Rotsee

Lake Natural lake near Lucerne renowned for rowing regattas

Long, narrow lake near Lucerne famous to rowers for its sheltered, low‑wind waters; hosts regattas and training. Visitors walk lakeside trails, watch rowing events and enjoy views of surrounding hills.

Main image

Rotsee is a narrow freshwater lake in the Canton of Lucerne near the city of Lucerne and is widely used as a competitive rowing venue. The lake is approximately 2.5 kilometres long and is prized for its sheltered, calm water.

The lake hosts rowing clubs and regattas and provides a straight course suitable for standard 2,000-metre races. Its quiet shores and tree-lined edges make it a popular local recreational spot outside of organised events.

Rotsee is a natural lake formed after the last glacial period and has been used for sport and recreation for over a century. Its role as a regular regatta venue has given it national and international recognition among rowing communities.

The lake lies a short distance northeast of the city of Lucerne, set in a low-lying valley with hills and woodland around its shores.

  • Rowing venue: Known for exceptionally calm water that is well suited to rowing - many national and international regattas use the lake's 2,000-metre racing distance.
  • Best vantage point: Best viewed from the western shoreline and small spectator areas when events are held in spring and early summer.
Rotsee
Rotsee, near Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland (no street address)
47.0697, 8.3137

How to Get to Rotsee #

Rotsee is south of Lucerne and is accessible by regional bus (e.g., S-Bahn to Ebikon) or car. It’s a short walk from local transport stops; consult local timetables for the best connections.

Tips for Visiting Rotsee #

  • If rowing is the goal, check local rowing-club schedules - the Rotsee hosts national and international regattas and access may be limited during events.
  • Walk the lakeshore early in the morning for still water and a view of classic sculling practice - the light is famously good for photography.
  • Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to catch scullers slicing the lake; races are often decided by a few centimeters and make for absorbing watching.

Best Time to Visit Rotsee #

Summer and late spring/early autumn are best for seeing rowing activity and enjoying lakeside walks.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Calm water and the peak season for rowing; regatta schedules frequent.
Late Spring/Early Autumn
May, September · 10-20°C
Quieter water with pleasant temperatures for walking and watching.

Weather & Climate near Rotsee #

Climate

Rotsee's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1290 mm/year), wettest in June.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
14.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Rotsee