Last Updated: September 20, 2020

Top Stand Up Paddling Spots In Switzerland

If you are a fan of stand up paddling, then you probably know that you can paddle almost anywhere there is water. From the surf beaches of Hawaii and Australia to the fjords of Norway, almost nothing is out of bounds.

If you spend any time in Switzerland, you absolutely have to take advantage of both the stunning locations and clear blue lakes that are on offer here. There are lakes in the center of most major cities, as well as close to the majority of tourist locations you might be visiting. So, no matter which places you visit on a Swiss holiday, you are sure to be able to squeeze some stand-up paddling in.

As someone who has lived and paddled here for years, I want to offer you a little insider experience. The following are some of the best places to stand up paddle in Switzerland:

1. Lake Zürich

Zurich Riverbank

Zurich Riverbank

Lake Zurich sits right in the heart of downtown Zürich and offers a spectacular location to not only relax and swim in during summer, but also to stand-up paddle. There are a number of places to rent boards from along the lake’s shores, including some right in the center of town, around Bade Enge. And with the Swiss Alps beckoning you from the far end of the lake, how can you not enjoy both the drinkable water and stunning views?

2. Greifensee
griefensee

If you want to get away from the crowds at Lake Zürich, Greifensee is the nearest option. It is a hit among locals in the summer, thanks to the parks, walking paths along the shore, and easy access to the lake from a number of locations.

It’s not as big as Lake Zürich, it is more sheltered, and has less motorized traffic. You can also rent boards right at the lake with SUP Greifensee Maur.

3. Lac Leman (Lake Geneva)

Not everyone starts or ends their Swiss adventure in Zürich, so I wanted to include Lake Geneva as well. It’s the largest lake in Switzerland and spans many cities you might happen to be visiting. From Montreux and Lausanne in the north, all the way down to Geneva in the south, this lake is impressive in both size and setting, with the Swiss/French Alps sitting right across the lake.

So, no matter which way you turn, there are stunning views to accompany your paddle.

4. Lungernsee & Sarnersee 
lungernsee

If you want to go paddle boarding off the beaten track, you might want to consider one of my favorite lakes in Switzerland. Lungernsee (“see” means lake in German) is one of two lakes on the road out of Lucerne towards Interlaken in the Alps. If you are visiting either of these places, you might well make a stop on your way.

The drive through the pass between the two towns is worth it. And so is the lake. Fed by glacial waters, it is a stunning blue color that lures you in from its shores. The best place to enter is on the south end, at the swimming area called Obersee.

Afterward, I recommend stopping at the restaurant at the north end for a bite to eat or drink – it has great service with stunning views.

5. Urnersee (Part of Lake Lucerne)

Lake Lucerne is another impressive lake you must visit while in Lucerne. And at the other end of the lake is an arm called “Urnersee”. It is surrounded by sheer cliffs on one side, and Lucerne’s local mountains (Rigi and Birkenstock) on the other.

Paddleboarding on this lake is a bit of an undertaking, and I recommend making sure to have life vests if you plan to cross it. The best places to start from are Brunnen and Flüelen, but there are lots of entry points in the smaller towns along the lakeshore too.

6. Brienzersee 

Interlaken, if you have not read about it already, is an impressive mountain town located between two equally stunning lakes. That is actually where the name comes from: Interlaken translates to “between lakes” in English.

For me, the most impressive of the two is the Brienzersee. It has the majestic Brienzer Rothorn mountain on the north side and the foothills of the huge Gurten Mountain in the south. On top of that, the toothpaste-like blue of this glacial-fed lake is absolutely mind-blowing.

7. Lake of Gruyère

lake gruyere

Just off the main highway heading south from Fribourg is the manmade lake of Gruyere. It is one I have been looking at paddling in for a few years now, but have never managed to get to. I often see paddlers in there as I drive by, so I am sure it is allowed and lots of run. There is an abandoned tower or something on a little island in the center (something to aim for) and a large lake to enjoy yourself on.

And while you are in the area, why not head away from the road to Gruyere itself and explore this stunning hilltop town, complete with castle, cobbled streets and some Giga artwork to blow your mind (including one of his famous bars).

Other things to consider – Safety, Rules etc

  1. You can go stand up paddling on almost any lake in Switzerland, but there are a few that are out of bounds. So, if you find a lake not on this list, be sure to check with a local before heading out for a paddle.
  2. You are only allowed to paddle within 300m of the shore (that’s about 300 yards) without a life vest. If you plan to cross a larger lake, be sure to bring (and wear) one.
  3. If you own a board, your name and address should be written somewhere clearly visible on the board. I used a large black marker to do mine on the nose. (yes it’s a shame to have to deface your board, but the Swiss love rules – except for life-saving ones like wearing face masks during pandemics, because that is just silly, right? note my sarcasm)

Otherwise, just keep common sense in mind – watch out for boats, ferries, and swimmers (the locals love to swim far and alone in lakes in summer, I have come across many in surprise in the middle of a lake) and be respectful of the wildlife (there are often no-go zones in lakes near wildlife reserves / reeds etc).

Oh, and don’t forget your waterproof camera or camera cover, because the views are insane!

 

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About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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