Visiting Interlaken is to take a breath of fresh air on the Alpine peaks, but it is also a 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 lakes around Interlaken
1. Lake Thun
The panorama is fabulous, and the view of the mountains is superb. You'll find several spots that offer water activities such as stand up paddling, kayaking or sailing. At the edge of the lake, there are many nice places and villages that are worth a detour.
2. Lake Brienz
The village of Brienz with 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. Similarly to Lake Thun, you can find multiple places to rent SUP's, kayaks or other kinds of boats in Brienz or Bönigen. Check out the Hotpots or Hotpot boats in Brienz in winter!
Also by the shores of Lake Brienz, you can visit Iseltwald, where the castle Schloss Seeburg is located. Starting from Iseltwald, you can hike to the Giessbach Falls and enjoy a view of the entire lake.
3. Blausee
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 good to know that the place is very busy (and touristy), so it is better to favour a visit as soon as it opens, or even better you can spend the night at the hotel 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 (around 8km, 2 hours to go and return). As soon as you arrive, you will discover an exceptional environment. The panorama of the mountains is breathtaking. An hour from the gondola station is enough to reach Lake Bachalp.
5. Oeschinensee
Among the country's small gems is Lake Oeschinensee in the Kandersteg region, of course.
There are two options to get to Lake Oeschinen. By car, go to the parking lot of the Kandersteg cable car. From there, several options are available to you to reach the lake:
- Hiking option: Put on your best hiking shoes, take on the 5 km hike and 500 meters of elevation that will take you to the lake, at an altitude of 1578 meters. It will take between 1 h 45 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. If you choose to take the cable car, make sure to reserve your spot during busy summer months.
There are several hikes starting at the lake, with different levels of difficulty and duration. For either of these, sneakers are not recommended!
