Jet d'Eau - the tallest fountain in Europe on the shores of the lake in Geneva
Jet d'Eau - the tallest fountain in Europe on the shores of the lake in Geneva
The fountain is a huge jet of water that rises up to 140 meters into the air. The powerful pumps pump out 500 liters of water every second at a speed of 200 km/h and create a wonderful atmosphere. In good weather, a rainbow appears on the water and it is very beautiful. The water jet can be seen from quite a distance, including from an airplane (up to 10,000 meters high). It is one of the landmarks of the city of Geneva, and it is also the highest fountain in Europe.
And do you know that it might not exist at all now, if he hadn't had to...
Why was the fountain created??
The Jet d'Eau fountain was created in 1886. From 1850 to 1880, Geneva grew at breakneck speed. At that time, the watchmaking and jewelry industry was developing rapidly there. This requires water to be delivered to these businesses in order for them to function. Water is provided by sewerage from the Rhone River, but here comes the question of how to cut off the water supply at night when the businesses are not working. To solve this problem, a safety valve is created that releases the pressure in the form of a water jet into the air at a height of more than 30 meters. At this point, the fountain is located where the Rhone River leaves Lake Geneva and flows towards Lyon. It is interesting that the fountain was activated only in the evening after the end of business hours.
When does the fountain move to its current location?
A few years later, the plumbing has evolved and there is no longer a need for this drain valve. However, the local government took note of its beauty and decided to turn it into a local landmark. In 1891, the fountain was moved to the shore of Lake Geneva and a completely new pumping station was built, which is much more powerful and throws water 90 meters into the air. In this way, the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation was celebrated. In 1951, a modification was made, replacing the pumps with more powerful ones and adding LED lights to further beautify the fountain. Thus, the fountain is used to display the national flag or different colors for special events.
Where is the Jet d'Eau fountain and how do I get there?
The fountain is located on the lake port of Geneva near the Quai Gustave-Ador. You can visit it on foot and I recommend you to buy a wonderful ice cream from the promenade. You can also walk to the fountain itself, sit on a bench nearby and feel the stream of water falling from the sky like light rain.
There was a Ferris wheel nearby during our visit and the view from it was great.
Another very good option to enjoy the view is to take a ride on the lake transport. There are 4 routes on which "yellow boats" move. They are part of the city's transport system and you can use them with a public transport card ("Geneva pass"). We received such a pass from the hotel for the duration of our entire stay, which allowed us to move freely on buses, trams and boats in Geneva.
What are the opening hours of the fountain?
You will be surprised, but the fountain has working hours. Every morning it is turned on at 10 o'clock (9 o'clock in the summer) and there is an observer who monitors the flawless operation of the pumps. The fountain shuts down in high winds or cold weather conditions (sub-zero temperatures). The pumps are turned off between 22:00 and 23:30 depending on the season.
What else can I see nearby?
- Jardin Anglais - Near the harbor is a garden with amazing flowers and a flower clock. It is very beautiful and will only take you a few minutes.
- Ferris wheel Bergdorf - next to the flower garden there is a ferris wheel that will allow you to enjoy the view of the area from above.
- Parc de la Grange - the city garden nearby offers an opportunity for rest and relaxation. There are numerous alleys, playgrounds, a climbing frame and others.
- Parc Mon Repos - also a small and pleasant park on the shore of the lake. You can get here from Parc de la Grange on the yellow M4 boat that crosses the lake and enjoy the views along the way.
- Geneva Botanic Garden - located near Parc Mon Repos and has many interesting flowers and plants, including greenhouses and various ponds.
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