Switzerland is home to hundreds of lakes, from the vast waters of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to countless alpine gems hidden high in the mountains. I once read that in Switzerland, you are never more than 27 km from a lake. It’s no wonder lakes have become one of my favourite landscape photography subjects.
In this guide, I am sharing eight of my favourite alpine and mid-altitude lakes to photograph in Switzerland: Bachalpsee, Lake Geneva, Lac Bleu d’Arolla, Seealpsee, Gantrischseeli, Lac de Lioson, Étang de la Gruère, and Lac de Sils. Each of them offers pristine waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. They also bring moments of calm that feel far from everyday life.
Some of these lakes require a short hike. Others are easily accessible, with well-marked trails and no technical difficulties. As a result, they suit every type of photographer, from casual explorers to dedicated hikers.
Whether you’re wandering through the Bernese Alps, the golden vineyards of Vaud, or the serene Engadin valley, there is a lake for every season. Most importantly, each one offers unique photographic opportunities that invite you to slow down and notice the details.
Bachalpsee, an Iconic Alpine Lake in the Bernese Alps
Bachalpsee is one of the most iconic alpine lakes in the Jungfrau region. It sits high above Grindelwald and is surrounded by the dramatic Bernese Alps. To get there, you first take a gondola from Grindelwald First. Then, a scenic 3 km walk brings you to the lake.
The trail is well-marked and crosses rolling alpine meadows. On clear days, the peaks reflect perfectly in the still water, creating postcard views. On misty days, the mood is very different. Clouds drift around the mountains, turning the landscape into a dreamlike painting. Both conditions are beautiful in their own way.
📍 Location: above Grindelwald, Jungfrau region, Canton of Bern
🥾 Distance: 5.88 km (3.65 mi) round trip
⏱ Time: ~55 min each way (2h total)
⬆ Ascent/Descent: 188 m (617 ft)
🚡 Start point: Gondola from Grindelwald First
How I photographed this scene
That day, the weather was moody, with low clouds floating across the peaks. Instead of the usual wide view, the scene was wrapped in fog. I walked to the far end of the lake for a better perspective. From there, I launched my drone to capture a stitched panorama. The result shows the shifting layers of mist moving above the still water.
My gear
✅ DJI Mini 3 Pro
Lavaux Vineyards – Lake Geneva Views in the Canton of Vaud
The view over Lake Geneva and the Alps from the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards is nothing short of spectacular. In autumn, the slopes turn golden as the vine leaves change colour, creating a breathtaking contrast with the deep blue of the lake and the snowy peaks beyond. Stretching between Lausanne and Vevey in the canton of Vaud, Lavaux offers countless walking paths, charming villages, and scenic viewpoints. Whether you come for a hike, a wine tasting, or simply to admire the view, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
📍 Location: Between Lausanne and Vevey, Canton of Vaud
🥾 Hike required: None, there are multiple viewpoints accessible by car or short walks
🍂 Best season: Autumn for golden vineyards, but stunning year-round
How I photographed this scene
That weekend, the weather forecast predicted shifting clouds and rain showers. On Sunday, I noticed a break between two storms and decided to head out at the last minute – one of the perks of living nearby. I had a very specific composition in mind: golden vine leaves in the foreground, the winding road for a dynamic line, Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background, all under a dramatic cloudy sky. To my delight, I also caught a few sun rays piercing through the clouds, adding a magical final touch.
My gear
✅ Nikon Z8
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Lac Bleu d’Arolla – Turquoise Dreams in the Canton of Valais
Nestled at 2,017 metres in the Val d’Hérens, the Lac Bleu d’Arolla is a small alpine lake famous for its striking turquoise waters. It’s accessible year-round, but in winter the landscape transforms under a blanket of snow. The hike can be slippery in icy conditions, so bringing crampons or snowshoes is a good idea. The trail starts in the tiny village of La Gouille in Valais, winding through larch forests before opening onto a serene meadow where the lake lies still beneath the peaks.
📍 Location: Above La Gouille, Val d’Hérens, Canton of Valais
🥾 Distance: 3.26 km (2.02 mi) round trip
⏱ Time: ~1h30 total
⬆ Ascent/Descent: 314 m (1,030 ft)
🚩 Start point: La Gouille
🍂 Best season: Year-round (fall and winter are my favourites)
How I photographed this scene
For this shot, I wanted to create a self-portrait wearing my turquoise dress to echo the lake’s colours. Before heading out, I checked the snow conditions and weather forecast – I wanted a snowy setting, but not during a snowfall, to avoid being caught in bad weather. I also looked at recent Instagram photos to see if there was still some open water; I was hoping for a patch of turquoise to appear in my image. It’s never guaranteed, but I decided to take my chances. When I arrived, I saw that many people had walked on the ice, which allowed me to position myself much closer to the camera than I had originally planned.
My gear
✅ Nikon Z8
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Seealpsee, the emerald gem of Appenzell
Seealpsee is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Nestled in the Alpstein region of Appenzell, it can be reached in under an hour from Wasserauen train station. From there, you can either follow a forest road or take the steeper mountain trail, both leading you to the lake in about an hour.
In my case, I followed the forest road to the lake. The hike is technically easy, as you simply walk on the road, but it can be quite steep. If you are in very good shape, it will feel straightforward. However, if you are not used to hiking in steep environments, you might find it a bit more challenging. In that case, just allow yourself more time to complete it, especially if you’re planning to shoot at a specific time like sunrise or sunset. Arriving earlier not only gives you time for short breaks but also allows you to set up calmly and enjoy the changing light.
