Switzerland's Cleanest Lake Is A Breathtaking Spot With Swimming, Cruises, And Mountain Trails

Switzerland's snow-capped peaks and village-dotted valleys tend to steal the spotlight, but its lakes are not to be overshadowed. Tucked in the center of the Bernese Oberland region, Lake Brienz is recognized as the country's cleanest, with its turquoise waters mirroring the sky, and welcoming visitors to dive into its rich array of outdoor fun. Paddle-steamer cruises, long-range lakeside hikes with waterfalls, and a cold plunge along its pristine beaches are just a few of the activities that you can partake in around this lake, which is only an hour's drive south from the Swiss capital of Bern.

In the 1980s, Lake Brienz suffered greatly from pollution caused by poorly treated wastewater, which was thick with cleaning products and organic waste. The chain reaction of low phosphorus levels and high nitrogen leading to nutrient-poor water and marine life collapsing raised alarm bells both for local anglers and politicians, prompting a call to action. Today, modernized water-treatment facilities and a warmer flow of water from its tributaries have restored the delicate balance of Lake Brienz, making it a model for cleanliness.

With many towns and villages ringing its shoreline, it won't take you long to decide on a scenic basecamp for exploring Lake Brienz. The charming village of Iseltwald, with its picturesque Seeburg castle, can serve as an ideal midway point for your adventures, due to its central location around the lake. Your other viable options include the chalet-laden village of Brienz, as well as the resort town of Interlaken.

For those who practice the "when in Rome" mantra, or are avid fans of cold plunges, swimming in Lake Brienz is certainly invigorating. One of the prettiest destinations in Switzerland, it's fed year-round by glacial waters, with temperatures rarely rising above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Your best options for a quick dip are narrowed down to four lidos (outdoor swimming pools) for accessibility. Like points on a compass, you will find Bönigen in the west, Brienz in the east, Niederried to the north, and Iseltwald to the south.

Paddle-steamer cruises are iconic on Lake Brienz, connecting its lakeside villages and offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. There are 11 boats available to choose from via the local boat schedule, covering a total of nine stops around the lake with a three-hour round trip, stretching from the sport enthusiast's beloved resort town of Interlacken to Brienz. Of particular interest and nostalgic flair, the steamboat Lötschberg is a Belle-Epoque saloon paddle-steamer with three decks to take in the views. From April to October, you can also combine your sightseeing tour with a restaurant experience on Lake Brienz's breakfast and brunch cruise.

Mountain trails abound here, including the Three Waterfalls Trail, which will take you on an 11-mile hike beginning in Bönigen and ending in Brienz, the village lauded for having "the most beautiful street in Europe." The trail's final highlight is the Giessbach Falls, rising 1,300 feet and cascading down over 14 stages. Sitting just south of the falls, at an altitude of around 5,000 feet, the Axalp plateau is an ideal hiking area for families high above the lake and can be reached by car in 35 minutes from the village of Brienz.