Lac de Géronde

Lac de Géronde is a small lake on the edge of Sierre in the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits at 523 metres above sea level and covers just 0.055 square kilometres. Despite its size, it is a favourite spot for locals and visitors who want a walk, a swim or a quiet hour by the water in the Rhône valley.

How did the lake form?

The landscape here was shaped by a huge landslide. At the end of the last glaciation, roughly 15,000 years ago, a vast mass of rock slid down from the right bank of the Rhône upstream of Sierre. The debris built the hills around the lake, and the river later carved its own channel through them. The lake was once an arm of the untamed Rhône, and two smaller ponds, the Petits Lacs, lie to the north.

What is there to see and do?

A woodchip path circles the water and suits families with children. The best-known route, the Tour des lacs de Sierre, links the main lake with the Petit-Lac over about 4.2 km. It is rated easy and needs no special gear.

The surrounding Géronde hills are a protected cantonal site, listed in 1959 and covering 54.1 hectares. Vineyards and buildings take up much of the area, yet steppe grasslands, oak woods and heat-loving scree slopes remain, home to plants and animals typical of dry habitats. A walk here offers more than lake views.

Can you swim here?

The Bains de Géronde outdoor pool complex stands beside the lake and has a 72 m water slide. You can reach the lake from the pool grounds, but swimming there is unsupervised. The pool is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, until 20:00 during school holidays. The 2026 season runs from 4 June to 6 September, and an adult ticket costs CHF 8. The address is Chemin du Grand Lac 14, 3960 Sierre.

The lake holds trout and carp, and a 1.14 m pike was caught here in 2012. Check fishing permit rules with the Valais cantonal fishing authority or the municipality.

How do you get there?

From Sierre railway station it takes about 10 minutes on foot. By bus, get off at Chemin des Pins or Petit-Lac and follow Chemin de la Plage. Parking is paid, and there are reserved spaces for visitors with disabilities next to the pool.

When should you visit?

Come in summer if you want to swim, when the pool is open. The lakeside path can be walked all year round, and the shore area is accessible at any hour. In summer, arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk around the lake? The Tour des lacs de Sierre is about 4.2 km, so an easy stroll takes around an hour.

Is it free to visit? Walking by the lake costs nothing. You pay for entry to the Bains de Géronde pool, and parking is also charged.

Can I walk from the station? Yes, it takes roughly 10 minutes.

Are there fish in the lake? Yes: trout, carp and pike. Check the permit rules before you fish.