Switzerland enchants visitors with its stunning Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and charming medieval towns. From world-class skiing to scenic train journeys and gourmet chocolate, this mountainous nation offers unparalleled natural beauty and Swiss precision in hospitality.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Switzerland.
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- Urban lido with manicured lawns and diving boards
- changing rooms
- showers
- diving boards
- restaurant
- sunbeds
- children's pool
Strandbad Mythenquai
One of Zurich's most popular public lake baths, open since 1890. The long grassy lawns, heated outdoor pool, and clear Alpine lake water make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:00 on summer weekends to claim a lawn spot — the lido fills quickly in July and August
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- Relaxed neighborhood lido with beautiful lake views
- outdoor pool
- changing rooms
- showers
- café
- sunbathing lawns
- volleyball court
Badi Tiefenbrunnen
A beloved Zurich lake bath in the Seefeld district featuring a 50-meter outdoor pool alongside the lake. The historic wooden pavilion and café give it a charming retro atmosphere.
Editor’s tip. Tram lines 2 and 4 to the Fröhlichstrasse stop provide the most direct public transport access
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- Scenic Alpine lake swimming with mountain backdrop
- changing rooms
- showers
- diving platform
- snack bar
- sunbathing lawns
- children's area
Strandbad Luzern
Set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Lucerne with spectacular views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi. The water is exceptionally clean and refreshing, fed by Alpine snowmelt.
Editor’s tip. The lido is busiest between noon and 16:00 on summer weekends — arrive before 11:00 for a good lawn position
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- Family-friendly beach with turquoise Eiger-view water
- parking
- changing rooms
- showers
- restaurant
- children's playground
- beach volleyball
Strandbad Interlaken (Neuhaus)
One of Switzerland's most picturesque lake swimming spots, with impossibly turquoise water from glacial meltwater and panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A perfect post-hike cool-down.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:00 on sunny summer weekends as the on-site parking fills quickly
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- Social urban beach popular with students and young professionals
- free access
- changing rooms
- showers
- picnic areas
- beach volleyball
- café
Plage de Vidy
A lively public beach along Lake Geneva's northern shore, with a wide gravel and grass area and views across to the French Alps. Popular for swimming, volleyball, and lakeside picnics.
Editor’s tip. Arrive by bicycle via the lakefront promenade — car parking near the beach is very limited
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- Quiet Alpine retreat on a turquoise glacial lake
- free access
- changing rooms
- showers
- boat rentals
- nearby restaurants
- grassy sunbathing area
Strandbad Brienz
Lake Brienz's vivid turquoise color — caused by glacial silt — makes this one of the most photogenic swimming spots in the Alps. The village beach is uncrowded and surrounded by forested mountain slopes.
Editor’s tip. The turquoise color is most intense in morning and early afternoon sunlight — late afternoon can shift toward grey-green
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- Expansive lakeside park ideal for families
- outdoor pools
- changing rooms
- showers
- restaurant
- sunbathing lawns
- children's pool
Strandbad Horn
A large public lido on Switzerland's share of Lake Constance (Bodensee), with a long waterfront park, outdoor pools, and warm water by midsummer. The lake is shared with Germany and Austria and is one of Europe's largest freshwater bodies.
Editor’s tip. The lake's warm water makes Horn suitable from late June — one of the earliest comfortable swimming starts among Swiss lakes
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- Free, laid-back urban riverbank and lakeshore spot
- free access
- grassy banks
- basic showers
- nearby kiosks
- bike access
Ufschötti (Lido Luzern)
A popular free swimming area where the Reuss River meets Lake Lucerne, beloved by locals for its relaxed vibe and no entry fee. Young people gather here on summer evenings for swimming and socializing.
Editor’s tip. Arrive in the late afternoon or evening (after 17:00) to experience the liveliest local atmosphere
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Lake Brienz and Lake Thun shores offer peaceful Alpine escapes with few crowds outside of peak weekends. Smaller Badis in lakeside villages like Spiez or Iseltwald are serene and uncrowded.
Family
Family-friendly
Most Swiss Badis cater excellently to families with shallow entry points, children's pools, playgrounds, and cafés. Strandbad Horn on Lake Constance and Strandbad Interlaken are particularly family-friendly.
Sport
Active & sporty
SUP boarding, kayaking, sailing, and cliff jumping are popular at many lake spots. Lake Zurich and Lake Geneva have extensive water sports rental infrastructure, while mountain lakes offer adventurous cliff diving.
