Top 20 Lakes around Eisten

The region around Eisten, within the Valais canton and nearby Bernese Alps, offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find stunning alpine lakes known for their reflections of high peaks, such as Riffelsee and Stellisee near Zermatt, as well as picturesque reservoirs like Mattmark Reservoir and Lac de Tseuzier. There are also glacial lakes like Grüebugletscher Lake, and unique natural features like the deep blue Blausee.

Yes, several lakes in the region are famous for their breathtaking reflections. Riffelsee and Stellisee near Zermatt offer iconic views of the Matterhorn mirrored in their waters. Kreuzboden Lake also provides a stunning Alpine panorama with great views of the Mischabel chain, perfect for photography.

Absolutely. Gibidum Lake is a shallow mountain lake ideal for walking around and swimming in summer, with benches to enjoy the view. Kreuzboden Lake is also considered family-friendly, offering a raft ferry and beautiful views. Blausee, with its fairytale atmosphere, is easily accessible and popular with families, though it can get busy.

The lakes provide excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and gravel biking on numerous trails. For instance, there are many cycling routes around Eisten, including challenging loops like the 'Old Road to Stalden – Rhône River Cycle Path' which you can explore further in the Cycling around Eisten guide. Running trails, such as those around Mattmark Reservoir, are also popular, as detailed in the Running Trails around Eisten guide. Gravel biking options are also available, with routes like 'Saas-Fee – Mattmark Reservoir loop' found in the Gravel biking around Eisten guide.

Yes, some lakes are suitable for swimming, especially in summer. Gibidum Lake is a shallow mountain lake ideal for swimming. Lake Oeschinen, though known for its cold glacier water, is popular for swimming on hot summer days. Lake Thun also offers opportunities for wild swimming. Blausee is beautiful but swimming might be restricted or less common due to its nature park status.

The best time to visit largely depends on the activities you plan. For hiking, swimming, and enjoying the full alpine flora, summer (June to September) is ideal. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds, though some higher-altitude paths might still have snow in spring or close due to early snow in autumn. For specific winter activities, some areas might offer unique experiences, but many lakes will be frozen.

While popular spots like Riffelsee, Lake Oeschinen, and Blausee can get busy, especially on weekends, exploring some of the smaller tarns and moorlands on the Moosalp (near Törbel) might offer a more tranquil experience. Visiting popular lakes during weekdays or off-peak hours can also help avoid crowds.

Yes, the region features several man-made lakes and reservoirs. Mattmark Reservoir, Europe's largest earth dam, is a significant example used for power generation. Lac de Tseuzier is another picturesque reservoir created by the Rawyl dam. The Simplon Pass area also includes two artificial lakes alongside its natural ones.

Yes, you can experience glaciers up close near some lakes. Grüebugletscher Lake offers a gigantic view of the impressive glacier tongue of the Grüebugletscher. The Simplon Pass also provides views of the glaciated Fletschhorn.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning Alpine panoramas and the numerous photo opportunities, especially at places like Kreuzboden Lake. The serene atmosphere, the chance to walk around and swim in clear mountain lakes like Gibidum Lake, and the impressive views of glaciers and high peaks are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared 87 photos and given 175 upvotes, highlighting the region's natural beauty.

Accessibility varies by lake. Iconic lakes like Riffelsee are easily reached via the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway, followed by a short walk. Lake Oeschinen can be accessed by cable car or a hike from Kandersteg. Blausee is also easily accessible, often with parking nearby. Many other lakes, especially higher alpine ones, may require hiking or specific transport like mountain lifts to reach.

Yes, Blausee (Blue Lake) is renowned for its magical deep blue, crystal-clear water and fairytale atmosphere. Lake Oeschinen is famous for its icy blue glacier water. Lake Brienz captivates with its distinctive turquoise-green hue. Wysse Lake is notable as the starting point of thermal springs, where mineral-rich water rises to the surface.