The Jet d'Eau is a large fountain in Geneva, Switzerland, on Lake Geneva. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks, and appears on the city's official tourism website and on the official logo for Geneva's hosting of the 2006 UEFA European Championship.

It is one of the tallest fountains in the world.

You can see it from all over the city and from the air, even when flying over Geneva at an altitude of 10 kilometres (33,000 feet).

 

Geneva Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in the world.

 

Five hundred liters of water per second flows to a height of 140 meters (460 feet) by two 500 kilowatt pumps, operating at 2400 volts, consuming 1 megawatt of electricity.

The vertical rise of water produces a 10 cm nozzle, at a speed of 200 km/h.

Geneva Fountain

Beginning of the Geneva Fountain

 

The fountain was erected in 1886, a little further from its current location, and was used as a safety valve for the hydraulic power network and can reach a height of about 30 metres.

In 1891, its aesthetic value was recognised and it was moved to its present location to celebrate the Federal Gymnastics Festival and the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, when it was first run.

Its maximum height was about 90 metres.

The current fountain was installed in 1951 in a partially submerged pumping station that pumped lake water instead of city water.

Since 2003, the fountain has been operating 24 hours a day, all year round, except in the event of frost or particularly strong winds.

It also operates in the evenings between spring and autumn, and is lit by a set of 21 lamps.

On August 25, 2016, the fountain celebrated its 125th anniversary in its current location.

 

What does this landmark symbolize?

 

The presence of the fountain gives power to the place, every time you look at its majesty, you are reminded that you are in a strong and well-organized country.

Soon after its completion, the fountain became a symbol of power, ambition and vitality in Geneva and Switzerland. Its powerful engines pump 500 litres of water per second to a height of 140 metres.

 

Statistics about Geneva Fountain

 

Maximum height: 140 meters.
Water speed at exit: 200 km/h.
Pumping rate: 500 liters per second.
Total power of pumps: 1000 kW.

6 Amazing Facts About Geneva's Famous Jet Fountain

Geneva Fountain The fountain is one of the most famous European landmarks and the most famous feature of Switzerland after chocolate, watches, banks and cowbells.
The fountain was built in 1886 and is as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Here are some fun facts you might hear about it for the first time:

  • Geneva's water fountain is not automatic; every morning the caretaker presses a button to turn it on. With one hand on the controls and an eye on the weather, the caretaker turns it off again at night.
  •  The fountain is turned off in two cases: if the wind picks up, as soon as the first drops fall on the boats or on the dock, and when the temperature drops to freezing point, the fountain is turned off to prevent water drops from covering the walkways.
  • The fountain and its system were modified again in 1951. Before this year, drinking water was pumped into this fountain, and with its modern mechanism, water from Lake Geneva was used to make the fountain.
  • Another secret of the Geneva Fountain is the “nozzle” that allows water to fall with a diameter of 16 cm at the base, which is filled with millions of small air bubbles, and this is what makes the fountain white in color.
  •  The fountain has undergone some additional innovations, as it has been equipped with an LED projector which makes it possible to light the fountain in the colours of the national flag for special occasions.
  • A removable walkway has also been added to allow people with disabilities access to the sidewalk so they can participate in guided group tours.

Hotels near Geneva Jet d'Eau

 

  • Four Seasons Hotel at the Geneva Tower.
  • Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.
  • The Ritz Carlton Hotel.
  • Beau Rivage Hotel Geneva.
  • President Wilson Hotel - A Luxury Collection Hotel.
  • Fairmont Grand Hotel, Geneva.
  • La Reserve Hotel & Spa Geneva. Metropole Hotel Geneva.
  • Intercontinental Geneva.
  • Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva.

Best times of year to visit Geneva

 

  • From June to August:

The best time to visit Geneva is during the summer months when the weather is mild.

Summer in Switzerland is usually known for lots of sunshine, although rain is quite common.

Although this is the busiest season, it is the best time to enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva, enjoy the view of the Geneva Fountain and take your selfies.

 

  • September to November:

If you are in a pleasant winter in Geneva, this period will suit you.

The temperature drops to an average of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. You will be protected from the tourist crowds and prices will seem lighter on everything.

  • December to April:

Two things happen in Geneva during winter: a chilling wind blows off Lake Geneva, and the Alps become covered in snow.

The temperature can drop to -2 degrees Celsius.

However, ski enthusiasts flock to the area to indulge in adventure activities.

So make sure you book your hotel at least three months in advance, as prices rise around Christmas and Easter as well as during the February school holidays.

  • May to June:

Spring is a pleasant season in Geneva with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.

The weather in spring in Geneva is generally agreeable, if not a little cool, except for the stifling hot winds that sometimes blow through the lower valleys.

You will notice some resorts closing during these months, so be sure to call ahead and find out which areas you can't go to.