One of the best reasons to stay in Interlaken is the incredible variety of lakes within easy reach. From crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by mountains to large turquoise lakes perfect for boat trips, you’ll find some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery less than two hours away.

The best part? You don’t need a car. Every lake in this guide can be reached using Switzerland’s excellent public transport network, making them ideal day trips from Interlaken.

Whether you’re looking for an easy lakeside walk, an alpine hiking destination or simply the perfect photography spot, these are the best lakes near Interlaken.

Best Lakes Near Interlaken at a Glance

Lake	Travel Time	Best For
Oeschinensee	1 hr 15 min	Hiking & alpine scenery
Lake Brienz	20 min	Boat trips & turquoise water
Lake Thun	30 min	Castles & lakeside towns
Bachalpsee	1 hr 30 min	Mountain reflections
Blausee	1 hr	Relaxation & photography
Burgseeli	10 min	Swimming
Hinterburgsee	1 hr 30 min	Quiet hiking

1. Oeschinensee

If you only have time to visit one lake near Interlaken, make it Oeschinensee.

Located above Kandersteg, Oeschinensee is famous for its vivid turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrop and excellent hiking trails. It’s one of the most photographed lakes in Switzerland—and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why.

During summer you can:

• Walk around the shoreline
• Rent a rowing boat
• Swim in the lake
• Hike the Panorama Trail
• Enjoy spectacular picnic spots overlooking the water

The Panorama Trail is widely considered one of the most scenic hikes in the Bernese Oberland.

If you’re deciding between similar destinations, these comparisons may also help:

• Oeschinensee vs Bachalpsee
• Oeschinensee vs Blausee

2. Lake Brienz

Unlike alpine lakes that require hiking, Lake Brienz sits directly beside Interlaken.

Known for its incredibly bright turquoise colour, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and one of the easiest to visit.

Some of the highlights include:

• Boat cruises
• Lakeside promenades
• Iseltwald
• Giessbach Falls
• Brienz village
• Kayaking during summer

The eastern end of the lake offers some of the most impressive colours you’ll see anywhere in the Alps.

Because of its accessibility, Lake Brienz is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing day rather than a demanding hike.

3. Lake Thun

On the opposite side of Interlaken lies Lake Thun.

Although less intensely turquoise than Lake Brienz, it offers a completely different atmosphere.

Lake Thun is ideal for visitors who enjoy:

• Historic towns
• Castles
• Boat trips
• Vineyards
• Easy lakeside walks

Popular stops include Thun, Spiez and Oberhofen.

Many visitors combine a lake cruise with a visit to the medieval town of Thun.

4. Bachalpsee

Unlike the previous lakes, Bachalpsee requires a short mountain hike.

Starting from Grindelwald First, the trail gradually climbs through alpine meadows before reaching one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain lakes.

On calm mornings the lake perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks, creating one of the country’s classic postcard views.

Reasons to visit:

• Easy hike
• Incredible mountain scenery
• Sunrise photography
• Reflection shots
• Wildflowers during summer

5. Blausee

If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to Oeschinensee, Blausee is an excellent choice.

Despite its relatively small size, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue water and tranquil forest setting.

Visitors come here for:

• Easy walking paths
• Photography
• Glass-bottom boat rides
• Autumn colours
• Relaxing atmosphere

Because Blausee is much smaller than Oeschinensee, most people spend two to three hours here before continuing to another destination.

6. Burgseeli

If you’re visiting Interlaken during the warmer months and simply want to cool off, Burgseeli is one of the best swimming lakes in the area.

Located just outside Interlaken near Ringgenberg, this small lake is popular with locals but often overlooked by international visitors.

Although it lacks the dramatic mountain scenery of Oeschinensee or Bachalpsee, Burgseeli offers:

• Safe swimming
• Warm water in summer
• Picnic areas
• Easy cycling access
• Family-friendly atmosphere

It’s a great option if you’ve already visited the larger lakes and want a quieter afternoon.

7. Hinterburgsee

For travelers looking to escape the crowds, Hinterburgsee is one of the region’s hidden gems.

Surrounded by forests and steep mountain slopes, the lake feels far more remote than many of the area’s famous attractions.

Reaching Hinterburgsee requires more effort, making it ideal if you enjoy quieter hiking trails.

Highlights include:

• Peaceful surroundings
• Crystal-clear water
• Beautiful forest scenery
• Few tourists
• Excellent hiking opportunities

If your priority is solitude rather than famous viewpoints, Hinterburgsee is well worth considering.

Which Lake Should You Visit?

If you’re looking for…	Choose
The most beautiful scenery	Oeschinensee
The best mountain reflections	Bachalpsee
Easy access from Interlaken	Lake Brienz
Boat trips	Lake Thun
Swimming	Burgseeli
Photography	Blausee
Quiet hiking	Hinterburgsee

Lake Brienz or Lake Thun?

Many visitors staying in Interlaken wonder whether they should spend their limited time at Lake Brienz or Lake Thun.

In general:

Choose Lake Brienz if you want:

• Bright turquoise water
• Iseltwald
• Giessbach Falls
• Brienz village
• Kayaking

Choose Lake Thun if you want:

• Historic towns
• Castles
• Longer boat cruises
• Restaurants along the waterfront
• Cultural attractions

For most first-time visitors, Lake Brienz offers the more spectacular scenery, while Lake Thun provides a broader sightseeing experience.

Practical Tips

The best time to visit the lakes around Interlaken is between late May and October.

Some mountain lakes, including Bachalpsee and Oeschinensee, may still have snow early in the season, while cable cars occasionally close for maintenance during spring and autumn.

A few useful tips:

• Start early for Oeschinensee during summer.
• Check mountain railway operating dates before travelling.
• Bring layers, even on warm days.
• Don’t underestimate UV exposure at higher elevations.
• Reserve extra time if you’re combining trains with boats or cable cars.

Final Thoughts

Interlaken is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most spectacular lakes, each offering a completely different experience.

If it’s your first visit, Oeschinensee should be at the top of your list. Its combination of turquoise water, mountain scenery and hiking trails makes it one of the most memorable day trips in the Bernese Oberland.

For a more relaxing experience, head to Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, both of which are easily accessible by train and boat. If you’re looking for mountain reflections, Bachalpsee is hard to beat, while Blausee offers one of the most peaceful settings in the region.

Whichever lake you choose, Switzerland’s excellent public transport makes exploring the area around Interlaken remarkably easy—no car required.