These seven romantic Swiss bathing spots are not (yet) mainstream

Far removed from Zurich or Bern, these secluded bathing spots are wonderful places to cool off, escape the summer heat, and celebrate romantic moments with your loved ones in relative privacy.

Cascata del Salto, Maggia

Why travel to Hawaii or New Zealand when you can head to Ticino? After all, the 60-metre-high Cascata del Salto waterfall offers a cinematic backdrop reminiscent of TV series such as ​‘Lost’ or romantic films such as ​‘The Blue Lagoon’. What’s more, the waterfall, which plunges down a curved, protruding rock, also features a pool with crystal-clear water and occasional rainbows that make for a magical bathing experience.

Meggenhorn bathing spot, Lucerne

This bathing spot can only be reached by boat or by taking a short hike through the Meggenhorn Castle park and then making your way down through the fairytale forest that surrounds it. Once you reach the bottom, you will find a picturesque bay with a pebble beach where you can swim in the turquoise waters of Lake Lucerne and discover a 5.5‑metre-high statue of Christ just around the Meggenhorn headland. It was erected in 1900 by Baroness Heine, the former owner of the castle, after she recovered from a serious illness.

Seealpsee, Appenzell Innerrhoden

The Seealpsee in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland and is therefore no longer an insider tip. However, this small mountain lake with its almost emerald-green water is a true delight and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Säntis when you take a dip. The Seealpsee can be reached with a short hike from Wasserauen (AI) that should take about an hour. If you like, you could also visit the famous Bruderklauskappelle chapel or simply enjoy the mountain panorama.

Pozzasc natural pool, Peccia

Fortunately, the small natural pool located right next to the Grotto Pozzasc is still relatively unknown, as otherwise the romance would literally be washed away by an excess of visitors. So be sure to go there now. Nestled amongst nature, with the sound of splashing and gurgling water in your ears, it’s the perfect place to switch off. Or enjoy a passionate kiss. Around the bathing pool, there are also plenty of places to lie down and soak up the sun on sun-kissed rocks while enjoying the magnificent view of the Peccia River.

St. Petersinsel, Lake Biel

Switzerland’s largest peninsula is nestled between vineyards and the green expanses of the Seeland region on Lake Biel. Although St. Peter’s Island attracted famous poets such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau centuries ago, and remains a popular destination today, the nature reserve’s numerous small sandy beaches are rather secluded. This is because the beaches on the north side of the peninsula are beautifully hidden away. Our recommendation: go there and discover it for yourself.

Drei Weieren, St. Gallen

Admittedly, the local recreational area Drei Weieren (three ponds), also colloquially known as ​‘Weiärä’, has been providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous since the 17th century. Nevertheless, this idyllic spot above the city centre of St. Gallen, in the St. Georgen district, offers a relaxed atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the immediate vicinity of a city, with a total of five artificial ponds and lovely woods. Whether you want to swim in the ponds early in the morning or treat yourself to champagne and strawberries with that special someone in the evening, it is definitely worth a visit.

Chute de la Verrière, Val-de-Travers

The Chute de la Verrière is located roughly in the middle of the 10-kilometre-long and spectacularly narrow Aare Gorge, which cuts through the southernmost Jura mountains and leads from Lake Neuchâtel to the secluded Val-de-Travers. Although this place is shrouded in legend and secrecy – for decades, the ​‘fée verte’ (green fairy), or absinthe, was distilled illegally in this valley – the large pool at the foot of the Chute de la Varrière enchants visitors with abundant sunshine and jade-green water… and the intoxicating promise of a magical experience.

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