.

These beautiful lakes, hidden away at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, are a great destination for summer trekking. Nestled atop a grassy, mossy plateau with fringes of cotton grass, peaceful and handsome surroundings await hikers and nature lovers alike.

7. Schwarzsee

The Schwarzsee region, nestled in the Eastern Freiburg Pre-Alps, is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and rugged landscapes. With its mysterious dark waters and the glacially-carved Brecca Gorge, this destination offers a true taste of Alpine authenticity.

Highlights of Schwarzsee Legend has it that the lake’s dark hue comes from a giant who once washed his feet there. Depending on the lighting, the lake's colors shift dramatically, from deep black to a striking turquoise-blue.

In winter, Schwarzsee transforms into a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts, offering chair lifts, ski slopes, snowshoe trails, and winter hiking paths. In the warmer months, visitors can swim in the sulfur-rich waters of the lake, which reach up to 22°C, or embark on scenic hikes to the Brecca Gorge, where a rich variety of Alpine flowers and wildlife await.

8. Seealpsee

Seealpsee is a lake in Switzerland's Appenzell region, located in the Alpstein mountain range. Its surface area is 13.6 hectares, and its elevation is 1,143.2 meters. You can walk from Wasserauen or Ebenalp to the lake. It is a well-liked vacation spot. The town of Appenzell receives drinking water and hydroelectric power from the Seealpsee.

It is a fairly busy place on nice weekends, yet there is still lots of space to stretch out. You can row a boat around the lake, wander about it, have a picnic on the shore, eat at a restaurant, and, on a hot day, cool yourself in the water.

There is no need for a cable car; you may get there by foot along a service road or hiking trail.

9. Obersee

The Obersee is a tiny lake, located at Oberseealp in Canton Glarus, Switzerland; its surface area measures 24 ha. This picturesque alpine lake is framed by great postcard views of the Brünnelistock and the surrounding Glarner Voralpen, giving it an airy, idyllic charm. The experience here is similar to wandering into the middle of a fairytale.

With the lake nearby, you have a fantastic water and mountain view, combined with nature lovers' ideal retreat. When winters are colder and drier, black ice is a possibility, making the beauty of the lake intriguing but with caution for visitors.

Obersee is not just a visual delight; Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a moment of relaxation in nature, Obersee promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Glarnerland.

10. Lägh da Cavloc

Lago di Cavloccio (also called Lägh da Cavloc in the local language) is a beautiful alpine lake in the Grisons region. It lies near the Maloja Pass at 1,907 meters above sea level and is beloved by hikers. The location is easily accessible from Maloja in about an hour using well-kept paths.

The lake is about 300 meters wide and 400 meters long, with fir trees along its western and northern edges. On the southern side, sandy areas are ideal for lounging and grilling (firewood is available), and the cool waters entice swimming. A real mountain treasure, Lägh da Cavloc is perfect for trekking or having a picnic!

These lakes in Switzerland are treasures of mountain lakes, simply capturing the essence of adventure and tranquility. Each lake has a certain uniqueness, from the serene Oeschinen Lake to the hidden charm of Schwarzsee, offering the hiker and nature enthusiast unique experiences.

These alpine jewels call for exploration while reminding us how fragile natural beauty needs our care for its preservation; thus, they are destinations one should not miss for those unforgettable moments in breathtaking landscapes.