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Lac de la Gruyère

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Lake
—°10
Lac de la Gruyère (Switzerland)

Weather…

Lake Gruyère is a reservoir in the Canton of Fribourg, formed by the construction of the Rossens arch dam in 1948. Measuring about 13.5 kilometers in length, it is the longest reservoir in the Swiss Plateau region. The Sarine River flows through the basin, which reaches a maximum water depth of approximately 75 meters. A notable feature of the lake is the Island of Ogoz, home to the ruins of a medieval castle and a chapel dating back to the 13th century. Primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, the lake has also evolved into a key local recreation area. During the winter months, the water level is often lowered, occasionally revealing historical structures and old bridges on the lake bed.

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
The lake is easily accessible by car or bus from Fribourg or Bulle. Several villages like Rossens or Pont-en-Ogoz provide direct access to the lakeshore and the various walking paths.
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Best season
Convenient from May to September for water activities and extensive lakeside walks. Autumn gives beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills on the usually calm surface of the water.
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Terrain & paths
Mostly flat or gently undulating paths lead along the lake's perimeter for visitors. Some sections involve forest trails or crossing small bridges over the numerous inlets and tributaries.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are perfectly adequate for the flat lakeside paths. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to visit in the summer for a refreshing dip in the water.
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Parking
Public parking is available in the villages of Rossens, Corbières, and near the dam area. Small parking lots are also found near popular beaches and public boat ramps along the shore.
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Safety
If swimming, stay within designated areas and be mindful of boat traffic on the lake. The water level can fluctuate, so be careful on any muddy or slippery banks near the water's edge.
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Time needed
A short stroll along the shore takes about 1 hour, while hiking the entire perimeter trail (over 40km) would require multiple days or can be broken down into shorter sections.

Geography

Coordinates
46.65000, 7.10000

Facts

  • Dam completed in 1948
  • Lake length of approx. 13.5 km
  • Maximum water depth of 75 m
  • Ogoz Island with 13th-century ruins
  • Dam height measures 83 m
  • Storage capacity of 200 million m³

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bulle-La TourBulle-La Tour5 km · SWExplore →
GruyèresGruyères8 km · SExplore →
RomontRomont15 km · WExplore →
MarlyMarly15 km · NExplore →
Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Nature ParkGruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Nature Park15 km · SExplore →
Villars-sur-GlâneVillars-sur-Glâne16 km · NExplore →
Botanical Garden of FribourgBotanical Garden of Fribourg18 km · NExplore →
Château-d'ŒxChâteau-d'Œx20 km · SExplore →

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 la Gruyère (10)

Eglise Villarvolard

Eglise Villarvolard is a church building in Corbières, Switzerland.

Ruine du château d'Everdes

Ruine du château d'Everdes is a castle ruin near Lac de la Gruyère.

Château de Corbières🏰 castle

Château de Corbières is a castle in Corbières in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Église paroissiale Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité

Église paroissiale Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité is a church building in Corbières in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Plage de Corbières

Plage de Corbières is a beach on Lac de la Gruyère.

Echarlens

Echarlens is a chapel in Echarlens in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Baillival Castle in Vuippens🏰 castle

Baillival Castle in Vuippens is a castle in Vuippens in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Morlon Beach

Morlon Beach is a beach on Lac de la Gruyère.

Temple gallo-romain de Riaz

Temple gallo-romain de Riaz is an archaeological site in Riaz.

Goya Onda (planned)

Goya Onda is a planned water park on Lac de la Gruyère.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous photo spot at the lake?
The small island of Ile d'Ogoz with its chapel and castle ruins is a very popular subject.
Can you visit Ogoz Island?
Yes, it is accessible on foot when the water level is low; otherwise, boat trips are offered.
Is there a circular trail around the lake?
Yes, the 'Sentier du Lac' is an approximately 44 km long hiking trail that circles the entire reservoir.
Can you paddle on the lake?
Yes, canoeing and stand-up paddling are very popular, and equipment can be rented at several locations.
Is the lake natural or artificial?
Lac de la Gruyère is an artificial reservoir formed by the Rossens dam.
Lac de la Gruyère: where is it located?
Lac de la Gruyère is located in Switzerland.
Lac de la Gruyère: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eglise Villarvolard, Ruine du château d'Everdes, Château de Corbières.
Lac de la Gruyère: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lac de la Gruyère: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Gruyère is a reservoir in the Canton of Fribourg, formed by the construction of the Rossens arch dam in 1948.
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