Sihlsee, Reservoir in Schwyz, Switzerland
Description
Sihlsee is a reservoir in the canton of Schwyz near Einsiedeln, covering an area of more than 11 square kilometers and reaching a depth of 17 meters. The water lies at an elevation of 880 meters and stretches about 8.5 kilometers through the upper Sihl valley.
History
The reservoir was built in 1937, requiring the relocation of more than 1,700 people and the abandonment of over 100 farms. The facility was created to supply the Etzelwerk power station, which generates electricity for the Swiss Federal Railways.
Culture
The name comes from the Sihl River, which was dammed to form this body of water that now defines the surrounding landscape. Local people walk and cycle along the shoreline paths, while the forested slopes of the Etzel rise in the background.
Practical
Several shoreline paths and viewpoints are accessible from the surrounding area and offer opportunities to explore the water. The region is suitable for walking and cycling, with trails of varying length and sometimes uneven terrain.
Did you know?
The reservoir was considered the largest artificial lake in Switzerland when completed and fundamentally changed the upper Sihl valley. Today, old photographs still show the villages and fields that were submerged at the time.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Schwyz).
Territorial Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln
2.7 km
Devil's Bridge
5.8 km
Monastery in the Au
4.1 km
Panorama Einsiedeln
3.1 km
Chörnlisegg
5.7 km
Gueteregg
5 km
Viertelskirche St. Stefan
4.9 km
Viertelskirche Johannes der Täufer
5 km
Viertelskirche St. Sebastian
5.4 km
St. Gangulf Chapel
2.8 km
St. Nepomuk Parish Church
539 m
Wildegg
6 km
St. Josef Chapel
3.5 km
Friedhof Einsiedeln
2.4 km
St. Ottilien chapel
5.5 km
Stiftung Bibliothek Werner Oechslin
2.8 km
Klostermühle House
3.3 km
Chärnehus
3.2 km
City hall
2.8 km
Stiftsbibliothek Einsiedeln
2.6 km
Altes Schulhaus
2.8 km
Haus zur Ilge, Einsiedeln
2.8 km
Lebkuchenmuseum Goldapfel
2.9 km
Monastery archive Benedictine Abbey Einsiedeln
2.6 km
Sihltal House
6 km
Villa Oechslin
2.9 km
Tüfelsbrugg House
5.7 km
Tulipan House
2.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes