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Beaches in Switzerland: 15 Must-Visit Beaches for Tourists

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Famous Lakeside Beaches in Switzerland

Looking for the best beaches in Switzerland 2026? While Switzerland may not have a coastline, its stunning lakes offer some of the most beautiful beach experiences in Europe. From sandy shores to crystal-clear waters set against majestic mountain backdrops, these lake beaches provide the perfect escape for relaxation, water sports, and scenic summer fun.

Swiss lake beaches are typically open from June to September, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and family outings. Locals treat these spots as their summer playgrounds, and tourists can easily enjoy the serene landscapes and lively beach vibes.

This guide explores the most beautiful beaches in Switzerland, including free beaches in Switzerland, family-friendly spots, and hidden gems. Discover practical tips, must-visit destinations, and insider recommendations for planning the ultimate lakeside getaway.

Table of Content

1. Plage Salavaux

Plage Salavaux is Switzerland’s longest natural freshwater sandy beach, stretching along Lake Murten. Its gently sloping shores make it perfect for families, with children able to play safely while parents relax on the soft golden sand. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline and take advantage of picnic spots equipped with tables and benches, making it one of the best beaches in Switzerland for a full-day outing.

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2. Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen

Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich is a lively urban beach popular with both locals and tourists. It features excellent facilities such as volleyball courts, diving platforms, and designated swimming areas. As one of the top beaches to visit in Switzerland, it combines city convenience with a refreshing lakeside escape.

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3. Plage De Vidy

Plage de Vidy offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps. The expansive sandy shoreline provides plenty of space, even on busy summer weekends. As part of a larger recreational area with walking paths, picnic spots, and sports facilities, it’s among the beautiful beaches in Switzerland worth visiting.

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4. Lido of Ascona

Serene beach with mountain in the beackdrop

Lido of Ascona, located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, delivers a Mediterranean vibe that’s rare in Switzerland. With warm waters and a unique southern European atmosphere, this beach is celebrated as one of the best beaches in Switzerland for those seeking a sun-soaked escape.

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5. Plage de Préverenges

Plage de Préverenges is a quieter, more natural option along Lake Geneva. With shallow water entry and scenic walking paths, this beach is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. It ranks highly among free beaches in Switzerland and offers an idyllic setting away from the crowds.

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6. Lido Di Lugano

Lido di Lugano is renowned for its exceptional facilities and stunning surroundings. The beach combines sandy and grassy areas for sunbathing, modern showers, changing rooms, and lockers, making it one of the best places in Switzerland for couples or groups looking for comfort and convenience.

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7. Strandbad Mythenquai

Strandbad Mythenquai, also in Zurich, is ideal for both relaxation and activity. With sandy and grassy sections, volleyball courts, and a designated swimming area with lifeguards, it’s particularly magical at sunset, when the mountains reflect on the lake. This is one of the beaches to visit in Switzerland for both locals and tourists alike.

8. Bains Des Paquis

Bains des Pâquis offers a culturally rich beach experience on a peninsula in Lake Geneva. Visitors can swim, enjoy wellness facilities, and take in panoramic views of the Jet d’Eau fountain and surrounding Alps. Its historic charm makes it one of the beautiful beaches in Switzerland that combines leisure with local culture.

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9. Baby Plage Beach

Baby Plage Beach is perfect for families traveling with young children. This free beach in Switzerland features shallow waters, sandy shores, playground equipment, and stunning views of Lake Geneva, the Jet d’Eau, and Mont Blanc on clear days. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a safe and scenic beach near Switzerland’s urban centers.

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10. Plage de St.-Sulpice

Free beaches in Switzerland for swimming and picnics

Plage de St.-Sulpice is a serene and scenic lakeside park and beach on the shores of Lake Geneva, just outside Lausanne. The beach features a mix of grassy lawns, pebbly and sandy stretches, and is bordered by a small forest, offering both sun and shade. The water is clean but can be chilly, and the presence of some lake seaweed adds to its natural charm.

11. Cheseaux-Noréaz (Plage du Camping VD 8) Beach

Cheseaux-Noréaz Beach offers one of the most natural beach experiences among beaches in Switzerland. This sandy shoreline lies within a nature reserve, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from urban crowds. What makes this beach special are the small coves (criques) that provide semi-private swimming areas.

