Switzerland is not only where I live, it’s where I grew up. For years, I traveled far to photograph places I considered extraordinary. But over time, I realised that some of the most beautiful landscapes were right here, just a short drive from home.
In this blog post, I’m sharing four of my favourite waterfalls to photograph in French-speaking Switzerland. All of them are located in the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg, and each one is easily accessible on foot, perfect for landscape photographers looking for simple hikes and inspiring scenes.
They’re ideal for long exposures, moody weather, and quiet moments by the water. Below, you’ll find practical info and the camera settings I used to help you prepare your own visit.
Golden Silence – Jaun Waterfall (Fribourg)
Nestled in the highlands of Canton Fribourg, the Jaun waterfall flows gently through the charming alpine village of Jaun. Surrounded by wooden chalets and a small church, this quiet spot becomes especially magical in autumn, when the foliage turns to gold and the light softens.
Long overlooked, this waterfall is a hidden gem for landscape photographers looking for accessible but inspiring locations. The path is easy and the car park is just a few minutes away.
➜ Parking available nearby
➜ More information on Jaun Tourismus
How I photographed this scene
To capture both the village and the waterfall, I created a stitched panorama with a long exposure. I set up my tripod, framed the composition, and used a slow shutter speed to blur the water and bring a sense of calm.
To reduce the reflections in the pond, I used a Hoya polarising filter.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Hoya polarising filter
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Camera settings
ISO 31 — f/22 — 5 seconds
Into the Mossy Canyon – Tine de Conflens (Vaud)
Hidden deep in a narrow gorge, the Tine de Conflens is one of the most atmospheric waterfalls in western Switzerland. Moss-covered rocks, green walls, and the sound of rushing water create a setting that feels almost enchanted.
The waterfall is located between La Sarraz and Chevilly, in the canton of Vaud. A small parking area marks the start of the trail, which winds gently through the forest before descending to the foot of the falls. The walk takes about fifteen minutes.
➜ Parking available on the forest edge
➜ Full hiking info available locally
How I photographed this scene
To include the mossy rock formations on the left and the full width of the waterfall, I created a vertical panorama using three photos taken from the edge of the stream. I positioned my tripod on the highest dry rock to capture a clean, wide perspective.
To soften the water and add texture, I used an ND64 filter to lengthen the exposure, combined with a polarising filter to remove reflections from the surface.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Hoya polarising filter
✅ ND64 filter
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Camera settings
ISO 64 — f/11 — 2 seconds
Autumn Flow – Chavanette Falls (Fribourg)
Tucked away in the forest near the village of Rue, Chavanette Falls may be small, but their gentle flow and wide shape create a peaceful scene worth returning to. The water level changes with the seasons, making each visit a little different, especially in autumn when the forest turns golden.
The access is easy in winter, with a small car park right at the edge of the forest. In summer, however, you’ll need to leave your car in the village of Rue and walk a bit further to reach the waterfall.
➜ Winter parking available near the forest
➜ In summer, park in the village of Rue
How I photographed this scene
That day, the water was low, revealing a moss-covered rock that I used as a foreground element. The surrounding trees had turned to warm autumn colours, and the light was soft, perfect conditions for a slow, quiet image.
To capture the movement of the water, I used a long exposure. I also added a polarising filter to reduce reflections on the surface. The thin white lines you see in the stream are traces of foam, forming a gentle circle that draws the eye.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Hoya polarising filter
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Camera settings
ISO 31 — f/22 — 3 seconds
Facing the Fall – Cascade du Dard (Vaud)
Tucked into a steep rocky amphitheatre near the village of Croy-Romainmôtier, the Cascade du Dard is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in western Switzerland. With its impressive vertical drop and echoing flow, it’s a spectacular scene, especially when seen from below.
The access is via a forest trail starting in the village of Croy, in the canton of Vaud. Cars are not allowed through the village, so you’ll need to park at its entrance and follow the footpath. The walk takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on your pace.
➜ Parking available at the entrance of Croy
➜ Hike path in the forest information
How I photographed this scene
To get a clear view of the full waterfall, I went down to the base of the cirque. It’s the best place to avoid branches and to feel the scale of the fall. My lens wasn’t wide enough for a single shot, so I combined two vertical images into a square format.
Once again, I used a polarising filter together with an ND64 filter. This allowed me to smooth the water and remove harsh reflections.
My gear
✅ Nikon D810
✅ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8
✅ Hoya polarising filter
✅ ND64 filter
✅ Manfrotto tripod
Camera settings
ISO 64 — f/14 — 1.3 seconds
Published on April 27, 2024 by Jennifer Esseiva
