Lac de la Gruyère
Freiburg
Lake of Gruyère, located in the Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, is an artificial reservoir created in 1948 by the construction of the Rossens Dam on the Sarine river. Stretching 13.5 km, it is the longest reservoir in Switzerland and the third largest by volume. The lake features several islets, including Île d'Ogoz, which hosts the remains of the medieval Pont castle and a chapel, enriching the lake's cultural landscape. The dam itself is an impressive arch structure, standing 83 meters tall with a crest length of 320 meters, operated by Groupe E SA. The lake's surrounding region blends natural beauty with infrastructure, including the Viaduc du Lac de Gruyère of the A12 motorway, a 2043-meter-long bridge crossing multiple valleys and lake arms. The lake's water levels fluctuate seasonally to support hydroelectric power generation, with winter drawdowns and summer refills. The Broc area near the lake is a protected wetland important for migratory birds, recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Recreational activities include swimming at designated beaches and boating from small docks, though no scheduled passenger shipping operates on the lake. The lake is bordered by picturesque hills and mountains, such as La Berra, and is accessible via major roads and highways, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Lake of Gruyère is during late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild, and water levels are stable for recreational activities. Visitors are advised to check local conditions as water levels fluctuate seasonally due to hydroelectric operations. While there is no regular passenger boat service, small boat rentals and swimming spots are available. Purchasing tickets or passes for nearby attractions such as the castle ruins on Île d'Ogoz in advance is recommended during peak season. Birdwatchers should visit the Broc wetland area for optimal viewing, especially during migration periods. Parking and access are facilitated by nearby roads and the A12 motorway viaduct.
Interessante Fakten
- •Lake of Gruyère is the longest reservoir in Switzerland at 13.5 km in length.
- •The Rossens Dam is an 83-meter-high arch dam completed in 1948.
- •The lake contains five islets, including Île d'Ogoz with medieval castle ruins and a chapel.
- •The Viaduc du Lac de Gruyère is a 2043-meter-long motorway bridge crossing parts of the lake.
- •The Broc wetland area at the lake is a Ramsar-designated bird protection zone, important for migratory birds.
Geschichte
The Lake of Gruyère was formed following the decision by the Freiburg Grand Council in 1943 to build the Hauterive hydroelectric power plant and the Rossens arch dam, completed in 1948.
Construction began in 1944 and involved up to a thousand workers at peak times.
The reservoir filled over four months during the spring snowmelt and was inaugurated in October 1948.
The lake's name was chosen by public vote, with 'Lac de la Gruyère' officially adopted in July 1948.
Since its creation, the lake has been managed to regulate water levels for power generation, with seasonal fluctuations impacting local ecosystems and infrastructure.
Notably, in July 2021, extreme flooding caused temporary closures of lakeside hiking paths due to high water levels.
Ortsführer
Île d'OgozMedieval period
An island in Lake of Gruyère featuring the ruins of the medieval Pont castle and an adjacent chapel, offering a glimpse into the region's medieval history and picturesque views over the lake.
Rossens Dam1948
The arch dam that created Lake of Gruyère, standing 83 meters tall with a crest length of 320 meters. It plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power production and flood control in the region.
Viaduc du Lac de Gruyère1970s
A 2043-meter-long motorway viaduct built in the 1970s that crosses three valleys and two arms of the lake, facilitating regional transportation and offering impressive views of the reservoir.
Broc Wetland Nature Reserve
A nationally significant shallow water area at the lake's Broc section, designated as a bird protection zone under the Ramsar Convention, important for many migratory species.
