Top 20 Lakes in the Valais

Valais offers several family-friendly lakes. Bettmersee is a great option with a paddling area for children, a bathing jetty, and a beach volleyball court. Grünsee is also family-friendly, offering a relaxing spot for picnics and swimming with views of the Matterhorn. Additionally, Lac Bleu and Lake Tseuzier are noted for being suitable for families.

For breathtaking views and photography, Riffelsee is renowned for its iconic reflection of the Matterhorn, especially at sunrise. Lac Bleu captivates with its striking emerald green and turquoise hues. Stellisee, part of the popular 5 Lakes Hike, also offers direct views of the Matterhorn perfectly reflected in its surface on calm days. The Lacs de Fenêtre provide overwhelming views of the Mont Blanc massif.

Yes, several lakes in Valais are suitable for swimming. Grünsee is an ideal spot for a refreshing swim, and Bettmersee has a bathing jetty. Lake Leisee near Zermatt is also a welcoming spot for cooling down and playing.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails around Valais lakes. For easy walks, consider the Loop of Lac de Tseuzier. Many lakes, like Riffelsee and Stellisee, are part of longer routes such as the 5 Lakes Hike. The Lacs de Fenêtre are excellent for summer trekking, offering peaceful surroundings. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes in the Valais guide.

Lake Derborence is considered one of Switzerland's most unspoiled mountain lakes and a hidden natural paradise in Valais. Flanked by untamed rock faces and dense forests, it offers unparalleled peace and untouched alpine scenery.

The best time to visit the lakes in Valais is typically during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, trails are clear of snow, and alpine flowers are in bloom. This period is ideal for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the reflections in the lakes. Some higher-altitude lakes may still have snow well into early summer.

Access varies by lake. Many, like Riffelsee, are accessible via mountain railways such as the Gornergrat Bahn. Others, like Lac Bleu, require hiking, with options ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from nearby villages. For Lake Tseuzier, you can take a post bus from Sion in summer or drive via Anzère. Lake Tanay is primarily for walkers, with a short but steep climb or a 4x4 taxi option.

Yes, the Valais region offers various cycling opportunities. Grünsee is an ideal spot to relax during a bike tour. You can find more routes in the Cycling in the Valais and Gravel biking in the Valais guides, which feature trails like the Rhone and Vineyard Trail Loop or the Moosalp panoramic tour.

The lakes in Valais are surrounded by diverse natural features. You can see the iconic Matterhorn reflected in lakes like Riffelsee and Stellisee. Lake Tseuzier features waterfalls, streams, and varied plant life. Märjelensee is notable for being primarily held by moraines, reflecting dynamic alpine landscape changes due to glacier melt. Lake Moiry is set against the backdrop of the Moiry glacier.

Yes, some lakes offer nearby facilities. For instance, at Lake Tseuzier, you can find the Rawil restaurant at the foot of the dam. Gletscherstube Märjelen near Märjelensee is a hut with a restaurant. Lake Tanay has small lakeside restaurants, and Lake Moiry has a restaurant overlooking the water. Ze Binne at the Binna Reservoir also has a cafe.

Lake Moiry is popular due to its massive dam wall and its stunning setting deep within the Val d'Anniviers, beautifully embedded in the Valais Alps. It offers a wide range of mountain activities, from relaxing at the foot of the Moiry glacier to hiking around the lake, enjoying a Via Ferrata, or having ice cream at a local restaurant with scenic views.

The Lacs de Fenêtre are three spectacular high-altitude alpine lakes located at the end of Val Ferret. They are nestled on a mossy plateau between the Great St. Bernard and the Mont Blanc massif, offering overwhelming views of the Mont Blanc massif. They are an excellent destination for summer trekking and provide peaceful surroundings for nature lovers.