The Geneva Water Fountain (‘Jet d’Eau’)

Geneva Water Fountain (‘Jet d’Eau’, meaning literally ‘water jet’), is the enormous fountain on Lake Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva Water Fountain is one of the world’s highest fountains. They originally constructed the fountain in 1886 to regulate and release the surplus pressure of a La Coulouvrenière hydraulic plant. It soon became the city’s notable symbol and was thus amplified and moved to the middle of the lake.

Quick facts

• Name: Geneva Water Fountain
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Built 1886
• Type of attraction: Architectural/Fountain
• Ticket price: Free

A specifically constructed nozzle on the Jet d’Eau gives the water its particular form and stark-white color. Air is pulled into the water stream near the base of the nozzle, which can be seen up close.

After being connected to a new pumping system that received water straight from the lake in 1951, the fountain reached its current maximum height of 140 meters.

Today, it is one of the most noticeable landmarks of Geneva and part of the city’s skyline. It makes for great city photos as well!

Interesting facts about Geneva Water Fountain

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing attraction:

• About 500 liters per second of water flows from the jet, at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
• It costs around 800,000 francs (almost $1 million) a year to run the fountain.
• The fountain doesn’t run constantly. It is switched off at night, in strong winds and in below zero temperatures.

Read more: Interesting facts about Geneva Water Fountain