Top 7 Lakes around Saanen

The lakes offer a variety of activities. At Arnensee, you can swim, fish, rent boats, pedalos, or stand-up paddles, and use barbecue sites. Lauenensee is great for hiking, biking, trekking, rowboat rentals, and has designated bathing and fire places. Seebergsee is ideal for hiking, swimming, and photography, especially for the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution. The Hornberg Reservoir also offers beach access and water activities.

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Arnensee is particularly family-friendly, featuring a relatively flat circular hiking trail, a playground, and picnic areas. Lauenensee also provides bathing and fire places, making it a good spot for family outings. The Hornberg Reservoir is another option with a beach and family-friendly amenities.

You'll find diverse hiking trails. Arnensee features a 3.4-kilometer circular trail suitable for various fitness levels, including a forest nature trail. Around Lauenensee, there are numerous trails through moorland and meadows. Seebergsee offers a new circular hiking trail with views of Zweisimmen and the surrounding alpine scenery. For more challenging options, consider routes like the 'Geltenbach Waterfall' or 'Tungelschuss Waterfall' hikes near Lauenensee, which you can find in the waterfall hikes guide.

The lakes are set in diverse natural landscapes. Lauenensee is nestled within a wide Moorwiesen nature reserve, surrounded by flowery meadows, reeds, fir trees, and impressive waterfalls like Tungelschuss and Geltenschuss. Arnensee is in a wooded mountain valley with clear, refreshing waters. Rüwliseeli is situated in a beautiful moor landscape, offering views of the Bernese and Vaud Alps. Seebergsee is an alpine lake known for its pristine waters and surrounding moors and alpine scenery.

Access varies by lake. Arnensee is accessible by car via a toll road from Feutersoey, with parking available near the lake. Lauenensee can be reached by bus or cycling from Lauenen, and it's about 4 km south of the village. Seebergsee is accessible from various starting points, including Zweisimmen and the Diemtigtal valley, often requiring a hike or mountain bike ride.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is pleasant for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. This period allows full enjoyment of the clear waters, lush landscapes, and mountain views. While some activities might be available in winter, the primary attractions of swimming and extensive hiking are best experienced in summer.

For a more remote and tranquil experience, Lauenensee is an excellent choice, known for its untouched nature and serene atmosphere within a nature reserve. Seebergsee, nestled in the mountains, also offers a peaceful environment, especially given its location within the Diemtigtal Regional Nature Park and the absence of managed huts directly at the lake.

The region offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Gastlosen Tower' or 'Abländschen, Mittelberg – View of Chateau Gruyéres loop from Lauenen'. Mountain bikers can find trails such as the 'Isenau Downhill Trail to Arnensee' or other routes around Seebergsee. You can find more details on these and other cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Saanen guide.

Yes, dining and picnic options are available. Arnensee has a mountain inn, "Huus am Arnensee," with a sun terrace, and designated barbecue sites. Lauenensee features an on-site restaurant and designated fire places for grilling. The Hornberg Reservoir also has a beach cafe. For Seebergsee, it's recommended to bring your own provisions as there are no managed huts directly at the lake.

Many lakes provide stunning photographic opportunities. Seebergsee is particularly noted for its minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for Milky Way photography. Lauenensee offers breathtaking natural beauty with its surrounding moorland, jagged peaks, and impressive waterfalls. Rüwliseeli provides scenic views of the Bernese and Vaud Alps, set against a beautiful moor landscape.

While many hiking trails can also be used for running, dedicated running trails are available in the broader Saanen region. For example, you can find routes like 'La Videmanette — loop course' or 'Path Along the Saane River loop from Gstaad'. These routes offer varying distances and difficulties. More information can be found in the Running Trails around Saanen guide.