en
Attractions
The Jet d'Eau
One hundred and forty metres high and 500 litres of water per second at 200km/h: that’s the Jet d’eau! A true icon of Geneva, the gigantic water fountain has a beautiful story to tell but did you know that its presence in Geneva is almost an accident?
Do you know the secret of the Jet d’Eau?
In 1886 the hydraulic factory that distributed the Rhone’s energy to Geneva’s craftspeople and watchmakers was forced to create an open-air outlet for the over-pressurised water when the workshops closed in the evening. The place generated so much enthusiasm and excitement that it became a real attraction for locals and tourists.
In 1891 a new Jet d’Eau was created at its current location in the harbour. In 1951, thanks to a pumping station on the lake, it rose from 90 metres to a height of 140 metres. It should be noted that its height is now at its maximum and cannot be exceeded because of the surrounding houses, which would then run the risk of being sprayed with water!
Important: the Jet d'Eau will be temporarily closed from November 2 to December 3, 2026, for maintenance work.
Where does its colour come from?
The Jet d’eau owes its white colour to a nozzle that fills the projected water with millions of air bubbles. A lighting system lights up the water fountain for special events and tributes.
Find the calendar of illuminations here.
Who takes care of the Jet d’eau on a daily basis?
Five retirees from the Services Industriels de Genève take turns monitoring the Jet d’eau to shut off the valves when the wind blows too strong, or the temperatures are too low. The Jet d’eau guardians are always on the watch!
Good to know for maths enthusiasts: the amount of water propelled is super heavy!
Given that the average height of Geneva’s Jet d’eau is 140 metres, that the speed of the water is 200 km/h, and that its flow is 500 litres per second, one can work out that the water that is projected high above the lake weighs … 7 tonnes! And between its exit from the pipes and its return to the lake, each drop of water spends 16 seconds in the air. A magnificent and technical spectacle!
Walk right up to the Jet d’Eau via the mobile footbridge
An exceptional show for architecture lovers and thrill-seekers!! This unique invention provides pedestrian access for everyone on the Jet d’Eau pier while allowing boats to pass at given times.
In this ideal place to admire Geneva’s harbour, sunbathe, or take a memorable selfie with the Jet d’Eau, lies a jewel of ingenuity: the mobile footbridge, designed especially for this project and which can turn into a staircase when boats pass underneath! If you want to see the Jet d’Eau live, take a look here.
Check out the operating hours and the illuminations here.
Frequently asked questions about Geneva’s Jet d’Eau
The Jet d’Eau is located in Geneva’s harbour on Lake Geneva,
at the end of the Eaux-Vives jetty. You can access the jetty
from Quai Gustave-Ador, on the lake’s left bank.
Yes, viewing the Jet d’Eau is free. You can admire it from
the lakeside promenades or walk along the jetty for a closer
look when access is open. The fountain operates according
to its schedule and weather conditions.
The Jet d’Eau’s operating hours vary by season, with
generally longer hours in summer than in winter. Check the
official Jet d’Eau operating hours published by SIG
before your visit. Wind, cold weather or maintenance work
may cause the fountain to stop.
The Jet d’Eau may be switched off when wind or cold weather
prevents it from operating safely. Scheduled shutdowns
also allow maintenance work on the installations.
If the fountain is off during its usual operating hours,
this does not necessarily mean there is a technical fault.
Yes, the Jet d’Eau is illuminated during certain evening
operating hours, depending on the season. Special coloured
lighting also marks selected events and causes. Check
SIG’s operating hours and illumination schedule
before your visit.
Yes, you can walk along the jetty to get closer to the
Jet d’Eau. It includes a movable footbridge that temporarily
transforms into steps to let boats pass. Follow the access
instructions on site and be prepared for spray, which may
get you wet depending on the wind direction.
You can take a bus to the area near the Jet d’Eau, then
continue on foot to Quai Gustave-Ador and the jetty.
To plan your journey from your accommodation, the railway
station or the airport, use the
tpg journey planner for the Jet d’Eau.
Quai Gustave-Ador offers a close-up view of the Jet d’Eau.
From the Bains des Pâquis on the opposite shore, you can
photograph it with Geneva’s Old Town in the background.
Choose your viewpoint according to the composition you
want and the lighting conditions.
Geneva’s Jet d’Eau reaches a height of 140 metres.
It projects around 500 litres of water per second at
an outlet speed of 200 km/h. It has reached its current
height since 1951, thanks to a dedicated pumping station.
The Jet d’Eau’s origins date back to 1886, when an initial
water jet was used to release excess pressure from a
hydraulic installation supplying Geneva’s workshops.
The Jet d’Eau became a visitor attraction in the harbour
in 1891. This industrial purpose explains the origins of
one of Geneva’s most recognisable landmarks.
The Jet d’Eau’s water is drawn from Lake Geneva by a pumping
station. It is then projected into the air before falling
back into the lake. The current system allows the fountain
to reach a height of 140 metres.
The Jet d’Eau looks white because its nozzle mixes the water
with millions of air bubbles. The colours seen during
special events are created by a lighting system.
SIG organises guided tours of the installations for certain
groups, including schools, associations, public bodies
and companies. Advance registration is required, and age
and access restrictions apply. Check
SIG’s conditions for visiting the Jet d’Eau
to confirm your group’s eligibility and prepare your request.
You may also like
Learn the most interesting fun facts and stories about Geneva!
Geneva brings together iconic lakeside landmarks, a historic Old Town, world-renowned science and diplomacy, distinctive neighbourhoods and nearby nature. From the Jet d’Eau and CERN to Carouge, the P...
From the gentle Mediterranean charm of Carouge to the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Les Pâquis, Geneva encompasses a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere. From trendy...