Alpine Lake Swimming in Arosa
Swimming in Arosa takes placein a setting that few lowland lakes can match. The village sits between twonatural lakes, the Obersee and the Untersee, both formed by ancient subsidenceand rockslides, surrounded by alpine peaks and forest. The Strandbad Unterseeis the primary swimming destination, offering a fully equipped lido with sandybeach, sunbathing lawns, diving platforms and a heated children's pool. Theseason runs daily from May to October, and entry is free for holders of theArosa Card (available to all overnight guests). Whether you want a refreshingdip after a morning hike, a full afternoon by the water with the family, orsimply a quiet spot to read in the mountain sun, Arosa's lakes provide anatural counterpoint to the surrounding alpine adventure.
Strandbad Untersee
The Strandbad Untersee isArosa's main bathing facility, located on the shores of the Untersee at around1,691 metres above sea level. The lido features a sandy beach area, a largesunbathing lawn, sun boards, and a 50-metre swimming lane marked out in thelake. Two diving platforms at 1 and 3 metres provide options for those whoenjoy jumping. The water is natural mountain lake water, refreshingly cold,typically around 16°C in summer, making every swim a genuine wake-up callsurrounded by panoramic views. Bathing by the Untersee has a long tradition:the lido has been in use since the early 20th century, though in its earliestdays, the lake was reserved for men, while women had to swim in the colderObersee.
For families, the solar-heatedpaddling pool with water play figures is a standout feature, offering warmerwater for younger children who may find the lake temperature too bracing.Beyond swimming, the Strandbad provides a beach volleyball court, table tennis,a boccia alley, a children's playground and a floating trampoline on the lake.The on-site Restaurant Strandbad serves food, cold drinks and ice cream fromits sun terrace, making it easy to settle in for a full day. Changing cabins ina traditional style add to the character of the place, and the overallatmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. The lido opens daily from 10 a.m. duringthe summer season.
Obersee
The Obersee sits at 1,739metres, slightly higher and closer to the train station at the entrance to thevillage. It is the larger of Arosa's two lakes, with a surface area of around 7hectares. While the Obersee does not have a dedicated swimming facility likethe Strandbad, it offers a different kind of lake experience. During summer,pedal boats and rowing boats are available for hire, and a water show takesplace several times a week. The lake is also an important habitat for waterbirds and diving ducks, making it a pleasant spot for a lakeside walk. Forvisitors who prefer a more contemplative relationship with the water, theObersee promenade provides benches and views across the lake to the surroundingmountains.
The Arosa Card and Summer Activities
Lake swimming in Arosa fitsnaturally into a broader summer programme. The Arosa Card, provided free to allovernight guests from mid-June to mid-October, includes entry to the StrandbadUntersee, use of pedal boats on the Obersee, free rides on the mountain cablecars and local buses, and access to a range of other activities including thedriving range at the Golf Club Arosa and the indoor ice sports hall. This makesit straightforward to combine a morning on the lake with an afternoon on themountain, or to alternate swimming days with hiking, biking or visits to theArosa Barenland bear sanctuary. Day guests can purchase the Arosa Card fromArosa Tourism for CHF 50 per person.
Practical Information
The Strandbad Untersee is opendaily from May to October, from 10 a.m. Entry is free with the Arosa Card. Thelido is accessible by local bus (Untersee stop) or on foot from the villagecentre, and parking is available at the nearby Ochsenbühl parking garage with alimited number of spaces directly at the entrance to the Strandbad. No advancebooking is required. The water temperature varies through the season but expectgenuinely cold alpine lake water, so a gradual entry is advisable for those notaccustomed to open water swimming at altitude. Sun protection is important asUV exposure increases with elevation. The Restaurant Strandbad provides foodand refreshments throughout the day, so there is no need to pack provisions fora full day at the lake.
Hotel Altein and Lake Swimming
Hotel Altein is well positionedfor guests looking to enjoy Arosa's lakes during a summer stay. The StrandbadUntersee is a short walk or bus ride from the hotel, and overnight guestsautomatically receive the Arosa Card, which includes free entry to the lido andboat hire on the Obersee. After a swim in the bracing lake water, the hotel'swellness area offers a warming contrast, with saunas and relaxation spaces tobring body temperature back to comfortable levels. The hotel's restaurantserves lunch and dinner, making it easy to plan a day that moves from lake totable to spa without complication.
