Though summer is nearly over, there’s still some time to relax at one of Switzerland’s great water parks. Many parks offer something for thrill-seekers and doggy-paddlers alike, with locations across many different Swiss cantons.
While water parks are a great place to cool off during the summer, many parks also have heated pools and can be enjoyed into the autumn and winter as well. Here are five of the best water parks Switzerland has to offer!
Located in Canton Bern, the Bernaqua water park is one of the largest and most well-known parks of its kind in Switzerland. The complex is home to a number of different swimming pools, slides and spa experiences.
Aside from being a water park, Bernaqua also has a gym, mixed-gender and female-only saunas and plenty of activities for kids too! Alongside the amazing day activities, the centre takes bookings for large groups and children’s parties, making it a great venue for a group day out!
Video: YouTube / Bernaqua
At Lido Locarno, you can have the best of both worlds with outdoor swimming in the summer and heated indoor pools in the winter! Thanks to its location on one of the most beautiful Swiss lakes, the lido is surrounded by a spectacular backdrop with rugged mountains and the dazzling Lake Maggiore nearby.
The lido itself has several different pools that fulfil different functions, while the indoor complex is home to slides and water-fitness classes. Outside during the summer, it is also possible to take part in activities on the nearby Lake Maggiore, such as canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Near the French border in Canton Valais lies Aquaparc - home to everything an adrenaline junkie could dream of! The park has 18 different attractions and water slides, with their difficulty ranging from easy to thrilling, meaning there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Most of the attractions at Aquaparc have minimum height restrictions, meaning that some rides won’t be suitable for smaller children, but there are at least two major attractions that are not height-restricted. The pools are heated to around 28 degrees, making the park seem tropical even when the weather is cold!
Video: YouTube / Aquaparc - Le Bouveret
As one of the top destinations for luxury, the Swiss ski resort of Davos offers a lot in terms of spa experiences. At Eau-là-là, relaxation rituals and the fun of a water park combine! While the centre is a favourite with grown-ups trying to wind down after work, there are a number of children’s activities that take place on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons!
In terms of services, Eau-là-là has it all - the on-site spa offers massages, a silent room and a number of different saunas too. After a few hours here, you’ll surely feel refreshed, relaxed and at ease. Be sure to check out the outdoor heated pool for a stunning view of the Alps, even in wintertime!
Around 30 minutes outside of Zurich lies Switzerland’s largest water park, Alpamare. The park has 12 rides whose combined length makes for more than 2.100 metres of water slides, as well as lots of different types of pools and underwater attractions.
For starters, the complex has four different pools, each with its own unique features and themes. Alpamare also boasts great water slides, each with its own theme and varying degrees of difficulty. Finally, after all that swimming, the resort has just what you need - two on-site restaurants to satisfy your hunger!
Now you know where to go, it’s time to pack your swimsuit and head on down to one of Switzerland's great water parks! Don't forget to check dress codes and swimming timetables before you leave!