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Lac de l'Etang

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Lake
—°9
Lac de l'Etang (Switzerland)

Weather…

Lac de l'Etang is a small, scenic mountain lake in the Vaud Alps, not far from the Villars-Gryon region. It is positioned in an alpine landscape at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters, surrounded by dense coniferous forests and mountain pastures. The lake is a popular destination for hikers, as it is easily accessible via well-marked trails and is considered a place of tranquility. Geologically, it is a shallow body of water fed primarily by meltwater and local springs. The surroundings of the lake host a diverse flora, including various orchid species and alpine grasses. Despite its small size, the lake plays an important role in the local ecosystem as a watering hole for grazing livestock and a habitat for amphibians. During the winter season, the region is often deeply covered in snow, giving the lake a mystical atmosphere.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-227111517171393-1
Rain mm92729081127114115120819490101

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This small natural lake in the canton of Vaud is mostly accessible via secondary roads from the surrounding villages. A short walk through forests or pastures often leads directly to the quiet lakeshore.
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Best season
The best time to visit is from late spring to autumn when the vegetation is most bustling. In winter, the area can be very snowy, which may make access to the shoreline paths more difficult for visitors.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain around the lake is mostly gently undulating, characterized by marshes or forest patches. Paths can be damp after rainfall, so sure-footedness on the natural trails is beneficial for visitors.
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What to bring
Waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended due to the often damp ground. Depending on the season, bring insect repellent and a light windbreaker, as it can be cooler near the forest than in the villages.
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Parking
Small parking options can often be found along the roadside or at marked forest edges nearby. In the adjacent municipalities, there are usually public car parks from which you can hike to the lake area.
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Safety
Pay attention to local signage and avoid entering sensitive shoreline zones. As this is a natural body of water, there are no lifeguards on duty; caution is advised near the water for all visitors.
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Time needed
A short visit or a leisurely stroll usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. The area is excellent for a quiet break or a picnic in the middle of the natural landscape of Vaud, away from the busier tourist spots.

Geography

Coordinates
46.55000, 6.80000

Facts

  • The lake is situated at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level.
  • It is located in the Canton of Vaud near Gryon.
  • The water body serves as a natural habitat for alpine newts.
  • The lake is reachable via hiking trails from Villars or Gryon stations.
  • The water depth is shallow and varies significantly depending on the season.
  • In summer, water temperatures rarely exceed 15 degrees Celsius.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Servion ZooServion Zoo5 km · NExplore →
Lavaux VineyardsLavaux Vineyards6 km · SWExplore →
Châtel-Saint-DenisChâtel-Saint-Denis8 km · EExplore →
LutryLutry10 km · SWExplore →
VeveyVevey10 km · SExplore →
EpalingesEpalinges11 km · WExplore →
PullyPully12 km · SWExplore →
Biopôle LausanneBiopôle Lausanne12 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lac de l'Etang (9)

Église de Palézieux

Church building in Oron, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Temple de Forel

Church building in Forel, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Arctic fox

Arctic fox at Servion Zoo, a predator adapted to cold climates.

Striped skunk

Striped skunk at Servion Zoo, known for its scent glands.

Raccoon

Raccoon at Servion Zoo, a nocturnal omnivore.

Zoo de Servion

Zoo in Servion, canton of Vaud, housing various animal species.

Tropiquarium de Servion

Zoo in Switzerland, specializing in tropical animals and plants.

Menhir d'Essertes-Auboranges

Menhir, a prehistoric standing stone in the canton of Vaud.

Café-théâtre Barnabé

Theatre in Servion, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Lac de l'Etang (Etang de la Gruère) so special?
It is a beautiful moorland lake in the middle of a nature reserve in the Jura.
Can you walk around the lake?
Yes, there is a flat circular trail that takes about 45 minutes.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
No, swimming is prohibited to protect the ecosystem in the nature reserve.
What is the flora around the lake like?
Rare plants like sundew and cottongrass can be found in the moorland landscape.
When is the best time to visit?
Every season has its charm, but autumn is particularly colorful and scenic.
Lac de l'Etang: where is it located?
Lac de l'Etang is located in Switzerland.
Lac de l'Etang: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église de Palézieux, Temple de Forel, Arctic fox.
Lac de l'Etang: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lac de l'Etang: why is it worth visiting?
Lac de l'Etang is a small, scenic mountain lake in the Vaud Alps, not far from the Villars-Gryon region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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