Category: Lakes & swimming

The Millstätter See is the deepest lake in Carinthia and one of the warmest bathing lakes in the region. The Nockberge rise above the southern shore, while Millstatt Abbey with its Romanesque cloister sits on the northern shore. A high trail and lakeside resorts line the shore.HighlightsDeepest lake in Carinthia, warm bathing waterMillstatt Abbey with Romanesque cloisterNockberge as a backdropMillstätter See high trailEasy to…

The Faaker See near Villach is known for its especially intense turquoise-blue, which has earned it the nickname Caribbean flair. The striking Mittagskogel of the Karawanken rises before the southern shore. A small island in the lake and well-kept lidos make it a popular summer destination.HighlightsIntensely turquoise-blue waterMittagskogel of the Karawanken as a backdropSmall island…

The Weissensee in the Gailtal Alps is the highest of Carinthia’s large bathing lakes and known for its near-natural, strictly protected surroundings. In summer the water is of drinking quality; in winter it freezes over widely and forms the largest prepared natural ice surface in Europe for skating.HighlightsNear-natural lake with drinking-water qualityLargest natural ice surface in Europe in…

Évian-les-Bains on the French southern shore of Lake Geneva is famous worldwide for its mineral water and an elegant Belle Époque spa town. The lakeside promenade, thermal baths and boat trips across the largest alpine lake shape the resort, with the Savoy and Swiss Alps greeting in the background.HighlightsWorld-famous Évian mineral waterBelle Époque spa town on Lake GenevaLakeside promenade and boat tripsView across the largest alpine lakeGood to…

The Lake Brienz east of Interlaken captivates with its intense turquoise-blue. On the shore the Giessbach Falls tumble into the lake over several tiers, and the historic Brienz Rothorn Railway, the last steam cog railway in Switzerland, leads up. Near the village of Brienz lies the Ballenberg open-air museum.HighlightsIntensely turquoise-blue waterGiessbach Falls right by the lakeBrienz Rothorn Railway (steam cog railway)Ballenberg open-air museumGood to knowLocationBernese…

The Lake Thun between Thun and Interlaken is lined with several castles, including Oberhofen Castle right on the shore. Above the lake rises the Niesen, the striking pyramid with the longest staircase in the world. On the northern shore, the St Beatus Caves lead into the mountain.HighlightsOberhofen Castle on the lakeshoreNiesen, the “Swiss pyramid”St Beatus CavesBoat trips before a mountain backdropGood…