Switzerland is famous for its many scenic lakes, especially those of the Alpine region. Lakes have long been important for transportation in Switzerland, and many towns are situated along lakeshores. Several lakes are shared with other countries, including Lake Geneva, Switzerland's largest lake, on the western frontier with France, and Bodensee (Lake of Constance), on the northeastern frontier with Germany and Austria.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Lake Geneva, straddling the border between Switzerland and France, is central Europe's largest lake. Here, the Jet d'Eau sprays water up to 120 m (390 ft) near Geneva.

On the southern frontier with Italy are Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, which lies at 190 m (640 ft) above sea level, the country's lowest point. Lakes entirely within Switzerland include Lake of Neuchâtel, Lake of Lucerne (Vierwaldstätter See), Lake of Zürich (Zürichsee), Brienzersee, and Thunersee.

The major lakes include: Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, Lake Maggiore, Lake Neuchatel, Lake Lucern and Lake Zurich and other smaller ones.