Jet d'Eau, Geneva

Jet d'Eau, Geneva

The Jet d'Eau is one of the Geneva's most iconic landmarks, marking the point where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhône.

The Jet d'Eau is one of the Geneva's most iconic landmarks, marking the point where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhône. The powerful jet is one of the tallest fountains in the world, and is visible from all over the city. It symbolizes the power vitality of Switzerland.

When it was originally installed in 1886 as a safety device to release the excess pressure of a hydraulic plant at La Coulouvrenière, it became an immediate attraction for its 30 feet high water jets. In 1891, it was moved to its present location on the Jetée des Eaux-Vives in recognition of its aesthetic potential, and fitted with more powerful motors that jetted water upto a height of 90 metres. The present fountain from 1951, designed by Oscar Herzog, has a partially submerged autonomous pumping station with two 500 kW pumps operating at 2400 V which can propel jets to a height of 140 metres. In terms of volume, it pumps 500 litres per second of water which gushes out at a whopping 200km/hour. It is beautifully illuminated by 9000 W lights in various colors at night.

The area around the lake has been beautifully developed with manicured gardens and promenades. You can also take a cruise on the lake, and may be in for a surprise drenching in the waters of the Jet d'Eau with a change in wind direction.