Paddleboarding in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and serene waters and offers an array of activities for nature enthusiasts.

These last years, paddleboarding has greatly gained in popularity. Paddleboarding is a unique and immersive way to explore the country’s stunning lakes.

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One great paddleboarding itinerary is located between Cheyres and Yvonand. Your journey will start in Cheyres and will end in Yvonand, granted the weather conditions are nice, but this paddleboarding outing should take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on your paddleboarding level and physical condition.

View of the port and beach of Cheyres — View of the port and the beach of Cheyres

How to reach Cheyres

Cheyres is a town in the canton of Fribourg located along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.

The easiest way to reach Cheyres is by train or by car.

- By train : For reference, Cheyres is a short 11 min train ride from the train station of Yverdon and a 44 min ride from the train station of Lausanne depending on the connection you choose. You can check your train options with this link.
  From the train station, it’s about a 5 min walk to the port.
- By car : You’ll be able to find parking in Cheyres, however from what I gather parking is not free, so you’ll have to account for that.

At the port of Cheyres, you’ll be pleased to find showers, and toilets for free. Plus the beach in Cheyres is a beautiful sandy beach.

Once all your gear is prepared and you’ve taken all the appropriate safety measures, you’ll want to head left in the direction of the town of Yvonand.

The Route

The journey starts in Cheyres, a quaint village nestled on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. With its historical charm and captivating surroundings, Cheyres serves as an ideal starting point for your paddleboarding escapade.

Please beware of winds and weather conditions and make sure you’ve checked everything before you’ve decided to head in the water. Bad conditions can make the journey very hard, but also very dangerous as well.

The route is pretty straightforward from Cheyres. You’ll want to take left in the direction of the town of Yvonand until you reach the beach of Yvonand.

This paddleboard itinerary is mesmerizing on a bright sunny day the water should be turquoise and resemble the warm waters of the caribbean.

The distance is approximately 15 kilometers long and should take approximately an hour depending on your paddleboarding level.

NB : I would not advise this route for beginner paddleboarders, as you do have to paddle for at least an hour before you arrive to Yvonand.

As you paddle your way towards Yvonand, the journey is not just about the destination but also the experiences along the way.

view of the beach of yvonand — Arriving at the beach in Yvonand

view from the beach in yvonand — View from the beach in Yvonand

You might encounter graceful swans gliding beside you. The occasional fish leaping out of the water adds an element of surprise to the journey.

As you near Yvonand, the landscape gradually transforms, offering a different perspective of Lake Neuchâtel’s beauty.

Yvonand is known for its sandy beaches and inviting waters, making it a perfect spot to conclude your paddleboarding adventure. I do have to warn you that even though the beach is made of sand there are a few pebbles in the water, so make sure to bring water shoes as well.

As you paddle closer to the town, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, having navigated the distance between Cheyres and Yvonand under your own power.

Yvonand’s charm is sure to captivate you. The town’s friendly atmosphere and relaxed pace invite you to explore its streets, perhaps indulging in local cuisine or simply unwinding by the lakeside.

Conclusion

Paddleboarding from Cheyres to Yvonand is not just a physical journey but also a meditative experience that allows you to connect with the natural beauty of Switzerland. The ever-changing scenery, and the sense of accomplishment as you reach your destination all contribute to making this journey a great adventure.