Mountain waters

Idyllic Lake Arnen is one of the Saanenland’s natural gems. Swim from small bays, go fishing, grill food at well-equipped barbecue areas and head off on a range of hikes: the lake area offers summer bliss away from the madding crowd. Those who want to go out on the lake can rent pedalos, rowing boats or stand-up paddleboards. The Huus am Arnensee mountain inn has a welcoming terrace and offers hungry hikers and foodies dishes made from the finest produce that the local area has to offer. Get there by car, bus or ride-share. Chargeable entrance barrier (cash & Twint payments) & chargeable car park by the lake. Don’t miss this hidden gem 1,542 m above sea level!

This reservoir at 1,800 m above Gstaad, Schönried and Saanenmöser is an idyllic swimming paradise in the middle of the mountains. Accessible from the Hornberg mountain restaurant, the relatively shallow lake offers pleasantly warm water for swimming, plus the highest wakeboarding facility in Europe. After cooling off in the lake, the mountain restaurants and viewing terraces make the perfect place to relax. The lake is also a highlight of the Horneggli–Rinderberg hike. It is easily accessible by car along Hornbergstrasse or by taking the Horneggli chairlift and walking a short distance.

The Grosse Simmer and Kleine Simme rivers come together near the village of Zweisimmen – hence its name (‘Two Simmes’). Families can enjoy the covered barbecue area beside the Kleine Simme, above the village near Mühleport. Children can play and build little dams along the little stream next to the river. The barbecue area is easily accessible on foot from Zweisimmen railway station. The beautiful walking trails along the banks of the two rivers are also ideal for a stroll. The two Simme rivers define Zweisimmen and make a wonderful place to relax just beyond the village.

The Lauibach flows through a wild and beautiful expanse of moorland between the village of Lauenen and Lake Lauenen. An enchanting hiking trail leads along the cool mountain stream, with all manner of flora and fauna along the way. The ever-widening zigzag path leads directly to the picturesque Lake Lauenen, passing through stunning natural scenery. The trail starts at the Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen. It also provides access to longer hikes to the Geltenschuss or the Geltenhütte. All in all, it’s a wonderful experience for nature lovers in the Bernese Oberland.

The Burgfälle lie in a spectacular gorge near Gsteig. The path leads from the Hotel Bären to the Innergsteig power plant. Turning to the left, the path winds around the falls. This breathtaking natural spectacle of waterfalls and dizzying gorges is a closely guarded secret. Climb the trail, up to 150 m above sea level, to see the falls at their most breathtaking. Parking is available at the power plant or the valley station of the Sanetschbahn. This hike can be combined with a trip to Mount Wispile in the Valais or the Sanetsch reservoir. It’s a rewarding excursion for adventurous types in the Bernese Alps.