8 Best Places to Paddle Board in Switzerland

Switzerland: a land of majestic mountains and enchanting lakes.

Ever considered discovering the best places to paddle board in Switzerland, surrounded by alpine beauty?

Get ready to embark on a picturesque journey through Switzerland’s stunning paddleboarding spots.

Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled charm of Swiss waters. Are you in?

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Switzerland

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Geneva

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Lausanne Ouchy Beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake water, Windy conditions possible
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Montreux, Château de Chillon, Alps
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect boat traffic

Lake Geneva, nestled between Switzerland and France, is a stunning location for paddle boarding. Its calm waters and breathtaking views of the Alps will leave you in awe.

Launch from Lausanne’s Ouchy Beach and cruise along the picturesque shoreline, exploring charming lakeside towns like Montreux and the iconic Château de Chillon.

#2 Lake Thun

• Location Type: Mountain Lake
• Access Point: Strandbad Thun (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cooler water
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Swiss Alps, Thun Castle
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for changing weather, respect local rules

Lake Thun, located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, offers a serene mountain lake paddleboarding experience. With the stunning Swiss Alps as your backdrop, you’ll glide through the pristine waters, pausing to appreciate the majestic Thun Castle and picturesque shoreline.

The calm waters of Lake Thun are perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking tranquility and breathtaking views.

#3 Lake Brienz

• Location Type: Mountain Lake
• Access Point: Strandbad Brienzersee (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cooler water
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Swiss Alps, medieval town of Brienz
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for changing weather, respect local rules

Lake Brienz is a turquoise mountain lake situated in the picturesque Jungfrau region. Paddleboarders will marvel at the stunning Swiss Alps and the charming medieval town of Brienz as they enjoy the tranquil waters.

Summer and early fall are perfect times to explore this majestic lake, allowing you to capture the beauty of Switzerland’s natural landscapes from the water.

#4 Zurich Lake

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Seebad Enge (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake water, occasional winds
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Zurich city, Swiss Alps in the distance
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be vigilant of boat traffic, respect local regulations

Zurich Lake is an urban paddleboarding paradise, where the bustling city meets nature’s tranquility. With the Swiss Alps as a distant backdrop, you’ll glide along the mirrored waters, taking in the stunning views and vibrant Zurich lifestyle.

Launching from Seebad Enge, enjoy a unique vantage point of the city and its natural surroundings, suitable for all skill levels.

#5 Lake Lucerne

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Seebad Küssnacht (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Swiss Alps, historic village of Küssnacht am Rigi
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Lake Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland, offers paddleboarders a serene and picturesque experience. Glide through its calm waters and admire the historic village of Küssnacht am Rigi, set against a stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Summer and early fall are the ideal times to explore this charming lake, with its blend of natural beauty and intriguing history.

#6 Rhine River

• Location Type: River
• Access Point: Schaffhausen (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, occasionally windy conditions
• Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Rhine Falls, lush riverside forests
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay clear of designated boat traffic, respect local river regulations

Embark on a paddleboarding adventure along the Rhine River, beginning in Schaffhausen. Glide past the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and immerse yourself in the lush riverside forests as you travel downstream.

With its mix of natural beauty and thrilling waterways, the Rhine River offers an unforgettable paddleboarding experience in Switzerland’s breathtaking landscape.

#7 Lake Lugano

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Lugano City Beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Monte Brè, Monte San Salvatore
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Lake Lugano, located in southern Switzerland near the Italian border, offers a beautiful paddleboarding experience. With a picturesque view of the Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore mountains, this scenic lake provides an unforgettable experience for paddlers.

Summer and early fall are ideal seasons to enjoy the calm waters and Mediterranean-like climate of Lake Lugano.

#8 Lake Maggiore

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Ascona Beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Brissago Islands, Ascona lakefront
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Lake Maggiore, stretching across Switzerland and Italy, is an idyllic spot for paddleboarding. With its subtropical climate and stunning views, it’s perfect for exploring the picturesque lakefront town of Ascona and the enchanting Brissago Islands.

The calm waters of Lake Maggiore are excellent for paddleboarding during the summer and early fall seasons.

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