Switzerland is famous for its clean nature – and for its outstanding tap water. With our interactive map, you can quickly find all public drinking fountains, water dispensers and refill spots in cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva or in popular hiking regions like the Bernese Oberland and the Valais.
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Drinking fountains in Switzerland – public water points in Zurich, Geneva & Bern
Switzerland is known for its outstanding water quality – and that applies not just to tap water at home. In cities like Zurich, Geneva and Bern, you'll find numerous public drinking fountains where you can refill your bottle for free on the go. For tourists, city visitors and commuters alike, this is a genuine advantage: instead of buying expensive water at a supermarket or kiosk, you can fill up on the way to a museum, at a train station or in a park.
Zurich in particular has an exceptionally dense network of fountains. The city operates over 1,200 drinking fountains, many with official drinking water certification. In Bern and Geneva it's much the same: walk through the old town or along the rivers and you'll regularly pass a water dispenser, usually in the classic city fountain style.
The Watrify map for Switzerland shows at a glance where you can refill for free – covering both officially registered drinking fountains and community-reported water points. Whether you're at the lakefront in Lausanne or strolling through Basel's city centre, the map shows the nearest water point near you.
Refilling water while hiking in the Swiss Alps
Hikers in Switzerland know: water isn't always available – and all the more valuable when you can refill on the go. In the Swiss Alps – the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden or the Valais – many hiking routes pass drinking water sources or mountain fountains. Some are right at mountain huts, others at cable car stations or even mid-trail.
On longer hikes or multi-day tours, knowing where safe drinking water is available matters. Many natural springs look inviting but are not officially certified as drinkable. To be safe, stick to labelled water points – or carry a water filter or UV pen as a backup.
Our interactive map helps you plan ahead: check before your tour where drinking fountains or refill options are marked along your route. In popular hiking regions like the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Engadin or around Lake Lucerne, public water sources appear regularly – some at car parks, others mid-trail. Many Swiss SAC mountain huts also provide free drinking water to guests during the summer season.
In strong heat or at altitude, drinking regularly is essential. Refill your bottle at every opportunity – or use the Watrify app to find drinking water points in the mountains on the go.
Drinking water for campers, vanlife & campsites in Switzerland
Travelling by campervan, motorhome or tent in Switzerland? Water supply is a key consideration – especially if you want to travel independently. The good news: many campsites, rest areas and even some public car parks in Switzerland offer drinking water connections or taps accessible to passing travellers.
Popular routes along the lakes – around Lake Zurich, Lake Thun or Lake Geneva – are well equipped with service stations where you can refill water, dispose of grey water and sometimes even charge. In cantons like Ticino, Vaud and Appenzell, many municipalities invest in good infrastructure for sustainable tourism.
Wild camping spots or official motorhome stopovers sometimes also have water connections. Always check in advance whether the water is certified as drinkable – not every source is tested. The Watrify map only shows water points that are either officially confirmed or flagged by community members as drinking water.
Vanlife tip: always carry a foldable water canister and fill it whenever you can. In rural areas there can be longer stretches without a water dispenser – especially in warm weather, having reserves matters.
Refill spots at train stations, parks & tourist attractions
Switzerland has public water points at many train stations, parks and popular attractions. At busy hubs like Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Lausanne station or Geneva Cornavin, modern drinking fountains are permanently installed – free and reliable.
Urban parks also have numerous water sources. The Rosengarten in Bern, the English Garden in Geneva or the lakeside promenade in Zurich offer clean water for refilling, many clearly signposted.
Popular day trip destinations – the Rhine Falls, Château de Chillon or the UN campus in Geneva – tend to have easily accessible water dispensers nearby. In summer, it's worth building these into your sightseeing plan from the start.
The high density of drinking fountains in Swiss cities makes Switzerland a leader in sustainable water provision. Travelling light means no heavy bottles to carry – just refill and move on, completely waste-free.
