Lake Silvaplana
A high-altitude alpine lake renowned for its turquoise waters and as a premier destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Lake Silvaplana
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A high-altitude alpine lake renowned for its turquoise waters and as a premier destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. 
"Absolutely stunning place! Such a beautiful landscape and the water is turquoise blue with ice mountains in the background. "
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even on sunny days, the high altitude and wind can make it feel cold. Pack layers!
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the lake shores and surrounding hiking trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waters & Alpine Backdrop
Lake Silvaplana
Experience the mesmerizing turquoise hues of the lake set against majestic Swiss Alps. A true feast for the eyes.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing Paradise
Lake Silvaplana
Witness or partake in thrilling wind sports on the lake, a mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
Golden Larch Hikes
Surrounding trails (e.g., Via Engiadina)
In autumn, the surrounding mountains transform with golden larches, offering spectacular hiking vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind: Kitesurfing & Windsurfing Hub
+2Beyond the Water: Alpine Adventures Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even on sunny days, the high altitude and wind can make it feel cold. Pack layers!
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the lake shores and surrounding hiking trails.
📸 Drone-Friendly Views
A fantastic spot for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Take a bus from St. Moritz for a scenic and convenient journey to the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even on sunny days, the high altitude and wind can make it feel cold. Pack layers!
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the lake shores and surrounding hiking trails.
📸 Drone-Friendly Views
A fantastic spot for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Take a bus from St. Moritz for a scenic and convenient journey to the lake.
🌬️ Wind Sports Gear
If you're into kitesurfing or windsurfing, this is your paradise!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Silvaplana for its absolutely stunning, pristine beauty, with turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrops creating a truly breathtaking landscape. It's a paradise for wind sports enthusiasts and offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially in autumn. Some visitors note the intense cold of the wind, even on sunny days, due to the high altitude.
"Absolutely stunning place! We came on September day evening when it was sunny and so windy. But it was feeling so so cold, the wind was super cold and the open area of the lake side made it feel like it was piercing you with cold! But what an amazing experience. We saw camping sites, tennis courts and few people doing some sport activities on the lake. The place was otherwise empty. It was so clean and pristine. Such a beautiful landscape and the water is turquoise blue with ice mountains in the background at distance! Take a bus ride from St Moritz till here, walk around, enjoy and go back! Must do! Recommended"
Sujay Sreekumar
"I was very lucky to have an amazing sky in winter. A perfect photographers moment."
Rodrigo Martino
"Words can't describe the beauty of this place!"
Vivek Mangipudi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Lake Silvaplana from St. Moritz is by taking a local bus. The journey is scenic and offers beautiful views of the Engadin Valley.
Yes, Lake Silvaplana is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and enjoy the scenery.
Exploring the area is best done on foot or by bike. The lake itself is perfect for water sports, while the surrounding mountains offer incredible hiking and biking trails.
Yes, Lake Silvaplana is accessible in winter, offering a different kind of beauty. While water sports are not possible, it's a great spot for cross-country skiing and enjoying the snowy landscapes.
The Via Engiadina long-distance trail has stages that pass by Lake Silvaplana, offering stunning panoramic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Lake Silvaplana itself. You can walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery freely.
While access to the lake is free, activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding may require rental fees or lessons from local providers.
Facilities like restaurants or sports rental shops will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their individual schedules.
Parking availability and fees can vary. It's advisable to check local signage or inquire at tourist information centers for the most up-to-date parking information.
While not always advertised, local tourist information centers or adventure sports providers might offer guided tours, especially for hiking or water sports.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Autumn is particularly stunning with the golden larches.
Yes, Lake Silvaplana is considered an excellent location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the lake and mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. If you're interested in wildlife or specific sports, a telephoto lens might be useful.
The panoramic views from the trails above the lake, especially those leading to villages like Grevasalvas, are highly recommended.
Weather can change quickly at this altitude. Be prepared for wind, sun, and potential rain. Dramatic skies can also make for stunning photos.
🎫 🌬️ Sports & Activities
Lake Silvaplana is famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its consistent winds. Paddleboarding and sailing are also popular.
While it's a mecca for experienced riders, there are schools offering lessons for beginners. The consistent wind can be beneficial for learning.
Numerous hiking trails surround the lake, ranging from easy strolls along the shore to more challenging mountain treks. The Via Engiadina is a popular choice.
Swimming is possible, but the water is very cold due to its high altitude and glacial origins, even in summer.
In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For slightly older children interested in adventure, introductory kitesurfing or windsurfing lessons could be a memorable experience, though supervision and appropriate gear are essential. The scenic bus ride from St. Moritz is also an enjoyable part of the journey for families.
🌬️ Wind Sports Enthusiasts
Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to learn, the lake offers excellent opportunities. Numerous schools and rental providers are available, catering to all levels. The stunning alpine backdrop only enhances the thrill of gliding across the turquoise waters. Be prepared for the high altitude and potential for strong winds.
📸 Photographers & Drone Pilots
Drone pilots will find this location particularly rewarding, with ample open space and breathtaking aerial perspectives of the lake and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Maloja Wind
This phenomenon makes Silvaplana a year-round destination for wind sports, though the summer months offer the most comfortable temperatures for being on and around the water. Even if you're not participating, watching the colorful kites and sails dance across the turquoise water is a spectacle in itself.
For those looking to try their hand at these sports, numerous schools and rental shops operate around the lake, offering lessons for all skill levels. It's a fantastic place to learn or hone your skills in a breathtaking natural setting.
Autumn's Golden Embrace
Hiking trails become particularly picturesque during this time, offering stunning vistas of the lake framed by the fiery foliage. The crisp autumn air makes for invigorating walks, and the crowds are generally thinner than in the summer months.
This season is perfect for photographers and nature lovers seeking serene beauty. The contrast between the golden larches, the deep blue of the lake, and the rugged mountain peaks creates unforgettable scenes.
Beyond the Lake: Exploring the Engadin Valley
Visitors can explore nearby towns like St. Moritz, known for its luxury resorts and winter sports, or discover more secluded hamlets like Grevasalvas, which offers a glimpse into traditional Engadin life. The area is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, with trails catering to all fitness levels.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping wind sports, peaceful hikes through alpine meadows, or simply a chance to soak in breathtaking mountain scenery, the Engadin Valley, with Lake Silvaplana at its heart, has something to offer everyone.
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