The Jet d’Eau is Geneva’s iconic landmark and dominates the skyline of this wonderful cosmopolitan city which is known as the ‘Capital of Peace’. It can be seen from almost every point within Geneva and is located in the southern bay of Lake Geneva close to where the lake empties into the River Rhone. The Jet d’Eau is one of the world’s largest man-made water features, with the water reaching up to 140 metres above the lake from which it sources its water supply. The base of the water jet can be reached via the narrow Jetee des Eaux-Vives which can be accessed from the Promenade du Lac. Please note - if visitors are intent on walking to the base of the water fountain please be aware of the possibility of getting totally drenched during wind changes. The pumps are usually switched off during high wind periods and off-season periods.
The Jet d’Eau was built in 1951 to replace a smaller fountain, which was located in the same position and was constructed to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Swiss Confederation. The water-jet is created from two 500 kilowatt water pumps which pump 500 litres of water per second, which leaves the jet at approximately 200 kilometres per hour!!
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