Things looked bad for the Uri Reuss Delta until the early eighties: metre by metre, the shoreline was disappearing into the lake. Thanks to the Reuss Delta Act of 1985, a balance has been found between moderate gravel extraction, natural habitats and shallow water areas for flora and fauna as well as touristic use.

Replenished by 3.3 million tonnes of rock from the Gotthard railway base tunnel, the small group of islands is one of the major attractions in and around Lake Lucerne. On hot summer days in particular, you can get a real South Pacific feeling on the “Lorelei” bathing islands. Large, flat rocks provide an ideal place to sunbathe and linger a while with friends – the largest block comes from the Gotthard Base Tunnel and is a reminder of the material’s origin. Fine sand covers the coarse tunnel gravel of the bathing islands, which can only be reached by swimming across. Out of consideration for the flora and fauna of the Reuss Delta, only the Lorelei islands and the designated bathing areas may be used.

It costs nothing to swim in the Reuss Delta, and sanitary facilities such as toilet blocks and outdoor showers are available.

Getting there: By train or boat to Flüelen, no parking available.