12. Colombier Beach

Colombier Beach, nicknamed “Paradis Plage” (Paradise Beach), lives up to its name with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. This famous beach in Switzerland spans a large area, ensuring it rarely feels overcrowded even during peak summer weekends. The extensive grassy areas behind the beach provide perfect picnic spots with views of the lake and the Jura Mountains beyond.

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13. Plage de la Dullive

Plage de la Dullive is a charming, family-friendly public beach on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in Versoix, just outside Geneva city. The beach features a mix of grassy lawns and pebbly shoreline, with plenty of trees providing natural shade. The area is also popular for paddleboarding and kayaking, and the nearby lakeside path is ideal for walking or cycling.

14. Gletterens Plage

Best beaches in Switzerland with clear water and clean, sandy shores

Gletterens Plage is a tranquil and relatively undiscovered lakeside retreat on Lake Neuchâtel. Its natural sandy shore and proximity to a recreated Neolithic “Village Lacustre” make it ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape.

15. Plage des Eaux-Vives

Plage des Eaux-Vives is Geneva’s largest and most modern public beach. With its vast sandy and grassy areas right on the lake, it offers excellent recreational activities and relaxation facilities, enhanced by its spectacular views and proximity to cultural attractions.

  • Address: 1207 Genève, Switzerland
  • Timings: Open daily during summer, typically from 10 AM to 8 PM
  • How to reach: Well-connected via several public transport lines from central Geneva or a pleasant 15-minute walk from the city center
  • Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and enjoying the adjacent Parc La Grange, along with lakeside cafés and summer events
  • Best time to visit: June to August, when outdoor activities and the vibrant summer scene are in full swing
  • Accommodation:Hôtel du Parc des Eaux-Vives,HOOD,Hôtel Les Armures
  • Top restaurants:La Terrasse,Little Ethiopia,Restaurant Le Lacustre

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FAQs

1. Are there any entry fees for the beaches in Switzerland?

Many lake beaches (Strandbad) are free, especially the more natural or less-developed ones. However, organized or municipal swimming areas often charge a small entrance fee — usually between CHF 3–8 — which covers access to clean facilities, lawns, changing rooms, and lifeguards.

2. Are Swiss beaches suitable for families with kids?

Yes. Switzerland’s lake beaches are very family-friendly. Spots like Strandbad Mythenquai (Zurich), Geneva Plage, or Lido di Locarno have shallow areas, play zones, and calm waters. Facilities are well-kept, and safety is a priority. Many even have paddling pools or playgrounds for young kids.

3. Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in Switzerland?

Swimwear is standard. Topless sunbathing is generally accepted, especially in the French- and German-speaking parts. Nude sunbathing or swimming is allowed at designated naturist beaches or secluded areas, but it isn’t the norm at family-friendly lakesides. Cover up when leaving the water or entering nearby cafés.

4. What are some must-try local dishes near Swiss beaches?

Swiss lakeside cafés often serve classics like Bratwurst mit Brot, Rösti, or fresh perch fillets (Egli) from local lakes. In Italian-speaking areas, enjoy risotto or gelato by the water. You’ll also find cheese-based dishes (hello, raclette and fondue) — even in summer.

5. Is it safe to swim in the waters of Swiss beaches?

Yes, very safe. Swiss lakes are known for their clean, clear water. Many beaches are supervised in summer, and swimming areas are marked. Just avoid diving into unknown spots and keep an eye on depth markers, especially with kids. Some alpine lakes stay cold year-round.

6. What facilities are available at the beaches?

Public lakeside areas often have grassy lawns, changing cabins, showers, snack bars, and sometimes waterslides or diving boards. Larger beaches may also offer SUP rentals or water sports. Smaller or wilder beaches might only have minimal infrastructure, so check ahead.

7. What should I pack for a day at the beach in Switzerland?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen (yes, even in the Alps), a hat, and flip-flops. A picnic blanket is handy for lounging on grass. Many locals bring their own food and drinks to the beaches in Switzerland. If you’re visiting a free or remote beach, take water and a bag for your trash.

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