Lake Geneva

10 reasons why you should visit Lake Geneva

• From a bird's eye view, Lake Geneva forms a reclining crescent. Bordered on its shores by France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is the largest lake in both countries and the largest lake in Central Europe. In a dreamlike scenery it connects western Switzerland with the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes in France.

• Between Montreux and Lausanne are the Swiss Riviera and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux. Delicious wine is made and enjoyed here. The lake and the vineyard terraces form a picture-book panorama, which can be admired particularly well from the ship on Lake Geneva.

• On the shore of the southwestern tip of the lake lies the city of Geneva with the largest historic old town in Switzerland. Narrow streets, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and many small and large squares invite you to stroll and visit. In any case, it is worth taking a guided city tour to explore the city properly. The wine and cheese city tour provides a little more enjoyment during the sightseeing.

• The famous and fairytale-like Chillon Castle sits enthroned on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is the most visited historical building in all of Switzerland, and not without reason. The moated castle was built in the Middle Ages and is now an exciting museum with 25 buildings, three courtyards, underground vaults and fascinating art from the 14th century.

• The Jet d'Eau is a huge fountain in Lake Geneva just outside Geneva. At 140 meters, it is visible far beyond the lake. A total of 500 liters of lake water per second eject at 2000 km per hour. The spectacle is best observed from the opposite promenade in Geneva or directly at the pier near the fountain.

• A very popular city on Lake Geneva is Montreux. In this city Mediterranean feeling and 2000 meters high peaks are combined. Life in the city is characterized by ornate house facades, the charming waterfront promenade Lungolago, a gigantic market hall and a lot of music. The world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival is held here every year.

• A boat trip on Lake Geneva is definitely worthwhile. From the water, a picture-book panorama of vineyard terraces, Swiss and French mountains, small romantic villages, castles, romantic harbors and the Savoy Alps awaits you.

• The city of Lausanne is located directly on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lavaux wine terraces. Visitors can expect a lively city with historical sights in front of a fairy-tale panorama. A special characteristic of the city is the difference in altitude of a whole 500 meters. Switzerland's only metro already manages 338 meters in altitude over six kilometers here.

• Everyone has probably heard of Charlie Chaplin. But not many people know that a former home of the artist is located on Lake Geneva. Chaplin's World, a white villa with a beautiful park, is now a museum with some of the artist's original furnishings.

• Around Lake Geneva there are many small, enchanted villages. One of them is Nyon. The small old town is characterized by wine taverns, small colorful shutters, Nyon Castle above the town and the surrounding vineyards.