Plizio Visual Lab

Lac de la Gryonne

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lac de la Gryonne is a small alpine lake in the Canton of Vaud, located within the drainage basin of the Gryonne river. It is situated near the mountain village of Gryon in the Vaud Alps at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters. The lake is embedded in a landscape of moors and dense fir forests typical of the region. The water body is primarily fed by precipitation and surface runoff from the surrounding mountain ridges. Due to its isolated location, the lake gives a valuable sanctuary for local fauna, particularly various dragonfly species and alpine amphibians. In the summer months, the surrounding area serves as pasture for traditional alpine farming. The lake is an insider tip for hikers seeking nature's silence away from major tourist crowds. Geologically, the region is characterized by flysch deposits, which are conducive to the formation of small water basins.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: En Pravoutioz · Mines de Sel de Bex · Église réformée - paroisse des Avançons
Nearby: Bex (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-2	2	7	11	15	17	17	13	9	3	-1
Rain mm	92	72	90	81	127	114	115	120	81	94	90	101

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Accessed via Villars-sur-Ollon or Gryon. In summer, you can take a cable car or drive up to nearby mountain stations and then hike the remaining distance to reach the small lake.

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Best season

The best time to visit is from June to October. During the winter months, the area is part of a ski resort and the lake may be completely hidden beneath a thick layer of snow.

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Terrain & paths

Typical high-alpine mountain terrain with some steep and rocky sections on the hiking trails. The lake itself sits in a scenic basin surrounded by alpine pastures and impressive mountain peaks.

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What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots are necessary for the mountain trails. Pack a warm fleece and a rain jacket, as mountain weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly even during the summer season.

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Parking

Park in the designated lots in Villars or Gryon. Alternatively, use the mountain parking areas at Roc d'Orsay or Frience if they are accessible and open for visitors during the summer.

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Safety

Keep a close eye on the weather and be prepared to head back if clouds move in. Stay on the marked trails at all times to avoid getting lost in the sometimes challenging mountain terrain.

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Time needed

A hike to the lake and back usually takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on your starting point. It is a rewarding destination for a morning excursion with wonderful views of the Swiss Alps.