Seerenbach Falls: A Swiss Cascade Spectacle
Experience the majestic Seerenbach Falls near Amden, Switzerland: a trio of cascades, a mysterious spring, and stunning views of Lake Walensee.
Nestled near the village of Amden in the Canton of St. Gallen, the Seerenbach Falls offer a breathtaking display of nature's power and beauty. The falls are composed of three distinct tiers, plunging a total of 585 meters down rugged cliffs into the turquoise waters of Lake Walensee. The middle cascade, with a height of 305 meters, is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Switzerland. Adding to the allure of the Seerenbach Falls is the Rinquelle, a karst spring that joins the lowest of the three cascades. This spring emerges from an extensive cave system within the Churfirsten mountain range, adding a sense of mystery and geological intrigue to the site. Divers have explored the cave system, discovering a 3-kilometer-long canal leading deep into the mountain's interior, though its ultimate destination remains unknown. The falls are particularly impressive in spring when the snow melts and after heavy rainfall, creating a dramatic spectacle of rushing water. A short hiking trail from Betlis leads to a viewpoint at the foot of the falls, offering an up-close and immersive experience. The chapel in Betlis provides a stunning view of all three stages of the waterfall.
Local tips
- Visit in late spring or early summer for the most powerful water flow, thanks to snowmelt and rainfall.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the mostly pram-friendly hike from Betlis, noting the final 800 meters are not suitable for prams.
- Take the ferry from Weesen to Betlis for a scenic and enjoyable start to your visit.
A brief summary to Seerenbach Falls
- Wasserfall, Amden, 8873, CH
- +41582282830
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Ferry
From Weesen, take the ferry to Betlis. The ferry dock is near the bus stop 'Weesen, See'. Purchase tickets on the boat or online. A round trip ticket costs CHF 16.20 for adults, half price for children 6-16, and free for children under 6. From Betlis, it's a short, mostly flat 1.75 km walk to the falls.
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Car
Drive to Betlis. Note that the road to Betlis is very narrow and operates as a one-way street, alternating direction every 15 minutes. Parking is available in Betlis. After parking, follow the path uphill for about 25 minutes to reach the viewpoint. Parking costs vary.
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Public Transport
Take a train to Ziegelbrücke, then a bus to Weesen, See. From there, walk to the Weesen ferry dock. Alternatively, take a train to Ziegelbrücke, then bus 650 to Amden, Vorderdorf, and walk to Seerenbach Falls. Bus fares vary.
