Lake of Gruýère (French: Lac de la Gruyère) is an artificial reservoir situated in the district of Gruyère, in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. The lake lies in the Saane/Sarine river valley, approximately 5 km east of the historic town of Gruyères.
Geography
- Location: Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland; coordinates roughly 46°41′ N, 7°03′ E.
- Type: Reservoir (artificial lake).
- Surface area: Approximately 8.5 km² (3.3 sq mi).
- Maximum depth: Around 50 m (164 ft).
- Elevation: About 677 m (2,221 ft) above sea level.
- Catchment area: The lake receives water primarily from the Saane/Sarine river and several smaller tributaries in the Gruyère valley.
History
The lake was created as part of a hydro‑electric development project undertaken by Groupe E (formerly BKW/Alpiq). Construction of the dam and the associated reservoir began in the late 1940s and was completed in 1948. The primary purpose of the reservoir is to generate electricity, although it also serves flood‑control and water‑storage functions for the region.
Hydrology
- Inflow and outflow: Both are through the Saane/Sarine river, which is regulated by the lake’s dam.
- Water management: Water levels are manipulated to meet seasonal electricity demand and to maintain ecological flow downstream. The reservoir’s capacity allows for regulation of river discharge during periods of high precipitation.
Usage
- Hydroelectric power: The dam houses a conventional hydro‑electric power station with an installed capacity of roughly 40 MW, contributing to the regional electricity supply.
- Recreation: The lake is a popular site for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing (particularly for trout and pike), and lakeside hiking. Several marinas and picnic areas are located on its shores.
- Tourism: Proximity to the medieval town of Gruyères, known for its cheese production and castle, makes the lake a frequent stop for tourists exploring the region.
Ecology
The reservoir supports a variety of freshwater fish species, and its littoral zones host typical Alpine aquatic vegetation. Bird species such as the common merganser and little grebe are observed seasonally. Water quality is monitored regularly by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment to ensure compliance with national standards for drinking‑water sources and ecological health.
Access
Roads connecting the towns of Bulle and Gruyères provide access to the lake’s northern and eastern shores. Public transport options include regional bus services from Bulle that stop at designated lakeside points. Several hiking trails encircle the reservoir, offering scenic views of the surrounding Pre‑Alpine landscape.
References
- Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) – “Lakes and Reservoirs of Switzerland” database.
- Groupe E – Technical reports on hydro‑electric installations in the Saane/Sarine basin.
- Cantonal Office of Spatial Planning, Fribourg – Geographic information system (GIS) data on surface water bodies.
No speculative or unverified information is presented in this entry.