Top 20 Lakes around Au (SG)

For a refreshing dip, Drei Weieren (Three Ponds) above St. Gallen offers clean waters and historic Art Nouveau changing rooms, making it one of Switzerland's most beautiful natural swimming areas. Walensee is also excellent for swimming, with popular spots like Betlis and Gäsi, known for its crystal-clear waters. The larger Vorderer Schwendisee provides tranquil swimming with a boardwalk for easy access, while the Rheindelta Beach at Lake Constance is known for its flat, family-friendly shore.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Drei Weieren features paddling pools and is easily accessible. Walensee offers boat trips and gentle hiking trails suitable for all ages. Schwendisee has barbecue facilities and is part of the 'Klangweg' (Sound Trail), which is fun for children. The Lake Constance Lakeside Path in Staad and the Rheindelta Beach at Lake Constance are also great for family outings, offering easy walks and swimming opportunities.

The region boasts diverse natural beauty. Walensee is famed for its fjord-like landscape, the impressive Seerenbach Falls, and a protected Arolla pine forest. Schwendisee is nestled within a sheltered moorland of national importance, rich in unique flora and fauna. The Bettenauer Weiher is an amphibian spawning area known for one of Switzerland's largest occurrences of white water lilies. Additionally, the Rhine Delta Nature Reserve at Lake Constance offers extensive natural landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.

The lakes around Au (SG) offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Schlifisteg Steps in Berneck' or the 'Alter Rhein Nature Park'. If you're into gravel biking, consider the 'Rheindamm Path' or the 'Illspitz mouth of the Rhine' routes. Mountain hikes are also available, such as the 'Staufenspitze loop'. Find more details and routes on the Hiking around Au (SG), Gravel biking around Au (SG), and Mountain Hikes around Au (SG) guide pages.

Yes, for a relaxed stroll, the Bettenauer Weiher offers easily accessible paths and a well-maintained circular trail, including a 'Märliweg' (fairy tale path) for families. Chapfensee also features a path around the lake that can be completed in about 40 minutes, offering a worthwhile viewpoint at Chapfenstein.

For stunning vistas, Drei Weieren provides panoramic views of St. Gallen and Lake Constance on clear days. At Chapfensee, the Chapfenstein viewpoint offers views of the Seez valley. Along Lake Constance, the Bregenz lakeside promenade is a popular viewpoint, and the Lake Constance Lakeside Path in Staad offers great views of the lake.

Yes, Drei Weieren is notable for its historic Art Nouveau wooden buildings and its 17th-century origins as water reservoirs. On Walensee, you can visit Quinten, a car-free village accessible only by boat, often called the 'Riviera of Eastern Switzerland' due to its Mediterranean climate. The Bregenz Lake Stage on Lake Constance is also a unique man-made structure, famous as the venue for the Bregenz Festival.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant natural colors. In winter, Drei Weieren is popular for ice-skating, and many areas offer tranquil winter walks.

Yes, Chapfensee is a popular destination for anglers, especially known for its rainbow trout stock. Vorderer Schwendisee also allows fishing, offering a tranquil setting for this activity.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. Many appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and hiking to simply relaxing by the water. The Bregenz lakeside promenade is noted for its 'islands of tranquility and stalls', making it a beloved local recreation area. The 'beautiful, varied shore of Lake Constance' with 'good bike paths' is also a highlight for many.

While popular, Schwendisee, with its two small lakes nestled in a sheltered moorland, offers a unique and tranquil nature experience that feels like a hidden gem. Similarly, Bettenauer Weiher, affectionately known as 'Betti' by locals, is valued for its serene atmosphere and ecological significance, making it a peaceful escape.