Social
Lively scene
Zurich's lakeside Badis (Mythenquai, Tiefenbrunnen) are major summer social hubs. Plage de Vidy in Lausanne draws a younger crowd. Free spots like Ufschötti in Lucerne attract locals for spontaneous gatherings.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Switzerland memorable.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP is hugely popular on Swiss lakes, especially Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva, and Lake Lucerne. Many Badis and watersports centers rent boards by the hour, and the calm lake conditions are ideal for beginners.
Plage de Vidy (Lausanne), Strandbad Mythenquai (Zurich), Strandbad Interlaken
Open-Water Swimming
Swiss alpine lakes offer pristine open-water swimming conditions with excellent visibility and no pollution. Many organized open-water swim events take place on Lake Zurich and Lake Geneva throughout summer.
Strandbad Luzern, Strandbad Brienz, Ufschötti Lucerne
Cliff Jumping
A beloved Swiss summer tradition — cliff jumping into cold Alpine lakes from rocky outcrops. Popular spots can be found around Lake Lucerne and Lake Brienz, though swimmers should always check depth and local rules first.
Lake Lucerne (Urnersee area), Lake Brienz, Lake Thun
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaks and canoes can be rented at many Swiss lake resorts, offering a tranquil way to explore shorelines and discover hidden coves. Lake Lucerne's fjord-like arms are especially scenic by kayak.
Strandbad Brienz, Strandbad Luzern, Lake Thun shores
Sailing and Windsurfing
Lake Geneva is Switzerland's premier sailing destination, with consistent winds and a long regatta tradition. Windsurfing schools operate on Lake Zurich and Lake Constance with rentals and lessons available.
Lake Geneva (Lausanne, Geneva), Strandbad Horn (Lake Constance)
Pedalos and Rowboats
A classic Swiss lake activity, pedalo and rowboat rentals are available at virtually every major Badi and resort. They are ideal for families and casual exploration of calm lake waters.
Most major Badis on Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Geneva
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Mid-May to mid-September; peak season July–August. Water temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) in June to 24°C (75°F) in August.
Getting there
Major Badis charge a small entry fee (CHF 6–10 for adults, CHF 3–5 for children). Many free lakeside spots exist alongside paid Badis. Most are accessible by public transport.
On-beach facilities
Most official Badis (public lidos) have changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a café or kiosk. Free public swimming spots have minimal facilities.
Costs to budget
Badi entry CHF 6–10; sunbed rental CHF 5–10; SUP rental CHF 20–30/hour; kayak rental CHF 15–25/hour; locker rental CHF 1–2
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Switzerland’s coast.
Is there an entry fee at Strandbad Mythenquai?
Yes, entry costs approximately CHF 8 for adults, with discounts for children, pensioners, and seasonal pass holders. The fee covers access to changing rooms, the outdoor pool, and the lake bathing area.
From the Strandbad Mythenquai editorial.
Can swimmers use both the pool and the lake directly?
Yes. There is a separate heated outdoor swimming pool as well as direct access to Lake Zurich via the grassy shoreline. Both are available with a standard entry ticket.
From the Strandbad Mythenquai editorial.
What is the difference between the pool and the lake area at Badi Tiefenbrunnen?
The 50-meter outdoor pool is a managed space with defined lanes, while the lake section offers natural swimming in Lake Zurich with a grassy entry area. Both are included with a standard entry ticket.
From the Badi Tiefenbrunnen editorial.
Is Badi Tiefenbrunnen less crowded than other Zurich lidos?
Generally yes. Its location in the residential Seefeld district and slightly smaller footprint mean it tends to attract local regulars. Weekday visits are particularly quiet compared to the larger western-shore facilities.
From the Badi Tiefenbrunnen editorial.
How clean is the water at Strandbad Luzern?
Lake Lucerne is considered one of Switzerland's cleanest lakes, regularly monitored and consistently meeting the highest bathing standards. Fed by Alpine snowmelt with no significant industrial runoff, the water quality is reliably excellent.
From the Strandbad Luzern editorial.
Is the water warm enough for swimming in June?
In early June the lake typically measures 14–18°C, which most swimmers find brisk. By mid-July temperatures reach 20–22°C, which the majority find comfortable. The children's area and a light wetsuit extend the usable season into June.
From the Strandbad Luzern editorial.
Why is the water at Lake Thun so turquoise?
The distinctive turquoise color comes from glacial flour — extremely fine mineral particles ground by glaciers above the valley and carried by meltwater into the lake. These suspended particles scatter sunlight, producing the intense blue-green hues the lake is known for.
From the Strandbad Interlaken (Neuhaus) editorial.
How warm does Lake Thun get in summer?
Surface temperatures typically reach 20–24°C by late July and early August, making Lake Thun one of the warmer Alpine lakes and comfortable for extended swimming without a wetsuit.
From the Strandbad Interlaken (Neuhaus) editorial.