Lac de Joux

Lac de Joux is a large lake in the Vallée de Joux nestled at around 1000 meters elevation in the Swiss Alps. The water surface is surrounded by forests and rolling hillsides that give the valley its distinctive mountain character.

Human settlements around the lake go back to prehistoric times, when early communities first used the water for survival. Over the centuries, the communities in the valley adapted to life in this high mountain environment.

The settlements around the lake form the heart of local life and recreation in the valley. People have always relied on its waters and the surrounding landscape for their daily activities and sense of place.

The lake can be reached from several small villages located along its shores, each offering pathways and access to the water. Visitors will find parking areas, walking trails, and simple entry points distributed around the perimeter.

The water drains underground through hidden channels that form part of the karst system in the surrounding Jura hills. These subterranean pathways shape the landscape in ways visitors cannot see from the surface.