Lake of Lucerne

Lucerne, Lake of,

Ger. Vierwaldstätter See, irregular-shaped lake, 44 sq mi (114 sq km), central Switzerland. It has a maximum depth of c.700 ft (210 m). The lake is fed and drained by the Reuss River. Surrounded by mountains, the Lake of Lucerne is noted for its scenic beauty; many resort towns are along its shores. Lucerne (Ger. Luzern), the principal lakeside city, is located at its northern outlet. The three arms of the Lake of Lucerne are called the Lake of Küssnacht (northern arm), the Lake of Alpnacht (southwestern), and the Lake of Uri (southeastern).

Lucerne, Lake of

 

(also Lake of Luzern, Vierwaldstätter See), a lake at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The Lake of Lucerne is located at an elevation of 434 m in an intermontane tectonic depression, the bottom of which was smoothed out by an ancient glacier. It consists of four basins interconnected by narrow channels up to 1 km in width. The system of basins and channels is 38 km long and covers a total area of 113.8 sq km; the maximum depth is 214 m. The Reuss River, a tributary of the Aare River of the Rhine River basin, flows through the lake. The water level of the lake rises an average of 0.8–1.0 m in the summer, when water from melting alpine glaciers flows into it. The lake is navigated, and a ferry for motor vehicles operates in the central section. The lake is fished for trout. There are numerous resorts on the shores, including the city of Luzern. The lake is a tourist center.