The lake is also surrounded by towering snowy peaks, making it a truly spectacular place. The Brissago Islands are one of the lake’s biggest draws thanks to the famous botanical garden (Parco botanico del Canton Ticino). Most of the lake is actually in Italy, although the Swiss side is home to the Brissago Islands. The largest lake in Southern Switzerland, the 212.5 square kilometre Lake Maggiore is located on the south edge of the Alps and is shared between Switzerland and Italy. Source: Mostovyi Sergii Igorevich / shutterstock Lake Maggiore There are also plenty of places around the lake’s shoreline that offer swimming, although if there is one thing not to miss it’s riding on a historic paddle-steamer. The lake’s northern coastline between Zollikon and Feldmeilen is known for its magnificent houses and villas, and sunny beaches. Still, there are picturesque towns and villages in all three cantons surrounding the lake, including the medieval town of Rapperswil and the village of Au. The 88.66 square kilometre lake is shared between three cantons, although most of it lies within Zurich. The banana shaped lake is stunningly framed by the lbis, Zimmerberg and Pfannenstiel hills, as well as the bustling city of Zurich. Lake Zurich Zurich, St.Gallen & Schwyzīeing located right in the capital city makes it easy to visit Lake Zurich, which is a must for anyone visiting Switzerland. It’s also a great place to go rowing, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding and even scuba diving.ĥ. The lake’s northern shoreline is dotted with castles and villages that look particularly beautiful when riding on one of the Lake Geneva General Navigation Company boats that connect the cities and towns on the lake. It sits at an elevation of 372 metres and is completely surrounded by mountain peaks, boasting views of both Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Lake Geneva is known not only for its size –it’s the largest lake in the country- but also for its jaw-dropping beauty. Still, more of the crescent-shaped lake is in Switzerland, although both countries in essence share the lake for annual yacht racing and rowing events. One of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva sits along the Rhône and is shared with neighbouring France. Here is our list of the 15 best lakes in Switzerland. Many of the lakes are magnificent, what with their mountainous backdrop and amazing clear blue water. There are also numerous lakes that are located only within Switzerland. Most are high in the mountains and are shared with neighbouring countries, and happen to be some of the largest lakes in all of Western Europe.
There are four major rivers running through the country -Rhine, Inn, Ticino and Rhône- with many lakes being found along them. Switzerland also happens to be home to more than 1,500 lakes and holds six per cent of Europe’s entire fresh water stock. It’s landlocked between the Alps and the Jura Mountains, with the Swiss Plateau sandwiched in between. Switzerland is not a large country –it’s only 41,285 square kilometres- but it’s known to be a beautiful one thanks to its diverse geography.