Switzerland is the country of the lakes. There is not only Lake Lucerne or Lake Neuchâtel, but more than 1500 of them! Most of the Swiss Lakes are located in the Alps as a result of the receding glaciers. Here I show you my 5 favourite lakes. From unknown pearls to wonderful insider tips.
Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald
Switzerland, the country of the lakes
When you think of the country of lakes, you probably automatically think of Finland. But fortunately we don’t have to travel far to discover many lakes. In Switzerland, with over 1500 lakes, there are many unknown and sometimes almost undiscovered pearls in the Alps. I am happy to present you some of my favourite lakes in Switzerland.
1). Macun lake district: Magical 23-lake hike in the Swiss National Park.
Absolute insider tip: Magical natural spectacle with ibexes, marmots and more than 20 lakes – hike to the Macun lake plateau from Zernez to Lavin.
Before we start the hike, a few important facts: The hike takes you to an impressive natural paradise in the Swiss National Park with 23 lakes and many ibexes. To see ibexes, binoculars are very advantageous. It is a real insider tip, we met very few people.
As there is no refreshment apart from a farm after about 5h of hiking, please take enough food and drink with you. The hike is only recommended from July onwards in a normal winter, as there can still be a lot of snow before at almost 3000 metres. To be on the safe side, call the Swiss National Park (+41 81 851 41 41). The hike is technically and physically very demanding and takes about 6h with taxi, without taxi about 8h.
Start: Arrival by Rhaetian Railway or car to Zernez railway station. Then: Macun shuttle Zernez (+41 (0)79 103 20 20 or +41 (0)81 856 11 26; goes up 600 m to the tree line) or on foot Zernez railway station.
Destination: Lavin train station
Duration: 6h with taxi or 8h without taxi
Let’s go
The best thing to do is to order the Macun shuttle http://www.hotelstaziun.ch/macun-shuttle.html (+41 (0)79 103 20 20 or if you can’t reach that number then call +41 (0)81 856 11 26), which will pick you up in front of your hotel and take you to the tree line. This saves you about 600 metres of altitude difference or 2 hours of hiking.
It takes about 2-2.5 hours or 950 metres of altitude difference from the starting point to Munt Baselgia, which is 2945 metres high and the highest point of the hike.
The ascent with panorama – and thin air
Passing the last stone pines, pines, blueberry bushes and alpine roses, the landscape becomes increasingly sparse. You can see where the timberline is. The higher up you are, the thinner the air becomes, which you will notice very well on the ascent. But the view is simply indescribably beautiful and always invites you to take a break for a drink.
Since there is no drinking fountain until you reach Alp Zeznina (after about 4 hours), I strongly recommend taking enough to drink. From about 2700 metres you enter the alpine zone with large boulders.
In the Swiss National Park
Wooow! This view! A dream! The Swiss National Park is really beautiful.
When you reach Munt Baselgia (2945m), you can enjoy the view of the beautiful lakes of Macun in peace and quiet. An impressive place for a picnic, if you are already hungry.
The lake plateau of Macun belongs to the Swiss National Park. There are said to be around 23 smaller and larger lakes. The area was covered by a glacier a long time ago. Today, the lakes are still supplied with water underground by the melting permafrost of the Macun block glacier https://www.fhnw.ch/de/studium/architektur-bau-geomatik/bachelor-studiengang-geomatik/bachelor-thesis-2017/media/bth17-01.pdf, which is responsible for the beautiful greenish-bluish colour.
Macun means ibex
By the way: Macun means ibex in Rhaeto-Romanic, the fourth national language of Switzerland.
At the summit we meet a group of hunters in training. In an exciting conversation, a hunter explained that there are about 5000 ibex in Graubünden and that 250 ibex may be shot every 10 years. A hunter must first shoot a non-pregnant female and only then is he allowed to shoot a male, which are very popular because of their impressive antlers. The hunters then process the animal. That way, the population remains constant, the hunter said. With his binoculars (60x magnification) we could observe a herd of 5 ibexes in the rocks. Ibex live in herds of 10-30 animals. https://www.nationalpark.ch/de/flora-und-fauna/tiere/steinbock/ It is very difficult to see them with the naked eye. But with binoculars, the probability of seeing an ibex is really high. The area of the Macun Lake District is part of the Swiss National Park. Since the animals are protected in the national park, hunters are not allowed to shoot them here.
