Best lakes around Sihlsee is an area centered around Switzerland's largest artificial lake by surface area, located in the canton of Schwyz near Einsiedeln. The Sihlsee was created by damming the Sihl River, forming a reservoir that plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation. The lake and its surroundings offer scenic views, including the Fluebrig mountain range, providing a setting for various recreational activities.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Super beautiful car-free path. Nicer than following the road on the other side of the lake.
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From 1932 to 1937, Etzelwerk AG built the Etzelwerk pumped storage power plant for joint use by the SBB and the Northeast Swiss Power Plants (NOK). Since 1987, the SBB has been the sole owner of Etzelwerk AG. The plant consists of the reservoir (Sihlsee) created in the high valley of the Sihl, northeast of Einsiedeln, the pressure tunnel and the pressure pipeline, as well as the power plant near Altendorf on the upper Lake Zurich. The dam has a volume of 28,000 cubic meters. On the right-hand side of the wall is the tunnel inlet with a valve chamber, from where a 2,900-meter-long pressure tunnel leads to the surge tank. After the surge tank, the pressure tunnel splits into two pressure pipelines, each 2,200 meters long. The drive water reaches the turbines in the Altendorf power plant through these. The pump turbines enable flexible use of the power plant. If necessary, water can be pumped from Lake Zurich into Lake Sihl. (https://company.sbb.ch/de/sbb-als-geschaeftspartner/leistungen-evu/energie/produktion/wasserkraftwerke/etzelwerk.html)
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Nice section around the lake
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Slow speed - Pass: From the west side, the ascent in the lower 2/3 is extremely steep, and a descent is also challenging due to hundreds of road patches. The width of the road means that you have to be careful even when two cyclists meet - but you are almost intoxicated by the charmingly beautiful alpine landscape. A pass that you shouldn't really tackle without training and ambition....
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much nicer than the main street
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Amazingly small dam for this size of lake.
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Perfect place for a break at the Siehlsee. Here you can relax your calves in the cool water or just relax on one of the benches and enjoy the view. A barbecue area and a toilet are also available.
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The Sihlsee and its surroundings offer a variety of recreational activities. You can enjoy boating and cruises, with the MS Angelika operating from June to October. Swimming is popular, especially at the "Sihlseebadi" lido. Water sports like canoeing are also available through local clubs. For land-based activities, there are numerous hiking and cycling paths, including a panoramic circular walk from Einsiedeln Abbey to the lake. You can find specific cycling routes in the Cycling around Sihlsee guide and gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Sihlsee guide.
Yes, the Sihlsee area is very family-friendly. The "Sihlseebadi" lido is ideal for families with a dedicated non-swimmer area and free entry. The Rest and swimming area on the northern shore of Lake Sihl offers facilities like benches and a barbecue area. The Ahornweidstrasse Cycle Path Along Sihlsee is traffic-free and suitable for families. Additionally, the local sailing club organizes "Adventure Days" for children during summer.
The Sihlsee is a popular bathing lake. The "Sihlseebadi" lido is a well-known spot, particularly suitable for families due to its non-swimmer area. Another excellent option is the Rest and swimming area on the northern shore of Lake Sihl, which provides facilities for relaxing and swimming.
The Ahornweidstrasse Cycle Path Along Sihlsee is highly recommended for its traffic-free and natural lakeshore route, offering beautiful views towards Euthal and the nature reserve. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Cycling around Sihlsee guide, which includes easy loops like the Lake Sihl – Sihlsee Dam loop from Euthal.
Yes, the Sihlsee region offers a range of hiking trails. A wonderful panoramic circular walk with nine information panels leads from Einsiedeln Abbey to Lake Sihl, passing significant sites. For more challenging options, the Waterfall hikes around Sihlsee guide includes difficult routes like the View of Spital Mountain Ridge – Spital Summit loop from Einsiedeln.
Sihlsee holds the distinction of being Switzerland's largest artificial lake by surface area. It was created by damming the Sihl River between 1932 and 1937 for hydroelectric power generation, displacing 1,762 people and submerging 107 farms. Notably, the idea for a reservoir in this area was first conceived by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1797.
The Sihlsee offers picturesque views and activities throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful seasonal scenery. Even in winter, the area provides a beautiful setting for relaxation and leisure pursuits.
Yes, there are several spots to eat and relax. The Rest and swimming area on the northern shore of Lake Sihl has benches and a barbecue area. The Grüene Aff Restaurant & Lakeside Terrace offers meals with a terrace right by the lake, perfect for enjoying the views.
The Sihlsee offers stunning scenic beauty. Located in the high valley of Einsiedeln, you can expect picturesque views of the lake itself, often with the majestic Fluebrig mountain range in the background. The Sihlsee highlight is particularly noted for its picturesque views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
The Sihlsee Dam is a significant structure that created the Sihlsee, Switzerland's largest artificial lake by surface area. Its primary purpose is to feed the Etzelwerk power station, which generates electricity for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The dam and associated plant were built between 1932 and 1937.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the provided data, the Sihlsee is located near the town of Einsiedeln in the Swiss canton of Schwyz. Einsiedeln is generally well-connected by public transport in Switzerland, making it a feasible option to reach the lake area.
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and the variety of recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the traffic-free cycling paths along the natural lakeshore, like the Ahornweidstrasse Cycle Path Along Sihlsee, for their beautiful views. The peaceful rest and swimming areas, such as the one on the northern shore of Lake Sihl, are also highly valued for relaxation and their wonderful views.

