Sometimes you don’t need a long car ride, a plane ticket, or a packed entertainment schedule. Sometimes all it takes is a towel, sunscreen, a picnic… and a shimmering lake.
At namuk, we have gathered our favorite swim spots for families – along with a few handpicked tips we’ve discovered on our wanderings through Switzerland. Not the crowded tourist hotspots with the smell of fries in the air. But rather hidden gems, where you can toss pebbles into the water, jump off a raft, find the best ice cream, and maybe – even spot a (harmless!) snake gliding through the water. Here are our 10 favorite places to cool off this summer.
Splashing with a view – Camping Erlach (BE)
“A place where everyone finds something to do!” says Lena from our e-com team – and she’s not talking about just any lake, but a pure slice of summer adventure: the swimming spot at Camping Erlach on Lake Biel.
Here, seagulls screech overhead, and little water owls and beach pirates have all the space they need to splash, dig, and test every corner of the picnic blanket. Kids run barefoot through the grass, dig deep mud trenches, or build tiny villages from stones and branches along the shore. The adventure playground? That quickly becomes a pirate cove or a dragon’s den. Big trees offer welcoming shade, and the scent of ice cream and fries drifts temptingly from the little snack bar.
And once everyone’s had their fill of water, sun, and wild imagination, a short walk to the nearby town of Erlach is well worth it – cobblestones to roll across, old city walls to (pretend to) climb, and, of course, another scoop of ice cream in hand.
Splashing around at Lake Untersee, Arosa (GR)
A lake right in the middle of the village – and yet it feels like a world of its own. Lake Untersee in Arosa lies nestled between glittering mountain peaks, sunlit larch forests, and alpine summer air, like a small watery wonder nestled high at 1,800 meters above sea level like a hidden gem. At the shoreline: a sandy beach, a floating raft, and two diving platforms – ready for belly flops, brave leaps, and mid-air spins.
Prefer paddling to plunging? Head to the solar-heated splash pool, complete with playful water figures – a real mini-adventure land for little water lovers. Set up your picnic blanket in the shade of the trees while wet swimsuits steam dry in the alpine sun.
And if there’s still energy left after all that splashing (we bet there is): next door you’ll find a bocce court, ping-pong tables, and a grassy field just waiting for a game of soccer, tag, or a few dandelion crowns. For those who like things a bit quieter, there are rowboats and SUPs for gentle gliding across the lake – past reed-lined shores and softly bubbling waters.
Pure summer nostalgia – Hüttwilersee (TG)
A charming little beach tucked away in nature? Sounds almost too good to be true. For Noemi from the namuk e-com team, Lake Hüttwilersee in the canton of Thurgau was the highlight of every childhood summer – and honestly, it still is. Small enough so no one gets lost, but big enough for real adventures. The atmosphere is relaxed and natural, and the water is pleasantly warm. Noemi remembers: "They had the best fries in the world, a floating raft in the middle of the lake – and once, we even saw a grass snake swimming!"
This small, family-friendly beach area is ideal for kids: warm, shallow water, a diving platform for the brave, and plenty of space to play. There are fire pits, a snack bar with ice cream, and shady spots for laid-back picnics. And for little nature explorers, it’s worth peeking into the water – frogs, dragonflies, and maybe even a curious snake might make a brief appearance.
Waterfall adventures – Kemptner Tobel (ZH)
If anyone knows where to find real nature adventures with kids, it’s namuk founder Franz. One of his personal insider tips is Kemptner Tobel near Wetzikon – a place he’s visited often with his own family. “The water’s shallow – perfect for splashing, playing, and building dams,” he says about this hidden gem of a swim spot. Surrounded by shady trees, wooden bridges, and moss-covered rocks, every step becomes part of an explorer’s game: watch frogs, build mini dams, wade barefoot through the creek – anything goes, as long as it gets a little muddy.
The highlight for young adventurers? The “Grosser Giessen” waterfall, tucked right in the middle of the gorge. A family-friendly trail (stroller-accessible up to the waterfall) winds along the bubbling Chämtnerbach until, all of a sudden, you’re standing in front of this thundering wall of water. Feeling bold? Step behind the curtain of water and let the mist dance on your skin. But a word of caution: only explore spots like this together – adventures are more fun (and safer!) with company. Not in the mood for splashing? Along the way, you’ll also find signs from the Industrial Heritage Trail – perfect for a quiet pause between two big jumps.
A summer day on the peninsula – Seegräben swimming spot (ZH)
A wooden lakeside lido on a green little peninsula, with a pebbled beach, plenty of shade, and crystal-clear water – Seegräben beach is made for summer days full of adventure. The pebbles crunch underfoot, Lake Pfäffikersee sparkles in the sun, and somewhere nearby, someone just fell off the raft with a splash and a laugh. Little balance pros paddle across the lake on SUP boards, while next to them, the playground keeps kids busy with a zipline, slide, and sandbox. Those who prefer watching over splashing can stretch out under the old trees and simply take in the joyful chaos.
