Just because Switzerland is a tiny (only 41,285 square kilometers) landlocked nation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a summer day lolling by the water sunbathing, swimming, and doing all the “beachy” things one would do by the seashore.
Switzerland has a diverse geography with the rolling alpine hills of the Swiss Plateau nestled between the Alps and the Jura Mountains. It also happens to hold six percent of Europe’s stock of fresh water. The country has four major river basins—the Rhine, Ticino, Inn, and Rhône—with many of Switzerland’s 1,500 lakes found along them.
Some of Switzerland’s lakes are the largest in Western Europe and many of them are high in the Alps which gives you the advantage of having a spectacular mountain view while you frolic on or by the lake. Exclusive hotels and resorts have sprung up on the shores of some Swiss lakes. The lake’s waters are crystal blue and perfect for swimming, boating, and other watersports.
An abundance of summer fun can be found by Switzerland’s lakes, and August 1st is Swiss National Day which means lots of festivities and fireworks. So start planning for a great summer getaway at one of Switzerland’s beach resorts.
Castello del Sole Beach Resort & SPA
You’ll find the Castello del Sole on 140 hectares in the pictorial landscape of the Maggia Delta in Ascona in southern Switzerland by the shores of Lake Maggiore. It’s in a unique setting with its own farm, vineyard, and part of the Fondazione Bolle di Magadino’s bird sanctuary. The resort is scattered with fruit and nut trees that guests are free to pick.
The resort is comprised of three building complexes: the main building, a retreat section, and a well-being section. A total of 79 exquisitely-furnished rooms and suites are available, and you can also stay in the spa for massages and other treatments. All of the accommodations offer 5-star service amidst breathtaking views.
The resort’s enchanting private beach, La Spiaggia is just steps away. Relax on the beach and gaze at the stunning scenery while the sun’s rays warm you, or explore the lake in a canoe, pedal boat, or motorboat. You can also opt to take a tour around the lake on the resort’s own boat, the Frauscher 1017 Lido and let the skipper do the navigating. Then stop by the Bar Spiaggia to sip on a tasty cocktail and delicacies like fish & chips or tarte flambée.
Castello del Sole shows off its seasonal produce and wines grown on the property in the 150-hectare Terreni alla Maggia in dishes prepared at the La Casetta restaurant. The garden produces potatoes, asparagus, grains for pasta, risotto, herbs, and fruits. The restaurant is located in a former boathouse steeped in history. Located in the heart of the hotel, it’s filled with stories connected to the peace talks held here at the end of World War II.
When you’re not busy by the beach or on the water, the staff offers guided tour and nature walks to learn all about this magnificent property.
Eden Roc Ascona
Hotel Eden Roc is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Ascona in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Ascona is a magical place that has long inspired artists and writers. Casa Epper, the former home of Swiss impressionist painter Ignaz Epper is located on the hotel’s property, and artists and art aficionados still gather here at the restored home with its charming garden.
Guests at the hotel are greeted with fresh fruit and a welcome drink at the Eden Bar on arrival. Then they’re escorted to a cozy room or suite, each uniquely decorated with views of the Ticinese landscapes from different angles. Here they’ll be pampered with amenities like a Nespresso coffee machine, assorted teas, a minibar, fresh local fruits, and a 24-hour in-room dining menu.
The Eden Roc beach offers a variety of watersports for the whole family from swimming to wakeboarding and paddle boarding. You can take banana boat rides and take sailing courses with a Laser Bug dinghy. There’s even a water sports school where professional wakeboarders and beginner coaches will help you learn how to have fun on the water.
Guests can take a culinary fishing excursion in the morning when the waters are calm to catch perch, whitefish, and zander with the guidance of an experienced fisherman. Chefs will prepare fresh fish for your dinner.
