Gletterens Beach: the fine sand of Lake Neuchâtel with family

A fine sandy beach by Lake Neuchâtel

In Gletterens, in the Fribourg Broye, Lake Neuchâtel offers you one of its prettiest swimming spots. The fine sandy beach – a true rarity in Switzerland – gently slopes down to shallow water, which reassures parents when the little ones want to dip their toes. All around stretches the Grande Cariçaie, the largest wetland area in the country, with its reed beds and birds. People come here for a simple day: a towel on the sand, a castle to build, and the lake as far as the eye can see. The Gletterens Beach remains a natural and tranquil place, far from large infrastructures, perfect for relaxing with family.

What your children will discover

A large expanse of fine sand where they can dig, build, and splash endlessly. The water, which stays shallow for a long time, allows young children to play at the edge in complete serenity, under your watchful eye. The more curious will observe the birds of the nearby Grande Cariçaie, the dragonflies, and the reeds lining the shore. It’s also a great spot for a sunny picnic, a game of beach paddles, or a refreshing swim on hot summer days.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, without the hustle and bustle of large developed beaches. You spread your towel on the sand or grass, alternate between swimming and games, and enjoy the calm of the lake. Small cabins serve as changing rooms and toilets, and a shower allows you to rinse off after swimming. There is no refreshment stand on site: you should bring your picnic, knowing that a Volg store is about a 5-minute walk in the village. The beach is ideal for a half-day or a full day, at the leisurely pace of families.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, under constant supervision near the water; enjoyable at any age.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach. Paid parking (approx. CHF 1.-/hour or CHF 8.-/day, to be confirmed on site).
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: sandy terrain not very suitable for strollers; access to the shore to be confirmed.
• Transport: by car via Route des Grèves; by bus to the stop "Gletterens, Lac". Parking at Route des Grèves or Pré de Riva (approx. 7 min walk).
• What to bring: sunscreen, hats, picnic, water, armbands for little ones. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the beach.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, to enjoy swimming.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot days: parking and shady spots fill up quickly.
• Bring an umbrella or shelter: the beach is open and has little shade.
• Keep young children within reach; the water rises gradually but the lake remains a natural body of water.
• Bring all your supplies: there is no refreshment stand, only the village's Volg a few minutes away.
• Enjoy a short walk in the nearby Grande Cariçaie to observe the birds with the children.

Useful information

• Address: Route des Grèves, 1544 Gletterens (Canton of Fribourg).
• Official site: tourist information on fribourg.ch (Estavayer / Payerne region); check access and parking conditions.
• Hours: beach open access; no closing time communicated (to be confirmed).
• Access: car via Route des Grèves, bus stop "Gletterens, Lac", parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Gletterens.

Why we recommend it

Because it brings together what families are looking for: real fine sand, reassuring shallow water for little ones, free access, and a preserved natural setting by Lake Neuchâtel. It’s a simple and authentic beach, perfect for a hassle-free day, complemented by a visit to the nearby lakeside village.

In two words

A free and family-friendly fine sandy beach on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, ideal for splashing around and enjoying the Fribourg nature in summer.