Visiting Interlaken is to take a breath of fresh air on the Alpine peaks, but it is also lake with pure and crystal-clear water. Which is the most beautiful mountain lake in the Interlaken region? All have something magical, between the mirror surface reflecting the mountains and the turquoise water.
The top 6 lakes in Interlaken
1. Lake Thun
If you get the chance to go to Thun, the lake offers multiple activities such as cruises and other water activities. the panorama is fabulous, and the view of the mountains is superb At the edge of the lake, there are many nice places and villages that are worth a detour.
2. Brienzersee
This village of Brienz just over 3,000 inhabitants has not only given its name to Lake Brienz, but it is home to the most famous wood-carving school in the country, if not the world. And that's why you find lots of beautiful wooden structures throughout the village.
Also close to Lake Brienz, you can visit Isletwald where the castle Schloss Seeburg is located. Starting from Isletwald, you can hike to the Giessbach Falls and enjoy a view of the entire lake.
3. Blausee
Of all the lakes around Interlaken Blausee is one of the most beautiful. The legend says that the amazing blue color of Blausee comes from the tears of a young girl, who died from a broken heart. In reality, it is crystal clear water from an underground spring, which makes Blausee perfect for beautiful photo lovers.
The place is magical and deserves a walk in the forest as well as all around the lake where many spaces have been organized with games, benches, picnic tables... On the other hand, it is better to know that the place is very busy (and touristy) so it is better to favor a visit as soon as it opens or even better. You can spend the night there to have the lake almost to yourself when the park has closed its doors to visitors.
Blausee is also known for its fish farming where delicious organic trout are raised, which can be enjoyed in the lakeside restaurant or in many restaurants in the surrounding area (especially in Adelboden). This is the reason why it is unfortunately forbidden to swim in it.
4. Bachalpsee
One of the most beautiful places in this region is Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee or Bachsee) located 2,265 m above sea level at the height of the village of Grindelwald. To get there, you have to take the train from Interlaken-Ost to Grindelwald. Then take a gondola to the Grindelwald-First mountain station, the starting point for the hike to Lake Bachalp. As soon as you arrive, you will discover an exceptional environment. The panorama of the mountains is breathtaking. From the gondola station, an hour is enough to reach Lake Bachalp. Once there, we advise you to continue walking to the other end of the lake. The hike is very busy, but few people continue this far. On the other side, the view of Lake Bachalp and the mountains are still beautiful. A real painting to contemplate with the marmots as the only company.
5. Oeschinensee
Among the small gems of the country, there is of course Lake Oeschinensee, in the Kandersteg region.
There are two options to get to Lake Oeschinen. By car, go to the parking lot of the Kandersteg cable car. The car park is large enough, and will only cost you 5 CHF per day (a friendly price for a Swiss car park!) From there, several options are available to you to reach the lake:
- Big hiker option: Put on your best hiking shoes, take on the 5 km walk and 500 meters of elevation that will take you to the lake, at an altitude of 1578 meters. It will take between 1h45 and 2h of walking to reach your destination.
- Sunday hiker option: For 26 to 30 CHF round trip (low/high season) a cable car will take you to the top in zero effort mode/100% crazy panorama. The little trip by cable car is nice and offers very beautiful views. Once at the top, a nice walk of about twenty minutes will take you to the lake.
6. Engstlensee
This beautifully situated lake can be reached via a 4-hour hike from the mountain station of Planplatten. This natural reservoir is not only beautiful to look at, but it also benefits the surrounding communities. A part of it is tapped and continues to produce downstream nature-friendly green electricity.