Switzerland’s landscape is mostly known for high peaks and glacial valleys, but scattered volcanic remnants and maar lakes also tell an older, quieter story of volcanic activity. These features are often subtle—eroded cones, basalt outcrops and volcanic complexes tucked into carboniferous and alpine geology—so they reward a focused list more than a casual glance.
There are 6 Volcanoes in Switzerland, ranging from Ducan Volcanic Complex to Wauwilermoos Maar. For each entry you’ll find below the data organized with columns: Location (canton; lat,lon),Age (Ma),Rock type, so you can compare where they sit, how old they are, and what kinds of rocks they produced as you scroll through the list.
Are any of these volcanoes still active?
No; the listed Swiss volcanoes are considered extinct or long-dormant. Activity in this region ended millions of years ago for most sites, and what remains are eroded structures, volcaniclastics and maars that indicate past eruptions rather than present hazards.
How reliable are the age and rock-type entries?
Ages typically come from radiometric dating and regional stratigraphy and have uncertainty ranges depending on method and sampling; rock types are based on field studies and lab analyses but can vary across a complex, so treat the table as a concise summary useful for comparison rather than definitive single-source values.
Volcanoes in Switzerland
| Name | Location (canton; lat,lon) | Age (Ma) | Rock type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geissberg | Schaffhausen; 47.78, 8.58 | 13 | Tuff, Phonolite |
| Wauwilermoos Maar | Lucerne; 47.16, 8.04 | 16 | Tuff, Basanite |
| Lugano Volcanic Caldera | Ticino; 45.98, 8.95 | 285 | Rhyolite, Ignimbrite |
| Eranove Volcanic Complex | Valais; 46.18, 7.30 | 295 | Rhyolite, Andesite, Tuff |
| Mont Chemin | Valais; 46.10, 7.15 | 295 | Rhyolite, Ignimbrite |
| Ducan Volcanic Complex | Graubünden; 46.68, 9.80 | 298 | Rhyolite, Ignimbrite |
Images and Descriptions
Geissberg
As the Swiss extension of Germany’s Hegau volcanic field, this area contains some of Switzerland’s youngest volcanic rocks. Dikes and tuff layers are found near Beggingen, visible in stream beds and small quarries. It’s a subtle but significant site for geologists exploring Miocene volcanism.
Wauwilermoos Maar
This site is a buried maar-diatreme, an explosive volcanic crater now filled in to form a flat peat bog. While not a visible landform, its volcanic origins are confirmed geologically. The area is known for its rich archaeological finds from Neolithic lake-dwellings.
Lugano Volcanic Caldera
The mountains surrounding Lugano, including Monte San Salvatore, form the remains of a massive Permian supervolcano. The characteristic reddish rhyolitic rock, known as Lugano Porphyry, is visible everywhere. A funicular provides easy access to the heart of this ancient caldera for breathtaking views.
Eranove Volcanic Complex
Located near Sion, this is a remnant of a large Permian volcanic system that existed long before the Alps. Its andesitic and rhyolitic lava flows and tuffs are exposed along hiking trails, offering a window into a fiery past amidst stunning alpine scenery.
Mont Chemin
Rising above Martigny, Mont Chemin consists of ancient Permian rhyolitic lavas and ignimbrites. Famed for its mineral wealth and historic mines, the mountain is now a popular hiking destination where visitors can walk directly on the remnants of a 295-million-year-old volcanic field.
Ducan Volcanic Complex
In the high Alps near Davos, peaks like the Ducan and Chrachenhorn are carved from vast deposits of Permian rhyolite and ignimbrite. These rocks are evidence of cataclysmic explosive eruptions. This rugged area offers a glimpse into ancient volcanism for experienced alpine hikers.
