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Some lakes seem almost unreal in their tranquillity, whilst others – with their small boats, palm trees and lakeside promenades – are almost reminiscent of southern coastal resorts. Nestled between Swiss mountain landscapes and Mediterranean lakeside resorts, some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes lie surprisingly close to one another. Many of them are perfect for a long weekend – with walks along the water’s edge, short boat trips, summer days spent swimming and long evenings by the shore.
26.05.2026
Eliza
Contents:
Photo: Palm trees line the promenades of Lake Maggiore, small boats bob on the water, and in places like Ascona or Cannobio, time seems to pass a little more slowly.
Lake Maggiore combines Mediterranean charm with an Alpine backdrop. Palm trees line the lakeside promenades, small boats bob on the water, and in places like Ascona or Cannobio, time seems to pass a little more slowly. The little town of Cannero Riviera has a somewhat quieter feel, with its pastel-coloured houses and narrow alleyways right by the water.
A boat trip to the Borromean Islands, with their historic villas and subtropical gardens, is particularly lovely. In summer, many small bathing spots along the shore invite you to take a dip, whilst around Ascona, long evenings on the promenade are the order of the day. The train journey along the lakeshore is also one of the most beautiful railway routes in southern Switzerland.
Those who prefer a quieter pace will find a relaxing blend of nature, glamping and the Lake Maggiore atmosphere at the Il Borgo delle Arti accommodation.
Photo: Although Lake Garda is one of Europe’s better-known lakes, it still captivates visitors with its unique blend of mountains, lemon groves and small harbour towns.
Lake Garda captivates visitors with its unique blend of mountains, lemon groves and small harbour towns. Whilst places such as Limone and Malcesine are particularly popular, the little village of Cassone, with its tiny harbour and narrow streets, feels almost like a hidden retreat right by the water’s edge.
Lake Garda really comes into its own during the summer months: small bathing coves, long walks along the promenades and sailing boats on the water set the tone around the lake. In the north, steady winds also provide ideal conditions for windsurfing or sailing, particularly around Torbole.
The Hotel Del Porto is a stylish retreat right on the lakeside promenade.
Photo: Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful lakes in France and captivates visitors with its blend of historic old town, turquoise waters and Alpine scenery.
Lac d’Annecy is one of the most beautiful lakes in France and captivates visitors with its blend of historic old town, turquoise waters and alpine scenery. Around Annecy, narrow streets, waterside cafés and mountain panoramas come together, whilst places like Talloires have a much quieter feel and have retained something of a village atmosphere.
In summer, numerous bathing spots around the lake are perfect for a swim. Cycling tours along the shore and short boat trips across the clear water are particularly popular. Especially in the early morning hours, the lake appears almost as smooth as glass and astonishingly calm.
La Cour du 6, with its relaxed boutique hotel atmosphere, is a peaceful and stylish retreat.
Photo: Lake Constance links several countries and is one of the most diverse lakes in Europe.
Lake Constance links several countries and is one of the most diverse lakes in Europe. Small harbour towns, historic old towns and long promenades lend the region a relaxed summer atmosphere. As well as well-known places such as Lindau and Bregenz, it’s also worth taking a detour to Wasserburg on Lake Constance with its small peninsula and peaceful lakeside paths.
Boat trips between the various towns around the lake and cycle rides along the shore are particularly lovely. In summer, numerous bathing spots, small cafés and sunsets right by the water create that holiday feeling.
A particularly peaceful retreat near the lakeshore is Wartegg Castle, with its historic park and views across Lake Constance.
Photo: Lake Geneva links elegant towns, small wine-growing villages and impressive Alpine scenery.
Lake Geneva links elegant towns, small wine-growing villages and impressive Alpine backdrops. This characteristic interplay of water, vineyards and Belle Époque architecture is particularly evident around Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards. The small village of Saint-Saphorin, with its narrow lanes and vineyards right above the shore, has a much more peaceful feel.
One of the most enjoyable activities is a train journey through the vineyards or a leisurely boat trip between the small lakeside villages. In summer, many stretches of the lakeshore are also ideal for swimming or long walks along the promenade.
