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Lakes in Switzerland
Switzerland is not only a country of mountains but also a country of water. Around 6% of Europe’s freshwater reserves are concentrated here, and most Swiss lakes were formed by retreating glaciers. That is why their shapes are often elongated, their depths impressive, and their colours range from mirror-grey to deep turquoise and emerald.
What makes lakes in Switzerland special is contrast. In one trip, families can walk along urban promenades in Zurich or Lucerne, and the next day stand by wilder alpine waters framed by cliffs and forests, such as Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. This variety is what makes planning around lakes so rewarding for families.
How to travel between lakes in Switzerland?
Is renting a car necessary?
Yes – travelling by car is more convenient than without it. While trains and boats are reliable, a car gives families flexibility: stopping at viewpoints, reaching smaller lakeside villages, carrying picnic gear, and adjusting plans easily with kids.
That said, trains and ferries still play an important role. Several lakes – especially Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Brienz – are described as being at their best when seen from the water.
The Itinerary Expert recommends planning at least one boat ride on your lake days, because it breaks up the routine for kids and reduces walking fatigue.
When is the best time to visit lakes in Switzerland?
Seasonal contrast appears clearly throughout the itinerary and supporting sections. Late spring (May-June) brings fresh greenery and fewer crowds, although the water remains cold. Summer (July-August) is ideal for swimming, ferries, and lakeside walks, but popular areas can get busy.
Early spring and March can feel trickier: mountains remain wintery while valleys begin to thaw, which sometimes creates slushy conditions near alpine areas. Lower-elevation lakes warm up earlier, while alpine lakes stay cooler throughout the year.
The Itinerary Expert suggests that in shoulder seasons you focus on lakes with towns nearby, because urban promenades stay enjoyable even when mountain paths are limited.
Which lakes in Switzerland are the most scenic for families?
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is the largest alpine lake, stretching between Switzerland and France. Its scale is immediately noticeable – wide water, long horizons, and mountains reflecting like a mirror. The northern shore is often called the Swiss Riviera, with towns such as Montreux, Vevey, and Lausanne lining the water.
Boat cruises are frequent and affordable, offering views of vineyards, towns, and lakeside scenery from the water. The shoreline is well suited to relaxed walks, food stops, and family photos without demanding hikes.
Dress warmer for boat rides. Even sunny days can feel cooler on the water, and buying tickets on land helps avoid confusion.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is often described as postcard-perfect. Its irregular, fjord-like shape creates constantly changing scenery: steep slopes, small villages, and distant peaks. The lake sits directly beside the city of Lucerne, making it easy to include in a family itinerary.
Boat routes connect multiple towns, and even short cruises reveal dramatic mountain views. The lakeside promenades are flat and stroller-friendly, with cafés and benches along the way.
The Itinerary Expert notes that quieter, smoother boat journeys tend to work best for kids who tire easily.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich blends city life and nature effortlessly. You can walk from shopping streets straight to the water, then continue along quieter shores with swans, ducks, and open views toward distant mountains.
Families often appreciate how easy it is to experience the lake without complex logistics. Short ferry routes work well as mini-cruises, and lakeside benches make it easy to slow down.
The Itinerary Expert recommends walking beyond the busiest central section, where the atmosphere becomes noticeably calmer after 15-20 minutes.
Lake Thun
Lake Thun feels more local and less polished. Villages like Unterseen offer a lived-in atmosphere, with homes, small cafés, and fewer tourist crowds. The water is exceptionally clear, and long shoreline paths invite unhurried walks.
The surrounding landscape alternates between farmland, forests, and open water views, making it visually diverse without feeling overwhelming.
The Itinerary Expert tends to recommend Lake Thun to families who want space and a calmer pace after visiting busier cities.
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is repeatedly described as one of the most photogenic lakes in Switzerland. Its intense turquoise colour comes from glacial minerals, and the contrast with dark forests and cliffs is striking.
Walking routes along the River Aare lead naturally into the lake area, passing small settlements and quiet stretches of nature. The atmosphere feels wild and fresh, even close to Interlaken.
The Itinerary Expert recommends wearing good shoes, as some paths can be slippery after rain.
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What can kids do around Swiss lakes?
Lakeside promenades with swans and ducks
Easy walks along the water in city lake areas, with plenty of birds and open views.
