Alpine Lake Swimming in Arosa

Swimming in Arosa takes place in a setting that few lowland lakes can match. The village sits between two natural lakes, the Obersee and the Untersee, both formed by ancient subsidence and rockslides, surrounded by alpine peaks and forest. The Strandbad Untersee is the primary swimming destination, offering a fully equipped lido with sandy beach, sunbathing lawns, diving platforms and a heated children's pool. The season runs daily from May to October, and entry is free for holders of the Arosa Card (available to all overnight guests). Whether you want a refreshing dip after a morning hike, a full afternoon by the water with the family, or simply a quiet spot to read in the mountain sun, Arosa's lakes provide a natural counterpoint to the surrounding alpine adventure.

Strandbad Untersee

The Strandbad Untersee is Arosa's main bathing facility, located on the shores of the Untersee at around 1,691 metres above sea level. The lido features a sandy beach area, a large sunbathing lawn, sun boards, and a 50-metre swimming lane marked out in the lake. Two diving platforms at 1 and 3 metres provide options for those who enjoy jumping. The water is natural mountain lake water, refreshingly cold, typically around 16°C in summer, making every swim a genuine wake-up call surrounded 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 earliest days, the lake was reserved for men, while women had to swim in the colder Obersee.

For families, the solar-heated paddling pool with water play figures is a standout feature, offering warmer water 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 from its sun terrace, making it easy to settle in for a full day. Changing cabins in a traditional style add to the character of the place, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. The lido opens daily from 10 a.m. during the summer season.

Obersee

The Obersee sits at 1,739 metres, slightly higher and closer to the train station at the entrance to the village. It is the larger of Arosa's two lakes, with a surface area of around 7 hectares. While the Obersee does not have a dedicated swimming facility like the Strandbad, it offers a different kind of lake experience. During summer, pedal boats and rowing boats are available for hire, and a water show takes place several times a week. The lake is also an important habitat for water birds and diving ducks, making it a pleasant spot for a lakeside walk. For visitors who prefer a more contemplative relationship with the water, the Obersee promenade provides benches and views across the lake to the surrounding mountains.

The Arosa Card and Summer Activities

Lake swimming in Arosa fits naturally into a broader summer programme. The Arosa Card, provided free to all overnight guests from 30 May to 25 October 2026, includes entry to the Strandbad Untersee, use of pedal boats on the Obersee, free rides on the mountain cable cars and local buses, and access to a range of other activities including the driving range at the Golf Club Arosa and the indoor ice sports hall. This makes it straightforward to combine a morning on the lake with an afternoon on the mountain, or to alternate swimming days with hiking, biking or visits to the Arosa Bärenland bear sanctuary. Day guests can purchase the Arosa Card from Arosa Tourism for CHF 50 per person.

Practical Information

The Strandbad Untersee is open daily from May to October, from 10 a.m. Entry is free with the Arosa Card. The lido is accessible by local bus (Untersee stop) or on foot from the village centre, and parking is available at the nearby Ochsenbühl parking garage with a limited number of spaces directly at the entrance to the Strandbad. No advance booking is required. The water temperature varies through the season but expect genuinely cold alpine lake water, so a gradual entry is advisable for those not accustomed to open water swimming at altitude. Sun protection is important as UV exposure increases with elevation. The Restaurant Strandbad provides food and refreshments throughout the day, so there is no need to pack provisions for a full day at the lake.

Hotel Altein and Lake Swimming

Hotel Altein is well positioned for guests looking to enjoy Arosa's lakes during a summer stay. The Strandbad Untersee is a short walk or bus ride from the hotel, and overnight guests automatically receive the Arosa Card, which includes free entry to the lido and boat hire on the Obersee. After a swim in the bracing lake water, the hotel's wellness area offers a warming contrast, with saunas and relaxation spaces to bring body temperature back to comfortable levels. The hotel's restaurant serves lunch and dinner, making it easy to plan a day that moves from lake to table to spa without complication.

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