Nestled amidst the vineyards above the lake lies Le Baron Tavernier, offering sweeping views across Lake Geneva.
Photo: With its branching inlets and steep mountain slopes, Lake Lucerne almost looks like a small fjord in the heart of Switzerland.
With its branching inlets and steep mountain slopes, Lake Lucerne almost resembles a small fjord in the heart of Switzerland. On misty mornings in particular, a particularly tranquil and almost mystical atmosphere prevails here. Alongside well-known places such as Weggis and Vitznau, the little village of Gersau on the southern shore seems almost surprisingly peaceful.
Historic paddle steamers connect the small villages around the lake. The route between Vitznau and Weggis is particularly beautiful, as is a trip up the Rigi with views across the water and mountains. In summer, the various bathing spots along the shore invite you to take a quick dip to cool off.
Right on the water’s edge lies the FloraAlpina Lake and Conference Hotel in Vitznau, with a garden and views of the lake.
Photo: The Scottish capital is a fascinating destination that delights visitors at any time of year, particularly during the festival season.
Lake Thun impresses with its intense turquoise waters and the surrounding mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Around Spiez and Merligen in particular, a Mediterranean lakeside atmosphere meets alpine landscapes. The small Lake Faulensee has a somewhat quieter feel, with its wooden jetties and unobstructed views of the mountains.
Those wishing to experience the lake actively can go on a kayaking trip or discover the small villages along the shore by boat. On warm summer evenings in particular, an almost Mediterranean atmosphere takes hold around the lake.
Overlooking the lake and the surrounding mountains, the tranquil la belle vue Boutique Hotel is situated above Lake Thun.
Photo: Lago di Braies – also known as Pragser Wildsee – is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites.
Lago di Braies – also known as Pragser Wildsee – is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites. Despite its popularity, it exudes an impressive tranquillity, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Mountains, forests and small wooden boats are reflected on the surface of the water all around the lake.
Those seeking a little more peace and quiet should arrive early in the morning or explore the short footpaths above the lake. A detour to nearby Prags, with its tranquil meadows and traditional houses, is also particularly lovely.
A peaceful retreat in the mountains is the Hotel Erika, with its typical South Tyrolean atmosphere.
Photo: The Greek island of Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets and its whitewashed houses with blue domes, which stretch picturesquely along the cliffs.
Lake Stellisee is one of Switzerland’s most famous vantage points. On particularly windless days, the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the calm surface of the water – a moment that seems almost surreal.
The lake lies above Zermatt and can be reached via the well-known Five Lakes Trail. Those who set off early will experience an almost meditative atmosphere here, amidst the mountains, light and water. The small village of Täsch in the valley, with its views of the surrounding peaks, feels a little quieter than Zermatt itself.
The BEAUSiTE Zermatt offers stylish accommodation with views of the mountains.
Photo: Lake Oeschinen is undoubtedly one of the most impressive mountain lakes in Switzerland. Nestled between steep rock faces, the water shimmers with an almost surreal clarity and turquoise hue, depending on the light.
Lake Oeschinen is undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s most impressive mountain lakes. Nestled between steep rock faces, the water shimmers with an almost surreal clarity and turquoise hue, depending on the light. The lake reveals its full magic particularly early in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine hit the mountain peaks and there are hardly any walkers out and about yet.
In summer, several walking trails wind their way round the lake, whilst small rowing boats can be hired down by the water’s edge. Those who prefer a quieter pace can opt for the higher trails towards Oberbärgli or enjoy the view across the lake from the surrounding mountain meadows. The small Kiental valley, with its unspoilt mountain landscape, feels a little quieter than Kandersteg itself.
A particularly peaceful retreat amidst the mountains is the Waldhotel Doldenhorn, with its abundance of wood, spa and alpine atmosphere.
Conclusion: Whether for a weekend by the water, a peaceful break amongst the mountains or a few leisurely summer days in the south – the lakes around Switzerland show just how varied short breaks can be. Sometimes there are small harbour towns, sometimes tranquil mountain landscapes or Mediterranean promenades. Often, a single spot by the water is all it takes to feel as though you’ve got away from it all, if only for a short while.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
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