Jöriseen lakes in the Silvretta Alps, Switzerland

© Florin Baumann/Getty Image

Bright blue lakes and rugged mountains. Jöriseen lakes in the Silvretta Alps, Switzerland

Today we're exploring a place of otherworldly beauty: the Jöriseen lakes near Davos, Switzerland. On sunny days, the lakes glow an ethereal blue colour, offering a bright contrast against the dark, jagged Silvretta Alps that encircle the lakes. The sunlight is reflected in the water by 'rock flour'—silt-sized rock particles generated from the grinding of bedrock by glaciers. The Silvretta Alps are also surrounded by glaciers which, combined with the Jöriseen's bright blue waters, earns the local alps the nickname of 'Blue Silvretta.' If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, just know that it’s not an easy hike. Bring your best hiking boots, plenty of water, and some strong legs.