On to the Macun Lake District
Now we continue with the 30-minute and very rocky descent to the Macun lake plateau. As it is sometimes very difficult to see exactly where the path is, it is best to look at each white-red-white hiking sign to see where the next one is. That way you won’t get lost.
Passing the lakes, you will come to a hiking trail sign. There is a circular lake hike that takes 30 minutes longer and then you return to the hiking trail to Lavin. If you have enough time, I recommend doing this. We took the path straight ahead and saw a few marmots https://www.nationalpark.ch/de/flora-und-fauna/tiere/murmeltier/. However, a couple spotted an ibex (to the naked eye) and various marmots on the lake circuit trail.
The descent to Lavin
From the lake plates it’s another 3 hrs to Lavin (direct) or 3.5 hrs (lake circuit hike). In total, the descent is about 1500 metres of altitude.
After a good 1h you reach Alpe Zezina, where there is a fountain (don’t know if it’s drinking water) and a possibility to buy drinks (Rivella or beer). However, this may not always be the case.
Finally, about 3h later we reach the beautiful village of Lavin and from there take the RhB back to Zernez in about 15 minutes.
2). Glacier Lake Klausenpass: The Antarctic of Switzerland
The ultimate insider tip – feel and experience the Antarctic in Switzerland at the most unique glacier lake in Switzerland.
The leisurely hike to the Gletscherseeli takes about 1h 15 minutes from the Klausen Pass. You can also enjoy the view from above, which shortens the hike by about 25 minutes. It is technically demanding if you want to descend to the lake (no hiking trail, very stony descent, unsuitable for families).
There are no refreshment facilities on the way (only at the Klausen Pass). Note that ice as well as rock masses can fall at any time, which can be fatal! Only stay at the end of the glacier ice, as far away from the ice masses as possible!
As there are many wild animals living here, please be calm and respectful of nature.
Physical condition: easy-medium Technique: medium (to the lake difficult)
Duration: approx. 2h15 minutes
Starting point: Klausenpass (bus stop and car park); destination: Klausenpass (bus stop and car park)
The way to the Gletscherseeli
You’ve always wanted to know what Antarctica feels like, but you think the temperatures there are too cold? Then you absolutely have to do this insider tip hike!
Take the Postbus or your car (parking spaces available) to the Klausenpass car park and start off in the direction of the Claridenhütte SAC. Important: The photo was taken one stop before your car park and 2km before the starting point on the Klausen Pass. A great photo subject for any photographer.
Don’t worry, the hike to the lake only takes about 1h-1h15min (and then 1h back again). Right from the start, the gigantic mountain panorama will simply blow you away! The view is breathtaking!
Filled with energy, you start the one-hour ascent to the Gletscherseeli. The path is relatively easy up to the stony side moraine (the glacier used to be here), but you will start to sweat.
After about 30 minutes, you will come to a junction Gletscherseeli. Here it doesn’t matter whether you take the path to the left or to the right, because it is a circular path. We took the path to the right.
When you reach the top of the lateral moraine, you already have a view of what is probably the most unique glacier lake in Switzerland. The glacier feeds the lake with its mass of ice. Especially in summer, the lake is filled with pieces of ice. Unbelievable!
Particularly impressive: twice we had huge masses of ice break off and even trigger a small tidal wave! Photographing or experiencing such a moment simply cannot be described! You must have experienced it!
A feeling of Antarctica in Switzerland
And you think this lake has been around for a long time? I checked it on the map and found out that the glacier lake has only been around for about 30 years (text written in 2021).
Until about 75 years ago, the glacier itself covered the entire moraine (gravel stones). Due to global warming, however, the glacier has retreated a lot. Now you hike towards Gletscherseeli.
Caution: There is no official path to the lake. You have to walk through the stones. As long as you don’t go down the steepest part, this should not be a problem for you. However, inexperienced hikers should rather enjoy the view from above!
And important: Please keep your distance! Ice as well as rock masses can fall at any time, which can be fatal! Be sure to stay only at the end of the glacier ice.
Now you can enjoy this unique experience with a touch of Antarctica! A little tip: Why don’t you play a little quiz game with your friends and ask whether this picture was taken in Antarctica or in Switzerland?
In a place like this, you’ll be the happiest person in the world!
