Top 20 Lakes around Meiringen

Near Meiringen, you can explore a variety of lakes. Hinterburgseeli is a picturesque mountain lake below the cliffs of Oltschiburg, accessible from Axalp. Bachalpsee, a natural monument, offers stunning reflections of the Schreckhorn. For a larger experience, Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise waters and scenic boat cruises, while Lake Thun offers grand views, castles, and promenades.

For swimming and relaxation, Lake Lungern is highly recommended. It's celebrated for its clear, refreshing water, reaching up to 23°C in summer, and features a small swimming area with a water slide and sandy beach. It's ideal for a calm day of swimming and picnicking.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Lake Lungern has a swimming area with a water slide and sandy beach, plus opportunities for pedal boating and cycling trails. Lake Brienz offers boat cruises and paddleboarding, while Bachalpsee and Hinterburgseeli are accessible via pleasant walks suitable for families.

The lakes around Meiringen are set amidst stunning natural landscapes. You'll find turquoise glacial-fed waters, steep mountain slopes, forests, and snow-capped peaks. Lakes like Bachalpsee are famous for reflecting majestic mountains, while Lake Brienz is known for its vibrant color due to glacial sediment. You can also see waterfalls like the Giessbach Falls cascading into Lake Brienz.

Absolutely! The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. Scenic cycling and walking trails loop around Lake Lungern. Lakeside walks are popular around Lake Thun, such as the path from Beatenbucht to St. Beatus Caves. For more extensive hiking, explore routes like the 'Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge – Rosenlaui Gorge Waterfalls loop' or 'Viewpoint at Reichenbach Falls – Reichenbach Falls Summit loop' which are part of the Hiking around Meiringen guide.

Boat trips are a popular way to experience the larger lakes. Lake Brienz offers cruises that pass by sights like the Giessbach Falls and the village of Iseltwald. On Lake Thun, you can enjoy boat trips connecting various towns, with historic paddle steamers and sunset cruises available in summer. These allow you to hop off at castles or small villages.

Yes, for those seeking silence and a deep connection with nature away from crowds, Engstlensee is an excellent choice. Located at Engstlenalp, it provides a serene alpine lake experience. Tannensee is another gem, offering a wild highland feeling depending on the weather, and is generally less touristy than some other options.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, with lakes like Lake Lungern reaching pleasant temperatures. Fall offers magical colors around lakes like Hinterburgseeli, making it perfect for scenic walks and photography. Generally, late spring to early autumn provides the most favorable weather for outdoor activities.

Many lakes are accessible by public transport. Boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun connect various towns. For Lake Lungern, bicycle rentals are available at Lungern train station, and the Turren Bahn can take you up to Turren from Lungern-Obsee for panoramic views. Cable cars can also provide access to higher-altitude lakes like Bachalpsee from Grindelwald.

Lake Thun is particularly rich in historical and cultural sites. You can visit several castles directly from boat stops, including Thun Castle, Oberhofen Castle, and Spiez Castle. The St. Beatus Caves, with their underground waterfalls, are another unique attraction near Lake Thun. The village of Lungern itself, near Lake Lungern, is described as a charming 'fairy tale village'.

The lakes near Meiringen offer various water sports. Lake Brienz is suitable for paddleboarding. Lake Lungern is popular for pedal boating, fishing, windsurfing, and sailing, with a sailing school available. Lake Thun also offers various water sports opportunities.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility. For example, Lake Lungern is loved for its 'super clear water and nice and quiet' and 'fantastically beautiful' scenery. Bachalpsee is described as a 'very beautiful mountain lake' with an 'overwhelming panorama'. The idyllic views and opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities are consistently highlighted.