Short boat and ferry rides
Mini-cruises that add variety, reduce walking fatigue, and keep kids engaged.
Easy riverside walks connecting towns
Gentle routes that feel like nature time without being a demanding hike.
Playgrounds near the water
Urban lake areas often include play spaces close to promenades and benches.
Picnic stops with mountain views
Simple breaks by the water that help families stay flexible with timing and mood.
What food should you try near the lakes?
Takeaway food for picnics
Casual cafés, bakeries, and takeaway options work well for lakeside meals and flexible timing.
Supermarket groceries
Supermarkets near the lakes make spontaneous meals easy, especially when travelling with kids.
Warm cheese-based meals
In cooler weather, warm cheese-based meals appear frequently in lakeside towns.
Lighter meals with outdoor seating
In summer, lighter meals and outdoor seating fit well with promenades and boat days.
The Itinerary Expert often treats picnics as a deliberate plan rather than a last resort: they save time, keep kids happy, and make it easier to stay flexible.
4-Day Lakes in Switzerland Family Itinerary (by car)
Day 1 – Lake Zurich (Lake Zurich / Zürichsee)
Morning (10:00-12:30): Arrive in Zurich, park near the lakeshore, and walk the lakeside promenade from the central area toward quieter sections (30-40 minutes). Expect swans, open views, and an easy pace for kids.
Lunch (12:30-13:30): Choose a casual lakeside café or a takeaway picnic by the water.
Afternoon (13:45-16:00): Take a short ferry ride from Bürkliplatz (about 55-90 minutes). This gives a strong sense of the lake without tiring kids.
Evening (16:30-18:00): Light shopping stroll near the lake, then sunset photos.
Walk 15-20 minutes away from the busiest central promenade to find calmer paths and better photo spots.
Day 2 – Lake Lucerne (Lake Lucerne / Vierwaldstättersee)
Drive: Zurich → Lucerne (~55 km / 1 hour)
Morning (10:00-12:30): Park near the centre and walk the lakeside promenade and the old-town edge (easy and flat).
Lunch (12:30-13:30): Choose a restaurant near the harbour for quick service.
Afternoon (13:45-16:30): Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (about 1-2 hours). The views shift constantly, which keeps kids engaged.
Evening (16:45-18:00): Relax by the water with a simple snack or ice cream stop.
Choose a 1-2 hour cruise rather than a longer one so kids stay engaged and the pace stays easy.
Day 3 – Lake Thun (Lake Thun / Thunersee)
Drive: Lucerne → Interlaken/Unterseen (~110 km / 1.5 hours)
Morning (10:30-12:30): Walk from Unterseen toward the lake along calm residential paths (around 1.5 hours with stops).
Lunch (12:30-13:30): Choose a local café in Unterseen.
Afternoon (13:45-16:30): Relax by the lakeside: a short walk, sitting by the water, and unhurried photo time.
Evening (16:45-18:00): Early dinner nearby.
Treat this day as a slower reset after busier city lakes: more space, fewer crowds, and unhurried shoreline time.
Day 4 – Lake Brienz (Lake Brienz / Brienzersee)
Drive: Interlaken → Brienz area (~20 km / 30 minutes)
Morning (10:00-12:30): Walk along the River Aare toward Lake Brienz (around 4-5 km total, but it works well if you choose shorter sections).
Lunch (12:30-13:30): Simple lakeside meal or picnic.
Afternoon (13:45-16:30): Lake views and short shoreline walks. This is a good day to slow down: Lake Brienz is about colour and atmosphere.
Evening (16:30-18:00): Drive back or stay nearby, depending on your pace.
If it rained recently, expect slippery sections; good shoes and shorter walk segments make the day smoother.
Traveller Reviews
June 2019
Our family trip around Lake Lucerne felt effortless. We walked straight from the city to the water, then took a short boat ride that completely changed the view. Mountains rise so close it feels unreal. With kids, the flat promenade was a big win. One thing to know: it gets cooler on the boat, even on sunny days.
September 2021
Lake Geneva surprised me with its scale. It’s huge, calm, and perfect for slow walks along the embankment. We combined walking with a boat cruise and saw vineyards and towns from the water. I loved the atmosphere, but parking near the lake requires attention – we learned the hard way that not all spots are for visitors.