Cycling & bikepacking in Switzerland
Whether a leisurely ride or a serious bikepacking adventure, Switzerland keeps you well supplied on two wheels. Many cycle paths and mountain bike routes pass public drinking water points, so you can refill regularly without detours.
The Rhone Route, the Lake Constance Cycle Path and the Alpine Panorama Route all offer water stops – at train stations, village squares and sports facilities. In more remote areas like the Bernese Oberland or Graubünden, spring water fountains near SAC huts or car parks appear regularly.
Gravel cyclists should still plan ahead – not every fountain runs water consistently. Many bikepacking travellers use apps or maps with water points marked – like the Watrify map – to build refill stops into their route from the start.
In cities like Zurich, Basel or Lucerne, modern sensor-operated dispensers make refilling quick and hygienic – ideal for a short break or the start of the next leg.
Drinking water in winter – ski resorts, spas & winter hiking
Staying hydrated matters in winter too. Skiing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking all cause the body to lose fluid – often without noticing. However, many drinking fountains freeze in winter or are switched off.
In major ski resorts like Zermatt, Davos or Flims-Laax, some water dispensers remain in operation year-round – heated or otherwise protected against frost. You'll find them most reliably near valley stations, car parks and mountain restaurants.
Spa towns like Leukerbad and Bad Ragaz have publicly accessible mineral water sources that are maintained year-round and safe to use even in winter.
On groomed winter walking routes – in the Engadin, Toggenburg or around Gstaad – rest areas with fountains appear regularly. That said, always carry some water reserve in winter in case a source is closed.
Continuing into France?
Travelling from Switzerland into France – via Geneva, Basel or the western cantons – our map covers those regions too, from the French Alps to Lyon and Grenoble. Ideal for bikepacking, hiking or camping: Drinking fountains in France – map & tips
Is tap water safe to drink in Switzerland?
Tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink virtually everywhere – and ranks among the cleanest in the world. Around 80% comes from natural springs and groundwater, the rest from lakes. Quality is regularly monitored and meets the highest standards.
In cities like Zurich, Geneva and Bern, you can drink straight from the tap without hesitation. The same applies to most smaller municipalities and mountain regions. The water is not only safe – it often tastes fresh and soft. Many locals rarely buy bottled water as a result.
In some regions with harder water – such as the Jura or the Mittelland – there may be slight taste differences, but quality is unaffected. In very old holiday properties with older pipes, running the tap briefly before drinking is a sensible precaution.
In hotels, holiday apartments and at campsites, tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink without hesitation. Only very remote mountain huts or alpine pastures occasionally display a "Kein Trinkwasser" (not drinking water) notice – and these are always clearly labelled.
Bottom line: whether you're hiking, in the city or camping in Switzerland – fill your bottle from the tap and don't worry. It saves money, avoids plastic and makes travelling much easier.
Frequently asked questions about free drinking water in Switzerland
Yes, on almost all campsites in Switzerland the tap water is drinkable. It is regularly tested and meets high quality standards. If a source is not suitable for drinking, it is clearly labelled "Kein Trinkwasser" (not drinking water).
Yes – Zurich has an exceptionally dense network of over 1,200 public drinking fountains. Geneva and other Swiss cities also have many water points, often in parks, along promenades and near tourist attractions.
Many hiking routes, especially in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden, pass mountain huts, alpine pastures or natural fountains. The Watrify map shows where you can refill in the mountains – including in more remote areas.
Some, but not all. In ski resorts like Davos, Arosa or Zermatt, some fountains remain active year-round. Many are switched off in winter. Spa towns and train stations usually have water dispensers available all year.
Hi, I'm Jan – technology enthusiast, outdoor person and the solo developer behind Watrify. I built Watrify because I kept asking the same question on every hike, bike trip and road trip: where can I refill my water bottle? The answer was always out there – it just wasn't easy to find. Watrify changes that.