📍 Location: Alpstein region, Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden
🥾 Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 mi) one way
⏱ Time: ~1h each way
⬆ Ascent: 286 m (938 ft)
🚩 Start point: Wasserauen train station
⚠️ Note: Drone flights are not allowed
How I photographed this scene
When we arrived, the sky was dramatic and full of clouds, but the light was still flat. We decided to wait near the lake until the sun broke through. In the meantime, I explored the shoreline and found a cluster of rocks that would make a perfect foreground. I set up my tripod and patiently watched the sky, hoping for the right mix of light and atmosphere. After about half an hour, the clouds shifted, allowing sunlight to illuminate the green meadows while still keeping the dramatic sky and revealing the lake’s beautiful emerald tones.
My gear
✅ Nikon Z8
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Gantrischseeli – Golden Reflections in the Canton of Bern
The Gantrischseeli is a small alpine lake tucked away in the heart of the Gantrisch Nature Park. One of its best features is how easy it is to reach compared to many mountain lakes. The trail starts at Gantrischhütte and takes around 25 minutes to reach the lake, crossing open meadows and sections of forest. There is a short, slightly steep part, but it’s entirely doable for most visitors.
On calm days, the surrounding mountain peak mirrors itself perfectly in the water, creating a postcard-worthy reflection. I visited in summer, but I’m curious to return in autumn or early winter, when the colours or light snow could transform the atmosphere entirely.
📍 Location: Gantrisch Nature Park, Canton of Bern
🥾 Distance: 2.8 km (round trip)
⏱ Time: ~25 min each way (~50 min total)
⬆ Ascent/Descent: +102 m / -33 m
🚩 Start point: Gantrischhütte
How I photographed this scene
For this shot, I wanted to capture the lake at the end of the day, with golden sunlight hitting the mountain peaks and, ideally, a perfect reflection on the water. I got lucky, just before sunset, the wind died down completely, allowing me to photograph a mirror-like surface.
My gear
✅ Nikon Z8
✅ Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
✅ Peak Design Tripod
Lac de Lioson – a hidden gem in the Vaud Alps
Between Bulle and Aigle, in the heart of the mountains, lies the Col des Mosses, easily accessible by car or public transport. From the parking area located below, it’s about a 40-minute hike to reach Lac de Lioson. The trail is well-marked and not technically difficult, but it is a bit steep. As always, allow yourself enough time for the ascent so you can arrive early and avoid feeling rushed once at the top, especially if you’re planning to shoot in specific light conditions.
Nestled in a natural amphitheatre of peaks, Lac de Lioson is a place where silence feels deeper, and colours change with every shift of the clouds.
📍 Location: Col des Mosses, Canton of Vaud
🥾 Distance: 2.4 km (round trip)
⏱ Time: ~45 min each way (~1h20 total)
⬆ Ascent/Descent: +200 m
🚩 Start point: Parking Lioson d’en bas
How I photographed this scene
When we arrived, it was a moody autumn day. A layer of fog was drifting over the lake, giving it a dramatic, almost mysterious atmosphere. The mountains surrounding the lake were hidden, and we had the place entirely to ourselves. Nobody hikes up here on rainy days, except maybe photographers.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
Étang de la Gruère – Morning Fog in the Canton of Jura
The Étang de la Gruère is a peaceful pond located in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. About 500 meters long, 60 meters wide, and 4.5 meters deep, it sits in the Franches-Montagnes region, within the commune of Saignelégier. Surrounded by dense forest and soft peat bogs, this small lake offers a unique and almost mysterious atmosphere.
I used to live not far from here and loved walking around its shores. The trail is easy, well-marked, flat, and beautiful in every season, from the frozen stillness of winter to the golden tones of autumn.
📍 Location: Saignelégier, Canton of Jura
🥾 Distance: 2.8 km (round trip)
⏱ Time: ~45 min total
⬆ Ascent/Descent: Flat
🚩 Start point: Parking Nord, Étang de la Gruère
⚠️ Drone flights are not allowed
How I photographed this scene
I went there for sunrise. The forecast was promising, so I woke up early and took my chance. It was early spring, and I was hoping for soft light and a thin layer of fog floating above the water. I arrived during the blue hour, giving myself time to set up my gear and find my composition. I was drawn to a beautiful pine tree leaning gracefully over the pond, so I decided to frame it with a telephoto lens from a distance. Suddenly, two ducks glided across the water, perfectly aligning with the fog and the first warm rays of sunlight. It was exactly the kind of magical moment I had been dreaming of.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 80–200mm f/2.8
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Lac de Sils – The Blue Silence of the Engadin
The Lac de Sils (in German: Silsersee, in Romansh: Lej da Segl) lies in the canton of Grisons, in the southeast of Switzerland, close to St. Moritz. At 1,800 meters above sea level, it is one of the Engadin’s true gems. This large alpine lake offers countless viewpoints and photo spots all around its shores, each revealing a different mood depending on the season and the light.
📍 Location: Sils im Engadin, Canton of Grisons
🚩 Start point: Parking Plaun da Lej
🌿 Best season: All year, each with its own mood
How I photographed this scene
That day, it was raining heavily. We decided to spend the morning visiting St. Moritz – a Swiss cliché we had never experienced. Later in the afternoon, the rain finally stopped, and we headed towards Lac de Sils. While driving, I noticed a tiny island in the middle of the lake and immediately knew I wanted to photograph it. There is a parking spot nearby, and from there, we walked through the forest until we found a clear view of the island.
The sky was dark and moody, the water an incredible shade of blue. I decided to capture a long exposure to smooth the water’s surface, enhance its color, and create a minimalist, almost surreal atmosphere.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Published on September 4, 2025 by Jennifer Esseiva