August 2022
Lake Zurich worked perfectly with kids. In the morning we walked along the lively central promenade, then moved farther out where it became quiet and peaceful. The ferry ride was short but scenic – just enough to keep kids engaged. My tip: walk 15-20 minutes away from the centre to really enjoy the lake.
May 2018
We spent a relaxed day at Lake Thun and loved how authentic it felt. Less crowded, more local life. Walking from Unterseen toward the water showed farms, small paths, and incredibly clear water. It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm. Bring a light jacket – even in spring, the air near the lake felt cold.
July 2023
Lake Brienz is hands down the most photogenic lake I’ve seen. The turquoise colour looks unreal in sunlight. We walked along the River Aare toward the lake, passing small villages and forests. Some sections were slippery after rain, so good shoes matter. This lake isn’t about activities – it’s about atmosphere and colour.
October 2024
We visited Lake Geneva in autumn, and the mood was completely different from summer. Fewer people, softer light, and mirror-like water. Walking along the lake felt almost meditative. Boat rides still run, but it’s colder on the water – dress warm. For families, it’s calmer than peak season and easier to enjoy at your own pace.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
Boat rides timing
I plan boat rides early or late in the day. From first-hand experience on Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva, light is softer, water looks clearer, and kids enjoy calmer boats with fewer people.
Pack layers
I always pack layers, even in summer. Lakes like Lake Brienz and Lake Thun feel noticeably colder near the water. I’ve regretted skipping a light jacket during sunny but windy afternoons.
Walk beyond the busiest promenades
I don’t stay on the busiest promenades for long. On Lake Zurich, walking just 15-20 minutes away from the centre completely changes the experience – quieter paths, more swans, and better photo spots.
Combine walking routes with water views
I combine walking routes with water views. Walking along the River Aare toward Lake Brienz gave us constant scenery without feeling like a hike, which works well for kids who get bored on static viewpoints.
Buy boat tickets on land
I buy boat tickets on land, not onboard. On Lake Geneva, buying at the pier helps avoid confusion and makes the process smoother when travelling as a family.
Plan fewer lakes
I plan fewer lakes, not more. From experience, two lakes in one region feel richer than rushing through many. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is a strong pairing.
Use picnics as a strategy
I use picnics as a strategy, not a backup. Supermarkets near the lakes make it easy. kids eat faster, adults relax more, and you’re not locked into restaurant schedules.
Check paths after rain
I check paths after rain. Near Lake Brienz, some lakeside and riverside paths get slippery. Good shoes saved us time and stress, especially with kids running ahead.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I last travelled around the lakes of Switzerland in September 2023, and it was one of those trips where nature quietly does all the work. What struck me most is how different each lake feels, even when distances are short. Lake Lucerne felt dynamic and varied, changing scenery every few minutes on the boat. Lake Thun was calmer and more grounded, with real daily life happening along the shore. Lake Brienz – intense in colour, colder, almost wild – demanded that we slow down and simply look.
Travelling with kids, I appreciated how easy it is to mix gentle walks, short boat rides, and unstructured time by the water. That said, lakes can be deceptive: wind picks up quickly, temperatures drop near the shore, and some paths become slippery after rain. Planning fewer stops per day made everything more enjoyable and helped avoid overtired afternoons.
For me, Swiss lakes are not about ticking landmarks off a list. They are about atmosphere, light, reflections, and space to breathe. It’s a remarkable destination, and we invite you to create an individual route together with the Itinerary Expert – not only across Switzerland’s lakes, but across Switzerland as a whole.
Price list
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | 110-165 | |
| Mid-Range Hotels | 165-330 | |
| Luxury Hotels | 330-550+ | |
| Apartment / Chalet (self-catering) | 220-440+ | |
| Car Rental (per day) | 30-165+ | |
| Public Transport (daily) | 55-110+ | |
| Cable Cars / Funiculars (summer lifts) | 50-130+ | |
| Boat Tours | 35-80+ | |
| Restaurants (mid-range dinner) | 25-90+ | |
| Coffee / Dessert Café | 4-13 | |
| Supermarket (groceries) | 16-90 | |
| Parking (city / resort) | 2-45+ |
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