Top 5 Lakes around Grandval
Best lakes around Grandval, located in the Jura Bernois region of Switzerland, offer a variety of natural and man-made water bodies. This area is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, including ponds nestled at the foot of the Jura mountains and within nature reserves. Visitors can explore diverse aquatic environments, from historical ponds to serene natural reserves, providing opportunities for observation and quiet enjoyment. The region's lakes are integral to its natural beauty and ecological significance.
Best lakes around Grandval
- The most popular lakes is Bellacher Weiher, a lake that is a pond in the municipality of Bellach in the Swiss canton of Solothurn, located at the southern foot of the Jura. It is a cantonal nature reserve offering excellent perspectives of its natural beauty.
- Another must-see spot is Huppenweiher, a lake that arose from a mining pit where fireproof clay was extracted. Visitors can explore its unique origins and the surrounding forest.
- Visitors also love 'La Gabiare' pond, a beautiful pond situated between Gross-Karlisberg and Wietlisberg. It is fed by a stream and offers a tranquil natural setting.
- Grandval is known for its diverse ponds and natural reserves. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from historical sites to protected natural habitats.
- The lakes around Grandval are appreciated by the komoot community, with 58 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Bellacher Weiher
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The pond was originally intended to supply the city of Solothurn with fish. According to Kurt Jäggi's account in the 1977 Bellacher calendar, a master Ulrich von Egliswil, a dam builder, was commissioned by the city council in 1456 to build the current pond. According to the Bellach village history of 1990, however, this was a different pond called the Oberer Bellacher Weiher, which later lay in the municipality of Selzach, while the pond that still exists today was not dammed until 1548 as the Seusetweiher or Unterer Bellacher Weiher. It soon became apparent that the cost of putting the fish in the ponds was not in a good ratio to the yield from the ponds. "The fishing out of the ponds was mainly a celebration for the councilors themselves, who attended in large numbers and were fed with plenty of fish and wine." These banquets for the Solothurn council reduced the proceeds considerably, as at least 101 council members and probably other guests attended each time. The council considered keeping the ponds or selling them several times, "but the desire for a banquet always won out."
Battle on March 2, 1798
The pond also went down in the annals in 1798, when the most important battle took place on its shores between Napoleon's troops under General Schauenburg, who were invading the country, and the Solothurn troops of General Josef Bernhard Altermatt, with the French quickly winning and then occupying Solothurn and the rest of the canton without a fight.
In 1861, the mechanical cotton weaving mill Schwarz & Co. took over the Bellach pond and used its water, which was piped to the weaving mill, to power its machines. Since then, the pond has been known locally as the "Black Sea" or "Black Sea". The weaving mill also leased the pond for fishing. In 1945, it was declared a cantonal nature reserve.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Bellach pond was also used to produce natural ice. It was also useful for farmers, as they were allowed to use the runoff to irrigate their fields.
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Huppenweiher
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The mining continued until the end of the 1940s.
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Viewpoint over Lac Vert
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Erlimoos Pond (Haag Pond)
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'La Gabiare' pond
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Tips from the Community
Unfortunately, the lake is completely fenced in, so you can't even take a picture.
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Warm clothes in winter
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This viewpoint offers an exceptional panorama of the green lake and the surrounding mountains. The lake is located in a private domain and closed to visitors since 2019. You can nevertheless admire the lake from afar and enjoy the tranquility of nature. You can also extend your run to Mont Girod and the Joux pastures, where you will have other views of the Jura landscape.
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This viewpoint offers an exceptional panorama of the green lake and the surrounding mountains. The lake is located in a private domain and closed to visitors since 2019. You can nevertheless admire the lake from afar and enjoy the tranquility of nature. You can also extend your hike to Mont Girod and the Joux pastures, where you will have other views of the Jura landscape.
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Nice view, a short stretch of single trail and, depending on the water level, a stream crossing.
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In summer it is difficult to identify the 'driveway' in the uppermost part of a freshly mown meadow. After a few meters along the edge of the forest, however, the trail increasingly peels out of the green. The trail can actually be 'speeded', with a very steep end.
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The Huppenweiher pond has an interesting history. It is not actually natural, but rather arose from the mining pit where the so-called Huppererde was mined from the 17th century onwards. Huppererde is a white fireproof clay that was suitable as a melting pot and was used in furnace construction. At that time, most of the earth was exported to France, Germany and Genoa/Venice, where chimney stones were made to line fireboxes. These were used in blast furnaces, glass furnaces and cannon foundries, for example. The mining continued until the end of the 1940s.
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The Erlimoosweiher is also known locally as the Haag Weiher. It forms a small nature reserve, which is also home to beavers, among other things. It's not very accessible. If you take your time, you can see some animals. Beavers, birds of prey, water birds and even rarely snakes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and ponds around Grandval?
Visitors particularly enjoy Bellacher Weiher, a cantonal nature reserve known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Another favorite is Huppenweiher, which has a unique origin as a former mining pit. The tranquil 'La Gabiare' pond, fed by a stream, is also highly appreciated for its serene setting.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Grandval area?
Yes, Bellacher Weiher is considered family-friendly, offering excellent perspectives of its natural beauty and opportunities for observation. 'La Gabiare' pond also provides a tranquil natural setting suitable for families.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and ponds around Grandval are nestled within picturesque landscapes at the foot of the Jura mountains. You can observe diverse aquatic environments, lush forests, and, with a bit of luck, wildlife such as toads, blindworms, water birds, and even beavers at the Erlimoos Pond.
Are there any historical sites or unique origins associated with these lakes?
Absolutely. Bellacher Weiher has a rich history, originally built in the 15th-16th century for fish supply, later serving industrial purposes, and even being the site of a battle in 1798. Huppenweiher is unique as it arose from a mining pit where fireproof clay was extracted from the 17th century until the 1940s.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Grandval?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including challenging mountain hikes, or enjoy gravel biking and road cycling. For detailed routes and guides, you can check out the Gravel biking around Grandval, Mountain Hikes around Grandval, and Road Cycling Routes around Grandval guides.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. While some lake areas are nature reserves like Erlimoos Pond, offering observation, you can also find trails that lead to viewpoints or through the surrounding forests. For more extensive hiking, explore the Mountain Hikes around Grandval guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Grandval?
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Autumn can be a good time to spot migratory water birds at places like Bellacher Weiher. However, some areas like Huppenweiher might be overgrown in autumn, suggesting spring or summer visits for clearer views. Generally, spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the lush surroundings and outdoor activities.
Can I find viewpoints with panoramic views of the lakes?
Yes, there are several spots offering great views. The Viewpoint over Lac Vert provides an exceptional panorama of the green lake and surrounding mountains, even though the lake itself is on private land. Bellacher Weiher also offers excellent perspectives from certain points.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Grandval?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil natural settings, the ecological significance of the nature reserves, and the unique historical aspects of some ponds. The opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy peaceful moments in nature is a common highlight, as well as the diverse outdoor activities available in the wider region.
Is it possible to access all lakes directly?
While many lakes and ponds are accessible, some, like Erlimoos Pond, are part of nature reserves and may not be easily accessible or can be a bit swampy. Additionally, Lac Vert is located in a private domain and has been closed to visitors since 2019, though a viewpoint allows admiration from afar.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Bellacher Weiher?
When visiting Bellacher Weiher, make sure to stop at the point offering the best perspective of the beautiful pond. With a bit of luck, you might spot various wildlife, including toads, blindworms, water birds, and very rarely, an adder. In autumn, you can also observe strange water birds stopping here on their migration south.
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