For Reni, namuk’s People & Business Development Manager, this beach spot is a summer favorite for families. Her tip: “Make it a combo day trip – first swimming, then head by foot or bike to nearby Jucker Farm. There, you’ll find goats, cake, and maybe even a pumpkin bigger than your kid.”
Mountain lake magic – Oberblegisee (GL)
A mountain lake straight out of a storybook – turquoise, still, easy to reach, and surrounded by the stunning Glarus Alps. Lake Oberblegisee sits at around 1,400 meters above sea level – and getting there is a little adventure in itself: First, a steep cable car ride from Luchsingen, then a gentle hike through blooming meadows, past alpine huts and grazing cows.
“The path is part of the experience – and once you reach the top, it feels like another world,” says Simon, our Head of E-Commerce. And it’s true: the lake glows quietly between the cliffs, the meadow invites you to roll around barefoot, and your picnic blanket quickly becomes a base camp for little explorers. Brave water owls defy the cold and leap into the icy lake with a cheerful “brrr!”
Those who prefer to stay dry stretch out in the grass, count bugs in the moss, tadpoles in the shallows, or follow the clouds drifting overhead – the ones shaped like turtles, airplanes, or rubber boots.
Whispers of the mountains – Stoos-Seeli (SZ)
High up in the mountains, where cows graze, peaks sparkle, and the echo sometimes rings louder than the kids – there lies Stoos-Seeli. Just a few minutes from the mountain station, this little alpine lake is tucked away like a hidden gem in a sea of green. Getting there is part of the adventure: take the world’s steepest funicular up to the car-free village of Stoos, where the world suddenly feels big, wide, and open.
For Simon, it’s “the perfect place to slow down, splash around, and simply enjoy the outdoors – so peaceful, you can sometimes hear nothing but the sound of your feet in the water.” The lake is clear and shallow, with a wooden dock for sunbathing, jumping in, or floating little boats across the surface. Dip your toes, search for tadpoles, or roll through the grass – it’s all part of the magic.
namuk tip: Head out in the morning – when the mountains still sparkle and the lake feels like it’s all yours.
Adventures by the woods – Hüttenersee swimming spot (ZH)
Sometimes all it takes is a wooden raft, a stream for splashing, and a bit of space to run wild – and suddenly, a summer day becomes a full-blown adventure. Hüttenersee beach is exactly that kind of place: charming, low-key, and full of ways to explore the world with wet feet. Reni recommends this small but special lido in the foothills of the Alps – complete with everything a family might need:
Right at the water’s edge, there’s a shallow wooden pool for little swimmers, plus a designated area in the lake for safe paddling and two floating platforms to swim out to. Between swim sessions, kids can play on the playground with swings and a small slide, dig in the sandbox, splash in the stream, or keep moving with ping-pong tables, table football, and Frisbees. And the cherry on top? Free sunshades to help you cool down in the summer heat. “Ideal for hot afternoons or full-on family days with picnics, water time, and long games under the trees,” says Reni.
Dive In with a view – Davos Munts (GR)
A lake almost too beautiful to be real – tucked into the rolling hills of Surselva, with wooden boardwalks, turquoise water, and views that taste like adventure. The Davos Munts bathing lake, high above Vella at 1,300 meters, is more than just a place to swim – it's a small world of exploration all on its own.
Kids splash around in the separate shallow area, race down the wooden dock, paddle off on SUP boards, or chase water droplets through the air. Along the grassy shore, you'll find fire pits, grill spots, and wide-open space for playing tag or practicing somersaults. Feeling hungry? Head to the small lakeside bistro, serving up tasty local dishes.
namuk tip: Entry is free! And if you’re up for a little more adventure, combine your swim day with a short family hike along the Senda Lumnezia – a nearby storytelling trail full of surprises and fun activity stations.
Morning calm & marsh magic – Egelsee Bubikon (ZH)
Hidden away in a moorland nature reserve in the Zurich Oberland lies Lake Egelsee – small, peaceful, and surrounded by protected landscapes. It’s not a typical beach, but rather a quiet retreat with a wooden dock, floating pontoon, lounge chairs, ping-pong table, and plenty of nature all around.
Simon knows the place well: “A little lake that has everything – except the crowds.” Early birds are rewarded here: the shallow water is perfect for barefoot wading, while others launch toy boats from the dock or quietly watch the dragonflies dance. At the edge of the lake, snail shells wait to be discovered – perfect for curious little nature explorers. Between fallen tree trunks, water lilies, and gentle ripples, it’s easy to spin stories – about water fairies, brave frog rescuers, and DIY jungle islands.
namuk tip: Pack a breakfast picnic by the lakeshore – quiet, clear, and almost entirely yours. The perfect way to start a summer day full of water adventures and wild imagination.
Switzerland is full of hidden water paradises – you just have to keep your eyes open. Whether it’s a cool mountain lake, a warm family beach, or a shady stream with a waterfall: there are countless places where nature becomes a playground. Places that invite you to jump in, get wet, watch frogs, or simply share a picnic under the trees.
So let’s go – pack your backpack, don’t forget the swimsuits, and head out into the summer. Looking for more inspiration for this summer? You’ll find it in our outdoor ideas.
