Sihlsee
At just under eleven square kilometres, Lake Sihl is Switzerland's largest reservoir by area. Its water has been used to generate electricity since 1937. Today it is above all a recreation area with bathing spots, cycle paths and a wide raised-bog landscape beneath the Mythen.
Things to do at Lake Sihl
- Swimming: there are bathing spots in Willerzell and Euthal, among other places. Thanks to the shallow depth the water warms up quickly.
- Cycling and walking: the circuit of the lake, around 25 kilometres, is a popular flat cycle route. Walkers can pick sections of it, or take the panorama path from Einsiedeln.
- Water sports: stand-up paddling, canoeing, sailing and fishing are all possible.
- Viaducts: the two road bridges across the lake make photo subjects against a mountain backdrop.
- Winter: in cold winters the lake partly freezes over.
How the lake came to be
Lake Sihl is not a natural lake. In the 1930s the River Sihl was dammed at Einsiedeln to generate electricity for the railways, and since 1937 the water has filled the broad valley floor. Farms, hamlets and parts of the existing villages had to make way for it, an intervention that shaped the region deeply and is still present in the memory of local families.
Part of the water is not sent down the Sihl but through a tunnel to Lake Zurich, where it is used to generate electricity. The lake is thus a piece of engineering that has settled into the landscape over the decades and today belongs to the picture of Einsiedeln as a matter of course.
Around the lake
Because the shores are flat and the lake lies in an open plain, the landscape feels wide and bright, with the Mythen as a backdrop. The circuit suits cycling well, and since the route has hardly any climbs it is manageable with children too.
Around the lake lie bogs and fens that are protected. They are among the most valuable habitats in the canton, so it is important to keep to the marked paths. In cold winters the lake partly freezes and the plain turns into a vast white expanse.
Tip: The raised bogs around the lake are protected. Please keep to the marked paths.
Getting there
S-Bahn to Einsiedeln, then bus to Willerzell or Euthal. By car via Einsiedeln.
From Zurich the lake is a little over an hour away, which makes it a popular half-day trip. If you are bringing bikes, allow for the capacity of the S-Bahn; there are hire options locally. Bathing spots include Willerzell and Euthal.
Public transport: Train to Einsiedeln, bus to Willerzell or Euthal.