Parkhotel Gunten – Beach & Spa
The Parkhotel Gunten is a beach and spa resort on Lake Thun between Interlaken and the town of Thun on the lake’s northern shore. Lake Thun is a large lake with plenty of opportunities for fun experiences on the water amid views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The hotel was built in 1910 in a meadow with a park in the Bernese Oberland. When it opened, it was one of the most modern hotels in the region. Today, it’s a 3-star hotel with 51 newly-renovated rooms, all beautifully well-appointed. Most of the rooms have balconies for stunning views.
The property has a spa with a beauty area, fitness room, children’s playroom, and refreshment bar. The spa and wellness area is a focal point for the resort. It’s located in the former boathouse and has Finnish saunas, a steam bath, and a whirlpool on the sundeck. Panoramic windows offer views of the lake and surrounding Bernese Oberland. A relaxation room gives you direct access to Lake Thun and a Mediterranean-style park.
For dining, the property has an à la carte restaurant with excellent cuisine, 70 seats indoors, two terraces with 140 seats for outdoor dining with a view, and a lounge.
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Hotel Bad Horn
Hotel Bad Horn’s history dates back as early as 1827 when spa guests came to relax in the baths. It’s located on Lake Constance in the beautiful canton of Thurgau. The waters of the lake are celebrated throughout the hotel with a nautical theme and maritime flair in the rooms, dining spaces, and wellness area with a whirlpool and a sunbathing terrace.
Open since July 2020, the East Wing features 42 comfortable rooms along with suites and lofts furnished in mahogany and lots of brass. A new restaurant called “Wave” looks over the hotel’s private harbor. The spacious lobby has a bar with a charming atmosphere.
The hotel has its very own motor yacht named Emily which it refers to as “the jewel in our crown.” Emily is an old reconstructed river yacht and offers an aperitif cruise or a dinner cruise for up to 48 people. The lake location and the yacht make the Bad Horn the perfect place for weddings, conferences, and seminars. The rooms are flexible and can be used in a variety of ways to accommodate up to 180 guests. An events team will help you organize your event, and the bridal suite is included for wedding parties with 40 or more guests.
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel
Located on the shore of Lake Thun in the mountains of the Bernese Oberland, BEATUS Wellness & Spa Hotel is proud to be the longest private lakeside hotel in Switzerland at 262 meters. Here you’ll find the peace of nature, a relaxing spa, discovery tours, and gourmet excursions in the region.
The rooms at BEATUS are tastefully decorated in a classic style with exquisite materials in warm colors. You’ll enjoy views of Lake Thun or the thick, verdant forests of the Niederhorn. Room options range from a cozy standard room located street side with a view of the Niederhorn up to a tower suite with huge panoramic windows.
With 1001 possible health treatments for the mind, body, and soul, you’d be hard-pressed to find a wellness oasis like the one at BEATUS. The hotel also has a Basler saltwater pool where you can enjoy the benefits of calming, healing water.
The gastronomic choices at the hotel are an integral part of the BEATUS alpine wellness concept. Dine al la carte at Orangerie Restaurant & Bar, the Wellness-Café Le Palmier, and the Seelounge from June to September.
Seehotel Waldstätterhof
Seehotel Waldstätterhof is located on Lake Lucerne in a region surrounded by high rocks and a view of the Ulner Alps Open since 1870, the unique setting is reminiscent of Lake Garda in Italy. Now with modern equipment and services, the hotel features 106 rooms, banquet halls, and 24 rooms for conferences and seminars. It’s the perfect retreat for family celebrations, seminars, or wellness.
The hotel features loads of property amenities such as the Rôtisserie and Fronalp Lounge restaurants, a lakeside pool, lounge, and terrace, a fitness room, a sauna and relaxation area, and 120 free outdoor parking spaces.
Choose from cozy single rooms with a view of the lake and mountains from private balconies, double rooms with twin beds and mountain views, and grand-lit rooms with huge beds for couples. All rooms are equipped with TVs, a minibar, and a safe.
The hotel has its own private connection to the lake. The lakeside pool and sunbathing area are also private. Guests are provided with bath towels at check-in. The resort has changing rooms exclusively for guests that are open in summer.