Filled with happiness hormones, you hike back the same way (or take the circular route around the moraine) towards the Klausen Pass (approx. 1h). If you are lucky, you might even see some gentians.
3). Obersee: The Gem near Zurich
Leisurely walk to typical Swiss villages with beautiful traditional wooden houses and a unique view over Lake Obersee and its geological phenomenon.
Obersee has been quite hyped on social media. The lake is recommended in summer, especially early in the morning. Because then, on the one hand, the parking spaces are not yet occupied. On the other hand, the road to Obersee is very narrow. In the early morning, there are still few cars (apart from the residents who drive to work during the week). As the place is close to Zurich, it’s a highly liked excursion destination.
I recommend to do the circular walk around the Obersee, which takes about 1 hour. There are also barbecue areas. But the area entices with fantastically beautiful hikes where you almost don’t meet any people. I present one of them here.
Magical region around Obersee
There are lakes that are simply something special. Obersee is one of them for me.
The reflection in the water of the imposing Brünnelistock alone makes the mountain lake a pearl of the Pre-Alps.
“Wow”, said my companions! This is an area we need to explore more.
An exciting geological phenomenon
Seeing the Obersee from a bird’s eye view, that’s what we wanted. And that’s why we set off for Sulzboden. Are you with us too?
Then let’s go.
You start your walk at the Obersee bus station and enjoy a magical view of the Brünnelistock mountain and the other mighty peaks.
You will soon realise that this is a place of peace and power. Noise is completely out of place! Apart from a plane or a car, you won’t hear anything.
On the left, near the bus station, you can admire the first geological phenomenon. A rockfall that is being recolonised by the first pioneer vegetation.
Within half an hour you have already circled half of the Obersee.
During a heavy rainfall, however, the Obersee is considerably larger. The meadows are part of a karst system in which the water seeps away relatively quickly. So it can happen that after heavy rain the Obersee is almost twice as big. How impressive!
View from above
To see the Obersee from above is very special! From Kreuzegg you walk to Ällenboden, a beautiful mountain village. This walk is not recommended when there is snow, as the steep slopes can trigger avalanches at the slightest vibration (such as a helicopter passing through).
A danger that should not be underestimated! Ällenboden is also the ideal place for a small picnic.
We continue to Sulzboden, another small romantic Glarus mountain village. It is precisely these pearls that make our Switzerland so unique. Places and landscapes that you never expect and surprise you every time.
4). Dream hike to the romantic lake Partnun
Cosy walk with wonderful view over the romantic Partnunsee (also perfect for families). An indescribably beautiful mountain paradise in the Grisons with a magnificent panorama.
– Parking at car park P6. Day ticket costs 6 Fr (day ticket smallest detachable ticket; parking machine only accepts coins). To get even closer to the lake you have to buy a day ticket at the municipality St.Antönien (P7 and P8).
– Cosy walk with a rich flora ( lean meadows ) and a wonderful panoramic view.
– The lake Partnun with its 3 boats (15min drive 2 Fr/person) can’t be toped in romance.
– Tip: The scooter descent from the mountain restaurant Alpenrösli to St.Antönien is another highlight. Park in St.Antönien and either hike up or take the shuttle (travel times St.Antönien Rüti: 8.52, 11.52, 15.52 (valid from 29.6-20.10.2019)
A dream comes true!
Wow! Honestly…
Taking a rowing boat in the dark blue mountain lake and enjoying the wild nature and the sunset. This may probably only be found in the most romantic and cheesiest fairy tales.
But this fairy tale will now become reality for you too! Because here at the lake Partnun this is made possible for everyone.
It is a place where you will be charged full of positive energy. A place that surely makes everyone happy!
Cosy walk to the lake
I have to admit, it’s a little confusing. Where can the car be parked?
In order to get as close as possible to the lake without much effort, you can park your car at car park P6 or take the bus to St. Antönien, Partnun Alpenrösli. The lake can be reached by bus in 15 minutes by foot and from car park P6 in 45 minutes.
The day ticket costs 6 Fr (day ticket smallest solvable ticket; parking machine takes only coins). To get even closer to the lake you have to buy a day ticket at the municipality St.Antönien (P7 and P8).
The advantage of travelling by bus is that scooters can be rented at the Alpenrösli mountain restaurant for an adventurous departure.
