Swiss lakes and rivers are natural gems
For a beautiful summer trip, consider visiting some Swiss Islands. Their turquoise waters, sandy shores and picturesque surroundings offer a refreshing change of scenery. How can you resist Switzerland’s crystal-clear lakes and rivers? Here are some of the best Swiss islands to put on your itinerary.
Swiss islands on lakes
Brissago Island is a floral paradise, featuring the only botanical park on an island in Switzerland. Located on Lago Maggiore and sheltered by the Alps, the island boasts a unique climate that lets subtropical plants thrive. The Isola Grande features a stunning array of flora, from lotus blossoms to towering sequoias and eucalyptus trees. The Botanical Gardens of Ticino showcase over 1,700 plant species from around the world.
A true jewel of the Flims region is Lake Cauma Island, 3,270 feet above sea level. With deep blue water surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, this island is perfect for a refreshing swim, a pedalo ride to the island, or focusing on soaking up this paradise.
Nestled between the Rigi and the Grosser and Kleiner Mythen mountains in the canton of Schwyz lies Schwanau Island. This 220-yard-long island on Lake Lauerz is known for tranquility, natural beauty, and an outstanding restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some island romance with a quiet meal on a summer evening.
Charming St. Peter’s Island on Lake Biel offers sandy beaches and vineyards, making it attractive for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature. The island is also famous because well-known visitors such as writer and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote about its charm.
For island magic close to a big city, go to Ufenau Island on Lake Zurich. This idyllic island is Switzerland’s largest natural island. What also sets it apart is its tradition of ferrying about 30 cows to the island every spring and autumn to graze. The island has a popular restaurant and religious structures dating back to the 12th century. Ufenau is a protected zone for plants and animals, and while swimming is prohibited here, you can enjoy paddling on neighboring Lützelau Island.
Swiss islands in rivers
The Rhône river winds its way for almost 4.5 miles through the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park’s through scrub landscape and by the Pfyn-Finges Islands. This unique landscape includes glaciers, vineyards, wetlands, and rocky steppe. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park Islands in the canton of Valais are home to an amazing variety of natural habitats and rare species.
Enjoy a bathing experience that transports you to the South Pacific! The three Lorelei Bathing Islands at the Reuss Delta are the youngest islands in Switzerland: They were created to enhance the natural habitat of the Reuss River Delta using stone from the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Since their opening in 2005, they have become popular spots for sunbathing and leisure activities. The adjacent islands support a variety of rare animal and plant species.
