During the third week of June, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful couple from the USA during their surprise engagement at the beautiful Bachalpsee. Although it was well into summer, there was still snow on the ground in places, adding a touch of alpine magic to the landscape.

When I suggested taking a few fun photos in the snow, Michael smiled and said, “We’re from Minnesota… we see enough of it!” Instead, we focused on the stunning mountain scenery and the excitement of their engagement.

Reaching Bachalpsee is part of the adventure. It’s about a 55-minute walk from the Firstbahn mountain station. The first 20 minutes are uphill, followed by a mixture of gentle climbs and descents before reaching the lake. If you’re not used to hiking—or if you’re wearing the wrong shoes—it can be more challenging than many visitors expect. That’s why I always recommend comfortable walking shoes and allowing plenty of time.

Bachalpsee is one of the most photographed places in the Swiss Alps, and for good reason. Its mirror-like lake and spectacular mountain backdrop attract hikers from around the world. By late morning, the area can become quite busy, which often means a little extra work for me afterwards, carefully editing people out of the background so the couple can enjoy timeless photographs that look as if they had the mountains all to themselves.

Despite the busy trails, Bachalpsee never disappoints. With a little planning, the right timing, and a bit of patience, it remains one of the most spectacular places in Switzerland to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment. 📸