Moorlands, rough meadows and panoramic views
However, those who don’t do the easy 45-minute walk will miss a lot.
What a dreamy landscape!
Cows, orchids and other blooming flowers, typical wooden chalets and a stunning view are the reward for the ascent to the lake Partnun.
Because in comparison to other regions in Switzerland, traditions stayed here very important. For example, there is no fertilization and the meadows are often still carefully cut by hand with a sickle.
Since no tractor or other mowing vehicle is used, it protects the soil structure, which leads to less erosion.
The fact that nature is still intact here can also be observed by the many insects. The high number of insects is due to the very varied flower world. A contrast to the overfertilized and flowerpoor valleys, where over 70% of the insects have been reduced in the last 30 years.
Creative concept in the middle of the mountains
The fact that the Prättigau-Tourismus thinks very creatively and is very future-oriented illustrates their wonderful concept!
When you come to the lake Partnun, there are three rowing boats available to use. What could be more romantic than enjoying the time in a rowing boat in the middle of the mountains?
A dream and a huge compliment on our part!
It’s also great when you can race down the mountain on a scooter and reach St.Antönien after an adventurous descent.
Exactly such touristically attractive and sustainably thought-out concepts are needed so that even the smaller areas can survive financially. Because the large, financially strong areas can afford their advertising everywhere, the smaller ones profit above all from the word-of-mouth recommendation.
If you walk back, you can reach the P6 car park from Partnunsee in around 30 minutes – or take the scooter to St.Antönien
5). Mauensee: Idyllic lake in the Swiss midlands
Leisurely circular walk at the idyllic Mauensee lake in Canton Lucerne in the middle of a nature reserve.
The walk around Lake Mauen takes about an hour. During the week there are almost no people. As it is a moorland area, shoes can get dirty whit fresh rain. The unique island on the lake is private and not accessible, and the entire shore is a nature reserve. Bathing and fishing are also prohibited. Nevertheless, an excursion is worthwhile. The ideal combination is Lake Mauen with Lake Sempach or the Sempach ornithological station (Vogelwarte Sempach).
Start: Mauensee Castle Finish: Mauensee Castle
Duration: 1h10min
Condition and technique: easy
The fairytale castle
You almost can’t miss it, the pompous castle on the island. Even on the approach to the lake it attracts the eye like a strong magnet.
You would love to live here or at least spend a day in this special place.
Privately owned island and lake
Thanks to good public transport connections, you can get to the Schloss Mauensee bus stop quickly. Cars can be parked free of charge on the school grounds, but parking spaces are limited.
“Let’s go”, you can hear voices, after all everyone is excited about this unique walk.
The nature reserve along the entire shore of the lake makes the circular walk an oasis of enjoyment. The relaxation value is very high.
The many different species of birds swimming in the lake are striking. There are also rare plant species on the shores of the lake. You will hardly be disappointed. Except that the large island is inaccessible and a good photo is only possible in a few places. The reason is that the lake is almost completely surrounded by trees.
Another special feature is that the entire island, including the lake, belongs to a private person (as of 2020: entrepreneur Uli Sigg). That’s probably why there are relatively few places to linger compared to other lakes.
We counted two, which is still manageable for a one-hour walk. The four-kilometre walk can easily be combined with an excursion to Lake Sempach and the towns of Sempach (and the Sempach bird observatory) or Sursee.
Created by the glacier
Lake Mauen was created by the rapid retreat of the Reuss glacier. According to researchers, the glacier was about 10 kilometres longer during the last great ice age 12,000 years ago. It reached as far as the cantonal border between Lucerne and Aargau (Staffelbach) and was 400 metres high.
http://www.prosempachersee.ch/wp-content/dokumente/weitere/broschuere.pdf
The glacial residues are clearly visible in the drumlins, so-called debris mounds.
Another indication of the presence of the glaciers are the boggy fields. After a few days of rain, your shoes can get very dirty. Many smaller idyllic lakes and renaturalised streams can be admired on the hike.
In order to use these fields for agriculture and to gain cultivated land, the farmers drained them. This is shown by the water channels that can be seen again and again.
For a relaxing walk with few people and a high nature experience, Lake Mauen is the perfect place.
Der Beitrag The 5 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland: Unknown gems and great tips erschien zuerst auf Switzerland by Locals.
