Engstlensee, natural lake used as a reservoir in the municipality of Innertkirchen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Engstlensee is a mountain lake in the canton of Bern situated about 1851 meters above sea level in a narrow valley. The lake covers about 0.44 square kilometers and reaches almost 50 meters in depth at its deepest point, allowing it to hold over 10 million cubic meters of water.
The lake has been used for electricity generation for more than a century, feeding several hydroelectric power stations including Fuhren, Hopflauenen, and Innertkirchen. This long-standing use made it a key part of regional energy supply and shaped the landscape for many decades.
The name Engstlensee refers to the narrow valley shape where the lake sits. Visitors today can observe how water from the lake remains central to life in the surrounding villages and how people depend on its resources.
The lake can be reached on foot from nearby Joch Pass or by gondola from places like Titlis. Visitors should be prepared for cold mountain air and the exposed location, as the lake offers little shelter from wind and weather.
Water from the lake travels through tunnels hidden inside the mountains and drives turbines in power stations far below. This hidden infrastructure shows how the lake's water takes an invisible journey to bring electricity to the region.
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